SOUDA

• Latitude: 35.4906
•
• Longitude: 24.0748
•
• East Mediterranean
•
• Port in Greece

Address: Chania Crete 73200 Greece

Phone number: +30 2821 040458

Web-site: http://www.chania-port.gr/

Souda Port, Greece: Description and Specifications

General Information:

• Location: Souda Bay, northwest coast of the island of Crete, near the city of Chania.
• Coordinates: 35.5144° N, 24.0599° E
• Type: Natural deep-water bay, significant for both commercial and military purposes.
• Management: Port Authority of Chania, supplemented by Greek Navy and NATO for military operations.

Harbor Specifications:

• Depth:
  • Entrance Channel: Approximately 30 meters (98 feet)
  • Harbor Area: Varies between 7-30 meters (23-98 feet) depending on location
• Tidal Range: Generally negligible, less than 0.5 meters (1.6 feet)

Facilities and Services:

1. Commercial Port Facilities:

   • Terminals: Primarily designed for handling bulk carriers, container ships, and ferries.
   • Cargo: General cargo, containers, and bulk products.
   • Passenger Services: Regular ferry connections to mainland Greece and neighboring islands, as well as cruise ship docking facilities.

2. Military Use:

   • The Souda Bay Naval Base accommodates both Greek and NATO vessels.
   • Home to repair and maintenance facilities, fueling stations, and logistical support.

3. Berthing Facilities:

   • Multiple quays with a total length of several thousand meters to accommodate various vessel sizes.
   • Maximum vessel size: Can accommodate large cruise ships, warships, and bulk carriers.
   • Provides services for mooring, unmooring, water supply, and waste reception.

4. Ship Repair and Maintenance:

   • Dry docks available for vessel maintenance and repair.
   • Shipyards providing services such as painting, welding, and electrical repairs.

Support Services:

• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels; licensed pilot services available.
• Towing: Tugboat services available for assisting mooring and unmooring operations and emergency responses.
• Bunkering: Fuel bunkering stations available for ships.
• Provisions and Supplies: Various provisions and supply services, including food, water, and ship stores.

Security and Customs:

• Port Security: High level of security maintained due to dual-use nature of port; both Greek port police and NATO forces are present.
• Customs Services: Standard customs and immigration services for entry and exit, in compliance with EU regulations.

Navigation:

• Navigational Aids: Lighthouses and navigational beacons located at strategic points to aid navigation.
• Charts and Guides: Up-to-date nautical charts and sailing directions are available from Greek maritime authorities.

Environmental Considerations:

• Waste Management: Facilities for the reception and treatment of ship-generated waste and ballast water.
• Pollution Control: Strict adherence to MARPOL regulations for preventing marine pollution.

Local Economy Impact:

• The port of Souda plays a vital role in the local economy, contributing significantly through tourism (via cruise and ferry services), commercial shipping, and military presence.

Future Developments:

• Plans for expansion and modernization to accommodate increasing commercial traffic and enhanced military logistics.

Contact Information:

• Port Authority of Chania
  • Address: Akti Enoseos 1, Chania, Crete, Greece
  • Website: Chania Port Authority (subject to change)
  • Telephone: +30 28210 89240

ports may evolve rapidly with ongoing capital expenditures, changes in shipping trends, and global port policies. For the latest information, always check directly with the port authorities.