The shipping platform

Location: Ponta Delgada situated on the southern coast of Sao Miguel Island is the principal port and the capital of Azores. General overview: The port is divided into 3 zones: The Artificial Harbour. Outer Commercial Anchorage to the E of the harbour entrance. Free Anchorage area to the S of the artificial harbour. There is a new cruise jetty, Gateway of the Seas, with a passenger terminal and other facilities. The main imports include fuel, gas oil, gasoline, butane, molasses, maize, wheat, other cereals, flour of oil seeds and oligeaginous fruits, manufactured fertilisers, animal feed stuff, clinker and manufactured goods. The main exports include: Wood, dairy products, manufactured goods, etc. Cruise ships dock in two distinct areas, both close to the historical downtown of Ponta Delgada. The Terminal Maritimo has a long pier for two large ships and is around 200 m from the main avenue of the historical city. The breakwater pier is 0.85 miles long. It is used primarily by cargo ships and occasionally by cruise ships. The port berth is divided into four parts: the East Wharf is 567 meters long, the Central Wharf is 192 meters long and the West Wharf is 396 meters long. Ships with dangerous goods, draught of more than 11 meters, oil leakage and pollution, maneuvering failure and sinking risk are not allowed to enter the inner port. It is not allowed to discharge any oil, garbage and waste from the ship into the waters of the port area. Traffic figures: Approx 870 vessels, 324,985t of liquid cargo, 299,000t of dry bulk, 388,650t of containerised cargo and 72,630t of general cargo handled annually. Load line zone: North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31. Max size: LOA: 250 m, draught: 10.5 m. Cruise Terminal “Portas do Mar”: LOA: 340 m; draught: 9,2 m Commercial Port: LOA: no limit; Max. draught: 8,5 m and 10,5 m Largest vessel handled: "Knock Tun", length 256m.