LEWES

• Latitude: 38.7846
•
• Longitude: -75.115
•
• US East Coast
•
• Port in US

Address: Lewes DE 19958 US

Phone number: +1-302-645-7777

Web-site: https://www.ci.lewes.de.us/

Marine Port Description: Lewes, Delaware, USA

Overview

Lewes, a historic city located in Sussex County, Delaware, is known for its maritime activities and serves as an important port along the Delaware Bay. Situated at the mouth of the Delaware River and near the Atlantic Ocean, Lewes is strategically positioned for both commercial and recreational boating.

General Characteristics

• Location: Southeastern Delaware, United States
• Coordinates: Approximately 38.7746° N latitude, 75.1393° W longitude
• Primary Waterway: Delaware Bay, with access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Delaware River
• Climate: Temperate with average temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is spread throughout the year.

Port Infrastructure

• Berths and Docks: Multiple berths suitable for different vessel sizes, including yachts, fishing boats, and small to medium-sized commercial vessels.
• Marinas: Well-equipped marinas, such as the Lewes Harbor Marina and Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, cater to recreational boating needs.
• Navigational Aids: Lighted buoys, channel markers, and a lighthouse aid in safe navigation.
• Depth: Varies by location; general depth ranges from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) at different berths. Deeper drafts can be accommodated at designated areas.
• Facilities: Fuel docks, maintenance and repair services, boat ramps, and storage facilities are readily available.

Services and Operations

• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage for larger commercial vessels; pilot services are available through regional pilot associations.
• Tug Services: Available for maneuvering larger vessels and ensuring safe docking and undocking.
• Cargo Handling: Although predominantly recreational, the port can handle small-scale commercial cargo such as seafood, bulk goods, and general merchandise.
• Passenger Services: Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides regular passenger and vehicle ferry services between Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey.
• Fishing Industry: Active commercial and recreational fishing industry, with facilities for offloading and processing seafood.

Connectivity

• Road: Easily accessible via U.S. Route 9 and Delaware Route 1, connecting to major regional highways.
• Rail: Limited rail services; primarily trucking for freight transport.
• Airports: Closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport, approximately 90 miles north; regional airports also available for general aviation.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Environmental Protection: Regulatory compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines to protect the local marine environment.
• Waste Management: Adequate facilities for waste disposal, including oil waste and bilge water management, to maintain environmental standards.

Security

• Port Security: Coordination with local and federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection, to ensure maritime safety and security.

Nearby Attractions

• Historical Sites: Lewes is rich in history with attractions such as the Zwaanendael Museum, which reflects the area's Dutch heritage.
• Tourism: The port area complements Lewes' vibrant tourism industry, with activities like sailing, fishing charters, and dolphin watching.

In summary, the Lewes port in Delaware serves as a versatile and historic maritime hub catering to a mix of recreational, commercial, and passenger traffic, emphasizing safety, environmental protection, and community engagement.