PALMETTO

• USPFP
• Latitude: 27.5246
• Longitude: -82.6076
• Gulf of Mexico
• Marina in US

Location: US

Palmetto is a city located in Manatee County, Florida, and it is known for its waterfront along the Gulf Coast. While Palmetto itself is not typically regarded as a major maritime port on its own, it is situated near significant maritime infrastructure, particularly the Port of Manatee, which is one of Florida's largest deepwater seaports. Here is a description and specification of the maritime facilities located in the Palmetto area, primarily focusing on the Port of Manatee:

Port of Manatee

Location

• Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 27.6383° N, Longitude 82.5628° W
• Access: Located at the entrance to Tampa Bay, north of Palmetto.

Key Features

• Harbor Type: Coastal natural
• Water Depth:
  • Channel Depth: Approximately 40 feet (12.2 meters)
  • Cargo Pier Depth: Up to 40 feet (12.2 meters)
  • Tide Range: Generally between 1 and 2 feet

Infrastructure

• Berths: Multiple berths capable of accommodating large vessels.
• Terminals: Specialized terminals for various types of cargo, including container, bulk, breakbulk, and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo).
• Cranes: Equipped with high-capacity cranes for handling diverse types of cargo.
• Storage Facilities: Extensive warehousing and open storage areas.

Cargo and Trade

• Imports and Exports: Handles a wide variety of cargo such as fruits and vegetables, petroleum products, forestry products, steel, and project cargo.
• Trade Zones: Designated as a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 169, providing various customs benefits for businesses.

Connectivity

• Road: Easy access to major highways including I-75, facilitating efficient ground transport.
• Rail: Connected by CSX railroad, offering intermodal transport options.
• Air: Proximity to two major airports: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and Tampa International Airport.

Services

• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels, provided by Tampa Bay Pilots Association.
• Tugboats: Available for docking and undocking assistance.
• Marine Repair and Bunkering: On-site facilities for ship repair and maintenance as well as fueling services.

Environmental and Security Standards

• Environmental Compliance: Strict adherence to environmental regulations to protect local ecosystems.
• Security: Advanced security measures compliant with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Palmetto Waterfront

While smaller in scale compared to the Port of Manatee, Palmetto's waterfront serves recreational boats and smaller commercial vessels. Marinas and yacht clubs along the Manatee River provide docking, fueling, and maintenance services for private boaters and fishing fleets.

Conclusion

The maritime facilities in the Palmetto area, particularly the Port of Manatee, are essential to regional and international trade, providing robust infrastructure and services to handle various types of cargo efficiently. The area's strategic location and comprehensive connectivity make it a vital node in the maritime logistics network of the Gulf Coast.