CHERRY POINT ANCH

• Latitude: 48.8134
• Longitude: -122.766
• West Coast Canada
• Anchorage in US

Location: US

Cherry Point Anchorage, located near Cherry Point in the state of Washington, is an important marine terminal and anchorage point along the U.S. Pacific coast. It primarily serves the shipping needs related to the region’s oil refining and petrochemical industries, as well as other goods transportation. Here’s an overview of its features and specifications:

General Information

• Location: Near Cherry Point, Washington, USA
• Coordinates: Approximately 48°45' N latitude and 122°45' W longitude
• Function: Anchorage and Terminal Facilities
• Jurisdiction: U.S. Coast Guard District 13

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Anchorage Area: Cherry Point Anchorage provides designated anchorage areas for vessels to safely drop anchor while awaiting berth assignment or for other operational reasons such as refueling or crew changes.

• Depth: The depth of the anchorage area varies but generally ranges from about 50 to 80 feet, accommodating a variety of vessel sizes including tankers and bulk carriers.

• Terminals: Nearby, there are several key terminal facilities:

  • BP Cherry Point Refinery: The refinery has its marine terminal for crude oil and petroleum products.
  • Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery: Another major refinery with marine operations in the vicinity.
  • Intalco Works: An aluminum smelting plant with shipping terminal capabilities, though this can vary based on operational status.

Services and Operations

• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage is required in this area. Services are provided by licensed marine pilots to assist in navigating the waters safely.
• Tug Services: Available for vessels requiring assistance with berthing, unberthing, or maneuvering within the anchorage.
• Bunkering: Fuel and other supplies can be provided to vessels at anchor or docked at the terminals.

Environmental and Safety Regulations

• Ballast Water Management: Vessels must comply with U.S. regulations regarding ballast water to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
• Emission Controls: Emission regulations are enforced to reduce air pollution, in line with MARPOL Annex VI standards and local statutes.
• Oil Spill Response: The region has robust oil spill response measures in place, including equipment and coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and other environmental agencies.

Navigation and Communication

• Charts: NOAA nautical charts covering the region are essential for safe navigation.
• VHF Communication: Vessels must maintain communication on designated VHF marine radio channels for updates on berthing instructions, weather conditions, and navigational warnings.

Usage and Traffic

• Type of Vessels: The anchorage and terminals primarily handle tankers (crude oil and product carriers) and bulk cargo carriers, though other vessel types such as general cargo ships and supply vessels may also use the facilities.
• Traffic: Traffic density can be moderate to high depending on the refinery operations and shipping schedules. Coordination with the Marine Exchange of Puget Sound may be necessary for traffic management.

Nearby Ports and Connections

• Port of Bellingham: Located nearby and provides additional commercial and recreational marine services.
• International Accessibility: Given its proximity to the Canadian border, Cherry Point Anchorage serves as an important node for both domestic and international maritime traffic.

Cherry Point Anchorage is a crucial logistical point for maritime operations in the region, providing essential services to support the industrial operations along the Pacific Northwest coast while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.