PALMEIRA

• CVPAL
• Latitude: 16.7537
• Longitude: -22.9815
• West Africa
• Port in Cape Verde

Location: Palmeira Sal Cape Verde

Palmeira is a key port located on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. Recognized for its strategic importance, the port serves multiple functions, including commercial cargo handling, fishing, and even some tourism-related activities. Here are the detailed specifications and descriptions of Palmeira port:

General Overview:

• Location: Palmeira, Island of Sal, Cape Verde
• Coordinates: Approximately 16.7550° N latitude, 22.9816° W longitude
• Type: Coastal, Maritime Port

Port Specifications:

• Harbor Type: Natural, enhanced with artificial breakwaters
• Size: Small to medium-sized port
• Water Depth:
  • Entrance Channel: Typically ranges from 8 to 10 meters
  • Cargo Pier/Berth: Depths around 7 to 9 meters
  • Anchorage Depth: Approximately 11 to 13 meters
• Tidal range: Moderate, around 1 to 2 meters

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Cargo Handling:
  • Container Handling: Limited capability, primarily for smaller container ships
  • Bulk Cargo: Accommodations for bulk cargo like salt and other minerals
  • General Cargo: Facilities for general freight handling
• Berths: Multiple berths with varying lengths suitable for small to medium vessels
• Storage: Warehousing facilities available for dry and cold storage
• Cranes and Equipment: Limited number of mobile cranes and other cargo-handling equipment

Special Features:

• Fisheries Support: Significant facilities to support local and regional fishing activities, including processing and cold storage.
• Navigational Aids: Standard navigational aids including buoys, lights, and possibly radio communication to ensure safe entry and departure.
• Customs and Immigration Services: Available onsite to handle international cargo and passenger regulations.

Connectivity:

• Road Transport: Good connectivity to the rest of the island, particularly to the main town of Espargos and Amílcar Cabral International Airport
• Airport: Close proximity (~17 km) to Amílcar Cabral International Airport for air cargo and passenger transitions
• Rail Transport: Non-existent; the island does not have a railway system

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• Economic Role: Crucial for the import and export needs of Sal and the surrounding islands.
• Key Exports: Salt, fish and seafood, other local products
• Key Imports: Foodstuffs, consumer goods, machinery, building materials

Environmental Considerations:

• The port is situated in an ecologically sensitive area, so there are measures in place for environmental protection to mitigate the impact of port operations on local marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Future Development:

• Plans often include upgrades to facilities, enhancement of cargo-handling capabilities, and possibly an expansion to accommodate larger vessels and increased traffic.

Safety and Regulations:

• Compliance with international maritime safety and security standards is maintained.
• Periodic safety drills and checks are conducted to ensure preparedness for emergencies.

Additional Information:

• Port Authority: Managed under the jurisdiction of the Cape Verdean government, with specific agencies responsible for port operations.
• Operational Hours: Typically operates 24/7 but may have specific administrative hours for paperwork and customs clearance.

This port plays a vital role in the connectivity and economic well-being of Sal Island and Cape Verde as a whole, handling a diverse range of goods and functionalities.