MAZARA DEL VALLO

• Latitude: 37.6479
•
• Longitude: 12.5835
•
• West Mediterranean
•
• Port in Italy

Address: Mazara del Vallo Sicily 91026 Italy

Phone number: +39 0923 905555

Mazara del Vallo is a town and comune located in the province of Trapani in the western part of Sicily, Italy. It features a significant maritime port that serves various purposes, including fishing, commercial, and, to a lesser extent, passenger transport.

Description:

Mazara del Vallo is one of the most important fishing ports in Italy and the Mediterranean. The port's strategic position along the Sicilian channel makes it an important hub for fishing fleets, especially those specializing in deep-sea fishing such as trawlers targeting tuna, swordfish, and other species.

Specifications:

Port Infrastructure:

• Location: Western Sicily, Italy
• Coordinates: Approximately 37.6531° N latitude, 12.5949° E longitude
• Port Area: The port encompasses various docks and piers to accommodate fishing vessels, commercial cargo ships, and smaller passenger vessels.
• Draft Depth: Varies depending on the berths, but generally can accommodate medium-sized commercial vessels.
• Berths and Piers:
  • Multiple berths dedicated to fishing vessels.
  • Limited facilities for commercial shipping and smaller cruises or passenger ferries.
• Storage Facilities: Warehouses and cold storage units for storing fresh catch and other goods.

Navigational Aspects:

• Channel Access: The port can be accessed via a channel from the Mediterranean Sea, with navigation aids to assist vessels in safely entering and exiting.
• Pilotage: Often recommended for larger vessels and available to assist with port entry and maneuvers.
• Tidal Range: Generally low, but navigational charts should be consulted for precise data.

Services:

• Fishing Equipment: Specialized facilities for outfitting and repairing fishing vessels.
• Ship Repair: Smaller-scale ship repair services are available.
• Fueling Stations: Fueling services for fishing and commercial vessels.
• Customs and Immigration: Facilities to process maritime border entry and exit.

Usage:

• Fishing: The primary use of the port, supporting a large fleet of fishing vessels.
• Commercial: Limited commercial shipping activities including cargo handling.
• Tourism: While not a primary tourism port, it facilitates some passenger transport and has the potential for yacht mooring.

Surroundings:

• Industrial and Commercial Activities: The port area includes adjacent facilities and land for industrial and commercial activities related to fisheries, including processing plants and logistics services.
• Residential Areas: The town of Mazara del Vallo offers residential areas, local amenities, and cultural attractions reflecting its rich history and multicultural heritage.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Good road connections to the rest of Sicily and major highways.
• Rail Access: The nearest major rail services are accessible by local transport.
• Air Access: The nearest airports with domestic and international flights are those in Palermo and Trapani.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Measures: Ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate environmental impacts, particularly concerning fishing practices and marine conservation.
• Pollution Control: Measures in place to manage and control pollution associated with port activities.

Future Developments:

• Expansion Plans: Potential for development to increase commercial shipping capabilities.
• Modernization: Investments in modernizing infrastructure and improving sustainability practices.

In summation, Mazara del Vallo's port is integral to Italy's fishing industry. While its commercial and passenger capabilities are more limited, it plays a crucial role in the regional economy and maritime activities.