BALTIMORE

• USBAL
• Latitude: 39.254
• Longitude: -76.5868
• US East Coast
• Port in US

Location: Baltimore MD 21202 US

Web-site: https://mpa.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

The Port of Baltimore, located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the major ports in the United States. Its strategic location on the East Coast along the Chesapeake Bay makes it a pivotal maritime terminal for both national and international trade. Here's a detailed description and specification of the Port of Baltimore:

General Overview:

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
• Coordinates: Approximately 39.2667° N latitude and 76.5667° W longitude
• Opened: The port's activities date back to colonial times, but it has been a significant commercial port since the early 18th century.

Key Specifications:

Infrastructure:

• Channels: The port is accessible via the Chesapeake Bay and has well-maintained channels with a depth ranging from 42 to 50 feet, accommodating large vessels.
• Terminals: Multiple specialized terminals, including:
  • Seagirt Marine Terminal: For containerized cargo.
  • Dundalk Marine Terminal: Handles a variety of cargo, including automobiles, heavy equipment, and containers.
  • Fairfield Terminal: Primarily for automobile imports.
  • North and South Locust Point Terminals: Handle cruise, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), and other general cargo.
  • Masonville/Fairfield Marine Terminal: Mainly for bulk and breakbulk cargo.

Cargo Handling:

• Containerized Cargo: Advanced facilities and partnerships, including agreements with major global shipping lines, make it a primary hub for container shipping.
• Automobiles: The Port of Baltimore is one of the leading automobile handling ports in the U.S., with specialized RoRo terminals.
• Bulk Cargo: Handles a variety of bulk commodities including coal, salt, petroleum products, and agricultural products.
• General Cargo: Variety of warehouse and open storage areas for general cargo like paper, machinery, and project cargo.

Capacity and Throughput:

• Annual Cargo Tonnage: Handles over 40 million tons of cargo annually.
• TEU Capacity: The port supports over a million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.

Accessibility and Connectivity:

• Rail Access: Connected to major rail networks operated by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway, facilitating inland transportation.
• Highway Access: Proximity to major highways, including I-95, provides efficient truck transportation routes.
• Airports: Nearby Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) enhances the logistics network.

Services and Facilities:

• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage as per U.S. regulations.
• Storage: Both open and covered storage facilities are available.
• Maintenance: Ship repair and maintenance facilities, including dry docks.
• Security: High-level security measures complying with ISPS Code and C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) protocols.
• Environmental Initiatives: Active participation in environmental sustainability programs, including dredged material management and air quality improvement initiatives.

Economic Impact:

• Employment: Supports tens of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly through its operations.
• Revenue: Significant contributor to the local and national economies through maritime commerce.

Future Developments:

• Modernization Projects: Ongoing and future projects aimed at expanding capacity, enhancing infrastructure, and adopting new technologies for greater efficiency.

Summary:

The Port of Baltimore is a versatile and well-equipped maritime facility forming a critical node in the global supply chain. Its extensive facilities, modern infrastructure, and strategic location contribute to its standing as one of the most important ports on the East Coast of the United States.