CHERSKY

• Latitude: 68.7937
• Longitude: 161.363
• CIS Pacific
• Port in Russia

Address: Chersky Russia

Chersky, also known as Cherskii, is a small port town situated in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), in the Russian Far East. It's located along the Kolyma River, near its estuary where it empties into the East Siberian Sea. The port of Chersky serves as a key logistical hub for this remote region, particularly for activities related to Arctic exploration, supply shipments, and some local economic activities like fishing and mining.

Description:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 68°45'N latitude and 161°20'E longitude.
   • Region: Northeastern Siberia, near the delta of the Kolyma River.

2. Accessibility:

   • Primarily accessible via river during the ice-free months (typically from late June to September).
   • Often requires ice navigation assistance outside of these months due to Arctic conditions.

3. Economic Significance:

   • Acts as a supply point for remote settlements and mining operations in the region.
   • Supports scientific expeditions and research activities focused on Arctic studies.
   • Limited commercial and fishing activities.

Specifications:

1. Infrastructure:

   • Berths: Limited number of berths capable of handling small to medium-sized vessels.
   • Facilities: Basic port infrastructure; primarily geared towards cargo handling and supply distribution.
   • Storage: Limited storage facilities, mostly for temporary holding and local redistribution.

2. Depth:

   • Draft: The Kolyma River estuary and port area are shallow with drafts typically accommodating vessels with less than 5 meters. This can vary seasonally due to sediment deposition and ice conditions.

3. Navigation:

   • Navigational aids are minimal. Piloting services may be necessary, especially during the transition periods of thawing and freezing.
   • Icebreaker support might be required for early or late-season navigation.

4. Services:

   • Fueling: Limited refueling services are available.
   • Repairs: Basic repair services can be accessed, though major repairs would require transport to larger facilities elsewhere.
   • Provisions: Local provisioning is sparse, reflecting the remote and small-scale nature of the settlement.

5. Climate:

   • Arctic climate with extremely cold winters and short, mild summers. This significantly impacts navigability and operations.
   • Ice cover can persist for much of the year, with “freeze-up” typically extending from October to late June.

Considerations for Marine Operations:

1. Seasonal Operation: Given the harsh climatic conditions, marine operations are highly seasonal, focusing on the brief summer months.
2. Logistical Challenges: Supplies and necessary resources must be well-planned to ensure no disruptions during the long winter months.
3. Limited Capacity: The port's limited infrastructure and capacity mean that it is most suitable for smaller scale and highly planned operations.
4. Remote Support: With very few support services locally available, vessels need to be largely self-sufficient or prepared to wait for external assistance.

Overall, Chersky’s port is a small but crucial node for the region, playing an essential role in local logistics and scientific endeavors in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.