SUNTAR

• Latitude: 62.14838
• Longitude: 117.6433
• CIS Pacific
• Port in Russia

Location: Russia

Port: Suntar

Location: Suntar is a river port located in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia. Lying on the banks of the Vilyuy River, Suntar serves as a key logistical node for the region.

Geographical Co-ordinates: Latitude: 62.1600° N Longitude: 117.6500° E

Function: The port primarily functions as a regional hub facilitating the transportation of goods and passengers along the Vilyuy River.

Specifications:

1. Type of Port: River Port

2. Operational Authority: Managed by local port authorities under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

3. Connectivity:

   • Waterway: Vilyuy River, which connects to the larger Lena River system.
   • Road: Limited road access due to the remote and rugged terrain. Transport may be primarily seasonal depending on river conditions.

4. Primary Activities:

   • Cargo Handling: The port handles general cargo, including construction materials, fuel, supplies for local communities, and industrial goods.
   • Passenger Services: Act as a transportation point for local passengers traveling between different settlements along the river.

5. Infrastructure:

   • Wharfs/Piers: Basic infrastructure to facilitate the docking of riverboats, barges, and smaller vessels.
   • Storage Facilities: Limited warehousing and open storage areas for cargo waiting for further transport.
   • Loading/Unloading Equipment: Availability of cranes and other basic machinery for cargo handling.

6. Capacity: Generally modest, reflecting the local and regional nature of the port's operations. Specific details on annual throughput may vary based on seasonal river conditions and regional demands.

7. Seasonality/Operations Period:

   • Operations are heavily influenced by the climatic conditions of the region. The Vilyuy River is typically navigable from May to October, with the peak navigation period during the summer months when the river is free of ice.
   • During the winter months, the port is closed due to the river freezing over, and logistics are shifted to winter roads and ice crossings.

8. Economic and Strategic Significance:

   • Critical for supplying remote communities in the region.
   • Supports local industries, including mining and construction.
   • Provides access to the broader Lena River transport network, connecting to larger ports like Yakutsk.

Challenges:

1. Climate: Harsh weather conditions and long winters affect the navigability and operation of the port.
2. Accessibility: Remote location with limited infrastructure presents logistical challenges.
3. Modernization Needs: Infrastructure may require upgrades to handle increased cargo volumes or improve efficiency.

Conclusion: Suntar port is a crucial infrastructural element for the Republic of Sakha, supporting both local industries and communities. Its operations are predominantly seasonal, aligning with the navigability of the Vilyuy River. Despite its modest capacity, Suntar plays an essential role in the regional supply chain, particularly in summer when river transport peaks.