CHICAGO

• USCHI
• Latitude: 41.8855
• Longitude: -87.607
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Chicago Marine Port - Overview

The Port of Chicago is a significant commercial port situated in Chicago, Illinois, primarily serving the Midwest region of the United States. It lies on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, and is, therefore, part of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway system, providing a vital gateway for cargo to and from the North American heartland.

Key Features and Specifications

Location and Accessibility:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 41.8586° N latitude and 87.6298° W longitude.
• Accessibility: Accessible via Lake Michigan, connected to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico through the Illinois Waterway, making it a crucial nexus for both inland and international shipping routes.

Port Infrastructure:

• Terminals: The Port of Chicago comprises several terminals equipped to handle diverse types of cargo. Major terminals include the Iroquois Landing Lakefront Terminal, Lake Calumet Terminal, and facilities along the Calumet River.
  • Iroquois Landing Lakefront Terminal: Handles bulk cargo, general cargo, and has facilities for container handling.
  • Lake Calumet Terminal: Focuses on dry bulk, breakbulk, and some liquid bulk commodities.
  • Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ): Several areas within the port are designated as FTZs, enabling deferred customs duties for firms processing imported goods.

Operational Details:

• Draft Depth: The draft depth varies but can generally accommodate vessels with a draft up to around 27 feet (8.2 meters).
• Berths: Multiple berths for cargo loading and unloading, with some exclusive berths for specific types of cargo like grain, coal, and steel.
• Cranes and Handling Equipment: Equipped with gantry cranes, mobile cranes, and specialized handling equipment to operate efficiently for different cargo types.

Cargo Types:

• Bulk Cargo: Including coal, grain, fertilizers, and aggregates.
• Breakbulk Cargo: Such as steel products, lumber, machinery, and manufactured goods.
• Container Cargo: Limited container handling capabilities but supports intermodal connections.
• Liquid Bulk: Although more limited in handling large quantities of liquid bulk, certain terminals accommodate petroleum and chemical products.

Transport Connectivity:

• Rail: Extensive rail connections through major railroads such as CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Canadian National, facilitating efficient land transportation.
• Road: Well-connected through Interstate highway systems, including I-90, I-94, and I-290, ensuring seamless trucking routes.
• Air: Proximity to major airports—O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport—aid in logistics and freight forwarding.

Additional Facilities:

• Warehousing and Storage: Ample warehousing and open storage areas for various cargoes.
• Cold Storage: Certain facilities provide refrigerated storage necessary for perishable goods.
• Customs and Inspection Services: On-site services for customs clearance, cargo inspection, and security measures.

Economic and Strategic Importance

The Port of Chicago plays a critical role in the region's economy, serving as a hub for agricultural exports, manufacturing imports, and energy supplies. Its strategic location ties the industrial and agricultural Midwest to international markets, supporting a wide range of commercial activities and creating substantial employment opportunities.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

The port actively participates in environmental sustainability practices, complying with state and federal regulations to minimize its environmental footprint. The port's authorities ensure best practices in waste management, water quality monitoring, and reduction of air emissions through modern technological implementations and continuous monitoring systems.

Development Plans

Future development plans include modernization of infrastructure, expansion of container handling capabilities, and enhancement of intermodal connectivity to further bolster the port's capacity and efficiency.

Contact Information

• Port Authority: Illinois International Port District (IIPD)
• Address: 3600 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60617, USA
• Phone: +1 773-646-4400
• Website: IIPD Website

This detailed description provides a comprehensive overview of the Port of Chicago, its infrastructure, operations, and strategic relevance within the maritime and logistics sectors.