LEMONT

• USLMJ
• Latitude: 41.676
• Longitude: -88.01
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Lemont, located in the state of Illinois, is not a traditional seaport given its inland location. However, it has significant maritime activity due to its position along the Illinois Waterway, which connects to the Great Lakes and ultimately the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Mississippi River, offering access to the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some key descriptions and specifications regarding Lemont's port facilities:

General Description:

1. Location: Lemont is situated in northeastern Illinois, approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. The port area is located along the Des Plaines River, which is part of the larger Illinois Waterway system.

2. Function: The port primarily handles barge traffic among industrial and manufacturing sites. It acts as a critical hub for the transportation of bulk goods and serves the local petrochemical complexes, refineries, and manufacturing plants.

Port Facilities:

1. Docks and Berths:

   • The port features several private and public docks and berthing facilities designed to accommodate barge traffic. Specific docking facilities include bulk cargo docks for handling commodities like petroleum products, chemicals, and large bulk materials.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Facilities are equipped for handling various types of cargo, including liquid bulk (petrochemicals, refined petroleum), dry bulk (grains, aggregates), and general cargo.

3. Storage Facilities:

   • There are numerous storage tanks for liquid bulk cargoes and vast open storage areas for dry bulk goods. Warehousing facilities for general cargo are also available.

4. Connectivity:

   • The port has excellent connectivity to major roadways, rail lines, and pipelines, facilitating the smooth transfer of goods to and from the port. The I-55 and I-355 highways provide easy road access, while several rail companies service the area, providing additional logistical options.

Specifications:

1. Draft:

   • The draft depth for barges varies but generally supports commercial barge traffic with drafts of up to 9 feet (approx. 2.7 meters).

2. Dimensions:

   • The port supports standard barge dimensions commonly used in the inland waterway system, typically around 195 feet in length and 35 feet in width for a single barge unit. Fleeting areas can accommodate multiple barges simultaneously.

3. Vessel Types:

   • The port is predominantly serviced by river barges, tugs, and pushboats rather than large ocean-going vessels due to the inland location and draft restrictions.

4. Services:

   • Available services at the port include barge fleeting, transloading, storage, and logistical support services. Repair and maintenance services for barges and other river vessels may also be available.

Economic Impact:

1. Industries Served:

   • Key industries include petrochemicals, agriculture, construction materials, and manufacturing. The logistics services provided by the port are integral to the operation of these industries.

2. Employment:

   • The port supports significant employment in the region, both directly through port operations and indirectly through associated industrial activities.

Overall, while Lemont itself may not be a traditional seaport, it serves as a vital inland maritime and industrial hub. The port's strategic location along the Illinois Waterway and its extensive connectivity make it an important component of the regional and national logistics network.