BAYOU LA BATRE

• USBYU
• Latitude: 30.3925
• Longitude: -88.2658
• Gulf of Mexico
• Port in US

Location: US

BAYOU LA BATRE MARINE PORT

Location: Bayou La Batre is a small port town located in Mobile County, Alabama, USA. It lies about 12 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico, south of Mobile, and is accessible via the Bayou La Batre waterway.

Coordinates: Latitude: 30.4050° N Longitude: 88.2489° W

Type of Port: Bayou La Batre is primarily a fishing and seafood processing port, though it also accommodates general maritime activities including shipbuilding and repairs.

Key Features and Specifications:

1. Draft Depth:

   • The port typically handles vessels with a draft depth of up to approximately 12 feet, though this can vary with tidal changes.

2. Berthing Facilities:

   • The port has multiple docking areas equipped to handle small to medium-sized commercial fishing vessels, shrimp boats, and smaller freight vessels.

3. Harbor Area:

   • The harbor area is relatively small compared to major commercial ports, with facilities supporting the local fishing industry and maritime services.

4. Cargo Handling:

   • Bayou La Batre's primary cargo consists of seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and fish. The port has cold storage facilities to handle the processing and storage of these products.

5. Shipbuilding and Repair Facilities:

   • The town is known for its shipbuilding industry, including several shipyards that specialize in the construction and repair of fishing vessels, oyster boats, and other commercial and recreational boats.

6. Navigational Aids:

   • The port is equipped with appropriate navigational aids to guide vessels through the Bayou La Batre channel. These aids include buoys and lights that mark the channel to ensure safe passage.

7. Regulations and Security:

   • As with all US ports, Bayou La Batre operates under the regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard and other relevant authorities to ensure maritime safety and security.

8. Economic Impact:

   • The port is a significant contributor to the local economy, predominantly through the fishing industry and associated sectors like seafood processing, shipping, and boat construction.

9. Environmental Considerations:

   • Given its location in a sensitive coastal ecosystem, the port adheres to environmental regulations to protect local wildlife and water quality. This includes measures to mitigate pollution and manage waste responsibly.

10. Access and Connectivity:

    • The port has road connections suitable for the transport of seafood and other goods. It is connected to the wider regional transport network, facilitating the distribution of products inland and to other markets.

Summary: Bayou La Batre is a vital hub for the Alabama fishing industry and maritime activities. Its facilities, though modest in scale compared to major commercial ports, provide essential services for the local economy, focusing on seafood processing, vessel maintenance, and shipbuilding. The port’s operations are closely linked to the local community, contributing significantly to its economic stability and sustenance.