FESTVAG

• NOFSV
• Latitude: 67.4393
• Longitude: 14.762
• Norwegian Coast
• Port in Norway

Location: Norway

Festvåg is a small coastal village located in Nordland county, Norway. It is situated within the Bodø Municipality and is part of the Helligvær island group in the Nordland region. While it is not primarily known as a major marine port, it does serve as a local hub for fishing and transportation.

Marine Port Description:

1. Location:

   • Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 67.3424° N latitude and 14.5633° E longitude.
   • Nearby Landmark: The village is situated near steep mountainous terrain, which provides a picturesque view.

2. Purpose and Usage:

   • Fishing: Primarily used by local fishermen.
   • Transportation: Used for ferry services that connect to nearby islands and the mainland Bodø.
   • Recreation: Some recreational boating activities.

3. Accessibility:

   • Water Depth: Suitable for small to medium-sized vessels, generally up to 5 meters in draft.
   • Tidal Information: It experiences significant tidal variations typical of the Norwegian coastline.
   • Approach: The waters around Festvåg can be navigationally challenging due to rocky outcrops and variable weather, so local navigational knowledge is advantageous.

4. Facilities:

   • Quay/Jetty: Limited docking facilities with basic quays and floating pontoons.
   • Mooring: Mooring buoys available for temporary mooring.
   • Fishing Infrastructure: Basic fish landing and storage facilities.
   • Fueling: Limited fuel supply; larger vessels may need to refuel at larger ports like Bodø.

5. Services:

   • Maintenance: Very limited; major repairs would require travel to a larger port.
   • Supply and Provisions: Basic; nearest significant resupply points are found in Bodø.
   • Waste Disposal: Limited facilities for waste disposal.

6. Safety and Regulations:

   • Navigation Aids: Basic aids to navigation, including buoys and lights.
   • Weather: Subject to North Atlantic weather conditions, with potential for harsh winter storms.
   • Regulations: Must comply with Norwegian maritime and environmental regulations. Local rules regarding fishing and boating must be observed.

Strategic and Economic Role:

• Local Economy: Plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, particularly the fishing industry.
• Transport Links: Provides essential connectivity for residents and tourists visiting the Helligvær islands.
• Tourism: Attracts a modest number of tourists looking for a quaint, scenic Northern Norwegian experience.

Constraints:

• Scale: Not suitable for large commercial shipping.
• Environmental Sensitivity: High sensitivity requiring strict adherence to environmental protections.
• Weather Dependent: Marine activities are highly dependent on weather conditions, which can impact reliability.

Festvåg may be small and functional primarily for local use, but it plays a crucial role in the day-to-day life of its community and adds to the rich maritime heritage of Norway. For detailed and real-time information, mariners planning a visit should consult up-to-date nautical charts and local maritime authorities.