CHENEGA

• USNCN
• Latitude: 60.065
• Longitude: -148.01
• Alaska
• Port in US

Location: Chenega Alaska US

Chenega Bay, commonly referred to as Chenega, is a small community located in the Chugach Census Area in the state of Alaska, United States. The port facilities in Chenega serve the local residents and the surrounding area, playing a crucial role in supporting the community, especially given the remote nature of the region. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the marine port facilities in Chenega:

Location:

• Latitude: Approximately 60.0708° N
• Longitude: Approximately 148.0072° W
• Geographical Position: Chenega Bay is situated on Evans Island in Prince William Sound, which is part of the larger Gulf of Alaska.

Port Facilities:

1. Docking and Berthing:

   • Types of Docks: The port typically features a small dock or pier suited for accommodating local fishing boats, smaller cargo vessels, and private crafts.
   • Berthing Capacity: Limited berthing space reflective of the small-scale operations typical of the area. Not suitable for large commercial or industrial vessels.

2. Infrastructure:

   • Size of Port: Small, community-scale port infrastructure.
   • Port Buildings: Includes a storage facility, fish processing area (if any), and possibly a small terminal or administrative office.
   • Utilities: Basic utilities including electricity, freshwater supply, and possibly fuel storage facilities for local vessels.

3. Operational Aspects:

   • Usage: Primarily used for local transportation, fishing industry support, cargo offloading for supplies, and possibly tourism.
   • Operating Body: Managed by local authorities or a community organization given the size and scale of the port.

4. Access and Connectivity:

   • Road Access: Limited, with primary access being maritime or via small aircraft. Often connected to local villages and towns by smaller, community-owned transport services.
   • Anchorage: Anchorage points nearby for vessels awaiting docking space.

5. Navigation:

   • Water Depth: Depth adequate for small to medium-sized vessels; typically ranging between 10 to 20 feet near the docking area.
   • Tidal Range: Not dramatic but requires navigational awareness due to the region's tidal behavior.
   • Navigational Aids: Basic navigational aids including buoys and possibly a lighthouse or marine beacon visible from the port.

Services:

1. Marine Services:

   • Basic Refueling: Fueling services for local vessels.
   • Boat Maintenance and Repair: Limited maintenance and repair facilities, often catering to the fishing fleet.
   • Fish Processing: Depending on the season and local catch, small-scale fish processing might be a significant operation.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Capacity: Limited to essential supplies for the community; not equipped for large-scale cargo operations.
   • Equipment: Basic cargo handling equipment such as forklifts or small cranes.

3. Community Services:

   • Tourism: Potential for tourism-related services such as small cruise ships or tour boats exploring Prince William Sound.
   • Emergency Services: Access to medical evacuation and emergency services integrated with local community infrastructure.

Environmental Considerations:

• Climate: Maritime subarctic climate, with cold winters and mild summers, significant seasonal variability in weather.
• Environmental Impact: Emphasis on sustainable practices to protect the local ecosystem, especially given the proximity to natural habitats and fishing grounds.

Summary:

Chenega’s marine port serves as a critical infrastructure for its residents, facilitating fishing, transport, and supply logistics. Given its size, the port operations are modest but vital, reflecting the needs of the local community while ensuring sustainable interaction with the environment.