What are Deep Water Ports?

Deep Water Ports

A port is an area or platform into which vessels enter from the sea. Port also allows for protected staging, anchoring, or docking for ships to load and unload cargo and then continue towards their destinations.

A deep-water port is constructed in deeper waters, normally 30 feet or more, while a regular port is only 20 feet deep or a little more. In simple terms, deep-water ports accommodate the largest ships with the deepest draughts.

Difference between Deepwater Ports & Regular Ports

The main difference between deepwater and regular ports is their water depths and ability to accommodate vessels of different sizes.

• Deepwater Ports have a minimum depth of 45 feet or 13.7 m, while regular ports can be shallower.
• Deepwater Ports can accommodate post-panamax ships, ultra-large container vessels, the biggest bulk carriers, oil tankers and LNG ships.
• Deepwater facilities have more advanced infrastructure and incorporate the latest technologies and equipment, such as massive cranes, extensive storage areas and enhanced intermodal connections.
• They are usually located in naturally deep harbours or regions where extensive dredging has been done, while regular ports can be found in coastal and inland regions.
• Deep-water ports handle more cargo volumes and have a massive economic impact compared to regular ports, which see less ship traffic and handle small vessels with limited draught.

For instance, a deep water port handling containers for LO/LO ships is expected to have track-run cranes capable of lifting containers 22 rows deep without vessel turns. Also, deep water ports that see significant traffic should have a minimum of 8 to 10 cranes capable of simultaneous operations for at least two Panamax ships.

A deep water port for post-panamax vessels will require at least a 45-foot summer draft, with 50 needed for many large post-panamax ships in service and on order. In this sense, deep water ports can be quite busy compared to normal ports.

A deep water port can accommodate a fully laden Panamax ship, which is determined principally by the dimensions of the Panama Canal’s lock chambers.

Brief History of Deep Water Ports

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 and the Panama Canal in 1914 revolutionised shipping and led to the development of new deepwater facilities to accommodate massive ships.

After the Second World War ended, maritime trade increased along with the development of containerisation. Hence deep sea ports and advanced cargo handling facilities were needed.

This need was further expanded by the growth in the oil tanker sizes to have ports for accommodating the very large crude carriers or VLCCs.

In the late 20th century, globalisation and the rise of economies such as China further drove port expansion and modernisation. This trend continues as even bigger container ships are being built which has prompted the deepening and expansion of several deepwater ports.

Deepwater Port Act 1974

Under 33 U.S.C.S. § 1502(10) deep water ports are delimitated as “any fixed or floating man-made structure other than a vessel, or any group of such structures, located beyond the territorial sea and off the coast of the United States and which are used or intended for use as a port or terminal for the loading or unloading and further handling of oil for transportation to any State” (except as otherwise provided, and for other uses not discrepant with the Act).

The term ‘deepwater port’ includes all concerned components denoting pipelines, pumping stations, service platforms, mooring buoys and similar paraphernalia to the extent they are located onshore of the high water mark.

The induction of the Deepwater Port Act in 1974 and the amendment in 1984, 1990, 1995 and 1996 furnished conditions to meet the requirements, such as deducing adverse effects on the marine environment, which might come about as an aftermath of the development of such ports and submitting detailed plans, including financial, technical information, location and the capacity for construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed deepwater ports.

The act also encouraged the promotion of deepwater ports as a safe and efficient way of oil transportation with minimised associated risks.

The concerned authorities of the deepwater ports are responsible for oil spill prevention, containment and cleanup, effect on oceanographic current patterns, potential dangers from waves, winds, weather, and geological conditions, etc.

Types of deepwater ports

• Container ports which handle the biggest container vessels
• Bulk ports to accommodate dry bulk cargo like coal, grain, and ore
• Oil terminals which deal with crude oil and petroleum products
• LNG terminals which specialise in liquefied natural gas
• Multi-purpose ports that handle various types of cargo
• Features of deep water port facilities
• Modern & diversified
• Deep sheltered waters
• Track record in oil and gas
• Onshore and offshore renewable support
• Premier Cruise destinations
• Good communication links
• Skilled labour force
• 24-hour access

Famous Examples of Deepwater Ports

Port of Sines, Portugal: Said to be the deepest port in the world, with a maximum depth of 28 m, this port spans 2200 hectares and is known for specialised facilities like its Liquid Bulk Terminal and the Container Terminal, which can accommodate vessels with a depth of up to 16 m.

Yanghshan Port, China:  Said to be the largest automated container port in the world, this facility can handle the biggest container ships with a maximum depth of 27 m.

Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands: With a depth of 24 m, it is the third deepest port in the world which grew from a tiny fishing port to a major commercial hub, mainly due to its location on the river Rhine which connects to the North Sea.

Tanger Med, Morocco: This port is 40 km from Tangier and has a maximum depth of 22 m. It lies on the intersection of vital shipping routes linking Europe, Africa and the Americas.

Port Hedland, Australia: A maximum depth of 20 m and a naturally deep anchorage harbour has enabled it to become one of the largest iron-loading ports in the world. It also serves salt, manganese and livestock industries.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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