ASCENSION

• SHASI
• Latitude: -7.94295
• Longitude: -14.3653
• West Africa
• Port in St. Helena

Location: Ascension St. Helena St. Helena

Here is an overview of the marine port at Ascension Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha:

Marine Port: Ascension Island

General Description

Ascension Island is a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean. The island serves as a key strategic military and communications base and has facilities to accommodate various maritime activities despite its isolated location.

Location

• Latitude: Approximately 7.9467° S
• Longitude: Approximately 14.3550° W

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Primary Port: Georgetown

  • Coordinates: Around 7.92043° S, 14.40911° W
  • Geography: The port is located in Georgetown, the main settlement on the island, characterized by its volcanic terrain and relatively limited natural harbors.

• Port Features:

  • Docking: The port has a pier and quay for berthing smaller vessels.
  • Anchorage: Larger vessels generally anchor offshore due to limited docking space.
  • Cargo Handling: Primarily a lightering operation (transfer of cargo between vessels of different sizes) due to shallow waters near the coast.
  • Storage Facilities: Limited warehousing and open storage areas are available.
  • Fuel Supply: Fueling options available typically for military and research vessels.
  • Utilities: Basic utilities including potable water and power supply are provided.

Usage and Operations

• Primary Users:

  • Military: The island is a critical hub for the U.K. and U.S. military, including the Royal Air Force (RAF) base.
  • Research: Supports scientific expeditions and environmental research.
  • Commercial: Limited commercial shipping typically related to supply deliveries for island residents and installations.
  • Tourism: Primarily caters to adventure tourists and naturalists visiting the island.

• Operational Constraints:

  • Weather: Operations may be constrained by sea conditions, including swells and storms.
  • Logistics: The remote location and limited infrastructure can present logistical challenges.

Navigational Information

• Approaches:

  • Careful navigation is necessary given the volcanic outcrops and unmarked hazards.
  • Specialized pilotage or local knowledge may be needed for safe entry.

• Regulations:

  • All maritime operations are subject to regulations set by the island authorities and, by extension, those of the United Kingdom.

• Communication:

  • Standard maritime VHF radio channels are used for communication.
  • Limited internet connectivity may be available within port facilities.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: Ascension Island has a high focus on environmental preservation, with marine conservation areas.
• Pollution Control: Stricter regulations against marine pollution, including waste disposal protocols.

This port serves as a vital point for the strategic and logistical support of the broader South Atlantic region. The facilities and services available reflect its role as a crucial yet fundamentally limited resource in this remote part of the world.