ST MARGARET'S HOPE

• GBSGP
• Latitude: 58.8318
• Longitude: -2.96122
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: UK

Marine Port Description and Specification: ST MARGARET'S HOPE, UK

Overview: St Margaret's Hope is a small but significant harbor located in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK. Positioned within a picturesque bay on the southern coast of South Ronaldsay, the port mainly serves local fishing, ferry services, and small commercial activities.

Location:

• Latitude: 58°49'N
• Longitude: 02°57'W
• Coordinates: 58.8167°N, 2.9500°W

Harbor Specifications:

• Type of Port: Natural Harbour with supplementary man-made improvements.
• Size: Small to Medium
• Draft depth:
  • Channel depth: Approximately 3-5 meters (varies with tides)
  • Cargo pier depth: 3-5 meters
  • Anchor Depth: Varies, typically around 10 meters at the entrance

Facilities and Infrastructure:

• Berths: Several berths available for different vessel sizes, inclusive of small ferries and fishing boats.
• Cargo Handling: Capability to handle small amounts of general cargo. Usually operates with lightering for cargo.
• Ferry Terminal: Provides essential connectivity via ferry services primarily to Gills Bay on the Scottish mainland.
• Fishing Pier: Active fishing fleet, handling locally-caught seafood.
• Boat Repair: Basic maintenance facilities for local fishing fleet and small vessels.

Navigation and Access:

• Approach: The harbor is approached through a well-marked channel. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully in poor weather conditions as the harbor entrance can sometimes be challenging.
• Tidal Range: Moderate tidal activity. Local knowledge is valuable for navigation as tides can vary markedly.
• Pilotage: Usually not required for skilled mariners, but local knowledge is recommended.
• Anchorage: Available in the bay outside the main harbor area; well-protected from most weather conditions.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Weather Conditions: Generally temperate maritime climate, but subject to sudden changes and high winds. Monitoring local forecasts is essential.
• Emergency Services: Basic port safety and emergency services are available along with Orkney Islands' emergency response resources.

Port Services:

• Fueling: Limited capacity, primarily for local fishing and ferry services.
• Supply and Provisions: Basic provisioning available; more extensive procurement would require transport to the mainland.
• Waste Disposal: Facilities available for general waste. Regulations conform to environmental standards.

Contact Information:

• Harbour Master: [Local Contact]
• Port Authority: Orkney Islands Council
• VHF Communications: Monitored on standard maritime channels (VHF Channel 12).

Economic and Community Importance: St Margaret's Hope functions as a crucial link for the community’s connectivity to the mainland and supports the local economy through fishing and small-scale commercial activities. It contributes to the tourism industry, with visitors often arriving by ferry to explore the Orkney Islands.

Future Developments: Possible plans for further development of port facilities to enhance cargo handling capabilities and improve transport infrastructure are considered periodically, subject to environmental and community considerations.

Please contact local port authorities for the most current and detailed information regarding navigational updates, docking procedures, and port services.