DARLOWO

• PLDAR
• Latitude: 54.4315
• Longitude: 16.3815
• Baltic Sea
• Port in Poland

Location: Darlowo West Pomeranian Voivodeship 76-150 Poland

Web-site: http://www.port.darlowo.pl

Darłowo, also known by its German name Rügenwalde, is a small but significant marine port located on the northern coast of Poland, along the Baltic Sea. Here's a detailed description and specifications of Darłowo Port:

General Information

• Location: Darłowo, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland.
• Coordinates: Approx. 54.4333° N latitude and 16.4000° E longitude.
• Operator/Authority: Darłowo Port Authority.

Port Description

• Type of Port:

  • Mixed-use port, accommodating both commercial and fishing activities.
  • The port often caters to smaller cargo vessels, fishing boats, and leisure craft.

• Accessibility:

  • Access to the port is influenced by the nearby mouth of the Wieprza River.
  • The port’s entrance/channel is periodically dredged to ensure safe navigation.

• Cargo Handling:

  • In recent years, the port has focused more on supporting local fisheries and smaller commercial shipping needs rather than large-scale industrial shipping.
  • Cargo often includes fish products, grains, and other local goods.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Berths and Moorings:

  • There are several berths for both fishing and commercial vessels.
  • Some berths are specifically dedicated to supporting the local fishing fleet.

• Depth:

  • Depth varies significantly depending on the part of the port and recent dredging activities.
  • Main channels are typically maintained at a depth sufficient for small to medium-sized vessels (around 4-5 meters).

• Storage and Warehousing:

  • Limited warehousing facilities available mainly for fish and small freight storage.

• Utilities:

  • Basic utilities like power, water, and fuel are available for vessels docking at the port.

Navigation Aids

• Lighthouse:
  • The Darłowo Lighthouse provides navigational aid to vessels approaching from the Baltic Sea.
• Buoys and Beacons:
  • Various navigational aids mark the channel and port entrance for safe navigation.

Additional Facilities

• Repair and Maintenance:

  • Basic ship repair and maintenance facilities are available, mainly catering to the fishing fleet.

• Customs and Immigration:

  • As a port within the Schengen Area, customs and immigration facilities are simplified but available for international vessels.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• While not one of Poland’s primary commercial ports (like Gdańsk or Gdynia), Darłowo plays a crucial role in local economic activities, particularly fishing and small-scale trade.

Tourism and Recreation

• The port and its surrounding area are increasingly popular for tourism, attracting visitors to its historical sites and seaside attractions.
• Recreational boating and sailing are popular activities, supported by the port's leisure craft facilities.

Environmental Considerations

• The port operates with various measures aimed at minimizing environmental impacts, particularly with respect to water quality and marine ecosystem protection.

In summary, Darłowo is a versatile and regionally significant port, vital for supporting local fisheries, small-scale commercial shipping, and tourism activities along Poland's Baltic coast.