PORT WALCOTT ANCH

• Latitude: -20.5343
• Longitude: 117.346
• West Australia
• Anchorage in Australia

Location: Port Walcott Western Australia Australia

Port Walcott (also spelled as Port Walcott Anchorage) Description and Specifications

Located on the northwestern coast of Australia in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Port Walcott serves as a significant Indian Ocean maritime facility. Primarily utilized for the export of iron ore, the port is instrumental in Australia's mining sector.

General Information

• Location: Port Walcott is situated near the town of Wickham and Dampier Archipelago, approximately 1,200 km north of Perth.
• Coordinates: 20.5858° S latitude, 117.1978° E longitude
• Operator: Rio Tinto, through its subsidiary Pilbara Iron
• Function: Major export hub for iron ore mined from the Pilbara region's extensive deposits

Port Features and Specifications

Berth Information:

• Number of Berths: Multiple berths with dedicated terminals for bulk carriers.
• Berth Lengths: Berths vary in length, generally accommodating large Capesize vessels.
• Depth: Depths alongside berths range typically from 19 to 23 meters to accommodate large ore carriers.

Anchorage Information:

• Anchorage Depth: Suitable depths in anchorage zones typically range from 20 to 25 meters.
• Holding Ground: The anchorage provides good holding grounds with clay and sand seabeds.

Cargo and Handling:

• Primary Cargo: Primarily iron ore exports, supporting one of the largest mining operations in the world.
• Annual Throughput: Millions of tonnes of iron ore annually, although precise figures may vary year by year.
• Loading Equipment: Utilizes state-of-the-art ship loaders designed to maximize efficiency in loading bulk carriers.

Navigational Information:

• Pilotage: Compulsory for all vessels navigating to and from Port Walcott. Pilots are typically boarded at designated pilot boarding grounds.
• Tugs: Tugs are available to assist with berthing and unberthing procedures.

Facilities:

• Support Services: Comprehensive range of port services including bunkering, freshwater supply, and waste disposal.
• Emergency Services: Fully equipped emergency response services including firefighting, medical facilities, and environmental protection mechanisms.

Access and Logistics:

• Road Access: Well-connected via major highways to the mining regions and other parts of Western Australia.
• Rail Access: Integrated rail networks directly connect the mining sites to the port facilities, ensuring efficient transport of iron ore.

Environmental and Operational Policies:

• Environmental Policies: Stringent environmental regulations are in place, with regular monitoring to minimize ecological impacts.
• Operational Policies: Safety and operational procedures are strictly adhered to, complying with both national and international maritime standards.

Adjacent Facilities

• Rio Tinto Cape Lambert Port: Nearby, also operated by Rio Tinto, augmenting the export capacity of the region.

Summary

Port Walcott (ANCH) stands as a pivotal maritime port in Australia, facilitating the export of iron ore from the Pilbara region to global markets. Equipped with state-of-the-art loading equipment and deep-water berths, the port is optimized for handling vast quantities of bulk cargo efficiently and safely. Moreover, with comprehensive logistics, navigational aids, and environmental safeguards, Port Walcott continues to play a crucial role in the global maritime and mining industries.

For the most up-to-date information, it's advisable to visit the port authority's official website or consult latest maritime publications.