PUNTA CARDON

• VEPCN
• Latitude: 11.6205
• Longitude: -70.2382
• North Coast South America
• Port in Venezuela

Location: Venezuela

Punta Cardón, located in Venezuela, is an integral marine port primarily known for its role in the oil and petrochemical industry. Below are some key details and specifications of the port:

Location

• Geographical Position: Punta Cardón is situated on the Paraguana Peninsula along the Caribbean coastline of Venezuela.
• Coordinates: Approximately 11°40'N latitude and 70°10'W longitude.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure

• Terminals: The port features several terminals that are equipped to handle various types of cargo, with a significant focus on oil and refined petroleum products.
• Berths: Multiple berths are available for tankers and cargo ships. The specifics regarding berth lengths, draught, and capacity can vary, but they are designed to accommodate large vessels integral to the oil industry.
• Storage Facilities: There are extensive storage facilities available within the port premises for crude oil, refined products, and chemicals.
• Loading/Unloading Equipment: The port is equipped with modern loading and unloading facilities, including pipelines, cranes, and specialized handling systems tailored for hazardous materials.

Key Features

• Refinery Connection: The Punta Cardón port is closely associated with the nearby Cardón Refinery, one of the largest in Venezuela, which forms part of the Paraguaná Refinery Complex.
• Draft Depth: Deepwater berths facilitate the accommodation of large oil tankers.
• Pilotage and Navigation: Expert pilotage services are available to assist vessels in navigating the approach channels and docking safely. Standard navigation aids and protocols are in place.
• Security: The port maintains strict security, especially given the sensitive nature of its primary cargo. It adheres to international safety standards to prevent incidents involving its hazardous cargo.

Operations

• Activity Type: Predominantly associated with oil and petrochemical export, although other types of general cargo may also be managed.
• Operating Hours: Typically operates 24/7 to manage continuous inflow and outflow of petroleum products.
• Regulations: Under the management of both national and international maritime regulations, the port ensures compliance with safety and environmental guidelines.

Connectivity

• Access: The port can be accessed by sea via its deepwater channels. It is also connected by extensive road networks facilitating the transport of goods to and from the port area.
• Supporting Infrastructure: Proximity to the refinery complex ensures seamless transfer and processing of crude oil and petroleum products.

Environmental and Safety Measures

• Environmental Protection: The port implements various environmental protection measures to mitigate the risk of oil spills and other forms of pollution.
• Emergency Services: Emergency response teams and equipment are on standby to handle any incidents swiftly and effectively.

Economic Impact

• Significance: Punta Cardón is vital to Venezuela's economy, especially given the country's significant reliance on oil exports. The port supports the local economy and generates employment related to logistical and operational needs.

Conclusion

Punta Cardón is a strategically important port in Venezuela, primarily facilitating the country's oil export activities. Its advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and extensive facilities make it a critical asset within the global petroleum supply chain.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including specific berth dimensions and operational capabilities, consulting the port authority or official maritime publications is recommended.