EL PALITO

• VEELP
• Latitude: 10.4975
• Longitude: -68.1365
• North Coast South America
• Port in Venezuela

Location: El Palito Carabobo Venezuela

Marine Port Description: El Palito, Venezuela

El Palito Port, located on the north-central coast of Venezuela, is a significant maritime facility primarily known for its oil and petroleum product handling operations. The port is closely associated with the El Palito Refinery, one of the country's key oil refining complexes operated by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the state-owned oil and natural gas company.

General Information:

• Location: Carabobo State, Venezuela
• Coordinates: Approximately 10.4889° N latitude, 68.1877° W longitude
• Primary Use: Oil and petroleum products
• Operator: Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA)

Facilities and Infrastructure:

1. Oil Refinery Integration:

   • The port integrates with the El Palito Refinery, enabling the streamlined handling of crude oil and refined products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and other petrochemical products.
   • Piping systems connect the port directly to the refinery for efficient transfer and processing.

2. Berths and Jetties:

   • Tanker Berths: Multiple berths are available for docking oil tankers. The berths are equipped with advanced mooring facilities and safety measures to handle large vessels.
   • Capacity: The berths can accommodate tankers of various sizes, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).

3. Cargo Handling Equipment:

   • State-of-the-art loading and unloading arms designed for quick and safe transfer of oil and petroleum products.
   • Storage tanks with large capacity to manage incoming and outgoing cargo efficiently.

4. Draft and Depth:

   • Approach Channel: The approach channel and basin are regularly dredged to maintain a suitable depth for large oil tankers.
   • Draft: Typically accommodates vessels with drafts up to 15 meters. Specific details can vary and should be confirmed with the port authority.

5. Safety and Environmental Measures:

   • Strict adherence to local and international safety standards for the handling of hazardous materials.
   • Environmental management systems in place to monitor and mitigate pollution, including oil spill response capabilities.

Services:

• Pilotage: Mandatory for all vessels entering and leaving the port.
• Tug Assistance: Available to aid in the docking and undocking of vessels, necessary for ensuring safety given the nature of the cargo.
• Bunkering: Fuel supply services for visiting vessels.
• Maintenance: On-site maintenance and repair services are available for both port infrastructure and visiting vessels.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: The port is well-connected by road to the rest of Venezuela, facilitating inland transportation of refined products.
• Pipeline Network: Direct pipelines link the port and refinery to other significant industrial and distribution centers within the country.

Strategic Importance:

• El Palito Port plays a crucial role in Venezuela's oil export economy, serving as a major gateway for the country's petroleum products to international markets.
• Its proximity to key shipping routes in the Caribbean Sea adds to its strategic importance in global energy supply chains.

Given its specialized nature and integral role in Venezuela's petroleum infrastructure, El Palito Port is a critical asset for PDVSA and the nation's economy.