STAVOREN

• NLSTA
• Latitude: 52.8811
• Longitude: 5.36632
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in Netherlands

Location: Stavoren Friesland 8715 Netherlands

Web-site: https://www.watersportverbond.nl/locatie?id=511618

Stavoren, located in the Friesland province of the Netherlands, is a historic port town situated on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer, a large lake created by the damming of the Zuiderzee. While Stavoren is not a major commercial shipping hub like Rotterdam or Amsterdam, it is notable for its historical significance, marina facilities, and role in regional water transportation.

Port Description

• Location: Friesland province, northern Netherlands
• Coordinates: Approximately 52.8842° N latitude and 5.3642° E longitude
• Waterways: Situated on the IJsselmeer, connected to inland waterways like the Johan Frisokanaal

Port Facilities

• Marinas: Stavoren has several marina facilities catering primarily to recreational boating, yachting, and small craft.
  • Stavoren Marina (Marina Stavoren Buitenhaven): Offers berths for yachts and motorboats, and facilities include water and electricity hook-ups, fueling stations, maintenance services, and amenities such as showers, restrooms, and laundry.
  • Marina Stavoren Binnenhaven: An inner harbor marina with similar facilities, providing a more sheltered environment for boats.
• Fishing: Historically significant as a fishing port, though commercial fishing activities have decreased over the years.
• Passenger Services: Seasonal ferry services operate between Stavoren and Enkhuizen on the western shore of the IJsselmeer, catering to tourists and cyclists.

Infrastructure and Access

• Road Access: Well-connected by road with highways and secondary roads linking it to other towns and cities in Friesland.
• Rail Access: Limited rail services are available, primarily serving local and regional passengers.
• Air Access: The closest major airports are Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam and Groningen Airport Eelde, both providing international and domestic connections.

Key Features and Specifications

• Depth: Varies, with marina depths typically ranging from 2 to 5 meters, accommodating small to medium-sized recreational vessels.
• Navigation: Night navigation is supported, though primarily utilized during the boating season.
• Tide and Weather: The IJsselmeer is a non-tidal inland lake; weather conditions can vary but are generally mild, with occasional strong winds influencing navigation.

Economic and Recreational Importance

• Tourism: Stavoren is a key destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering activities like sailing, windsurfing, and fishing.
• Cultural Heritage: The town is rich in maritime history and is part of the larger Frisian cultural landscape. Landmarks include historical structures, museums, and the famous Lady of Stavoren statue.
• Local Economy: While historically dependent on fishing, the local economy now benefits significantly from tourism, particularly water-based tourism.

Environmental Considerations

• Conservation: Efforts are in place to protect the aquatic environment of the IJsselmeer and surrounding natural habitats.
• Sustainability: Marinas and local authorities encourage sustainable boating practices to minimize environmental impact.

Future Developments

• Upgrades: Periodic upgrades to marina facilities are undertaken to improve services and accommodate increasing tourism.
• Connectivity: Potential enhancement of transportation links to better integrate Stavoren with regional and national networks.

In summary, while Stavoren may not be a large commercial port, it plays an essential role in regional water transportation and tourism, boasting a well-developed marina catering to recreational boating and adding to the rich maritime heritage of the Netherlands.