MARQUETTE

• USMQT
• Latitude: 46.547
• Longitude: -87.3715
• Great Lakes
• Port in US

Location: US

Marquette, Michigan, situated on the southern shore of Lake Superior, is home to the Marquette Harbor, one of the key ports in the region. Here is an overview of its description and specifications:

Marquette Harbor Overview

• Location: Marquette, Michigan, USA
• Coordinates: Approximately 46.5436° N latitude and 87.3954° W longitude
• Body of Water: Lake Superior

Key Features

1. Type of Port:

   • Primarily a bulk cargo port, handling commodities such as iron ore, coal, and limestone.

2. Ownership and Management:

   • The port facilities are managed by multiple entities, including private companies like LS&I (Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad).

3. Harbor Structure:

   • The port includes docks, wharfs, and other integral infrastructure that supports the loading and unloading of bulk materials.

4. Main Terminals:

   • Presque Isle Dock: Operated by Cliffs Natural Resources, primarily for iron ore pellets.
   • Harbor Dock: Used for various bulk products.
   • Lower Harbor Ore Dock: Historical significance; no longer in operation for shipping but an iconic structure.

Specifications

1. Draft Depth:

   • Varies by dock but generally suitable for large Great Lakes cargo vessels, with depths in the range of 24 to 30 feet.

2. Berth Information:

   • Multiple berths with varying lengths, typically ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet to accommodate large bulk carriers.

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Specialized equipment for loading and unloading bulk goods, including conveyor systems, chutes, and grabs.

4. Navigation Channel:

   • Maintained and dredged periodically to ensure safe navigation for vessels. The entrance channel is typically around 30 feet deep.

5. Storage Facilities:

   • Ample storage capacity near the port, including open storage areas and stockpiles for bulk materials like ore and coal.

6. Connectivity:

   • Strong rail connections, especially with the LS&I Railroad, facilitating the movement of bulk cargo to and from the port.
   • Good road connectivity for overland transportation.

Services and Operations

• Pilotage: Required for larger vessels, with services available for safe navigation.
• Tug Services: Available to assist in docking and maneuvering large vessels.
• Environmental and Safety Regulations: Strict adherence to environmental protection laws, especially given the proximity to Lake Superior.

Additional Information

• Seasonality: Marquette Harbor operates primarily during the ice-free months, usually from late March to mid-January.
• Economic Impact: The port is vital for the regional economy, particularly for the mining and steel industries.

The Marquette Harbor continues to play a crucial role in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes, leveraging its strategic location and specialized facilities to support regional and national industries.

For more specific details, contacting the port authority or the managing companies of the respective docks would provide the latest and most precise information.