MOSSEL BAY

• Latitude: -34.176
•
• Longitude: 22.1465
•
• South Africa
•
• Port in South Africa

Address: Mossel Bay Western Cape South Africa

Web-site: http://www.mosselbay.gov.za/

Mossel Bay Port: Overview and Specifications

Location:

• Mossel Bay, South Africa, situated between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth along the Southern Cape coastline.

Coordinates:

• Approximately 34.1833° S latitude, 22.1333° E longitude.

General Description:

Mossel Bay is known for being one of the smaller commercial ports in South Africa but holds significant importance due to its strategic position and economic contributions, especially in the fishing industry and offshore oil and gas sectors. The port is positioned within the Mossel Bay Local Municipality in the Western Cape Province and is part of the Garden Route District Municipality.

Key Features:

Natural Harbor:

• Mossel Bay boasts a natural deep-water harbor, which has historically made it a safe haven for maritime activities.

Facilities:

• Wharfs/Piers: The port has multiple berths catering to various vessels, including fishing boats and supply vessels for the offshore oil industry.
• Warehousing: On-site storage facilities capable of accommodating a range of goods, especially in refrigerated storage pertinent to the fishing industry.
• Marine Services: The port provides essential marine services, such as pilotage, tug services, and vessel bunkering.

Depth:

• Channel Depth: Varies but generally deep enough to handle medium-sized cargo vessels.
• Berth Depth: Typically ranges from 7 to 10 meters, accommodating medium-sized vessels.

Berths:

• The port has several berths with specialized functions, including commercial, offshore services, and fishing operations.

Cargo Handling:

• The port handles various types of cargo, primarily focusing on seafood, petroleum products, and provisions for offshore oil and gas rigs.
• Cargo handling includes cranes and other equipment suitable for loading and unloading various goods.

Facilities for Offshore Industry:

• Mossel Bay serves as a key logistics and support hub for offshore oil and gas operations on the South African continental shelf, providing supply services to rigs and platforms.

Recreational and Fishing Activities:

• The port is a significant center for commercial and recreational fishing, with facilities tailored to support these industries.

Additional Considerations:

Economic Impact:

• The port plays a pivotal role in the local economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the region's economic development.

Environmental Management:

• Enforced measures to ensure environmental protection, including waste management and pollution control protocols, are in place, especially given its proximity to sensitive marine ecosystems.

Navigation and Safety:

• The port is equipped with navigational aids and follows stringent safety protocols to ensure safe passage and docking of vessels.
• Pilotage is compulsory for all visiting vessels, ensuring skilled navigation in and out of the harbor.

Future Developments:

• Ongoing and planned upgrades to enhance infrastructure, improve cargo handling capacities, and expand service offerings to support the growth of the offshore oil and gas industry.
• Investments in sustainability initiatives to minimize environmental impact and promote green maritime operations.

Connections:

• Road and limited railway links facilitate cargo movement between the port and hinterland regions.

In summary, Mossel Bay Port, despite its smaller size relative to other South African ports, is a versatile and crucial maritime hub with specialized facilities and services that support both the local economy and the broader offshore oil and gas industry.