LUDINGTON

• USLDM
• Latitude: 43.946
• Longitude: -86.4516
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Ludington, Michigan, is a small yet significant marine port located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the United States. Here is a detailed description and specifications of the Ludington port:

General Overview

• Location: Ludington is situated in Mason County, Michigan, and positioned on the east side of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River.
• Coordinates: Approximately 43.9553° N latitude and 86.4525° W longitude
• Function: Primarily serves as a cargo port and also supports recreational boating and ferry operations.

Port Infrastructure

• Harbor: The Ludington Harbor is protected by two piers: a north pier and a south pier. These piers extend into Lake Michigan, providing a safe mooring area protected from the lake's waves and weather.
• Docks and Terminals: The port features several docking facilities that are capable of accommodating different types of vessels, including cargo ships and ferries.

Facilities

• Ferry Services: Ludington is known for being one of the terminals for the SS Badger, a historic car ferry that operates across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
• Cargo Handling: The port handles a variety of cargo types, including bulk commodities, general cargo, and seasonal goods.
• Marina Services: Several marinas serve recreational boaters, offering amenities such as slip rentals, fueling stations, and maintenance services.

Depth and Draft

• Water Depth: The harbor has maintained navigable depths, with the entrance channel having depths typically ranging from 22 to 24 feet (approximately 6.7 to 7.3 meters).
• Draft: Vessels with a draft of up to around 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) can navigate the harbor, although actual permissible draft depends on water levels and sedimentation at any given time.

Navigation and Access

• Channel: The Pere Marquette River channel leading to Ludington Harbor is regularly dredged to maintain operational depths for marine vessels.
• Breakwaters: Two breakwaters (north and south) protect the harbor entrance, ensuring safe passage for vessels entering and leaving the port.

Services and Amenities

• Ship Repair: Basic marine repair and maintenance services are available for both commercial and recreational vessels.
• Fueling Stations: Petroleum fueling facilities are available for both commercial and recreational boats.
• Storage: There are cargo storage areas, including warehouses and outdoor storage spaces.

Connectivity

• Transportation Links: The port is accessible via local road networks, connecting it to major highways. Rail connections are limited but do serve specific cargo needs.
• Nearby Facilities: Ludington offers various amenities and services for seafarers and travelers, including hotels, restaurants, and shops in the nearby city area.

Environmental and Regulatory

• Regulations: The port is subject to both state and federal maritime regulations, including those related to environmental protection, security, and safety.
• Environmental Measures: Efforts are made to minimize the environmental impact of port operations, including proper waste disposal and spill response strategies.

Economic Significance

• Local Economy: The port plays an important role in Ludington’s local economy, supporting local businesses, tourism through ferry services, and providing jobs in marine and related industries.

In summary, Ludington Port is an essential marine hub on Lake Michigan that supports commercial and recreational marine activities. Equipped with adequate facilities and infrastructure, it caters to varied maritime needs, providing critical connectivity and economic benefits to the surrounding region.