La Rochelle is situation on the Bay of Biscay, a wide inlet of the North Atlantic Ocean indenting the coast of western Europe. There are two ports, the old commercial harbour, too shallow for large ships, has been modernized and is now one of the foremost French fishing ports. The second commercial port, accessible to larger vessels at La Pallice, 3.5 miles (5.5 km) west of the town; opened in 1890 it has since been enlarged several times. Imports include fuel oil, nitrates, and phosphates. La Rochelle-Pallice is situated on the ease side of Coureau de la Pallice (the channel separating Ile de Re from the mainland). La Pallice port is naturally sheltered by the Ré and Oléron Islands and the Antioche Channel. It is the only deep sea port on the Atlantic coast which can berth overpanamax vessels.