PORT SAUNDERS

• Latitude: 50.6459
• Longitude: -57.2781
• East Coast Canada
• Port in Canada

Location: Port Saunders NL Canada

Port Saunders is a coastal community situated on Newfoundland and Labrador's Great Northern Peninsula in Canada. This port serves several important roles, primarily supporting the local fishing industry, but also offering the requisite facilities for various marine activities. Below is a general description and specification of Port Saunders:

General Description:

• Location: Northwestern coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
• Geographical Coordinates: Approx. 50.6° N latitude and 57.3° W longitude.
• Primary Function: Fishing port with auxiliary support for commercial and recreational maritime activities.
• Surrounding Area: Known for its rugged coastline, the locale is also popular for outdoor activities and is close to Gros Morne National Park.

Specifications:

1. Harbor Characteristics:

   • Type: Natural harbor with breakwaters to provide additional protection.
   • Depth: Varies, with navigational channels and docking areas typically dredged to accommodate various vessel sizes, mostly smaller fishing vessels.
   • Tidal Range: Moderately significant tidal variations typical of the region, affecting docking and undocking schedules, particularly for deeper draft vessels.

2. Navigational Aids:

   • Lighthouse/Beacons: Present to aid in safe navigation.
   • Buoys: Markers in place to guide vessels through the entrance channel and around any submerged obstacles or shallow areas.

3. Port Facilities:

   • Wharves and Piers: Multiple berths with facilities for the unloading and loading of seafood and other goods.
   • Handling Equipment: Includes cranes, winches, and other equipment essential for offloading catch and loading supplies.
   • Storage: Includes refrigerated warehouses and cold storage for maintaining seafood quality.
   • Maintenance Services: Basic vessel repair and maintenance services available, including refueling, provisioning, and waste disposal.

4. Commercial Operations:

   • Fishing Fleet: Primarily comprises smaller, locally operated fishing vessels targeting species such as cod, crab, and lobster.
   • Cargo: Limited, primarily handling fish products and some general goods necessary for the community and surrounding areas.
   • Customs and Border Services: Limited services due to the primary local nature of the port activities.

5. Connectivity:

   • Road Access: Good road network linking Port Saunders to nearby communities and major highways.
   • Proximity to Major Centers: Reasonable distance from larger towns and cities on the island, which are reachable by road.
   • Air Access: Closest airports are regional with limited flights, used mainly for passenger travel rather than cargo.

6. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

   • Waste Management: Systems in place for proper disposal of marine and other wastes.
   • Environmental Protection: Adheres to regional and national guidelines to protect the marine and coastal environment.

Additional Context:

Port Saunders is especially significant to the small-scale fishing industry and serves as a local hub for residents of the Great Northern Peninsula. The natural beauty of the area also makes it a noteworthy destination for tourism, although this is secondary to its primary function as a working port.

Please note that for up-to-date and detailed specifications, including current navigational charts and depths, contact the local port authority or visit official maritime resources.