ROBBEN ISLAND

• Latitude: -33.7975
• Longitude: 18.3775
• South Africa
• Port in South Africa

Location: Cape Town 7400 South Africa

Web-site: http://www.robben-island.org.za/

Robben Island Marine Port Overview

Location: Robben Island is located in Table Bay, approximately 7 kilometers west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa. It is situated at coordinates approximately 33.8064° S latitude and 18.3666° E longitude.

Historical Significance: Robben Island is globally renowned for its historical significance as a site of imprisonment for political prisoners during the apartheid era, including Nelson Mandela. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the triumph of democracy and human rights.

Purpose: The primary purpose of the marine port at Robben Island is to facilitate the transportation of tourists, staff, and supplies to and from the island. The port supports the heritage site's operational needs, research activities, and emergency services.

Port Infrastructure

Harbor Facilities:

• Jetty: The island has a small jetty designed to handle ferry traffic. The jetty is crucial for docking ferries that bring visitors from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
• Docking Capacity: The docking facilities are limited and primarily accommodate passenger ferries.
• Port Operations: The port operations are relatively simple and focus mainly on handling passenger vessels rather than cargo shipping.

Navigational Aids:

• Lighthouse: Robben Island has a lighthouse on its highest point (Minto Hill) to aid in navigation, especially during night time or adverse weather conditions.

Services:

• Passenger Services: There are several ferry services that operate between Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Robben Island. These ferries transport thousands of tourists annually.
• Tourist Facilities: Facilities include a visitor center, guided tours, and educational programs. The port area also contains basic amenities for tourists such as restrooms, waiting areas, and informational displays.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Conservation: As a UNESCO World Heritage site, strict regulations are in place to protect the island's natural and historical assets. Measures are taken to minimize environmental impact from maritime operations.
• Safety: Strict safety protocols are enforced for all maritime activities. The ferries are equipped with necessary safety gear and adhere to maritime safety regulations.

Specifications

Water Depth:

• Approach Depth: The approach depth to the jetty is shallow, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels.
• Berth Depth: The water depth at the berth is sufficient for ferry operations, typically around 4-5 meters.

Berth Length:

• The jetty length is adequate for docking ferries, typically around 50-100 meters in length but varies slightly based on infrastructure updates.

Tidal Range:

• The tidal range in Table Bay is moderate, typically varying by about 1.5 to 2.5 meters. This affects docking schedules to some extent.

Operating Hours:

• The port operates primarily during daylight hours, with ferry schedules typically running from early morning until late afternoon.

Access and Transportation

Public Access:

• Access to the island is strictly regulated, with entry primarily through organized tours.
• Private access is generally restricted to research, conservation staff, and authorized personnel.

Transportation:

• Ferry is the main mode of transportation to and from the island. The ferry ride from V&A Waterfront takes approximately 30 minutes each way.
• On the island, guided bus tours are provided for visitors.

Conclusion

The marine port at Robben Island is a specialized facility supporting the operations of an important historical and cultural site. While not a commercial port, its infrastructure is crucial for the tourism activities that help educate visitors and support the island's conservation and historical preservation efforts. The focus remains on ensuring the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of the site's maritime activities.