BAYKAL

• Latitude: 51.86957
• Longitude: 104.8036
• Inland, Russia
• Port in Russia

Location: Baykal Irkutsk Oblast 669280 Russia

Baikal is not associated with being a marine port in Russia; instead, it is most famously known for Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, situated in the southern part of Siberia. However, a few key points about the area in regard to port facilities and transportation can be provided:

Lake Baikal Overview:

1. Geographical Location:

   • Located in Siberia, Russia.
   • Lies between Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast.

2. Significance:

   • Holds approximately 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater.
   • Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Ports and Transportation Around Lake Baikal:

Lake Baikal is not a marine port but does have some harbors and piers that serve local and tourist traffic. The most notable ones include:

1. Port of Listvyanka:

   • Location: Western shore of Lake Baikal, near the source of the Angara River.
   • Facilities: Small docking area for tourist boats, ferries, and scientific research vessels.
   • Usage: Primarily used for tourism and leisure activities, as well as scientific expeditions.

2. Port of Severobaikalsk:

   • Location: Northern end of Lake Baikal.
   • Facilities: Basic docking and loading facilities.
   • Usage: Serves the town of Severobaikalsk which is connected by the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) railway, important for local transportation and logistics.

3. Other Small Ports:

   • There are several other smaller piers and docking areas in various settlements around the lake, which cater predominantly to fishing, local transport, and tourism.

Key Features:

1. Modes of Transport:

   • Ferries and Boats: Ferries operate across various points on the lake, important for transporting passengers and goods.
   • Railway Access: The Trans-Siberian Railway and Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) are the major railways connecting the region around Lake Baikal.

2. Tourism:

   • Lake Baikal is a major tourist destination attracting visitors for its unique ecology, ice expeditions in winter, and scenic beauty.

3. Scientific Importance:

   • Numerous scientific stations around the lake conduct biodiversity, geological, and climate research.

Specifications & Facilities:

1. Docking Facilities:

   • Generally limited and basic, designed for small to medium-sized vessels.
   • Primarily non-commercial, with activities centered around research, tourism, and local communities.

2. Navigation:

   • Maritime navigation is essential during the ice-free months.
   • Ice cover in the winter restricts ferry operations but also attracts tourists for ice sports and activities.

In summary, Lake Baikal itself is not a marine port but has several small harbors and piers that play an essential role in local transport and tourism. The region's infrastructure is tailored more towards supporting local communities, research, and tourism rather than serving as a commercial marine port.