RUFISQUE

• Latitude: 14.711
• Longitude: -17.2795
• West Africa
• Port in Senegal

Location: Rufisque Dakar Senegal

Rufisque is a town located on the southeastern coast of the Cape Verde Peninsula in Senegal, just a short distance from the capital city, Dakar. While Dakar is the primary maritime hub in Senegal, Rufisque has its own maritime infrastructure, albeit more limited in comparison. Here’s a brief description and some specifications for the marine port of Rufisque:

Location:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 14.7167° N, 17.2667° W.
• Proximity: Located very close to Dakar, thus benefiting from its proximity to the capital’s larger port facilities.

Port Description:

• Functionality: The port in Rufisque primarily handles regional fishing activities and smaller-scale commercial cargo. It also serves as a support and overflow location for the Port of Dakar.
• Type: Coastal port.

Infrastructure:

• Berthing Facilities: The port has limited berthing facilities compared to larger ports like Dakar. Suitable mainly for smaller fishing vessels and small to medium-sized cargo ships.
• Quays/Piers: Typically includes a few quays or piers designed to handle regional maritime traffic.
• Handling Equipment: Basic handling equipment for cargo such as cranes for loading and unloading goods, primarily suited for lower cargo volumes.
• Storage: Limited warehousing and open storage areas for goods and fishing catches.

Services:

• Cargo Handling: Basic services for loading and unloading cargo, typically involving manual labor augmented by small cranes and forklifts.
• Fishing Support: Essential services for the fishing fleet, including unloading, processing, and cold storage facilities for fish and seafood.
• Repair Facilities: Basic repair and maintenance facilities for local fishing boats and smaller commercial vessels.
• Customs and Inspection: Limited customs and inspection services; larger, more comprehensive services are available in Dakar.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Good road connections to Dakar and other parts of Senegal, facilitating the transport of goods to and from the port.
• Rail Access: Sparse rail connectivity, with reliance primarily on road transport.
• Proximity to Major Port: Very close to the Port of Dakar, one of West Africa's most significant maritime hubs, providing additional logistical support and overflow capacity.

Limitations:

• Capacity: Limited capacity for large-scale cargo handling and container storage. Primarily serves local and regional maritime needs.
• Draft and Depth: Shallower draft compared to major ports like Dakar, limiting its use to smaller vessels.

Strategic Importance:

• Local Economy: Plays a vital role in the local economy, particularly supporting the fishing industry and regional commerce.
• Support Role: Functions as an auxiliary port to Dakar, providing overflow and specialized services that complement the larger port’s operations.

In summary, the port of Rufisque is a smaller, regional port in Senegal that serves primarily local and regional needs, especially in the fishing industry. While it lacks the extensive infrastructure and capacity of Dakar, it provides crucial support to the local economy and serves as a complementary facility to Senegal’s main port.