CABIMAS

• VECBS
• Latitude: 10.3695
• Longitude: -71.4499
• North Coast South America
• Port in Venezuela

Location: Cabimas Zulia Venezuela

Port of Cabimas

General Overview:

The port of Cabimas is a critical maritime facility situated near the city of Cabimas, within the Zulia State of Venezuela. It is strategically located on the western shore of Lake Maracaibo, which is known for being one of the largest lakes in South America and a significant oil-producing region. This port serves as an essential hub for Venezuela's oil exportation activities, given its proximity to numerous oil fields and offshore platforms.

Location:

• Latitude: 10°24'0" N
• Longitude: 71°26'0" W
• UN/LOCODE: VECAB

Port Specifications:

1. Facilities:

   • Multiple berths and docks designed to accommodate tankers, cargo ships, and smaller support vessels.
   • Specialized oil terminals for loading and unloading crude oil and petroleum products.
   • Warehouses and storage facilities for general cargo and oil-related equipment.
   • Repair and maintenance services for ships and marine equipment.

2. Water Depths:

   • Entrance Channel Depth: Approximately 12 meters (varies with sedimentation and maintenance dredging).
   • Docks/Berths Depth: Ranges from 9 to 12 meters to suit different vessel sizes.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Primarily focuses on crude oil and petroleum products.
   • Capabilities for handling general cargo, equipment, and supplies needed for the oil industry.
   • Utilizes modern loading arms and pipelines for efficient transfer of liquid cargo.

4. Navigation Aids:

   • Equipped with state-of-the-art navigational aids, including buoys, beacons, and a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) for safe vessel movement.
   • Regular dredging operations to maintain safe navigation channels.

5. Support Services:

   • Tugboats for assisting in berthing and unberthing operations.
   • Bunkering services providing fuel and lubricants to vessels.
   • Freshwater supply and waste disposal services.
   • Security measures in compliance with international standards to ensure the safety of port operations.

6. Connectivity:

   • Well-connected by road and rail to the major industrial and urban centers within Zulia State and beyond.
   • Proximity to Maracaibo, the state capital, facilitates administrative and logistical support.

7. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations:

   • Operates under the regulatory oversight of Venezuelan maritime authorities.
   • Implements environmental protection measures to mitigate the impact of oil handling and shipping activities on Lake Maracaibo's ecosystem.

Operational Challenges:

• Periodic maintenance required to address siltation issues in the lake and access channels.
• Economic and political factors within Venezuela that may influence port operations and international trade.

Importance in Regional and Global Trade: The Port of Cabimas plays a significant role in Venezuela's oil export economy, acting as a vital enabler for the transportation of one of the country's most important natural resources. Its infrastructure and capacity are tailored to support the oil industry, making it an indispensable asset for national revenue generation.

Conclusion: With its strategic location, specialized facilities, and critical role in the oil export sector, the Port of Cabimas remains a pivotal maritime port in Venezuela. Despite facing challenges, it continues to support the country's economic activities by facilitating the efficient and safe movement of petroleum products.