In 2018 2 500 000 tons of goods and 1 000 vessels transited through the Port of Bayonne (corn, sulphur, wood, fertilisers, iron, chemicals, hydrocarbons). These operations were made possible thanks to the work of a large number of professionals.
Harbour master
The port authorities are home to the port’s officers and their assistants. They are government employees responsible for policing the port and represent the port authority.
Main missions :
- Receive vessels and help them to dock
- Supervise waterways
- Assess risks of pollution
- Relay alerts to emergency services
- Statutory follow up of hazardous goods (IMDG code)
- Ensure the code of ports is respected
Piloting
Pilots assist the commanders of vessels during port entry/exit manœuvres. In some cases, given the risk of running aground, the presence of the pilot on board is compulsory.
Towing
Port towing is an essential service for vessels. It enables ships, which alone would not be able to manœuvre correctly within the port area, to moor. Tugs are always armed and ready to intervene in emergency assistance operations.
Dredging
The Port of Bayonne has equipped itself with its own dredger, the Hondarra, in order to guarantee the waterway’s accessibility. The sand removed is used to maintain the coastline along beaches to the north of Anglet. Daily operations are carried out.
Boatage
Boatage is an assistance service for mooring and unmooring operations for vessels as they arrive at or leave the port.
Boaters are specialised sailors who can intervene at a port of call to moor a vessel in a berth or move it from one berth to another.
Crane operators & stevedores
Stevedoring plays an essential role in the correct management of port operations. There are several types:
- Vertical: All lifting operations between vessels and the quayside. They are carried out by specially trained crane operators
- Horizontal: All goods handling operations. Removing goods from the quayside, loading onto trains or lorries
Consignee
A consignee represents the interests of the ship-owner at the port of call and organises the stopover for both the vessel and its crew.
Supply vessel
It supplies vessels with food, equipment and fuel.