PALERMO ANCH

• Latitude: 38.1434
• Longitude: 13.4355
• West Mediterranean
• Anchorage in Italy

Location: Palermo Italy

Port Description: Palermo Anchorage (PALERMO ANCH), Italy

Location:

• Palermo Anchorage is located off the coast of Palermo, the capital city of the Italian island of Sicily. It lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea and is a key maritime hub in the Mediterranean region.

Geographical Coordinates:

• Latitude: Approximately 38.1222° N
• Longitude: Approximately 13.3670° E

General Overview:

• Palermo Anchorage serves as a supplementary anchorage zone for the Port of Palermo. It provides a sheltered area for vessels to anchor safely while waiting for berthing instructions or handling emergencies or specific operational needs.
• The anchorage area facilitates maritime operations supporting trade, especially for vessels transporting goods to and from the island of Sicily and beyond.
• It is an important waypoint for vessels passing through the Mediterranean Sea.

Anchorage Area Specifications:

• Depth: Varies, usually ranging from 20 to 40 meters.
• Bottom Type: Predominantly sandy with some mud patches, offering good holding ground for anchors.
• Size: The designated anchorage area covers several square nautical miles, providing ample space for multiple vessels to anchor without congestion.

Navigation and Access:

• Palermo Anchorage is accessible from the open sea, with clear navigational routes marked by standard maritime buoys and lights.
• The approach to the anchorage area is well-charted, ensuring safe navigation for vessels of different sizes.
• Vessels are advised to follow local maritime regulations and communicate with Palermo Port Authority for anchorage assignment and instructions.

Facilities and Services:

• Although it is primarily an anchorage area, certain on-request services are available, including:
  • Provision of supplies and bunkering services.
  • Ship-to-ship transfer operations.
  • Emergency response and assistance.
  • It is in proximity to the Port of Palermo, which offers comprehensive port services, including cargo handling, repairs, and crew changes.

Port Authority Information:

• The Port Authority of Palermo (Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mare di Sicilia Occidentale) oversees the administration and regulation of Palermo Anchorage.
• Contact Information: Port operations can be coordinated through VHF radio communication channels and direct contact via phone or email with the Port Authority.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• All vessels anchoring in Palermo Anchorage must adhere to international maritime environmental regulations, including MARPOL conventions, to prevent pollution and protect marine biodiversity.
• Regular safety patrols and inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards and mitigate any risks associated with anchoring.

Tide and Weather:

• Tidal Range: Typically moderate, with tidal variations dependent on the lunar cycle.
• Weather: The climate in Palermo is Mediterranean, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Mariners should be aware of seasonal weather patterns and potential storm occurrences, particularly during the winter months.

Coordination and Communication:

• Vessels intending to anchor at Palermo Anchorage should establish contact with the local port control before arrival to receive specific instructions and designated anchorage positions.
• Continuous communication through VHF channels is maintained for safety and navigational updates.

By providing a well-regulated and strategically located anchorage zone, Palermo Anchorage plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of maritime traffic around Sicily and the wider Mediterranean region.