LITTLE BAY

• MSLTB
• Latitude: 16.802
• Longitude: -62.2061
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Montserrat

Location: Montserrat

Little Bay Overview

Little Bay, located on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, serves as the primary maritime gateway for the island. This port facilitates the crucial connection between Montserrat and the rest of the world, handling both cargo and passenger vessels.

Port Description & Specifications

Location

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 16.8099° N latitude and 62.2000° W longitude.
• Situated: On the west coast of Montserrat, north of the capital Brades.

Facilities

• Terminals: Single multi-purpose terminal serving both cargo and passenger ships.
• Berths:
  • Cargo Berth: Accommodates general cargo, container, and bulk carriers.
  • Passenger Berth: Serves ferries and small cruise vessels.

Depth & Tidal Information

• Channel Depth: Around 10 meters (33 feet).
• Berthing Depth: Varies between 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet), depending on the berth.
• Tidal Range: Minor, typically between 0.3 to 0.6 meters (1 to 2 feet).

Infrastructure

• Quay Length: Approximately 120 meters.
• Storage:
  • Open Storage Area: Available for temporary storage of cargo.
  • Warehousing: Limited warehouse facilities are available for cargo storage.
• Equipment:
  • Fixed cranes for cargo handling.
  • Forklifts and other handling equipment for efficient cargo operations.

Services

• Pilotage: Compulsory for large vessels. Pilot services are available and must be arranged in advance.
• Tug Assistance: Not typically available; vessels need to be able to berth and unberth using their own machinery.
• Bunkering: Limited bunkering services are available.
• Fresh Water Supply: Available upon request.
• Repairs: Only minor repair services and facilities are available.

Passenger Services

• Customs and Immigration: On-site facilities to process arriving passengers.
• Ferry Services: Regular ferry services connect Little Bay with nearby islands such as Antigua.
• Cruise Services: Handles smaller cruise ships; often part of island-hopping itineraries in the Caribbean.

Strategic Importance

• Economic Role: Acting as Montserrat’s key economic link, facilitating importation of goods and exportation of local products.
• Tourism Support: Enhances the island’s tourism sector by providing a point of arrival for cruise passengers and tourists coming by ferry.

Environmental Considerations

• Marine Ecosystem: Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact, preserving the local marine ecosystem which is vital for both tourism and conservation.
• Safety Standards: Adherence to international maritime safety standards to ensure the safe handling of vessels and cargo.

Future Developments

Efforts are continuously being made to upgrade facilities and infrastructure to improve efficiency, capacity, and service quality at Little Bay, while considering environmental sustainability and economic viability.

Conclusion

Little Bay port, while modest in size, plays a crucial role in Montserrat’s connectivity and economic activities. It serves as a lifeline for the island, enabling the import of essential goods and providing a portal for tourists and visitors. Continuous improvements ensure that it meets evolving maritime needs.