EAST PROVIDENCE

• USEPR
• Latitude: 41.817
• Longitude: -71.3867
• US East Coast
• Marina in US

Location: US

East Providence, located in the state of Rhode Island, is part of the Providence metropolitan area. It is strategically positioned near major shipping routes and serves as an essential hub for maritime logistics in the Northeast of the United States. Although not as large as some of the major ports, East Providence has its own significance when it comes to marine operations.

General Description

East Providence is situated on the eastern side of the Seekonk River, which connects to the Narragansett Bay and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean. The port serves a diverse range of maritime activities, including commercial, industrial, and recreational purposes. It supports local industries by handling various cargos such as petroleum products, chemicals, building materials, and general goods.

Port Specifications

1. Coordinates:

   • Latitude: Approximately 41.8137° N
   • Longitude: Approximately 71.3701° W

2. Depth:

   • The berths and channels at East Providence vary but generally can accommodate vessels with medium drafts. Specific depths range typically from 18 to 35 feet (5.5 to 10.7 meters), depending on the terminal and the specific docking facilities.

3. Berthing Facilities:

   • The port of East Providence includes multiple berths designed to handle different types of shipping requirements, including liquid bulk, dry bulk, and general cargo.

4. Cargo Handling Equipment:

   • Cranes: Both mobile and fixed cranes are available to handle cargo.
   • Forklifts and Container Handlers: Used for easier and more efficient management of goods.
   • Pipelines: Dedicated infrastructure available for the transfer of liquid bulk materials such as oil and gas.

5. Storage:

   • Warehousing: Secure storage facilities are available for a variety of goods.
   • Open Storage: Several acres of open storage areas equipped to handle heavy and bulky items.

6. Transportation Links:

   • Road: Direct connections to major highways such as I-95 and I-195, making truck transportation to and from the port convenient.
   • Rail: Although not as extensively used as in some larger ports, rail connections exist and facilitate cargo movement to regional destinations.

7. Services:

   • Marine Services: Tugboat assistance, pilotage, and bunkering services are available to aid in vessel operations.
   • Ship Repair: Limited facilities for maintenance and emergency repairs.
   • Customs and Security: Fully equipped to manage customs clearance and security protocols to ensure compliance with national and international trade regulations.

8. Environmental Considerations:

   • Environmental regulations are strictly followed, with facilities in place for spill containment and waste management. Efforts are continuously made to minimize the port’s ecological impact on Narragansett Bay.

Advantages and Challenges

Advantages:

• Proximity to major metropolitan areas and industrial hubs in the Northeast.
• Well-established logistics and transportation infrastructure.
• Flexibility in handling various types of cargo.

Challenges:

• Limited capacity compared to larger ports such as Boston or New York.
• Possible limitations on the size of the vessels due to depth constraints.

Conclusion

East Providence serves as a vital regional port that complements the shipping and logistic needs of Rhode Island and surrounding areas. Its combination of strategic location, adequate facilities, and diverse service offerings make it an essential element of the regional maritime infrastructure. However, its ability to grow may be influenced by capacity constraints and the need to stay competitive with larger ports in the vicinity.