MIDDELFART

• DKMID
• Latitude: 55.5181
• Longitude: 9.68
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Denmark

Location: Denmark

Middelfart Marine Port, Denmark

General Overview:

Middelfart is a charming town situated on the island of Funen in Denmark, lying on the western shore where the Fænø Sound meets the Little Belt. Its strategic location makes it a favorable spot for marine activities, providing a conduit between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Despite being relatively small compared to major ports, Middelfart offers a complement of services for maritime traffic, pleasure boats, and leisure activities.

Port Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 55.5036° N latitude and 9.7300° E longitude.
   • Proximity: Middelfart lies close to two major Danish cities, Odense (to the east) and Fredericia (to the north), accessible via the E20 motorway and railway connections.

2. Harbor Type:

   • Nature: Natural/Man-made, combining natural coastal defenses with constructed amenities.
   • Usage: Primarily used for commercial traffic, recreational boating, and ferry services.

3. Berthing Facilities:

   • Commercial Docks:
     • Has adequate berthing space for small to medium-sized vessels.
     • Suitable for regional cargo, fishing boats, and supply vessels.
   • Recreational Docks:
     • Offers berthing facilities for pleasure crafts, yachts, and small leisure boats.
     • Equipped with modern marina amenities such as water, electricity supply, waste collection, and fueling services.

4. Depth:

   • Approach Channel: Depths vary but generally support vessels with a draft of up to 7 meters.
   • Dockside (Commercial): About 7 meters, depth allowing for safe docking of medium-sized cargo vessels.
   • Dockside (Recreational): Varies between 2 to 4 meters, accommodating smaller leisure crafts.

5. Navigation:

   • Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels navigating the sound and into the port.
   • Navigation Aids: Marked with buoys, lights, and beacons allowing for navigational ease.
   • Tidal Range: Generally low tidal variation due to its enclosed nature.

6. Facilities & Services:

   • Cargo Handling: Equipped for general cargo, including cranes and handling equipment.
   • Repair and Maintenance: Basic maintenance facilities available, with advanced services accessible in nearby larger ports.
   • Fuel: Bunkering facilities available for both commercial and recreational vessels.
   • Storage: Limited warehousing and storage facilities for cargo.
   • Fishing Industry Support: Provides support infrastructure for local fishing industry.

7. Connectivity:

   • Road: Direct access via local roads connecting to the national E20 highway.
   • Rail: Middelfart Station provides regional and intercity rail services.
   • Air: Nearest major airport is Billund Airport, approximately an hour's drive.

8. Security/Customs:

   • Customs: Facilities to handle the import and export of goods.
   • Security: Adheres to ISPS Code for port security ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Additional Information:

• Climate: The port experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters, and precipitation throughout the year.
• Tourism & Leisure: Middelfart is a popular destination for tourists, with the port area offering several attractions, such as waterfront restaurants, sailing, and a bridge-walking experience over the Little Belt Bridge.
• Sustainability: Efforts are in place to maintain the environmental integrity of the surrounding water bodies, integrating sustainable practices in port operations.

Conclusion:

Middelfart Port, while comparatively smaller, plays a significant role in regional maritime activities. It offers essential services for a variety of vessels, making it a vital node in Denmark's network of marine ports. Its support for both commercial and recreational maritime traffic, combined with its picturesque setting, makes it an important yet charming port.