SANTA CRUZ GRACIOSA

• Latitude: 39.0865
•
• Longitude: -28.0011
•
• UK Coast & Atlantic
•
• Port in Portugal

Address: Santa Cruz da Graciosa Azores 9880-353 Portugal

Santa Cruz Graciosa is a port located on the island of Graciosa, one of the islands in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. It plays a critical role in the local economy by facilitating maritime transportation, fisheries, and some level of tourism, particularly for visitors arriving by sea.

Description of Santa Cruz Graciosa Port

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 39.0500° N, -28.0000° W
   • Situated in the central group of the Azorean islands, which positions it as a strategic point for inter-island navigation within the archipelago.

2. Functionality:

   • Commercial Port: Handles the import and export of goods that are vital for the island's supply chain.
   • Fishing Port: Supports local fishing activities, which are a significant part of the island's traditional economy.
   • Tourism & Leisure: Accommodates small cruise ships, yachts, and recreational vessels.

3. Facilities:

   • Berthing: Provides berths for different types of vessels, including commercial ships, fishing boats, and recreational yachts.
   • Cargo Handling: Equipped with basic facilities for the handling and storage of goods, including warehouses and open storage areas.
   • Passenger Terminal: Services for ferry passengers, with amenities such as waiting areas, ticket offices, and potential provisions for customs and immigration.
   • Fishing Support: Infrastructure to support the local fishing fleet, such as fish markets, refrigeration facilities, and maintenance services.

Specifications of Santa Cruz Graciosa Port

1. Depth and Dimensions:

   • Harbor Depth: Varies, with some areas capable of accommodating vessels with a draft of up to 5-8 meters, but deeper drafts may be limited.
   • Approach Channel: Maintained to allow safe entry and exit for vessels corresponding to the harbor depth.
   • Berth Length: Includes several berths of varying lengths to handle ships of different sizes.

2. Navigational Aids:

   • Lighting and Markers: Equipped with navigational lights and markers to aid in the safe maneuvering of vessels entering and exiting the port.
   • Pilotage: Pilotage services may be available or required for larger vessels or those unfamiliar with the port’s conditions.

3. Operational Capacity:

   • Cargo Throughput: Handles a modest volume of cargo, tailored to the needs of the island, including fuel, foodstuffs, building materials, and other essential supplies.
   • Passenger Traffic: Supports inter-island passenger services, largely with ferries connecting to other islands within the Azores.

4. Maintenance and Emergency Services:

   • Ship Repair: Facilities for basic maintenance and emergency repairs of vessels.
   • Emergency Services: Equipped with emergency response capabilities including fire-fighting equipment and environmental protection measures such as oil spill containment and cleanup capabilities.

Connectivity:

• Inter-Island Ferry Service: Regular ferry services connect Graciosa to other Azorean islands, facilitating passenger and cargo transport.
• Local Transportation: Well integrated with local road networks, enabling efficient movement of goods and passengers to and from the port.

Environment & Regulations:

• Environmental Considerations: Adheres to environmental regulations to protect the marine ecosystem, including waste management and pollution prevention measures.
• Customs and Immigration: As part of Portugal and the EU, EU regulations regarding customs and immigration apply, with facilities to handle these formalities if required.

Santa Cruz Graciosa Port, though relatively small compared to major international ports, is vital for the sustenance and economic wellbeing of Graciosa Island, contributing significantly to both its commercial and social landscape.