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.
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