PORT VICTORIA

• SCPOV
• Latitude: -4.63353
• Longitude: 55.4751
• East Africa
• Port in Seychelles

Location: Seychelles

Port Victoria Overview

Location:

• Geographical Position: Port Victoria is the main port and capital city of Seychelles, located on the northeastern side of Mahé Island.
• Coordinates: Approximately at 4°37' S latitude and 55°27' E longitude.

Importance:

• Port Victoria is the principal port and the economic hub of Seychelles, handling the majority of the nation's commercial activities, including import and export operations.
• It serves as a critical hub for tourism, fishing, and transshipment.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Harbor Specifications:

• Type: Natural Deep-water Harbor
• Depths:
  • Channel Depth: Varies between 12 to 17 meters.
  • Cargo Pier Depth: Around 12 meters.
  • Oil Terminal Depth: Approximately 17 meters.
  • Anchorage Depth: Around 18 meters.

Berths:

• The harbor features multiple berths including:
  • Commercial Cargo Berths: Two berths capable of handling container ships, general cargo vessels, and passenger liners.
  • Fishing Port: Dedicated facilities for the significant tuna and fish processing industry.
  • Oil Terminal: Specifically designed for the discharge and loading of petroleum products.

Terminal Facilities:

• Cargo Handling Equipment: Includes gantry cranes, mobile cranes, forklifts, and conveyors.
• Warehouse and Storage: Covered storage facilities and open storage areas for various types of cargo.
• Container Handling: Modern container terminal equipped with requisite handling equipment.
• Cold Storage: Facilities available to support the fishing industry, particularly for tuna storage.

Support Services:

• Bunkering: Available for vessels requiring refueling services.
• Repairs: Limited repair facilities exist, including dry dock and slipway for smaller vessels.
• Pilotage: Compulsory for large vessels, provided by the port authority.
• Tug Assistance: Available for assisting maneuvering of ships within the port area.

Security and Safety:

• ISPS Code Compliance: Ensures safety and security protocols are met.
• Port Health Services: Including customs and immigration, essential for handling international maritime traffic.

Operations

Port Access:

• The harbor has well-defined maritime channels marked by navigational aids to ensure safe entry and exit for vessels.
• Entrance to the port is regulated, and communication with port control is mandatory.

Cargo Traffic:

• Handles a diverse range of cargo including containers, dry bulk, liquid bulk, and breakbulk.
• Prominent in the export of tuna and fish products, which is a significant industry in Seychelles.

Passenger Services:

• Port Victoria serves as a docking point for international cruise ships, contributing significantly to the tourism sector.
• Also caters to inter-island ferry services which connect Mahé with other islands in the Seychelles archipelago.

Environmental Considerations

• The port operations are conducted with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and adhering to international environmental standards.
• Measures are in place for pollution control, waste management, and protection of the surrounding marine environment.

Contact Information

Port Authority:

• Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA): The governing body overseeing operations at Port Victoria.

Useful Contacts:

• Harbormaster Office: Typically available 24/7 to assist with vessel arrivals, departures, and other navigational concerns.
• Customs and Immigration: Offices available within the port area to facilitate the clearance of goods and personnel.

This information provides a detailed snapshot of Port Victoria in Seychelles, highlighting its capabilities, facilities, and operational environment. For further specifics, contacting the Seychelles Ports Authority directly would be advisable.