VOPNAFJORDUR

• ISVPN
• Latitude: 65.746
• Longitude: -14.7796
• North Atlantic
• Port in Iceland

Location: Iceland

Vopnafjörður Marine Port - Iceland

General Information

Name: Vopnafjörður Port
Location: Northeastern Iceland
Coordinates: 65° 45' N, 14° 49' W

Port Description

• Vopnafjörður is primarily a fishing port situated in a fjord with the same name. It serves as a vital harbor for the local fisheries and has been an important center for Iceland's seafood industry.
• The port is located in a sheltered fjord, providing excellent natural protection from rough seas and adverse weather conditions common in the North Atlantic.

Infrastructure and Facilities

• Berths: The port includes several berths designed for fishing vessels and smaller commercial ships.
• Depth: The water depth at the port varies, with the maximum alongside depth reaching approximately 7 to 8 meters.
• Storage: There are facilities for freezing and processing fish, including cold storage warehouses.
• Cargo Handling: Primarily handles seafood, particularly fish and fish products. The port features machinery and equipment necessary for loading and unloading these goods efficiently.

Navigational Aids

• Lighthouse: There is a lighthouse providing essential navigation aid for vessels approaching the fjord.
• Buoys and Markers: The port is well-marked with buoys and navigational aids to assist in safe entry and docking.

Accessibility

• Road Access: Connected by local roads to the town of Vopnafjörður, offering access to the ring road (Route 1) which encircles Iceland.
• Air Access: A small airport, Vopnafjörður Airport (VPN), is located nearby, providing regional flights mainly within Iceland.

Services

• Harbor Services: Tug services, pilotage, and mooring assistance are available.
• Ship Repair: Basic repair and maintenance services are available, though more comprehensive repairs would likely need to be conducted at larger shipyards elsewhere in Iceland.

Customs and Regulations

• As with all Icelandic ports, Vopnafjörður operates under the legal and regulatory framework of Icelandic and international maritime laws, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Economic and Community Impact

• The port significantly contributes to the local economy by supporting the fishing industry, which is a major source of employment and revenue.
• It also supports other community activities, including tourism, particularly during the summer months when the fjord area attracts visitors for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Strategic Importance

• Vopnafjörður plays a key role in Iceland's maritime network, especially for the fisheries sector, contributing to both local sustenance and export activities.

Overall, Vopnafjörður Port is a critical hub for northeastern Iceland’s maritime and fishing industries, equipped with essential facilities and infrastructure to support its operations.