GRAVELINES

• Latitude: 50.985
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• Longitude: 2.11959
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• UK Coast & Atlantic
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• Marina in France

Address: Gravelines Hauts-de-France France

Web-site: https://www.gravelines.fr/

Gravelines is a notable port and town located in the northern part of France, situated along the English Channel and near the mouth of the Aa River. Here is an overview and specifications of the port of Gravelines:

General Description

• Location: Gravelines, Hauts-de-France region, Northern France.
• Coordinates: Approximately 51.0050° N latitude, 2.1197° E longitude.
• Nearby Cities: Dunkirk (to the northeast), Calais (to the southwest).

Key Features and Infrastructure

• Port Type: Primarily a harbor for fishing and small commercial vessels, with some recreational boating.
• Accessibility: The port can be accessed via the Aa River, which provides a navigational route between the port and the sea. The entrance is subject to tides.
• Harbor: Includes smaller berths suitable for fishing boats, leisure boats, and modest commercial craft.

Harbor and Marine Facilities

• Mooring and Berthing: Adequate berthing facilities for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Quay Length: Specific quay lengths may vary, but the infrastructure supports smaller vessels compared to larger commercial ports.
• Draft: The available draft is limited, making it more suitable for smaller and shallow-draft vessels.
• Tidal Information: The port is influenced by tidal changes which need to be considered for navigation and docking.

Services and Amenities

• Ship Repair and Maintenance: Basic facilities for minor repairs and maintenance.
• Fuel and Provisions: Availability of fuel and essential provisions for vessels.
• Harbor Master Office: Coordination and management of harbor activities are conducted through the local harbor master's office.

Usage and Economic Activity

• Fishing: One of the primary activities at the port, supporting local fisheries.
• Recreational Boating: Popular among local and visiting sailors for leisure activities.
• Commercial Use: Limited commercial use due to size and draft constraints, mainly handling small cargoes and local trade.

Connectivity

• Road Access: Well-connected via regional roads to nearby cities like Dunkirk and Calais.
• Rail Access: Limited but available in nearby towns.
• Air Access: Closest significant airports are in Lille and Brussels, facilitating international travel.

Navigational and Safety Concerns

• Navigational Aids: Presence of basic navigational aids to assist vessels entering and leaving the port.
• Weather Conditions: Mariners must consider local weather patterns, particularly winds and tides, when planning passage.

Environmental Considerations

• Environmental Protection: Adherence to environmental regulations to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
• Waste Management: Facilities for managing and disposing of waste from vessels.

Gravelines encapsulates the charm of a smaller port with essential services that cater to local fishing and recreational needs, while also offering connectivity to larger port cities nearby for broader commercial activities.