PILOTTOWN BASIN

• Latitude: 38.7803
• Longitude: -75.1489
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: Pilottown Louisiana US

Web-site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilottown,_Louisiana

Marine Port Description and Specification: Pilottown Basin, US

Location: Pilottown Basin is strategically located at the southern end of the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated in Louisiana, serving as one of the key access points for maritime traffic entering and exiting the Mississippi River and heading to various destinations along the Gulf Coast and beyond.

Coordinates: Latitude: Approximately 29.1798° N Longitude: Approximately 89.2606° W

Key Features:

1. Navigation and Access:

   • Waterway: Part of the Mississippi River Delta.
   • Access Channels: Multiple deepwater channels facilitate navigation, accommodating large vessels.
   • Pilotage: Pilottown acts as a significant pilot boarding area where maritime pilots board and disembark from vessels. Pilots assist in navigating the complex river and port infrastructure.

2. Facilities and Infrastructure:

   • Docks and Berths: Limited docking facilities primarily for pilot exchanges and small vessel operations.
   • Anchorage: Anchorage areas are available for vessels awaiting further navigation instructions or pilot boarding.
   • Support Services: Includes small repair and maintenance services, provisioning, and refueling for pilot boats and smaller craft.

3. Operational Aspects:

   • Traffic: Pilottown Basin is critical for a range of vessels, including large cargo ships, tankers, container ships, and specialized vessels navigating the Mississippi River.
   • Guidance and Safety: Advanced navigation aids, including buoys, lights, and radar systems, ensuring safe passage.
   • Weather Conditions: Subject to typical Gulf Coast weather, including storms, strong currents, and tides, impacting navigation schedules.

4. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations:

   • Environmental Impact: Measures in place to mitigate contamination and protect the delicate Mississippi Delta ecosystem.
   • Regulations: Governed by U.S. Coast Guard and local port authorities, adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations.

Significance: Pilottown Basin serves as a critical transition point for maritime traffic navigating one of the busiest and most economically significant river systems in the United States. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating seamless and safe movement between open ocean and river navigation, thus supporting national and international trade.

Additional Notes:

• Pilottown is historically significant and has evolved over time, adapting to modern maritime demands while maintaining its critical role in navigation and coastal trade infrastructure.
• While not a major commercial port, its strategic importance in supporting pilot operations and safe navigation makes it indispensable to the overall functioning of the Mississippi River maritime corridor.

Conclusion: Pilottown Basin is an essential maritime hub, ensuring the safe and efficient conduct of maritime operations at the critical juncture of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Its facilities and services, though specialized, cater effectively to the needs of the maritime industry, highlighting its enduring importance in U.S. maritime operations.