LES CAYES

• HTACA
• Latitude: 18.1905
• Longitude: -73.7446
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Haiti

Location: Haiti

Les Cayes Marine Port - Haiti

General Overview:

Les Cayes is a port town located on the southern coast of Haiti in the Sud department. It plays a vital role in the regional economy, facilitating maritime transportation and trade. Given its strategic location, the port serves as an important hub for importing goods and exporting local products such as agricultural produce and commodities.

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 18.2013° N Latitude and 73.7493° W Longitude.
• Proximity: Positioned near the Tiburon Peninsula, facing the Caribbean Sea, the port provides marine access to both domestic and international shipping routes.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Harbor Type: Natural harbor with some built-up infrastructure.
• Berths and Docks: The port has several berths for accommodating a range of vessels including cargo ships, fishing boats, and small passenger ferries.
• Draft Depth: The draft varies, supporting vessels with moderate draft requirements. Large vessels may need to anchor offshore and transfer goods with the help of smaller craft.
• Cargo Handling Facilities: Basic loading and unloading facilities available, but modernization and expansion are needed. Primarily handles break-bulk cargo.
• Storage: Limited warehousing and open storage spaces for temporary cargo holding.

Accessibility:

• Navigational Aids: Basic navigational aids are installed, but improvements in electronic navigational systems are necessary.
• Road Connectivity: Linked to the interior regions of Haiti through road networks, although roadway conditions vary.
• Intermodal Transport: Limited intermodal facilities; ongoing developments are focused on improving connectivity and efficiency.

Services:

• Customs and Immigration: On-site services available for processing import/export documentation and crew/passenger immigration.
• Fuel and Provisions: Basic resupply services for ships, though availability can vary.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Limited maintenance and repair services are available; more complex repairs may require external facilities.

Economic Significance:

• Trade: Supports local industries including agriculture, fishing, and regional commerce. Primary exports include bananas, coffee, and other agricultural products.
• Employment: Provides employment opportunities for the local population in port operations, fishing, and related services.
• Development Potential: There's significant potential for development, making it a focus for regional economic plans aimed at infrastructure improvement and increased capacity.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure: The need for modernization of port facilities to handle larger volumes and diverse types of cargo.
• Natural Disasters: Susceptibility to hurricanes and tropical storms which can impact port operations.
• Governance and Investment: Necessity for improved governance and investment to boost operational efficiency and expand capacity.

Future Prospects:

With dedicated investment and development efforts, Les Cayes Port has the potential to become a more robust maritime hub, supporting regional growth and international trade. Improvements in port infrastructure, connectivity, and services would be pivotal.

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This high-level overview of Les Cayes Marine Port provides insight into its current state and potential future growth, aligning with the needs and aspirations of regional maritime logistics and trade.