MONTOIR ANCH

• Latitude: 47.1209
• Longitude: -2.41819
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Anchorage in France

Location: France

Here's a detailed description and specification for the Montoir-de-Bretagne anchorage (often referred to as MONTOIR ANCH) in France:

Port Overview:

Port Name: Montoir-de-Bretagne
Location: Situated on the French Atlantic coast, near Saint-Nazaire in the Loire-Atlantique department. The coordinates are approximately 47.32°N latitude and 2.17°W longitude.

General Information:

Country: France
UN/LOCODE: FRMTX
Port Authority: Grand Port Maritime de Nantes-Saint-Nazaire
Purpose: Commercial port handling various cargo types including bulk, container, and liquid products. It is also a crucial hub for natural gas imports.

Anchorage Specifications:

• Anchorage Area: The anchorage area for Montoir-de-Bretagne is designated in the Loire River estuary, providing a safe and suitable environment for vessels to anchor while awaiting berthing instructions.
• Depth: The depth in the anchorage area can vary, but it generally ranges around 10 to 15 meters, depending on the tides.
• Sea Conditions: Anchorage can be subject to significant tidal effects with a tidal range that can exceed 6 meters. Strong tidal currents are common in the estuary.
• Holding Ground: Typically good, with muddy and sandy seabed conditions providing adequate holding for anchored vessels.

Port Facilities:

• Berths: The port has multiple berths with varying depths to accommodate different vessel sizes, including berths for large LNG carriers.
• Draft: The maximum permissible draft for vessels at some of the deepwater berths can reach up to approximately 16.5 meters, though this can vary depending on specific berth and tidal conditions.
• Cargo Handling: Facilities for liquid bulk, dry bulk, general cargo, and containerized goods. Notable infrastructure includes LNG import terminals.
• Terminal Areas:
  • Container Terminals: Well-equipped to handle container vessels with modern gantry cranes and extensive storage facilities.
  • Bulk Terminals: Presence of specialized terminals for handling dry and liquid bulk cargo.
  • Ro-Ro Facilities: Available for the handling of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo.

Navigational Information:

• Pilotage: Compulsory for larger vessels. Pilots board vessels at designated pilot boarding stations.
• Tugs: Tug assistance is available and often required for maneuvering larger vessels safely to berths.
• Navigation Aids: Well-marked with buoys and beacons, with navigational aids to facilitate safe passage in the estuary and approach to berths.

Additional Information:

• Communications: VHF channels monitored for port operations and vessel traffic management.
• Security: The port area adheres to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, ensuring enhanced security measures.
• Environmental: Efforts to minimize pollution and environmental impact are rigorously enforced, with adequate facilities for waste reception from vessels.

Summary:

Montoir-de-Bretagne is a significant industrial and commercial port in France, providing comprehensive facilities for handling a wide range of cargo types. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast and advanced infrastructure make it a key logistics hub in the region. The anchorage and port facilities are well-equipped to accommodate large ocean-going vessels, including LNG carriers, bulk carriers, and container ships.