BENICIA ANCH

• Latitude: 38.0382
• Longitude: -122.151
• US West Coast
• Anchorage in US

Location: US

Benicia is a small city in Solano County, California, and it boasts an anchorage that plays a significant role in maritime activities in the region. The Benicia Anchorage (BENICIA ANCH) is strategically situated to accommodate various types of maritime vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, and other commercial vessels navigating the waters of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Benicia Anchorage (BENICIA ANCH) Overview:

Location:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 38° 3.5' N latitude and 122° 9.5' W longitude.
• Proximity: Located in the northern part of San Francisco Bay, the Benicia Anchorage is positioned along the Carquinez Strait, which connects the bay to the larger Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Specifications:

1. Anchoring Depth:

   • Typically ranges from 7 to 20 meters (approximately 23 to 66 feet), depending on the specific location within the anchorage.

2. Holding Ground:

   • The holding ground in Benicia is generally considered good, with mud and sand providing reliable anchoring conditions.

3. Navigational Aids:

   • Marked by navigational buoys and beacons to assist ships in safely mooring at the anchorage.
   • The anchorage zone is identified on nautical charts issued by agencies like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

4. Tidal Influence:

   • The tidal range can vary significantly, impacting currents in the anchorage area. Mariners need to be aware of tidal schedules and currents.

5. Access and Proximity to Harbors:

   • Benicia serves as a staging area for vessels waiting to dock at nearby ports, including the Port of Oakland and the Port of Richmond.
   • The anchorage is a preferred location for ships awaiting clearance from customs or quarantine, or for those performing repairs and maintenance.

6. Port Facilities:

   • Though Benicia itself is not a major commercial port, it has facilities that support maritime operations, such as tug services, pilotage, and provisioning.
   • There are also nearby terminals for petroleum, chemical, and bulk cargoes, with some industrial facilities positioned close to the harbor area.

7. Restrictions and Regulations:

   • Ships must adhere to specific anchoring guidelines and may need to coordinate with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and local port authorities for anchoring permissions and procedures.
   • Environmental regulations governing the disposal of waste and ballast water must be strictly followed to protect the delicate ecosystem of the bay area.

8. Connectivity:

   • Access to major transportation networks, including roadways and pipelines, facilitating the transfer of goods and materials from the anchorage and nearby ports to inland destinations.

In conclusion, the Benicia Anchorage plays a crucial role in the logistics and maritime operations of the San Francisco Bay Area. It provides a safe and convenient location for vessels to anchor, await port entry, or undergo necessary preparations before continuing their journey.