JOLIET

• USJOT
• Latitude: 41.5259
• Longitude: -88.0867
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Marine Port Description and Specification: Joliet, Illinois, USA

General Overview:

Joliet, located in Will County, Illinois, is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The port facilities near Joliet are essential for both regional and national logistic networks due to their strategic location. The city is positioned adjacent to the Des Plaines River and the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal, key waterways that connect to the larger Mississippi River system.

Port Features:

1. Location:

   • Joliet is situated approximately 40 miles southwest of Chicago.
   • Coordinates: 41.5250° N, 88.0817° W.

2. Facilities:

   • Terminals: The Joliet port facilities consist of various private and public terminals that handle bulk commodities, general cargo, and containerized goods.
   • Rail Connectivity: The port is well-connected by several major railroads, including BNSF, Union Pacific, and CSX, which facilitate inland distribution.
   • Road Connectivity: Proximity to major highways such as I-55, I-80, and I-355 ensures smooth road transportation links.
   • Storage: Warehouses and storage facilities are available within the port area to accommodate different types of cargo.

3. Navigational Information:

   • Depth: The Des Plaines River is maintained to provide adequate navigational depth for commercial vessels. However, depth can vary, so navigation charts and local notices to mariners should be consulted regularly.
   • Draft Restrictions: Vessels should check specific draft restrictions, as they can vary depending on water levels and other factors.
   • Locks: The Lockport Lock and Dam, part of the Illinois Waterway system, is downstream of Joliet and is crucial for vessel transit to and from this port.

4. Cargo Types:

   • Bulk Cargo: Primarily agricultural products, chemicals, and construction materials.
   • General Cargo: Includes a variety of manufactured goods and equipment.
   • Containers: Increasingly, containerized cargo is being handled due to improved facilities and connectivity.

5. Supporting Services:

   • Tugboats: Available for assisting vessels within the port vicinity.
   • Pilots: Local pilot services help navigate the more complex sections of the river system.
   • Bunkering: Fuel and other supplies are accessible for vessels docking or transiting through Joliet.

6. Port Governance:

   • The port governance is managed by local port authorities and various public-private partnerships which aim to enhance the efficiency and development of the port facilities.

7. Economic Importance:

   • Joliet serves as a critical node in the regional supply chain, contributing significantly to the economy by facilitating trade and commerce.
   • The port supports numerous jobs directly related to maritime and logistic operations.

8. Environmental Considerations:

   • The port follows environmental regulations to minimize the impact on the river ecosystem.
   • Investment in sustainable practices and technologies is ongoing to ensure compliance and promote green initiatives.

Conclusion:

The marine port facilities in Joliet, Illinois, serve as a vital hub for logistics and commerce, leveraging its strategic location on the Des Plaines River and connectivity with major transport networks. With modern facilities catering to various cargo types, Joliet plays a significant role in the national and regional supply chains while contributing to the local economy. It remains an essential part of the US inland waterway system, continuously evolving to meet the demands of contemporary trade and transportation.