TOURNAI (DOORNIK)

  • BETRN
  • Latitude: 50.6
  • Longitude: 3.38333
  • Inland, Europe
  • Port in Belgium

Location: Tournai 7500 Belgium

Phone number: +32 69 23 42 11

Web-site: http://www.porttournai.be

Tournai (also known as Doornik in Dutch) is a historic city located in the Wallonia region of Belgium. While Tournai itself is not traditionally known as a major marine port compared to coastal cities, it does have a navigable connection to some of the important waterways in Belgium. Given its inland location, the city's primary waterway is the Scheldt River (Escaut in French), which is a significant river running through northern France and western Belgium.

Here’s a more detailed overview of the port and its specifications:

Description:

  • Location: Tournai (Doornik) is situated in the southwestern part of Belgium, Wallonia region. The city lies on the Scheldt River, approximately 85 km west of Brussels.
  • Coordination: Roughly around latitude 50.608 and longitude 3.388.

Specifications:

  1. Waterway Connections:

    • Scheldt River: The river is crucial for Tournai's connection to other regions, ultimately connecting to the North Sea. It is navigable for commercial shipping.
    • Canal connections: Tournai is also connected via several intra-country canals which further link it to major industrial and commercial hubs in Belgium and beyond.
  2. Port Infrastructure:

    • Berths and Quays: While specific details may vary, the port facilities in Tournai cater primarily to river cargo vessels and barges. The infrastructure may include a limited number of berthing spaces suitable for various types of riverine cargo ships.
    • Warehousing and Storage: Facilities for storage and warehousing along the river are available to handle goods transshipment activities typical for a river port.
  3. Cargo and Commodities:

    • Types of Cargo: The port primarily handles bulk goods, construction materials, agricultural products, raw materials, and other general goods suitable for transport via river barges.
    • River Freight: Specific information about tonnage and types of handled cargo may be less detailed given the smaller scale of operations compared to major seaports.
  4. Transport and Accessibility:

    • Road Connections: Tournai is well-connected by roadways, providing easy access to road transport logistics, facilitating seamless inland distribution and receipt of cargo.
    • Rail Connections: Adequate rail connections complement the port services, offering further integration into the national and trans-European rail network.
  5. Supporting Services:

    • Pilotage and Towage: Given the riverine nature of the port, these services are typically conducted by skilled professionals experienced with inland navigation.
    • Repair and Maintenance: Basic services for vessel maintenance are available locally or in nearby larger facilities.
  6. Customs and Clearance:

    • Custom Services: Being part of an EU country, the port would have necessary customs and border control facilities in place to handle international cargo with compliance to EU regulations.

Considerations:

  • River Depth and Navigation: River depth can vary and typically supports shallow-draft vessels suitable for river navigation. Be alert to seasonal variations, water levels, and maintenance schedules for locks and bridges.
  • Economic Activity: Tournai's economic activity is diversified with significant influence from manufacturing and trade sectors given its strategic location in the heart of Europe.

For specific technical details, especially for arranging specific cargo or vessel requirements, directly contacting local port authorities or shipping agencies in Tournai would provide the most accurate and updated information.

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