HELGOLAND

• DEHGL
• Latitude: 54.174
• Longitude: 7.893
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Germany

Location: Helgoland Schleswig-Holstein 27498 Germany

Helgoland is an island in the North Sea, located in the German Bight. It is a part of Germany, specifically belonging to the state of Schleswig-Holstein. Helgoland is composed of two islands: the main Helgoland island and the smaller Düne island. The maritime port on Helgoland plays a crucial role in the region's connectivity and economy. Below is an overview of Helgoland's port description and specifications:

Port Description:

1. Location:

   • Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 54°10′N latitude and 7°53′E longitude.
   • Distance from Mainland: About 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the mainland port of Cuxhaven.

2. Port Features:

   • Harbor Types: Helgoland has both an inner and an outer harbor.
   • Inner Harbor: Protected area primarily used for small vessels, fishing boats, and leisure crafts.
   • Outer Harbor: Accommodates larger vessels, including ferries and supply ships.

3. Functionality:

   • Ferry Services: Regular ferries to and from Cuxhaven, Büsum, and other destinations on the German mainland.
   • Supply and Logistics: Essential supplies for residents and tourists, as well as fishing activities.
   • Tourism: Integral for the tourist industry, with numerous visitors arriving by boat.

4. Facilities:

   • Passenger Terminals: Facilities for boarding and disembarkation of ferry passengers.
   • Cargo Handling: Areas designated for offloading supplies and materials necessary for the island's residents and businesses.
   • Repair and Maintenance: Basic services for vessel repair and maintenance.

5. Access and Navigation:

   • Navigation Aids: Lighthouses and buoys to guide maritime traffic.
   • Draft Limitations: Vessels must consider water depth, particularly in the inner harbor. Draft restrictions help ensure safe navigation.
   • Weather Conditions: Subject to North Sea weather conditions, which can sometimes affect operations, particularly in winter months.

6. Environmental Considerations:

   • Marine Protection: Measures in place to protect the maritime environment, part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   • Sustainability Initiatives: Efforts to maintain ecological balance, including waste management systems.

Port Specifications:

1. Operational Hours:

   • Generally open year-round, with potential weather-related closures.

2. Harbor Characteristics:

   • Inner Harbor: Limited in size, suitable for smaller vessels, yachts, and local fishing boats.
   • Outer Harbor: Accommodates larger vessels and includes docking facilities for ferries.

3. Docking Facilities:

   • Berths: Multiple berthing options for different vessel sizes.
   • Mooring: Available mooring facilities, including anchorages for larger ships.

4. Depths:

   • Inner Harbor Depth: Approximately 2-4 meters.
   • Outer Harbor Depth: Varies up to approximately 7 meters, depending on tide.

5. Support Services:

   • Tugboats: Available for assisting larger vessels.
   • Pilotage: Pilot services for navigation through complex waters.
   • Emergency Services: Provision for firefighting and medical emergencies.

6. Regulations and Governance:

   • Port Authority: Local government authorities oversee port operations.
   • Customs and Border Control: Applicable for managing goods and visitors.

Helgoland's port is a vital link for both the local community and tourism, reflecting the island’s unique position and significance in the North Sea. Its operations and facilities ensure the seamless movement of goods and passengers, underpinned by a commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.