ALPENA

• USAPN
• Latitude: 45.063
• Longitude: -83.422
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Marine Port Description and Specification: Alpena, Michigan, USA

General Overview

Alpena is a small yet strategically significant marine port located on the western shore of Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes in the United States. Primarily known for its industrial and maritime activities, Alpena plays a crucial role in facilitating regional economic activities, particularly those related to shipping and transportation.

Location

• Coordinates: Approx. 45.0619° N, 83.4326° W
• State: Michigan
• Water Body: Lake Huron
• Nearby Cities: Closest urban center is Alpena city.

Port Infrastructure

• Docks and Berths:

  • The port features multiple docks tailored for different types of cargo.
  • Specialized berths for industrial, bulk, and mixed cargo.

• Storage Facilities:

  • Warehouses: Available for the storage of dry goods and materials.
  • Open Storage: Ample space for bulk materials such as gravel, sand, and other industrial commodities.

• Navigation Aids:

  • Buoys and markers for safe navigation.
  • Lighthouses or light structures aiding in nocturnal or poor visibility conditions.

Services and Facilities

• Cargo Handling: Equipped with cranes and other cargo-handling equipment for various types of ship cargo, particularly bulk materials.
• Fueling: Provision for marine fuels for commercial and industrial vessels.
• Repair and Maintenance: Basic ship repair services available.
• Pilot Services: Pilotage services for navigating vessels safely into and out of the port.
• Customs and Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities to expedite international shipments.

Specialized Roles and Key Industries

• Cement Manufacturing: Alpena hosts the LafargeHolcim plant, one of the world's largest cement plants, making the port a significant hub for the transportation of cement and related products.
• Aggregates: The port handles large quantities of aggregates for construction and other industries.

Accessibility

• Land: Well-connected by road with major highways facilitating the transport of goods to and from the port.
• Rail: Rail services connect the port to various industrial and commercial hubs in Michigan and beyond.
• Air: Closest major airport is Alpena County Regional Airport (APN), providing limited but vital connectivity.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Environmental Protection: Adhering to federal and state environmental regulations to minimize the ecological impact on Lake Huron.
• Security Measures: Compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to ensure safety and security.

Key Specifications

• Draft Depth: Varies. Generally accommodates vessels with a draft up to 8 meters.
• Berth Length: Ranges from 100 to 300 meters (depending on the berth and use case).
• Cargo Throughput Capacity: Varies, predominantly high for bulk cargoes like cement and aggregates.

Future Prospects

Continuous improvement and augmentation plans are in place to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the port, maintaining its vital role in the regional supply chain.

Summary

The Alpena port in Michigan serves as a crucial node in the Great Lakes maritime transportation system, specializing in the shipment of bulk materials, particularly cement and related industrial products. With ample facilities and strategic location, it supports the regional economy significantly, providing necessary infrastructure for commercial maritime activities.