VAREL

• DEVAR
• Latitude: 53.4075
• Longitude: 8.18472
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in Germany

Location: Germany

Marine Port Description: Varel, Germany

The Port of Varel is a small but significant port located on the Jade Bight in the town of Varel, in Lower Saxony, Germany. This port serves as a crucial point for local maritime activities, including the fishing industry, recreational boating, and limited commercial shipping. The port is well-known for its picturesque setting and proximity to the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

General Information:

• Location: Varel, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Coordinates: Approximately 53.3861° N latitude and 8.139° E longitude
• UN/LOCODE: DEVAE

Port Specifications:

1. Port Type:

   • Small Maritime Port

2. Facilities:

   • Quays & Berths: The port is equipped with a few quays and berths suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. Facilities are tailored mainly to fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and occasional commercial ships.
   • Mooring Points: Available for a variety of smaller vessels.
   • Storage Facilities: Limited storage facilities are available, primarily for fishing gear and small cargo operations.
   • Boat Repair Services: Basic repair and maintenance services can be accessed locally.

3. Traffic:

   • Commercial Traffic: Limited, focused largely on regional trade, fisheries, and seasonal tourism.
   • Fishing Fleet: The port hosts a small yet active fishing fleet.
   • Recreational Vessels: Popular among recreational sailors and yachtsmen, especially in the warmer months.

4. Depth:

   • Harbor Depth: Typically around 3 to 5 meters, adequate for small to moderately sized vessels.
   • Channel Depth: May vary, ensuring safe passage for vessels designed for shallow waters.
   • Tidal Range: The Jade Bight experiences mild to moderate tidal fluctuations.

5. Navigation:

   • Navigational Aids: The port and surrounding waters are well-marked with appropriate buoys and lights to guide vessels safely.
   • Pilotage: Not generally required for small vessels, but local pilot services can be arranged.

6. Connection & Accessibility:

   • Road Connections: The port is well-connected via local road networks to Varel and other neighboring towns.
   • Rail Access: Varel has a railway station, providing good connectivity to the broader German rail network.
   • Airports: The nearest major airport is Bremen Airport, approximately 73 km to the southwest.

7. Services:

   • Customs & Immigration: Services are typically available for the port's limited international traffic.
   • Fueling Stations: Fuel services for small vessels and fishing boats are accessible.
   • Chandlery: Local shops provide essential marine supplies and equipment.

8. Development & Conservation:

   • Environmental Protection: Being close to ecologically sensitive areas, the port adheres to strict environmental guidelines to preserve the Wadden Sea's unique ecosystem.
   • Expansion Projects: Any potential development is carefully managed to balance economic benefits with environmental conservation.

Nearby Attractions:

• Wadden Sea National Park: Offers unique opportunities to explore the intertidal zones and wildlife.
• Varel Town Center: Rich in local culture and history, with cafes, shops, and historical sites.
• Maritime Museum: Showcases regional maritime heritage.

The Port of Varel, while small in scale, plays a vital role in the local economy and culture, serving as a hub for fishing, leisure, and limited commercial activities within the picturesque and environmentally significant region of Lower Saxony.