RIO BUENO
- Latitude: 18.4714 •
- Longitude: -77.4548 •
- Caribbean Sea •
- Port in Jamaica
Address: Rio Bueno Jamaica
Rio Bueno Marine Port - Jamaica
Location: Rio Bueno, a small coastal town in the Trelawny Parish on the north coast of Jamaica. It is situated approximately halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Coordinates:
Latitude: 18.4644 N
Longitude: 77.5856 W
General Description:
Rio Bueno Port, though not as commercially busy as some of Jamaica’s other ports, serves as an important maritime gateway for the region. It primarily handles bulk cargo, particularly bauxite and alumina, given Jamaica's rich deposits of these minerals. The port is operated by Rio Tinto and managed in conjunction with Jamaican authorities.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Berths and Quays:
- The port has one main berth capable of handling bulk carriers.
- The berth has facilities for loading bauxite and alumina directly onto ships.
Depth:
- The port channel and berth offer sufficient draft to accommodate Panamax-sized vessels.
- Average depth at berth: 12-14 meters (39-46 feet).
Storage:
- Onsite facilities include open storage yards for bauxite and alumina.
- The port does not have extensive warehousing facilities for general cargo or containers.
Equipment:
- The port is equipped with conveyor belt systems for loading bulk materials.
- There are limited shore cranes, and most loading equipment is specialized for bulk cargo.
Services:
- Navigational aids such as buoys and beacons guide vessels into the port.
- Tug services are available to assist with berthing and unberthing.
- Basic port fees include pilotage, towage, and mooring services.
Accessibility:
Road Access:
- The port is connected to the rest of the island via the Northern Coastal Highway, which links the port to major cities like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Rail Access:
- There have been historical rail connections specifically for the transport of bauxite, though the current status of these lines may require verification.
Air Access:
- The nearest major airport is the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Rio Bueno.
Operational Considerations:
Hours of Operation:
- Operates 24/7 to accommodate the needs of bulk cargo operations and shipping schedules.
Security:
- The port complies with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Security personnel are present to manage access and ensure the safety of cargo and vessels.
Environmental Measures:
- As handling bulk commodities like bauxite can impact the environment, the port follows specific procedures for dust control and spill management to mitigate environmental impacts.
Nearby Facilities:
- Hospitals and emergency services are available mainly in the nearby larger towns like Falmouth and Montego Bay.
- Local Accommodation: Various lodging options ranging from budget to luxury are available within driving distance, mostly catering to tourists coming to the northern coastline.
Contact Information:
Port Authority:
- Jamaica Bauxite Institute (JBI)
- Rio Tinto (for operational specifics related to bauxite handling)
Emergency Contact:
- Jamaican Coast Guard
- Local police and emergency services
Notes:
- The port of Rio Bueno is specialized primarily for the bulk cargo industry, particularly beneficial for mining and related sectors.
- Given its more limited infrastructure for general cargo, companies should prioritize bulk commodities when considering Rio Bueno for maritime logistics.
For further detailed and updated information, it's advisable to directly contact the port authorities or the Jamaican maritime agencies.