KNOXVILLE

• USTYS
• Latitude: 35.9556
• Longitude: -83.9167
• Inland, USA
• Port in US

Location: US

Knoxville, Tennessee, is an inland city located in the southeastern United States. Unlike coastal cities, Knoxville does not sit directly on the ocean and does not have a traditional marine port designed for large-scale sea shipping. However, Knoxville does benefit from a river system that connects to significant waterways, providing some port and docking facilities that serve various purposes.

Tennessee River Location:

Knoxville is situated along the Tennessee River, which is a part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system. This river system allows for navigation and transportation of goods via barges and smaller vessels, connecting to larger water systems, including the Mississippi River.

Port Facilities:

While Knoxville does not have a major marine port, it does have facilities that serve industrial shipping needs primarily through river barges. Possible facilities include:

1. Docks and Terminals:

   • Private Industrial Docks: Used by local industries for the shipment of goods and raw materials.
   • Public River Terminals: Managed by regional authorities or private enterprises, allowing for the transfer of agricultural products, construction materials, and other bulk commodities.

2. Equipment and Services:

   • Loading and Unloading Equipment: Cranes, forklifts, conveyors, and other machinery designed to handle the movement of bulk goods.
   • Warehousing Facilities: For temporary storage of goods before they are transferred to other modes of transport (trucks, rail).

3. Transportation Connectivity:

   • Rail Links: Rail connections are vital to Knoxville's transport infrastructure, allowing goods to move efficiently between river terminals and broader regional destinations.
   • Highways and Road Networks: Major highways like I-40 and I-75 link Knoxville to other significant logistical hubs.

Commodities Handled:

The types of commodities typically handled in Knoxville through river port facilities may include:

• Agricultural Products: Grains, soybeans, and other farm produce.
• Construction Materials: Aggregates, cement, and steel.
• Chemicals and Fuels: Various industrial chemicals and petroleum products.

River Navigation:

• Barge Traffic: Predominantly handles the transportation of bulk goods.
• Recreational Boating: The Tennessee River also supports recreational boating and tourism activities, though these are more common upstream from industrial areas.

Economic Impact:

Knoxville's river port facilities are integral to its local economy, supporting regional industries and providing jobs related to shipping, logistics, and manufacturing.

Regulatory and Authorities:

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Regulating river navigation and infrastructure.
• Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT): Overseeing transportation logistics that include waterways.

Limitations:

• Size and Cargo Capacity: Facilities are limited to what can be handled via barge; large ocean-going vessels are not accommodated.
• Seasonal Variations: Water levels can affect navigation, particularly during droughts or high-water events.

In summary, while Knoxville does not boast a traditional marine port, it has strategically utilized the Tennessee River to establish port-like facilities that cater to regional shipping needs. The effective use of river terminals supports the local economy and facilitates the efficient movement of goods throughout the southeastern United States.