HONFLEUR

• FRHON
• Latitude: 49.4292
• Longitude: 0.244317
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in France

Location: Honfleur Normandy 14600 France

Phone number: +33 2 31 81 88 00

Web-site: https://www.ville-honfleur.com/en/discover/maritime-city/harbor.php

Port of Honfleur, France - Overview and Specifications

General Information

• Location: Honfleur is situated on the southern bank of the Seine estuary, in the Calvados department, Normandy region, northern France.
• Coordinates: Approx. 49.419° N latitude and 0.232° E longitude.
• Nearby Major Ports: Le Havre (across the Seine estuary) and Rouen.
• Harbour Type: River port with tidal docking areas.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Harbour Basins: The port comprises several basins including the Avant-port (Outer Harbour), Bassin de l'Est, and the Bassin Carnot (Inner Harbour), which accommodate a variety of vessel types.
• Marinas: Honfleur has facilities tailored for recreational boating, including the Vieux Bassin, a picturesque marina popular among yachts.
• Cargo Handling Facilities: The port has limited commercial cargo handling infrastructure, mainly supporting local fisheries and smaller freight.
• Size and Capacity: The tidal range heavily influences the port's operations, with lock gates controlling water levels in some basins. The facilities are more suited to smaller ships and yachts.

Navigational Information

• Access Channel: Vessels typically enter through a dredged channel, suitable for shallow-draft vessels due to the significant tidal range. Pilots are often required for large or unfamiliar vessels.
• Tides: The port experiences significant tidal fluctuations, with a range of up to 7 meters depending on the time of year.
• Mooring: The port offers mooring options both in the enclosed basins and along quaysides. Mooring buoys and pontoons are available for yachts and smaller vessels.

Services

• Pilotage: Pilotage services are available and may be mandatory for certain classes of vessels.
• Towage: Tug assistance is available for berthing and unberthing operations.
• Repairs and Maintenance: Limited ship repair facilities are present, primarily catering to smaller vessels and yachts.

Economic and Cultural Importance

• Local Economy: The port of Honfleur significantly contributes to the local economy, primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and some light industry.
• Tourism: Honfleur is renowned for its historic architecture, charming streets, and as a tourist destination. The port area, particularly the Vieux Bassin, is a focal point for visitors.

Environmental Considerations

• Pollution Control: Measures are in place to manage and mitigate the impact of marine activities on the local environment, in line with national and European regulations.
• Conservation: The area around the Seine estuary is ecologically significant, and efforts are made to balance port activities with environmental preservation.

Key Contacts

• Harbour Master: Manages daily operations, navigational safety, and port policies.
• Port Authority: Oversees the management and strategic development of port facilities and services.

Visiting and Resident Information

• Customs and Immigration: Procedures are in place for international arrivals, with the necessary facilities for customs and immigration processing.
• Accessibility: The port of Honfleur is accessible by road and is well-connected to the regional transport network, including proximity to major highways and regional airports.

Summary

The Port of Honfleur is a scenic and historically significant port on the Seine estuary, providing facilities for small commercial vessels, fishing boats, and a large number of leisure craft. While its cargo-handling capabilities are limited compared to larger nearby ports, its charm and strategic location continue to make it a key node for tourism and local economic activities.