GREAT LAKES SHORES

• USSH6
• Latitude: 43.9536
• Longitude: -83.8819
• Great Lakes
• Marina in US

Location: US

The Great Lakes Shores refer to the maritime region encompassing the shorelines of the Great Lakes in the United States. This region includes portions of eight states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. These states each host significant ports that serve as key points for trade, commerce, and transportation.

Here is an overview of some major ports and their specifications in the Great Lakes Shores region:

1. Port of Duluth-Superior

• Location: Located on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Handles over 35 million tons of cargo annually, including iron ore, coal, grain, and heavy machinery.
  • Docking Facilities: Multiple docks with facilities for bulk cargo, general cargo, breakbulk, and container services.
  • Channels: The port has maintained navigational channels with depths reaching up to 27 feet.
  • Special Features: Equipped with grain elevators and coal docks.

2. Port of Chicago

• Location: Situated at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan in Illinois.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Specializes in the shipment of steel, cement, petroleum, and bulk commodities.
  • Docking Facilities: Over 10 miles of slip walls and a range of loading and unloading equipment for varied cargos.
  • Channels: Navigable depths are maintained at approximately 27 feet.
  • Special Features: Contains multiple terminals, including those dedicated to specific materials like steel.

3. Port of Cleveland

• Location: Positioned on the southern shore of Lake Erie in Ohio.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Primarily deals with steel, iron ore, limestone, and general cargo.
  • Docking Facilities: Extensive berthing space with facilities for bulk and breakbulk cargo.
  • Channels: Navigation channels with a maintained depth of around 25 feet.
  • Economic Impact: A key logistics hub for manufacturing industries in the Midwest.

4. Port of Detroit

• Location: Located along the Detroit River in Michigan, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Huron.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Notable for handling automotive components, steel, and raw materials.
  • Docking Facilities: Numerous terminals offering modern docking facilities.
  • Channels: Depths maintained at approximately 28 feet.
  • Special Features: Strategically important for the automotive industry.

5. Port of Buffalo

• Location: Found at the eastern end of Lake Erie in New York.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Handles aggregate, scrap metal, grain, and other bulk commodities.
  • Docking Facilities: Comprises several terminals with comprehensive cargo handling facilities.
  • Channels: Depths around 23-25 feet.
  • Special Features: Proximity to Canadian markets, enhancing its role in cross-border trade.

6. Port of Milwaukee

• Location: Positioned on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Deals with a variety of goods including salt, steel, and agricultural products.
  • Docking Facilities: Modernized port with quick load/unload capabilities.
  • Channels: Maintained depths of approximately 27 feet.
  • Special Features: Intermodal capabilities with rail connections.

7. Port of Toledo

• Location: Located along the western end of Lake Erie in Ohio.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Known for handling coal, iron ore, grain, and other bulk materials.
  • Docking Facilities: Numerous docks with capabilities for handling large bulk carriers.
  • Channels: Channel depths maintained at approximately 27 feet.
  • Special Features: Features significant storage and transfer facilities for bulk materials.

8. Port of Erie

• Location: Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania.
• Specifications:
  • Cargo: Handles commodities including sand, gravel, and limestone.
  • Docking Facilities: Several docks equipped for bulk material handling.
  • Channels: Channel depths around 21-23 feet.
  • Economic Impact: Supports regional industries and recreational boating.

Each port along the Great Lakes Shores plays a vital role in the overall economic landscape of the region, contributing to various industrial sectors and facilitating both domestic and international trade. These ports are equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities to handle a range of cargo types efficiently.