LAJES DAS FLORES

• PTLAJ
• Latitude: 39.3792
• Longitude: -31.1682
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Portugal

Location: Portugal

Lajes das Flores is a port located on Flores Island, which is part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. Flores Island is the westernmost point of the Azores and one of the westernmost points of Europe, situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Below is a detailed description and specification of the port:

Port Overview:

• Name: Lajes das Flores
• Location: Flores Island, Azores, Portugal
• Coordinates: Approximately 39.3708° N latitude and 31.1542° W longitude
• Type: Coastal Port
• Serves: Cargo, passenger ferries, and recreational vessels

Port Specifications:

• Harbor Type: Natural with additional man-made infrastructure

• Water Depth:

  • Alongside Depth: Variable, with depths generally accommodating small to medium-sized vessels
  • Channel Depth: Approximately 10 meters

• Berthing Facilities:

  • Number of Berths: Multiple, including commercial quays, fishing quays, and a marina
  • Berthing Length: Sufficient for small to mid-sized vessels and ferries

Infrastructure and Services:

• Pilotage: Available; pilots can assist vessels entering and leaving the port
• Towage: Available for assistance with maneuvering
• Mooring: Mooring services include bollards, mooring buoys, and dolphin mooring
• Cargo Handling:
  • Equipment: Cranes and other cargo handling facilities for loading and unloading
  • Storage: Limited; primarily for local needs due to the small scale of cargo operations
• Passenger Services: Terminal facilities for passenger ferries, including waiting areas
• Marina: Equipped for recreational boating with slips and mooring for visiting yachts

Navigation & Safety:

• Lighthouse: Lajes das Flores Port is supported by nearby lighthouses and aids to navigation
• Tidal Information: Tidal range can affect docking schedules; real-time tidal information should be consulted
• Weather Conditions: Mariners should be aware of rapid weather changes; sheltered anchorage offered by the natural topography of the island

Additional Features:

• Fueling: Facilities for refueling vessels
• Repair Services: Basic mechanical repairs for small vessels; major repairs would require facilities on larger islands or mainland Portugal
• Support Services:
  • Customs: Customs services for international entries
  • Immigration: Available for processing passengers and crew
  • Medical Facilities: Basic medical support; for serious cases, medical evacuation to larger islands or mainland Portugal might be needed
• Environmental Measures: Waste management systems in place to protect the natural environment

Connectivity:

• Local Transportation: Road connections to nearby towns and villages on Flores Island
• Air Access: Santa Cruz das Flores Airport (FLW) for regional flights connecting to other Azorean islands and mainland Portugal

Lajes das Flores port plays a vital role in the economic and social life of Flores Island, providing essential services for the transportation of goods and passengers. While relatively small compared to major global ports, it is an important hub in the Azores' maritime network.