MELK

• ATMEL
• Latitude: 48.233
• Longitude: 15.3314
• Inland, Europe
• Port in Austria

Location: Melk Lower Austria Austria

Web-site: http://www.melk.gv.at

Melk is a small town located along the Danube River in the state of Lower Austria, Austria. It is best known for its magnificent Melk Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town itself is not primarily known for its commercial marine port but does have facilities that cater to river cruise ships and smaller commercial vessels due to its position on the Danube, one of Europe's major rivers.

General Description:

• Location: Melk, Lower Austria, Austria
• Coordinates: Approximately 48.2295° N latitude, 15.3430° E longitude
• Proximity: Located around 90 kilometers west of Vienna, the capital city of Austria.
• Primary Use: River cruise port, tourist landing, and smaller commercial vessel docking.

Specifications:

1. Terminal Facilities:

   • Passenger Terminals: Designed to handle tourist and river cruise ships.
   • Docking Facilities: Several docking points for river cruise ships, typically accommodating vessels up to 135 meters in length.
   • Amenities: Basic facilities such as tourist information centers, restrooms, and sometimes small cafés or snack bars near the docking area.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Melk's port facilities are more oriented toward tourist passengers than heavy cargo.
   • Limited facilities for small-scale local cargo transport, including bulk and general cargo.

3. Navigation and Access:

   • Waterway: Danube River, a crucial inland waterway that connects multiple countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
   • Navigation: Modern river navigation systems in place; well-marked channels and regular dredging ensure safe passage for vessels.
   • Lock Systems: Vessels navigating the Danube typically need to pass through several locks, especially for further travel towards Vienna or into Germany.

4. Port Services:

   • Pilotage and Tug Services: Generally, not required for river cruise ships but available within the region for commercial vessels if necessary.
   • Bunkering: Limited fuel services, mainly orientated towards smaller vessels and river cruises.
   • Repairs and Maintenance: Limited to basic maintenance; not a primary facility for extensive ship repairs.

5. Transportation Links:

   • Road: Connected via the A1 motorway, which links Melk to Vienna and other major cities.
   • Rail: Melk has a railway station with connections to Vienna and other parts of Austria.
   • Tour Bus Services: Frequent services for tourists, especially those coming to visit Melk Abbey.

6. Nearby Attractions:

   • Melk Abbey: A baroque Benedictine abbey with stunning architecture and significant historical importance.
   • Wachau Valley: A picturesque region along the Danube, famous for its vineyards, historic towns, and castles.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Environmental Protections: Strict regulations in place to protect the Danube River’s ecosystem.
• Emergency Services: Basic emergency and rescue services available; coordination with regional authorities for larger emergencies.

Summary:

While Melk is not a major commercial marine port, its strategic location along the Danube makes it an important stop for river cruises and smaller vessels. It offers essential docking facilities and services aimed primarily at tourists who wish to visit the town and its famous abbey.