Port-aux-Français
| Port-aux-Français | |
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| Village | |
Port-aux-Français in 2004
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 Port-aux-Français
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| Coordinates: 49°21′S 70°13′E / 49.350°S 70.217°E | |
| Country | France |
| Territory | French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) |
| District | Kerguelen Islands |
Port-aux-Français is the capital settlement of the Kerguelen Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, in the south Indian Ocean. The port station is located on the Gulf of Morbihan, at 49°21′00″S 70°13′08″E / 49.35°S 70.219°E. It has about 45 inhabitants in winter; the population can rise to more than 120 in summer.
The station was selected in 1949 by the chief of mission Pierre Sicaud because of its sheltered position which was suitable for a runway that was never built. From 1955 to 1957, and using Australian equipment, a French slaughterhouse company called Sidap constructed a sealing factory. The factory opened following the first marriage on the islands, that of Marc Pechenart and Martine Raulin on 16 December 1957. The factory closed in 1960, and the equipment was sent to Réunion in 2005.
Port-aux-Français has a shallow seaport and a quay for unloading supply ships, including the Marion Dufresne. The station, in addition to logistics necessary to its operation, consists of scientific laboratories (biology, geophysics), technical installations (meteorology, telecommunications, satellite tracking, et cetera), and a small medical centre.
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Wikipedia