PORT BLAIR

• Latitude: 11.6741
•
• Longitude: 92.7313
•
• South-East Asia
•
• Port in India

Address: Port Blair Andaman and Nicobar Islands India

Phone number: +91-3192-000000

Web-site: http://www.andaman.gov.in/

Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a Union Territory of India located in the Bay of Bengal. This port serves as the primary gateway to the archipelago and plays a significant role in the economic and strategic landscape of the region.

Description:

Location:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 11.6234° N latitude and 92.7265° E longitude.
• Situated on the southeastern coast of South Andaman Island.

Significance:

• The strategic naval importance due to its proximity to international sea routes.
• Acts as a critical hub for supplies and connectivity for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Serves both civilian and military purposes.

Specifications:

Harbor and Berthing Facilities:

• Type of Port: Natural deep-water harbor.
• Berths: The port features multiple berths and jetties capable of handling various types of vessels, including cargo ships, passenger ferries, and smaller boats.
• Draft: Ports can accommodate a wide range of vessel sizes due to naturally deep waters. The draft varies but typically ranges from 8 to 10 meters in outer harbor areas.
• Quay Length: The combined length of quay facilities encompasses several hundred meters, accommodating multiple vessels simultaneously.

Cargo Handling:

• Types of Cargo: Primarily handles general cargo, containers, bulk cargo (limited), and inter-island freight.
• Equipment: Equipped with cranes, forklifts, and other essential cargo handling equipment. However, the capacity may be more limited compared to larger mainland ports.

Facilities:

• Storage: Warehousing facilities and open storage areas are available for different types of cargo.
• Passenger Terminal: Facilities for handling passenger traffic, including inter-island ferry services and mainland connections.
• Utilities: Basic utilities and services such as freshwater supply, bunkering, and repair services are accessible.

Connectivity:

• Road: Well-connected to other parts of South Andaman through the local road network.
• Air: Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport is situated nearby, providing both domestic and limited international flights.
• Sea: Regular ferry services connect Port Blair to various other islands within the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, as well as to the Indian mainland, particularly Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam.

Regulatory and Security:

• Port Authority: Managed by the Port Management Board under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
• Security: Naval presence ensures high security due to its strategic importance. The port is fortified with modern surveillance and patrolling mechanisms.

Developments and Future Prospects:

• Ongoing and planned infrastructural upgrades to enhance capacity, efficiency, and safety.
• Initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and trade through improved connectivity and facilities.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations:

• Due to its location in an ecologically sensitive region, measures are in place to minimize environmental impact, including waste management and pollution control protocols.

Note: Specifications and facilities might be updated periodically, reflecting ongoing development projects and administrative changes.

Conclusion:

Port Blair is a crucial maritime hub, both militarily and economically, for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It supports diverse maritime activities, from commercial shipping and logistics to passenger transport and naval functions, serving as a lifeline for this remote yet strategically significant part of India.