CAPE FEAR CENTER

• USOGD
• Latitude: 34.2581
• Longitude: -77.7792
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

CAPE FEAR CENTER, more commonly recognized as the Port of Wilmington, is a deep-water harbor located in Wilmington, North Carolina, along the Cape Fear River. Operated by the North Carolina State Ports Authority, the Port of Wilmington serves as a vital hub for international and domestic trade, benefiting from its strategic location on the U.S. East Coast.

Key Features and Specifications

Location

• Coordinates: Approximately 34.2° N latitude and 77.95° W longitude
• Waterway: Cape Fear River
• Proximity to Ocean: About 26 miles from the Atlantic Ocean

Infrastructure

• Berths and Docks:

  • The port has multiple berths with deep-water capabilities.
  • Container Berths: Specific berths are designated for container ships with advanced loading and unloading equipment.
  • Breakbulk and Bulk Cargo Berths: Facilities are available for breakbulk and bulk commodities, offering versatile handling capabilities.

• Container Handling:

  • Terminal Area: Over 100 acres specifically dedicated to container operations.
  • Gantry Cranes: Modern gantry cranes with significant reach and lifting capabilities.
  • Container Yard Capacity: Equipped to handle significant volume and includes reefer (refrigerated) container facilities.

• Dry Bulk Handling:

  • Facilities designed to manage a variety of dry bulk commodities, including grains, fertilizers, and minerals.

• Liquid Bulk Handling:

  • Dedicated pipelines and storage facilities for liquid bulk products, such as chemicals and petroleum products.

Depth

• Channel Depth:
  • Typically maintained at around 42 feet (12.8 meters), allowing access for large vessels.

Specialized Equipment

• Cranes: High-capacity container cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and other specialized lifting equipment.
• Conveyors and Pipelines: For efficient handling of bulk and liquid materials.
• Warehousing: Modern storage facilities, including temperature-controlled warehouses.

Accessibility

• Road Access: Direct connections to major highway systems, facilitating overland transportation.
• Rail Access: On-dock rail services provided by CSX Transportation ensure efficient cargo movement to and from inland destinations.
• Air Access: Close proximity to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) for expedited air-cargo options.

Environmental and Safety Standards

• Green Initiatives: Implementation of environmentally friendly practices aimed at minimizing carbon footprint and pollution.
• Safety Regulations: Compliance with national and international maritime safety standards.

Services

• Customs and Inspection Services: Onsite U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents facilitate import and export processes.
• Tug and Pilot Services: Available to assist with vessel navigation and docking.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Solutions: Comprehensive services including freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution.

Additional Information

• Port Security: Advanced security measures including surveillance and patrols to ensure the safety of cargo and personnel.
• Expansion Plans: Ongoing development projects aimed at increasing efficiency and capacity to handle growing trade volumes.

The Port of Wilmington's strategic position, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive services make it a critical node in the global supply chain, supporting regional economic growth and connecting North Carolina to international markets.