FORT MACON

• Latitude: 34.6984
• Longitude: -76.6823
• US East Coast
• Port in US

Location: US

Fort Macon is a port located in North Carolina, USA, specifically at the eastern end of Bogue Banks near the city of Atlantic Beach. It is adjacent to Fort Macon State Park, which is a historical site featuring a restored pre-Civil War fort. The port is part of the Morehead City Harbor, a significant deep-water port in the southeastern United States. Here is a detailed description and specifications for Fort Macon:

Location:

• Geographical Position: Latitude 34.6931° N, Longitude 76.7069° W.
• State: North Carolina
• Nearby City: Morehead City

Infrastructure:

• Water Depth: The channel depth is maintained to allow for deep-draft vessels, typically around 47 feet (14 meters).
• Docking: Multiple berths and piers to accommodate various types of cargo and vessel sizes.
• Facilities:
  • Dry bulk facilities.
  • Warehouse and storage spaces.
  • Container handling equipment.
  • Cargo laydown areas.

Cargo:

• Types of Cargo Handled:
  • Bulk commodities (e.g., coal, grain, phosphate, and sulfur).
  • Breakbulk cargo.
  • Project cargo.
  • Containers (limited compared to larger ports).

Navigation:

• Channels: Access via the Beaufort Inlet, which is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
• Pilotage: Pilots are available and are often required for larger vessels.
• Tide: The port experiences semi-diurnal tides, with a mean range of approximately 3 feet.

Services:

• Logistics: Various logistics services are available, including trucking, rail connections, and trans-loading services.
• Customs: US Customs and Border Protection services available for international shipping.
• Safety: Equipped with fire fighting and emergency response services.

Governance:

• Port Authority: North Carolina State Ports Authority oversees the operations at Fort Macon and Morehead City Harbor.

Access:

• Road Access: Direct access via US Highway 70.
• Rail Access: Freight rail services provided by Norfolk Southern Railway.

Environmental Considerations:

• The port area is subject to environmental regulations to protect the surrounding coastal and marine ecosystem, including measures for spill prevention and pollution control.

Economic Importance:

• Regional Impact: Fort Macon plays a critical role in the local and regional economy by facilitating the import and export of goods, supporting local industries, and providing employment opportunities.
• Strategic Importance: Its strategic location allows efficient access to both domestic and international markets, especially along the East Coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

Historical Significance:

• Fort Macon State Park preserves the historic Fort Macon, a five-sided fort built in the early 19th century, which has served various military roles throughout history. The park is a separate entity but adds cultural and historical value to the area surrounding the port.

By combining historical significance with modern port operations, Fort Macon is a unique asset in North Carolina's maritime infrastructure.