GULFS

• USNRH
• Latitude: 28.2386
• Longitude: -82.7503
• Gulf of Mexico
• Marina in US

Location: US

The United States has several major marine ports located along its gulfs, each playing a crucial role in domestic and international trade. Here we will outline some key ports located along the Gulf of Mexico, which is the primary Gulf of concern in the U.S. context.

Port of Houston

Location: Houston, Texas

Description: The Port of Houston is one of the largest ports in the United States and a critical center for international trade. It directly links to the Gulf of Mexico through the Houston Ship Channel, a 52-mile waterway that provides passage for a diverse range of vessels. The port is known for handling significant quantities of petrochemical products, oil, and general cargo.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Approximately 45 feet (currently undergoing maintenance to increase to 46 feet).
• Berths: 150+
• Wharves: Over 200
• Cargo Volume: Handles around 285 million metric tons annually.
• Facilities: Container terminals (Barbours Cut and Bayport), bulk cargo facilities, and Ro-Ro (Roll on/Roll off) services.

Port of New Orleans

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Description: The Port of New Orleans is strategically situated near the mouth of the Mississippi River, functioning as a significant hub for cargo and cruise operations. It is well-known for its access to inland barges and extensive rail and road networks that facilitate cargo movement to and from the entire U.S. heartland.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Approximately 45 feet.
• Berths: 22.
• Wharves: 20+.
• Cargo Volume: Handles approximately 82 million metric tons annually.
• Facilities: Container terminals, bulk cargo handling, cruise terminals, and extensive intermodal connections.

Port of Mobile

Location: Mobile, Alabama

Description: The Port of Mobile is Alabama's primary deep-water port, offering a versatile range of services from bulk cargo to containerized and Ro-Ro cargo. It serves as a pivotal connection point for industries in the southeastern United States, including major automotive manufacturers.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Approximately 45 feet.
• Berths: 10+.
• Wharves: Multiple.
• Cargo Volume: Approximately 58 million metric tons annually.
• Facilities: Container terminal, bulk handling facilities, and Ro-Ro terminal.

Port of Tampa Bay

Location: Tampa, Florida

Description: The Port of Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port by tonnage and a significant gateway for the state’s fuel, food, and building materials. Its advantageous location supports trade with Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Ranges from 34 to 43 feet.
• Berths: 65.
• Wharves: Multiple.
• Cargo Volume: Around 37 million metric tons annually.
• Facilities: Bulk cargo terminals, container facilities, and break-bulk services.

Port of Corpus Christi

Location: Corpus Christi, Texas

Description: The Port of Corpus Christi is one of the largest ports in the U.S. in terms of total cargo tonnage. It is critically important for the export of petroleum and energy products and also handles agricultural and bulk commodities.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Approximately 45 feet (currently undergoing deepening to 54 feet).
• Berths: 22.
• Wharves: Multiple.
• Cargo Volume: Approaches 150 million metric tons annually.
• Facilities: Crude oil docks, container terminal, bulk terminal, and Ro-Ro facilities.

Summary

These ports are complemented by an integrated network of inland waterways, rail, and road connections, which help facilitate the extensive movement of goods across the country. Each port provides specialized facilities suitable for handling various types of cargo, including bulk, containerized, liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro. The depth of the channels and the infrastructure available at these ports allow them to accommodate large vessels, making them key players in global trade.

These ports not only serve the regional economic interests but are also pivotal in the global supply chain, handling a diverse array of goods ranging from raw materials to finished products. As trade volumes increase, many of these ports are continuously upgrading their facilities to accommodate larger vessels and more cargo, ensuring that they remain competitive in the ever-evolving maritime industry.