SAINT PIERRE

• MQSPI
• Latitude: 14.7452
• Longitude: -61.1772
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in Martinique

Location: Saint Pierre Martinique Martinique

Phone number: +596 596 78 34 56

Web-site: http://www.martiniqueport.com

Saint Pierre is a historic town located on the northwestern coast of Martinique, an island in the Caribbean Sea. The port of Saint Pierre has a rich history, once being the cultural and economic hub of Martinique before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Pelée in 1902. Although Fort-de-France is now the primary administrative and commercial center of the island, Saint Pierre remains an important maritime location due to its historical significance and strategic position.

Port Specifications and Facilities:

1. Geographical Position:

   • Latitude: Approximately 14.7400° N
   • Longitude: Approximately 61.1811° W

2. Harbor Type:

   • The harbor is generally considered a small, natural/deep water port.

3. Berthing Facilities:

   • The port has limited berthing facilities, mainly catering to smaller vessels, yachts, and local fishing boats.
   • It is not typically designed to handle large commercial container ships or heavy cargo vessels.

4. Channel and Depths:

   • Approach Channel: Sufficient depth to accommodate smaller maritime traffic.
   • Berth Depth: Approximately 7-9 meters.
   • General Anchorage Depth: Often deeper, around 10-12 meters.

5. Navigational Aids:

   • A variety of navigational aids including buoys, lights, and markers to assist in safe navigation into and out of the port.

6. Cargo Handling:

   • Limited facilities; mostly focused on small-scale local trade.
   • Equipment is oriented towards lighter cargoes rather than bulk or container processing.

7. Passenger Services:

   • The port accommodates small cruise ships and ferry services, contributing to local tourism.
   • Facilities for leisure activities such as sightseeing ferries and private yacht moorings.

8. Additional Services:

   • Basic repair and maintenance services for small vessels.
   • Fueling stations for boats.
   • Waste disposal and minor provisioning for maritime needs.

9. Security:

   • Standard maritime port security measures are in place, though security services might be less extensive than larger ports.

10. Customs and Immigration:

    • Facilities and personnel for handling customs and immigration for incoming yachts and small ships.

11. Connectivity:

    • The port is connected to local roads facilitating access to nearby towns and Fort-de-France.
    • Limited warehousing facilities are available for small-scale cargo handling.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

Saint Pierre holds significant historical value being dubbed "The Paris of the Caribbean" before the 1902 disaster. Its ruins provide a unique cultural attraction which draws tourists, thereby boosting the local port economy through tourism-related businesses.

Environmental Considerations:

• Given its proximity to Mount Pelée, environmental concerns include volcanic activity and associated hazards.
• Being a smaller port, environmental regulations are simpler but effective in protecting the marine area.

Conclusion:

While not one of the primary ports of Martinique for large-scale commercial activity, Saint Pierre remains an essential part of the island’s maritime infrastructure, particularly for tourism, local fisheries, and small-scale import/export activities. Its historical background and scenic surroundings also contribute significantly to its identity and continuing allure.