MORONI
- Latitude: -11.7005 •
- Longitude: 43.2475 •
- East Africa •
- Port in Comoros
Address: Moroni Grande Comore Comoros
Moroni is the capital and largest city of the Comoros, an island nation in the Indian Ocean located off the eastern coast of Africa. The city is situated on the western coast of Grande Comore (Ngazidja) island. Below is a detailed description and specification of the port in Moroni:
Port of Moroni Overview
Location:
- Latitude: 11°41′S
- Longitude: 43°15′E
- Moroni, Grande Comore, Comoros
Port Infrastructure
Port Facilities:
Main Quay:
- Primary berth used for handling general cargo and containers.
- Equipped with basic cargo handling equipment like cranes and forklifts.
Container Yard:
- Limited in size, handling modest container throughput.
- Typically laid out for easy stacking and retrieval of containers.
Storage:
- Warehousing facilities available near the port area.
- Open storage areas for bulk goods and materials.
Passenger Terminal:
- Facilitates passenger movement for inter-island and international ferry services.
Draft & Berths:
- Depth: Generally, the port has a draft around 7 meters but checks for specific berth depths are advisable.
- Berth Length: Main berths vary but are generally adequate for small to medium-sized vessels.
Port Services
Cargo Handling:
- Handling of various cargo types including break-bulk, containerized cargo, and some bulk commodities.
Pilotage and Towage:
- Pilotage available for safe navigation into and out of the port.
- Tug services available as and when required.
Repair and Maintenance:
- Basic repair facilities available.
- Limited dry-dock services and shipyard capabilities.
Fuel and Water Supply:
- Fuel bunkering services available.
- Freshwater supplies can be arranged through port services.
Connectivity and Access
Access Roads:
- Moderate quality roads connect the port to the rest of the island.
- Essential for transporting goods to and from the port area.
Navigation:
- Adequate navigational aids available for safe entry and exit.
- Regularly maintained channels and berths.
Operational Aspects
Working Hours:
- Generally operates during regular daytime hours.
- Extended hours can be arranged depending on shipping schedules.
Port Authority:
- Managed by the Comoros Port Authority which oversees operations, regulations, and safety protocols.
Security:
- Basic security measures in place; however, it may lack advanced security infrastructure found in larger, more developed ports.
Challenges and Limitations
- Infrastructure: Relatively limited compared to larger international ports; ongoing development needed.
- Weather Conditions: Susceptible to seasonal weather variations including cyclones.
- Capacity: Limited handling capacity may lead to congestion issues during peak periods.
Conclusion
The Port of Moroni serves as a critical maritime infrastructure for the Comoros, facilitating both cargo and passenger movement. While it may not feature the advanced facilities of major global ports, it plays an essential role in the local economy by supporting trade and connectivity. Ongoing upgrades and improvements can enhance its capacity and efficiency, addressing existing limitations.