MOLENE

  • FRME5
  • Latitude: 48.3995
  • Longitude: -4.9565
  • UK Coast & Atlantic
  • Port in France

Location: Molène Brittany France

Molène is a small island off the west coast of Brittany in France, part of the Iroise Sea. Information on the specific port facilities on Molène is relatively limited, given its small size and low population. The island of Molène is part of an archipelago that includes other islands such as Ouessant and Sein.

General Description:

  • Location: The island of Molène is situated in the Iroise Sea, west of the coast of Brittany, France, approximately 15 kilometers from the mainland.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 48.3964° N latitude and 4.9726° W longitude.
  • Area: The island itself covers about 75 hectares in size.
  • Population: The permanent population is relatively small, often numbering below 300 residents.

Port Specifications:

Due to its limited size and infrastructure, Molène does not possess a large commercial port. However, there are small docking facilities primarily used for:

  • Fishing Vessels: The local economy includes a fishing industry, so the port is equipped to handle small fishing boats.
  • Tourist Ferries: Passenger ferries bring tourists from the mainland, particularly during the warmer months.
  • Local Boats: Small boats for transportation between the island and neighboring islands or the mainland.

Facilities:

  • Docking/Quay: The island has a small quay suitable for docking the ferries and fishing vessels. The quay size is limited and not suitable for large commercial shipping.
  • Navigation Aids: Basic navigation aids appropriate for small, local traffic.

Services:

  • Passenger Services: Ferry services operated by local companies providing transport to and from the mainland, particularly from ports such as Brest or Le Conquet.
  • Fishing Services: Support for local fishermen including basic maintenance and fish handling facilities.
  • Tourist Services: Information points, possibly small cafés or lodging options catering to tourists.

Surroundings:

Molène is part of the Iroise Marine Park, known for its rich marine biodiversity and protected natural areas, making it a location of particular interest for environmental researchers and eco-tourism.

Accessibility:

  • By Sea: Accessible via ferries from Brest or Le Conquet. Passage through the Iroise Sea can be navigationally complex due to currents and tidal conditions.
  • By Air: The closest major airport is Brest Bretagne Airport. From there, passengers typically travel to the ferry ports.

Limitations:

  • Weather Dependency: Sea conditions can significantly affect accessibility, particularly during the winter months.
  • Limited Infrastructure: No large-scale industrial or commercial port facilities. Not suitable for handling large cargo vessels or large-scale maritime operations.
  • Conservation Laws: Being part of a protected marine park, there are environmental restrictions that regulate all activities.

Conclusion:

If requiring detailed and specific operational data about port facilities on Molène (which may be managed by smaller local entities or local government), it is advisable to contact local maritime or municipal authorities directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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