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Note: Vessel information is updated daily. All times are local port time.
Port Overview
Big Pine Key Port is a strategic maritime facility located in the Florida Keys, United States, positioned within the critical maritime corridor of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean shipping routes. Situated in Monroe County, this port serves as an important logistical hub for regional maritime operations, supporting local marine industries, fishing activities, and limited commercial shipping in the environmentally sensitive Florida Keys region.
Geographic Location & Access
Coordinates: 24.6486°N, -81.3297°E
Located in the Lower Florida Keys, Big Pine Key offers a unique maritime positioning with challenging navigational characteristics. The port is situated in a protected marine environment, surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Access is primarily through carefully maintained channels that navigate through coral reef ecosystems and shallow coastal waters.
Key geographic features include:
– Proximity to the Florida Straits
– Complex coastal topography
– Environmentally restricted navigation zones
– Limited deep-water approach capabilities
Port Infrastructure & Facilities
Due to its ecological setting, Big Pine Key’s port infrastructure is relatively limited and specialized:
Terminal Characteristics:
– Small-scale marine facilities
– Primarily supporting local maritime activities
– Limited commercial cargo handling capabilities
– Emphasis on environmental preservation
– Specialized marine research and conservation support infrastructure
Facility Specifications:
– Minimal commercial berth space
– Shallow draft accommodations
– Specialized marine research docking
– Limited cargo handling equipment
– Environmentally controlled access points
Technical Specifications
Maximum Draft: 50 meters (theoretical maximum, with significant navigational restrictions)
Navigation Considerations:
– Challenging approach channels
– Strict environmental navigation protocols
– Tidal variations typical of Florida Keys region
– Mandatory pilotage for complex approach
– Significant navigational restrictions due to marine sanctuary regulations
Operational Services
Limited operational services focused on:
– Local marine research support
– Ecological monitoring facilities
– Small-vessel maintenance
– Environmental conservation services
– Limited bunkering capabilities
– Marine safety and rescue operations
Commercial & Economic Aspects
Commercial Characteristics:
– Minimal commercial shipping potential
– Focus on ecological and research maritime activities
– Limited economic maritime impact
– Specialized marine ecosystem support infrastructure
– Restricted commercial development due to environmental protections
Strategic Importance
Strategic Considerations:
– Critical marine research location
– Environmental conservation hub
– Supports marine biological studies
– Limited commercial maritime significance
– Integral to Florida Keys marine ecosystem management
Operational Recommendations
For maritime professionals:
– Extremely restricted commercial operations
– Prioritize environmental compliance
– Specialized approach requirements
– Mandatory ecological impact assessments
– Limited cargo handling capabilities
Conclusion
Big Pine Key Port represents a unique maritime facility primarily dedicated to environmental preservation and marine research rather than traditional commercial shipping operations. Its strategic location within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary demands specialized maritime approaches, emphasizing ecological sensitivity over commercial maritime development.
Recommended for:
– Marine research vessels
– Environmental monitoring operations
– Specialized marine conservation activities
– Limited local maritime support services
Caution: Extensive environmental regulations and navigation complexities require comprehensive pre-arrival planning and specialized maritime expertise.
BIGPINEKEY
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