SAIPAN

  • Latitude: 15.225
  • Longitude: 145.738
  • North Pacific
  • Port in Northern Mariana Islands

Address: Saipan Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan Port Overview

The port of Saipan, situated in the Northern Mariana Islands, serves as a key maritime gateway for the Western Pacific region. It is the largest port in the Northern Mariana Islands and is managed by the Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA). The port infrastructure supports both commercial and military activities, handling a variety of cargo, including containerized goods, bulk commodities, and general merchandise.

Location

  • Coordinates: Latitude 15.2125° N, Longitude 145.7548° E
  • Time Zone: UTC +10

Key Features and Facilities

1. Harbor and Terminals

  • Saipan Harbor is divided into several terminals:
    • Commercial Port: Main hub for handling container and bulk cargo.
    • Charlie Dock: Accommodates larger vessels including container ships.
    • Delta Dock: Primarily for loading/unloading bulk materials.
    • Echo Dock: Used for a mix of commercial cargo and small ship repair.

2. Berthing and Depth

  • Berths: Multiple berths with varying capabilities.
    • Container Berth: Approx. 350 meters in length with a depth of around 11 meters.
    • Bulk and General Cargo Berths: Various lengths and depths catering to different ship sizes.

3. Equipment and Handling

  • Container Cranes
  • Mobile Cranes
  • Forklifts
  • Container Handling Equipment
  • Conveyor systems for bulk goods

4. Storage and Warehousing

  • Open Storage Yards: Designated areas for container stacking.
  • Covered Warehouses: For goods that require protection from the elements.
  • Cold Storage Facilities: Available for perishable items.

Services Offered

1. Cargo Handling

  • Stevedoring: Comprehensive stevedoring services are available to efficiently load and unload cargo.
  • Customs Clearance: On-site customs services streamline the import/export process.
  • Freight Forwarding: Several agencies offer logistics and forwarding services.

2. Maritime Services

  • Ship Repair: Minor repairs can be undertaken at designated docks.
  • Bunker Services: Fueling services available for visiting vessels.
  • Water Supply: Freshwater available for resupplying ships.

3. Logistics Support

  • Container Freight Station (CFS)
  • Consolidation and De-consolidation: For efficient handling of LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.
  • Trucking and Inland Transport: Connection to local and regional distribution networks.

Regulatory and Safety Information

  • ISPS Compliance: The port adheres to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) ensuring high security standards.
  • Pilotage: Mandatory for vessels over a certain size; pilot services are available.
  • Tug Assistance: Available for maneuvering large vessels into the port.

Connectivity

  • Air-Sea Connection: Close proximity to Saipan International Airport (SPN), facilitating air-sea transshipment.
  • Road Network: Well-developed internal road network connects the port to various parts of the island.

Development and Future Plans

  • Expansion Projects: Plans for enhancing port capacity and facilities to accommodate growing maritime traffic and larger vessels.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Investment in green technologies and sustainability programs to minimize environmental impact.

Summary

Saipan Port is a vital maritime facility in the Northern Mariana Islands, offering comprehensive port services, modern infrastructure, and strategic connectivity to support regional and international trade. With continual development and adherence to global standards, it plays a crucial role in the economic growth of the region.

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