TARANTO ANCH

• Latitude: 40.4505
• Longitude: 17.2025
• East Mediterranean
• Anchorage in Italy

Location: Italy

Marine Port Description and Specification: Taranto Anchor (TARANTO ANCH), Italy

Location: Taranto is a significant port located on the southeastern coast of Italy in the region of Apulia (Puglia). It lies along the Ionian Sea, in the Gulf of Taranto, and is approximately midway between the heel and the toe of Italy's "boot." The port serves as a major hub for maritime traffic in the Mediterranean basin.

Coordinates: Latitude: 40.4691° N Longitude: 17.2551° E

Port Infrastructure:

1. Berths and Terminals:

• Commercial Port Facilities: The port of Taranto has multiple berths designed to handle various types of cargo including containers, bulk commodities, and general cargo. It features specialized terminals for different categories such as Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) facilities, container handling, and bulk cargo terminals.
• Container Terminal: Equipped with cranes and other container handling equipment, supporting efficient loading and unloading.
• Bulk Terminals: These include terminals for handling liquid bulk (such as petroleum and chemicals) and dry bulk cargoes (such as coal, grain, and minerals).

2. Anchorage:

• Taranto Anchorage (TARANTO ANCH): The anchorage area in Taranto is well-defined and safe, providing ample space for vessels to anchor while waiting for berthing instructions. The anchorage area coordinates are centered on the above-mentioned latitude and longitude.

3. Depth and Draught:

• Water Depth: The port offers sufficient water depth to accommodate large vessels, with anchorage depth typically ranging from 15 meters to 21 meters. The berths are dredged to various depths depending on the type of cargo and terminal requirements.
• Maximum Vessel Size: The port can handle vessels of various sizes, including Panamax and Post-Panamax container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers.

4. Navigational Aids and Safety:

• Piloting Services: Pilotage is generally compulsory for all vessels entering the port area. Professional and experienced pilots assist in maneuvering vessels safely to their designated berths.
• Tug Services: Tugboats are readily available to assist with berthing and unberthing operations, enhancing the safety of port operations.
• Vessel Traffic Services (VTS): The port is equipped with a maritime traffic control system to monitor and manage vessel movements within the port's jurisdiction, ensuring navigational safety.

5. Supporting Facilities:

• Warehousing and Storage: The port of Taranto has extensive warehousing facilities for the storage of various cargoes, including refrigerated storage for perishables.
• Repair and Maintenance: There are ship repair and maintenance services available, including dry dock facilities for vessels requiring major repairs.
• Bunkering: Bunkering services are available for refueling vessels within the port area.

6. Connectivity:

• Rail and Road Links: The port of Taranto is well-connected by rail and road networks, facilitating efficient inland transportation of goods. Rail connections link the port to major industrial and commercial centers in Italy and Europe.
• Proximity to Airports: The nearest major airport is Brindisi Airport, about 70 kilometers from the port, providing convenient access for crew changes and other logistical needs.

7. Port Services:

• Customs and Clearance: Efficient customs services ensure smooth clearance of cargo, with facilities for on-site inspections and documentation.
• Port Security: Security measures comply with international standards, including ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) code compliance, ensuring the safety of port operations.

8. Environmental Considerations:

• The port adheres to environmental regulations aimed at minimizing pollution and promoting sustainable maritime operations. Waste disposal, ballast water management, and air quality monitoring are part of the port's environmental stewardship programs.

In summary, Taranto ANCH in Italy is a strategically located port with robust facilities and services to handle a diverse range of maritime activities. Its infrastructure supports efficient cargo handling, safety, and connectivity, making it a pivotal maritime hub in the Mediterranean region.