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Port of Papeete (Tahiti) - Port Authority of Papeete - Port Autonome de Papeete (ID: 12319)
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In 2002, the Port of Papeete celebrated 40 years of history, evolution and service to French Polynesia. The time has come for an assessment while keeping in mind that the future is built one day at a time. The Port of Papeete , which was simultaneously established with the Pacific Experiment Center (CEP), has been essential to the Polynesian economy of which it is a benchmark. Today, more than ever, the contributions it has made since its inception are evident in the statistical records of its activities. French Polynesia as well as the Port of Papeete have evolved dramatically on the economic front. 2002 was a good year marked by an increase in port traffic despite international events. The Port of Papeete's financial commitments, as outlined in its 2000-2009 investment plan, were reached and its objectives attained. The Port of Papeete is optimistic for the future of cruise lines in French Polynesia. Tahiti and her outlying islands, anchored in the South Pacific far from world-wide disturbances, remain a valued tourist destination. The arrival of the sailing ship Wind Star and the resumption of service of the Renaissance cruise liner by P & O, one of the world's largest cruise line companies, are positive signs. For 2003, a substantial increase in the number of stopovers has been announced. Moreover, the completion of the extended cruise line quay expected in 2004 will allow for better reception of the local and international cruise liners calling at the port of Papeete. These new facilities, located right in downtown Papeete, will offer cruise line passengers an even more enjoyable ambiance. In regard to local and international commerce, our development plan provides the general investment framework in this area to better adapt the Port of Papeete to all of the changing port activities. For example, inter-island traffic is changing. Boats are becoming longer and therefore operational procedures must change according to need. The Port of Papeete has decided to proceed with plans which will provide additional quays. The bulking of international freight, which represents a significant change of the transportation system and importation methods, was easily accommodated thanks to the installation of new embankments. Future expansion problems will be resolved by dismantling the hangars at the dock's edge which will free up more space for the shipping containers. The Port of Papeete must react affirmatively when faced with these situations either by updating its investment program or by modifying its project calendar. The fishing port also falls under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority and fishing is a major area of concern for the future of Polynesia. In 1991, the Port of Papeete made the decision to create specific facilities dedicated to this industry. Today, they are operational and cover the needs of the professional fishermen entirely. Their expansion project, launched in 2002, will make it possible to accommodate as many as fifty additional tuna boats while awaiting the creation of the Port of Faratea. The Port of Papeete will remain instrumental in the economic development of French Polynesia and will continue to contribute to its opening up to the world. French Polynesia is located in the heart of the South Pacific and is made up of more than 118 islands spread out over an area of 4 million square kilometers (1,544,401 sq mi), comparable to that of Europe. She is located between 5 to 25 south latitude, from 135 to 145 west longitude, at 6,500 km (4,039 mi) to the south/southeast of the U.S. coast and at 5,400 km (3,355 mi) from Australia. As the maritime service map shows, the Port of Papeete is the privileged connection point for exchanges between the outside world and the surrounding islands of French Polynesia Towing operations in the port are performed for all ship movements of ships exceeding 3000 cubic meters (3924 cu yd). The Port's towing fleet is composed of a 3,800 hp tugboat (the Aito Nui), a 1,380 hp tugboat (the Aito II), and two 400 hp pilot boats. Mooring Charges These pay for port facilities and equipment for docking (quays, fortifications, embankments). Supplementary Services The Port of Papeete furnishes vessels with water and electricity and a private company takes care of garbage collection. The Port of Papeete also has diverse material and work equipment as well as specific facilities (anti-pollution barge, access ramps, etc.) available for rent. Slipway Facilities The services of the slipway facility of the Port of Papeete can be requested to remove a vessel from the water. The different repair services available are performed by private businesses. Maritime Assistance The Port of Papeete can perform maritime assistance to wrecked vessels or vessels in distress upon the request of vessel owners or insurance companies. To this day, the Port of Papeete remains the only international port serving all of the islands of French Polynesia. More than 1,500,000 tons transit the different quays of Papeete each year representing container traffic exceeding 30,000 TEU in imports and exports (2002 figures). The port facilities of Papeete are comprised of more than 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) of quays and pontoons, including a 450-meter (1476 ft) ocean liner quay with three berths reserved for trade vessels (freighters, container ships). The channel is 110 meters wide (361 ft) and has a depth of 10.9 meters (36 ft) (admissible draft: 10.37 meters - 34 ft) which allows for the docking of the largest vessels. In addition, the Port has four quays totaling 650 meters (2132 ft) destined for vessels navigating between the capital city and the different islands of Polynesia, a maritime surface area equivalent to the size of Europe. A container terminal of more than 140,000 square meters (1,506,997 sq ft) permits the stocking of goods and 20 and 40-foot long containers. Several private businesses perform the loading and unloading and the warehouse work on the different quays. These firms use the most modern equipment assuring rapid and efficient loading and unloading of the vessels. Finally, the port area is integrated into a dynamic industrial and commercial complex where numerous businesses involved in the principal sectors of activity of the Polynesian economy are present. On January 11, 2001, the French Polynesian Assembly adopted the first Sea Port Code of French Polynesia. Put into effect on April 1, 2001, the text is an indispensable reference document for the entire group of port professionals The Sea Port Code of French Polynesia is composed of two distinct books: Book I Concerns the creation, organization and layout of the sea ports, establishes the general arrangements of the legal framework: - Delimitation of the geographic boundaries of the ports: sea and land boundaries, access to port projects, etc. - Administration conditions and port management: public administration - Land regulations: port property occupancy authorizations, heavy equipment and facilities, tenant's rights - Particular arrangements of the Port of Papeete and the Port of Uturoa: institutions and missions, financial regulations Book II Regulates the sea port police: - Missions and allocations of port officers and supervisors - General police regulations: quay berth occupancy designations and duration, vessel entries and departures, anchorage and moorage, etc. - Particular arrangements relative to dangerous materials, enclosed areas and navigational markers - Infractions: procedures, findings, and sanctions To this day, the Port of Papeete remains the only international port serving all of the islands of French Polynesia. Port of Papeete (Tahiti) - Port Authority of Papeete - Port Autonome de Papeete