The shipping platform

Location: Porto Empedocle is situated 45nm from Gela, in S Sicily. General overview: The port is formed by two breakwaters, inside of which a small craft pier divides the harbour into two basins: banchina Sciangula and banchina Todaro. Banchina Sciangula: The berth at the root of the wharf is reserved to the ferry which runs daily to Pelagie Islands. The remaining part of the wharf is used for berthing tugboats, pontoons , small crafts, etc. Occasionally, it is also used for loading or discharging cargo from small ships whose draft is less than 6 meters. The wharf has been recently paved in all its length: 500 meters. Banchina Todaro: Segments T1 and T2 , about 300 meters , are used for berthing both commercial and cruise vessels. Segment T3 is reserved for vessels loading bulk salt. The maximum allowed draft for the whole length of the wharf , 500 meters , is 7,60 meters salt water. Subject to the ship’s deadweight and nature of the cargo, the max. allowed draft may be restricted to 7,00 meters, for safety reasons. The only existing infrastructure on the wharf apron is a warehouse on segment T3 for exclusive use of salt loading premises. The rest of the area is well adaptable for temporary storage of cargo . The wharf has been recently paved in all its length: 500 meters. The port entrance is open to southeast and is protected by banchina Todaro which runs east to west and by the breakwater , namely, Molo di Ponente which runs north to south. The breakwater also serves as berth for tankers discharging fuel oil for the local power station. Max. allowed draft is 6,00 meters. The port has facilities for general cargo and bulk, including minerals, fertilisers, ammonia, Ro-Ro and passenger ferries. The main imports include cement, sand, steel pipes, wines, OCD. The main esports include mineral salt, cement, pet-coke. Load line zone: Summer. Max size: LOA 180m, draught 7.65m.