ISLA CRISTINA

• ESZGA
• Latitude: 37.1964
• Longitude: -7.32795
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Spain

Location: Isla Cristina Andalusia 21410 Spain

Isla Cristina is a coastal town located in the province of Huelva, in the southwestern part of Spain. It is renowned for its fishing industry and beautiful beaches. The marine port of Isla Cristina plays a crucial role in the local economy, primarily supporting the fishing industry but also serving recreational boating and some commercial activities. Below are the key details and specifications for the port of Isla Cristina:

Marine Port Description:

1. Location:

   • Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 37.2000° N latitude and -7.3167° W longitude.
   • Proximity: Situated near the Portuguese border, it is part of the Costa de la Luz.

2. Port Type:

   • Primarily a fishing port with facilities for commercial and recreational vessels.

3. Ownership and Management:

   • The port is managed by the Andalusian Regional Government (Junta de Andalucía).

Specifications:

1. Harbor Basin:

   • Depth: The depth of the harbor basin varies but is generally suitable for medium-sized fishing vessels and smaller commercial craft.
   • Breakwaters: The port is protected by breakwaters to ensure calm waters within the harbor.

2. Berthing Facilities:

   • Fishing Berths: Numerous berths dedicated to fishing vessels, equipped with necessary amenities like ice plants and fish processing areas.
   • Commercial Berths: Limited berths are available for small to medium-sized commercial vessels.
   • Recreational Berths: There are spaces allocated for yachts and pleasure boats, with adequate mooring facilities.

3. Dock Infrastructure:

   • Wharfs and Piers: The port includes several quays and piers where vessels can dock for loading, unloading, and maintenance.
   • Cranes and Lifting Equipment: There is availability of cranes for handling cargo and fish landings.

4. Fishing Facilities:

   • Auction Hall: A modern fish auction market where freshly caught fish and seafood are sold.
   • Processing Units: Facilities for the cleaning, sorting, and packaging of fish.
   • Cold Storage: Refrigeration units to preserve the catch before it is distributed.

5. Marine Services:

   • Fueling Stations: Options for refueling both commercial and recreational vessels.
   • Repair and Maintenance: Basic services for the repair and maintenance of vessels.
   • Provisions and Supplies: Availability of provisions and supplies for crew members and vessels.

6. Accessibility:

   • Road Access: The port is well-connected by roads, facilitating easy access for transportation of goods.
   • Nearby Airports: The nearest major airport is Faro Airport in Portugal, about an hour's drive away.

7. Additional Facilities:

   • Security and Customs: The port has basic security measures and customs facilities for international vessels.
   • Marine Traffic Control: Basic marine traffic control to manage the movements of vessels in and out of the port.

Environmental Considerations:

• Waste Management: Systems in place for proper disposal of waste from ships and port activities.
• Environmental Protection: Efforts to minimize pollution and protect the marine environment, including periodic dredging to maintain navigability.

Economic Importance:

• Fishing Industry: A significant contributor to the local economy, with a large percentage of the population engaged in fishing-related activities.
• Tourism: The port also supports local tourism, with many visitors attracted to the seafood and scenic beauty of Isla Cristina.

The port of Isla Cristina is integral to the town's economy and culture, balancing its traditional fishing heritage with modern amenities to support a variety of maritime activities.