WOTJE ISLAND
- Latitude: 9.45871 •
- Longitude: 170.233 •
- North Pacific •
- Port in Marshall Islands
Address: Wotje Island Marshall Islands
Wotje Island Marine Port - Marshall Islands
General Overview:
- Location: Wotje Island, situated in the Marshall Islands
- Coordinates: Approximately 09°21'N latitude and 170°13'E longitude in the Pacific Ocean
- Function: Primarily a small-scale commercial and maritime facility catering to local and inter-island transportation needs
Port Specifications:
Harbor Characteristics:
- Type: Natural harbor, sheltered by surrounding coral reefs
- Navigation: Entry through channel between reefs, requiring careful maneuvering due to shallow waters and coral presence
- Depth: Limited depth; suitable mainly for small to medium-sized vessels
- Channel Depth: Approximately 3-5 meters (varies with tides)
- Anchorage Depth: Approximately 5-10 meters
- Cargo Handling Depth: Generally 2-4 meters at piers
Facilities:
- Berthing Options:
- Limited wharf facilities suitable for small cargo and fishing vessels
- Several mooring buoys
- Docking Equipment:
- Basic manual and small mechanical handling gear for cargo
- Storage:
- Minimal warehousing options
- Open storage areas for short-term use
Services:
- Utilities:
- Limited supply of water and electricity; predominantly supported by local generators and rainwater catchment systems
- Fueling:
- Basic provisions for refueling small vessels
- Communications:
- Limited telecommunications infrastructure
- Customs & Immigration:
- Basic services for customs and immigration, due to low volume of international traffic
Accessibility:
- Air Transport:
- Nearest airstrip is located on Wotje Island, primarily for domestic flights
- Land Transport:
- Only basic road network on the island, suitable mostly for light vehicles and foot traffic
Operational Considerations:
- Weather:
- Tropical climate; potential for cyclones, especially from June to December
- Navigational challenges due to variable weather conditions, especially during high winds and storms
- Safety:
- Presence of coral reefs necessitates careful navigation
- Limited emergency response capabilities
Marine and Environmental Concerns:
- Ecology:
- Coral reef ecosystems requiring environmental protection measures
- Fishing activities and small-scale aquaculture prevalent
- Pollution Control:
- Basic waste management procedures
- Emphasis on minimized impact due to the fragile local ecosystem
Economic and Strategic Significance:
- Local Economy:
- Supports local fishing and inter-island trade
- Serves as a logistical hub for nearby smaller atolls
- Strategic Importance:
- Part of the Marshall Islands chain, strategically located in the central Pacific Ocean
Conclusion:
The Wotje Island port is a small but vital link for the Marshall Islands, supporting local subsistence and economic activity. Its operational scope is limited by natural and infrastructural constraints, requiring careful navigational and logistical planning.