MARSALA

• ITMRA
• Latitude: 37.7886
• Longitude: 12.4389
• West Mediterranean
• Port in Italy

Location: Italy

Marsala is a charming coastal town located in the Province of Trapani, part of the Sicily region in Italy. Known worldwide for its namesake Marsala wine, the town also features a significant maritime port that serves various commercial, fishing, and recreational activities. The Marsala Port is strategically situated on the western edge of Sicily, making it an important hub for local and regional maritime traffic.

Description:

Marsala's port, also known as Porto di Marsala, is divided into different areas catering to various functions, including commercial shipping, fishing, and leisure boating.

1. Commercial Area: The commercial section of the port handles cargo operations, although it is relatively smaller compared to larger ports in Sicily like Palermo. The commercial activities here primarily support local industries, including the famous winemaking sector.

2. Fishing Port: Marsala has a vibrant fishing community, and the port supports numerous fishing boats. The fishing area is equipped with facilities for docking, unloading, and maintaining fishing vessels.

3. Marina and Leisure: There is a marina that accommodates yachts and recreational boats. This area is equipped with modern amenities for boating enthusiasts and is often frequented by tourists who wish to explore the Sicilian coastline and nearby Egadi Islands.

Specifications:

• Location: Latitude 37.7986° N, Longitude 12.4311° E
• Depth: The depth at the entrance of the port generally varies between 4 to 7 meters, making it accessible to medium-sized vessels.
• Berths: The port has multiple berths designated for different purposes including commercial ships, fishing boats, and yachts.
• Facilities:
  • Cargo Handling: Dockside cranes and storage facilities.
  • Fishing Facilities: Mooring, ice supplies, fish markets, and maintenance yards.
  • Marina Services: Fueling station, water, electricity, repair services, and docking assistance.
• Navigation: The port has navigational aids such as buoys and lights to guide incoming and outgoing vessels safely.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Marsala is well-connected to other parts of Sicily by road, with regional highways facilitating transport to and from the port.
• Proximity to Airports: The nearest major airport is Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani-Birgi, which is approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Marsala.
• Rail Access: Marsala has a railway station that connects to major Sicilian cities, offering an alternative means of transportation.

Economic Impact:

The port significantly contributes to the local economy, particularly through the export of Marsala wine and the thriving fishing industry. Additionally, the marina attracts nautical tourism, which boosts the local hospitality and service sectors.

Environmental Considerations:

The port authorities in Marsala take measures to minimize environmental impact by implementing regulations to prevent sea pollution and facilitate waste management. Sustainable fishing practices are also encouraged to protect marine life.

In summary, the Marsala Port plays a vital role in the local and regional economy of Sicily, providing essential services and facilities for commercial, fishing, and recreational maritime activities. Its strategic location on the western coast of Sicily makes it an important Mediterranean maritime node.