MESSOLONGI

• GRMEL
• Latitude: 38.3601
• Longitude: 21.4207
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Greece

Location: Messolongi West Greece Greece

Messolongi, also known as Mesolongi or Missolonghi, is a notable town in Greece situated in the western part of the country, within the region of Western Greece. It serves as the capital of the Aetolia-Acarnania regional unit. Historically significant, Messolongi is perhaps best known for its role during the Greek War of Independence, particularly during the famed Siege of Missolonghi.

Port of Messolongi: Description and Specifications

Location

• Latitude: Approximately 38.3691° N
• Longitude: Approximately 21.4297° E
• Geographical Setting: The port is positioned on the north side of the Gulf of Patras, which is an inlet of the Ionian Sea. It is located near the mouth of the Acheloos River and within close proximity to a large lagoon, which is also a notable feature of the Messolongi landscape.

Port Features

• Type: Small to medium-sized commercial and fishing port.
• Accessibility: The port can be accessed via both maritime routes and road infrastructure connecting it to other parts of Western Greece.
• Purpose: Primarily supports local fishing activities, small-scale commercial shipping, and serves as a marina for yachts and leisure vessels. It is not a major commercial port compared to others in Greece but remains vital for local economic activities.

Facilities and Services

• Berths: Limited number of berths due to the port's smaller size. Facilities available cater predominantly to smaller vessels, fishing boats, and leisure yachts.
• Draft Depth: Generally shallow compared to major international ports. Larger vessels with deeper drafts may face restrictions and need to dock at larger, nearby ports.
• Cargo Handling: The port is equipped to handle small-scale cargo operations but lacks extensive infrastructure for large-scale commercial shipping.
• Fishing Fleet: The port supports a modest fishing fleet. This includes necessary support services such as ice storage, fish processing, and fuel supplies.
• Marina: Provides amenities for yachts and recreational boats, including mooring, water and electrical hookups, and repair services.

Additional Attributes

• Cultural and Historical Significance: The town and its port hold historical importance from the Greek War of Independence, which attracts tourism.
• Environmental Considerations: The nearby lagoon is a significant ecological habitat, requiring careful environmental management to balance commercial activities with conservation efforts.

Economic Role

• Local Economy: The port is crucial for local economic activities, predominantly supporting the fishing industry and providing services for tourism.
• Tourism: Apart from commercial activities, Messolongi attracts tourists for its historical sites and natural beauty, contributing to the local economy through maritime tourism.

Proximity to Major Ports

• Patras: One of the major ports in the region, located relatively close to Messolongi, serving as a significant hub for passenger ferries and commercial shipping in the Ionian Sea.
• Astakos: Another nearby port offering more extensive commercial facilities.

Summary

The Port of Messolongi, while not a major commercial hub, remains a vital component of local maritime activities in Western Greece. Its strategic location, historical significance, and role in supporting local industries make it an important port, albeit on a smaller scale compared to other Greek ports. Its facilities cater mainly to small-scale commercial and fishing operations, as well as marina services for recreational boating and tourism.