VICTORIA

• CAVIC
• Latitude: 48.425
• Longitude: -123.382
• West Coast Canada
• Port in Canada

Location: Victoria BC V8V 1W9 Canada

Phone number: +1-250-953-2033

Web-site: http://www.victoriaport.com/

Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada, features a significant marine port that caters to diverse maritime needs. The Port of Victoria includes various facilities within the Greater Victoria Harbour, which is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Here’s a comprehensive description and specification of the port:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 48°25′N 123°22′W
• Proximity: Situated on the southern part of Vancouver Island, toward the Juan de Fuca Strait.

Port Facilities:

1. Ogden Point Terminal:

   • Function: Primarily serves as a cruise ship terminal.
   • Berths: Two deep-water berths capable of handling large cruise ships.
   • Services: Customs and immigration, passenger services, waste disposal, and provisioning.
   • Infrastructure: Modern facilities for passenger comfort and efficient processing.

2. Victoria Harbour:

   • Function: Mixed-use facility including commercial, recreational, and floatplane operations.
   • Inner Harbour: Hosts smaller commercial vessels, floatplanes, and recreational boats.
   • Wharves and Docks: Numerous public and private docks for various types of maritime traffic.
   • Maritime Services: Maintenance, repair, fueling, and provisioning services available.

3. Ferry Terminals:

   • Swartz Bay Terminal: Located about 32 km north of Victoria, it’s the primary ferry terminal connecting Victoria to the mainland (Tsawwassen Terminal near Vancouver).

Specifications:

1. Depth and Accessibility:

   • Channel Depth: Adequate depth for large cruise ships at Ogden Point.
   • Dredged Area: Regular maintenance to ensure safe navigation.

2. Navigation Aids:

   • Beacon and Buoys: Strategically placed to guide vessels safely into the harbour.
   • Pilotage: Available and often mandatory for larger vessels to ensure safe navigation within the busy waterway.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Facilities: Limited cargo operations focusing mainly on specialized and breakbulk cargo.
   • Equipment: Cranes and handling equipment for efficient loading and unloading.

4. Maritime Security:

   • Port Security: International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliance.
   • Patrols and Surveillance: Regularly conducted to ensure safety and security of port operations.

5. Environmental Considerations:

   • Waste Management: Systems in place for proper handling and disposal of ship-generated waste.
   • Sustainability Initiatives: Efforts to minimize environmental impact, including green technologies and practices.

Connectivity:

1. Road Access:

   • Well-connected to major highways and local roads for efficient transportation of goods and passengers.

2. Rail Access:

   • Limited directly within the city but extensive rail infrastructure available on the mainland (Vancouver).

3. Air Access:

   • Victoria International Airport (YYJ): Approximately 30 km north of the city, providing connections to major cities.
   • Floatplanes: Regular floatplane services to and from downtown Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

4. Public Transport:

   • Good network of local buses and taxi services to facilitate easy movement within and outside the city.

Economic Impact:

• Tourism: Significant economic activity driven by cruise ship passengers and tourism.
• Local Economy: Support for fishing industry, marine services, and recreational boating.

Future Developments:

• Initiatives may include infrastructural upgrades, expansion of facilities, incorporation of more sustainable practices, and enhancement of passenger amenities.

The Port of Victoria is a vital maritime hub that supports both commercial and recreational activities, contributing significantly to the region’s economy and connectivity.