GIJON

• ESGIJ
• Latitude: 43.5451
• Longitude: -5.66688
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Spain

Location: Gijón Asturias 33212 Spain

Gijón, located on the northern coast of Spain along the Bay of Biscay, is home to the Port of Gijón, also known as El Musel. It's one of the major ports in the region and has a significant strategic and commercial importance. Here’s a detailed description and specification of the Port of Gijón:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 43°32′N latitude and 5°40′W longitude.
• Region: Asturias, Spain.
• Accessibility: The port is well-connected via road (A-66 and A-8 highways), rail, and is relatively close to the Asturias Airport, which is about 40 km away.

Port Features and Infrastructure:

• Type of Port: Deep-water seaport.
• Breakwaters: The port is protected by two main breakwaters extending into the Bay of Biscay.

Terminals and Facilities:

• Bulk Cargo Terminal: Known for handling large quantities of coal, iron ore, and other bulk commodities. The port has a massive bulk terminal that can accommodate some of the largest bulk carriers in the world.
• Container Terminal: Equipped with modern facilities to handle containerized cargo efficiently. The port has container cranes and other equipment to facilitate swift loading and unloading.
• General Cargo and Dry Bulk Terminals: These terminals handle miscellaneous goods including metals, grain, and other dry bulk materials.
• Liquid Bulk Terminal: Handles liquid cargoes such as oil and chemical products.
• Ro-Ro Terminal: Equipped for roll-on/roll-off cargo, facilitating the easy loading and unloading of vehicles and wheeled machinery.
• Fishing Port: Dedicated areas for fishing vessels with facilities for processing and storage of seafood.

Port Specifications:

• Water Depth: Varies across the port, with some berths accommodating vessels with draughts up to 23 meters.
• Berths: Numerous berths available for various types of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, ro-ro vessels, and fishing boats.
• Storage Facilities: Extensive warehousing and open storage areas for cargo.

Services:

• Pilotage and Towage: Pilotage is compulsory for incoming and outgoing vessels, and towage services are available to assist ships.
• Bunkering: Fueling services are available.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Facilities are available for vessel maintenance and repairs.
• Cold Storage: Refrigerated storage facilities for perishable goods.
• Customs and Security: Comprehensive customs services and security measures in place, adhering to international standards.

Strategic and Economic Importance:

• Industrial Uses: Serves several nearby industrial facilities, particularly those related to mining, metal production, and energy.
• Commercial Hub: Acts as a critical commercial hub for northern Spain, supporting regional industries and trade.
• Employment: Provides significant employment opportunities for the local population.

Nautical and Climatic Conditions:

• Tides: The port experiences a tidal range, which can influence docking and loading times.
• Weather: Subject to Atlantic weather patterns; winters can be rough, with occasional storms impacting port operations.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Initiatives: The port administration is committed to sustainability, with initiatives to minimize its environmental impact, including waste management and emissions control.

Overall, the Port of Gijón (El Musel) is a versatile and well-equipped facility that plays a crucial role in the maritime and economic landscape of northern Spain, offering a range of services and handling diverse types of cargo.