TEXEL

• Latitude: 53.0239
•
• Longitude: 4.82081
•
• UK Coast & Atlantic
•
• Port in Netherlands

Address: Oudeschild North Holland 1792 AE Netherlands

Web-site: http://www.portoftexel.nl/

Texel Marine Port - Netherlands

Location:

• Port Name: Texel
• Country: Netherlands
• Island: Texel (situated in the Wadden Sea, part of the North Sea)
• Coordinates: Approximately 53.0534° N latitude and 4.8487° E longitude

General Description:
Texel is the largest and most populated island in the Frisian Islands (Wadden Islands), and it's known for its natural beauty and a wide range of maritime activities. The island hosts a typical Dutch infrastructure, with a balanced blend of commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities. The primary port on Texel is significant for local trade, fishing, tourism, and serves as a gateway to the Wadden Sea.

Port Specifications:

1. Accessibility:

   • Navigational Approach: Vessels approaching Texel must navigate through the Wadden Sea, which requires precise navigation due to shifting sandbanks and tidal changes. Channels are well-marked, but local nautical charts and pilotage services are recommended.
   • Tidal Information: The port experiences semidiurnal tides with significant variances, so mariners need to check tidal schedules for safe entry and departure.

2. Facilities and Services:

   • Berth Types: The port offers a variety of berthing options including commercial quays, fishing docks, and recreational marina spaces.
   • Cargo Handling: Facilities for handling general cargo, fishing hauls, and some bulk materials. The port is equipped for modest-scale commercial operations.
   • Marina: Equipped with spaces for recreational vessels including yachts and small boats. Services typically include refueling, repairs, and maintenance.
   • Ferry Services: Regular ferry connections to the mainland (Den Helder) and other nearby islands.

3. Port Infrastructure:

   • Depth: Varies by area; commercial berths typically accommodate shallow to moderate draft vessels.
   • Wharf Length: Adequate for the varying sizes of vessels that call at Texel, from small fishing boats to moderate-sized commercial ships.
   • Cranes and Loading Equipment: Limited; the port is not heavily industrialized, so crane capacities and other heavy cargo-handling equipment are modest.
   • Storage: Some open and covered storage areas for goods, though large-scale storage might necessitate arrangements with mainland facilities.

4. Safety and Security:

   • Navigation Aids: Well-marked channels, buoys, and lighthouses guiding safe entry into the port.
   • Port Security: Follows standard port security protocols with controlled access areas, surveillance, and cooperation with local and national maritime safety authorities.
   • Emergency Services: Coordinated with local emergency response teams, including coastal guard services for marine emergencies.

5. Environmental Considerations:

   • The location within the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, necessitates strong environmental regulations and protections.
   • Focus on sustainable fishing, pollution control, and conservation of marine biodiversity.

6. Economic Activity:

   • Primary Industries: Fishing, tourism, limited scale trade.
   • Tourism: Significant economic contributor with many visitors arriving by sea, either on ferries or recreational boats.

Conclusion

Texel Marine Port stands as a vital node of maritime activity for the region, balancing its role in commerce with strong environmental and touristic elements. Understanding the tidal nature, navigational requirements, and modest scale of industrial facilities is crucial for mariners and stakeholders engaging with this charming Dutch island port.