ROSEAU

  • DMRSU
  • Latitude: 15.3073
  • Longitude: -61.3901
  • Caribbean Sea
  • Port in Dominica

Location: Dominica

Roseau, the capital and chief port of Dominica, is an important hub for maritime activities on the island. Situated on the southwestern coast, Roseau's port facilitates both commercial shipping and tourism, particularly catering to cruise ships. Here’s an overview of its description and specifications:

General Description:

  • Location: Roseau is located on the southwest coast of Dominica, at coordinates approximately 15.2976° N latitude and 61.3870° W longitude.
  • Accessibility: The port is accessible from the Caribbean Sea with approaches that are generally clear and deep enough for most large vessels.

Port Infrastructure:

  • Berths: The port includes several berths that can accommodate different types of vessels. There are specific moorings for commercial cargo ships and a dedicated cruise ship berth.
    • Commercial Berth: Used primarily for the import and export of goods including agricultural products, machinery, and consumer goods.
    • Cruise Ship Berth: Designed to accommodate large cruise liners, this berth sees significant traffic during the tourist season.
  • Cargo Handling Facilities: The port has facilities to handle a variety of cargo, including containerized goods, bulk cargo, and Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) cargo.

Specifications:

  • Draft: The port of Roseau can handle vessels with a draft of up to approximately 9.1 meters (30 feet), making it suitable for medium-sized cargo and passenger ships.
  • Quay Length: The total quay length is sufficient to handle several vessels simultaneously, with specific allocation for cruise ships and commercial vessels.
  • Storage Facilities: The port includes warehouse facilities and open storage areas for cargo handling and storage.

Services:

  • Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for vessels navigating into Roseau port. Pilots are available to guide ships safely to their berths.
  • Tug Assistance: Tug services are available for maneuvering vessels, which is especially important given the occasional challenging weather conditions.
  • Bunkering: Fuel bunkering services are available to ships docking at the port.
  • Customs and Immigration: Comprehensive customs and immigration services are in place to handle the throughput of goods and passengers efficiently.

Passenger Facilities:

  • Cruise Terminal: The cruise terminal is equipped to handle large numbers of passengers, providing amenities such as shops, tourist information, and transportation services. It serves as a gateway for tourists to explore Dominica’s attractions.
  • Ferry Services: Regular ferry services connect Roseau with nearby islands, facilitating regional travel and trade.

Security and Safety:

  • ISPS Compliance: The port adheres to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, ensuring security measures are in place to protect ships and the port facilities.
  • Navigation Aids: Fully equipped with navigation aids including lights and markers to ensure safe entry and exit of vessels, particularly in poor visibility or adverse weather conditions.

Economic Impact:

The port of Roseau plays a vital role in Dominica's economy by supporting import and export activities and serving as a key point of entry for tourists, especially those arriving by cruise ships. The port's operations contribute significantly to the local economy through associated businesses and employment opportunities.

Environmental Considerations:

  • Waste Management: The port adheres to environmental regulations and has waste management systems in place to handle ship-generated waste.
  • Eco-Friendly Initiatives: Efforts are ongoing to adopt more eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact.

In summary, Roseau port stands as a key maritime facility in Dominica, supporting both commercial trade and tourism, with adequate infrastructure and services to handle a wide variety of maritime activities.

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