CALUMET HARBOR

• Latitude: 41.7289
•
• Longitude: -87.5344
•
• Great Lakes
•
• Port in US

Address: Chicago IL US

Calumet Harbor is a notable port located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, primarily serving the city of Chicago, Illinois. It is an essential hub for maritime commerce in the Great Lakes region, connecting to the broader Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway system. The harbor provides critical infrastructure for the handling of various cargo types, including bulk commodities like coal, iron ore, and construction materials.

Features and Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approximately 41.732° N latitude and 87.545° W longitude.
   • Accessibility: Calumet Harbor is accessible via Lake Michigan and connects to the Illinois Waterway, providing a direct route to the Mississippi River system.

2. Physical Characteristics:

   • Harbor Basin: Consists of several berthing areas and docking facilities designed to accommodate mid-sized vessels and lake freighters.
   • Depth: The main navigation channel typically has a depth of around 27 feet (8.2 meters) to support deep-draft vessels, though this can vary slightly based on maintenance and dredging schedules.
   • Breakwaters: The harbor is protected by breakwaters that shelter it from the wind and wave action of Lake Michigan.

3. Facilities and Services:

   • Cargo Handling: Equipped with various loading and unloading facilities for dry bulk, liquid bulk, and general cargo.
   • Storage: Includes ample space for storage, both indoor warehouses and outdoor bulk storage areas.
   • Intermodal Connections: Strong links to rail and road networks, facilitating efficient transfer of goods between ship, truck, and rail. Key rail connections are provided by major railroads such as the Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation.
   • Support Services: Maintenance and repair services for vessels, fuel supply, and other essential maritime logistics services are available.

4. Economic Impact:

   • Trade Volume: Handles millions of tons of cargo annually, playing a vital role in the regional and national economy, particularly for industries relying on bulk materials.
   • Industrial Adjacent Areas: The harbor is surrounded by industrial zones, which include facilities for steel production, manufacturing, and other heavy industries, benefiting from the harbor’s logistics capabilities.

5. Regulatory and Environmental:

   • Management: Managed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring that the harbor’s facilities are maintained and operating efficiently.
   • Compliance: Subject to U.S. environmental regulations aimed at protecting water quality and local ecosystems. Dredging activities are conducted under stringent environmental guidelines to minimize ecological impact.

6. Security and Safety:

   • Coast Guard Presence: A U.S. Coast Guard station ensures the safety and security of maritime operations within the harbor.
   • Navigation Aids: Advanced navigational aids and systems to assist vessels in safe entry, docking, and departure.

7. Future Developments:

   • Upgrades: Continuous enhancement projects are undertaken to improve infrastructure, increase capacity, and incorporate new technologies for better operational efficiency.

Calumet Harbor thus remains a cornerstone of maritime activity in the Midwest, supporting both domestic and international trade through its strategic positioning and robust facilities.