LA PALMA

• ESSPC
• Latitude: 28.671
• Longitude: -17.7645
• West Africa
• Port in Spain

Location: Spain

La Palma is one of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. The chief port of La Palma is the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, located in the island's capital city, Santa Cruz de La Palma. Here is an overview of its description and specifications:

General Description:

The Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma predominantly serves the island for both commercial and passenger traffic. It is a versatile port handling a wide variety of maritime activities, including cargo shipment, ferry services, cruise ship docking, and fishing.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 28°41'N latitude and 17°46'W longitude.
• Geographical Setting: The port is sheltered by the island's eastern coastline, and it has been constructed to take advantage of the natural protection provided by the surrounding terrain.

Port Infrastructure:

• Commercial Quays: Used for handling general cargo, containers, and bulk goods.
• Cruise Terminal: Dedicated facilities for cruise ships with modern passenger amenities.
• Ferry Terminal: Services regular routes to other Canary Islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
• Fishing Dock: Supports the local fishing industry with relevant services and facilities.
• Storage Facilities: Includes warehouses and open storage areas for different types of cargo.

Specifications:

• Maximum Length of Vessels: Can accommodate vessels up to around 300 meters in length.
• Depth: The port has various depths depending on the berth, typically ranging from 8 to 15 meters.
• Total Berth Length: Roughly 1,800 meters distributed among several quays and docks.
• Navigational Aids: Modern navigation systems including marker buoys, lighthouses, and radar.
• Cargo Handling Equipment: Cranes, forklifts, and other cargo machinery available for efficient loading and unloading operations.

Services:

• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels.
• Tug Assistance: Available for maneuvering large ships within the port.
• Bunkering: Fuel supply services available.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Basic ship repair services.
• Customs and Immigration: Full customs and immigration services for both cargo and passengers.
• Logistics and Warehousing: Third-party logistics and storage solutions.

Economic Activity:

The port is a critical hub for the island's economy, supporting import and export activities, tourism through cruise lines, local transportation, and fishing.

Connectivity:

• Inter-Island Ferries: Regular ferry services connect La Palma with other Canary Islands.
• Road Access: Well-connected to the island's road network, facilitating easy transport to and from the port.
• Airports: Closest airport is La Palma Airport (SPC) located around 8 kilometers south of Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Environmental Concerns:

Efforts are continually made to minimize the environmental impact, with various sustainability measures and compliance with European Union environmental regulations.

In conclusion, the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma is a multipurpose port essential for the economic vitality of La Palma, Spain. It provides comprehensive maritime services for both commercial and recreational vessels and is a pivotal point for the movement of goods and passengers within the Canary Islands.