Geospatial Analysis of Jetty Distribution and Accessibility in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

A jetty is a structure extending into a body of water to facilitate vessel berthing, cargo handling, and passenger movement. Port Harcourt Metropolis, a vital hub for oil and gas and maritime activities, lacks comprehensive spatial data on jetties, affecting urban development and maritime efficiency. This study assessed the spatial distribution of jetties in the metropolis using a Garmin 78csx GPS receiver for coordinate acquisition and QGIS 3.28 for mapping. A spatial database was developed, and compliance with Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) standards was evaluated. Results indicate 51 jetties, comprising 46 private and 5 public, with 29 functional, 21 non-functional, and 1 under construction. Additionally, 16 jetties are floating, while 35 are permanent. NPA PTOL is the largest (57,273.68 m²), while Pelfaco is the smallest (99.52 m²). The study recommends increasing jetties in strategic locations to enhance maritime operations.