MAUMEE RIVER

• USGEN
• Latitude: 41.6162
• Longitude: -83.5808
• Great Lakes
• Marina in US

Location: US

The Maumee River is a significant waterway located in the midwestern United States, primarily flowing through the state of Ohio before emptying into Lake Erie. It is an essential part of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, serving as a vital conduit for shipping, commerce, and industry in the region.

Description of the Maumee River Port System:

Location and Geography:

• Origin: The Maumee River originates at the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
• Course: It flows northeastward for approximately 137 miles (220 kilometers) through northeastern Indiana and northwestern Ohio.
• Endpoint: The river empties into Lake Erie at the city of Toledo, Ohio.

Major Ports:

1. Port of Toledo:
   • The Port of Toledo is the primary marine port on the Maumee River.
   • It is one of the largest and most important ports on the Great Lakes.
   • Key Facilities and Terminals:
     • General Cargo Terminals: Handle various types of cargo, including steel products, machinery, and heavy equipment.
     • Bulk Commodity Terminals: Specialized in handling bulk commodities such as coal, grain, limestone, and ores.
     • Container Terminals: Facilitate the handling of containerized cargo, with connections to intermodal transportation systems.
     • Liquid Bulk Terminals: Equipped to handle liquid goods like petroleum products and chemicals.
   • Infrastructure: Includes extensive docking facilities, warehouses, and storage areas.

Navigation and Accessibility:

• Channel Depth: The Maumee River is maintained at navigable depths to accommodate large vessels. The depth of the shipping channels is regularly dredged to ensure safe passage.
• Locks and Dams: There are no locks on the Maumee River itself, but the river's connection to Lake Erie makes it accessible to ships traveling through the Great Lakes Waterway.
• Bridges: Several bridges span the Maumee River, including the Veterans' Glass City Skyway and the Anthony Wayne Bridge, which are engineered to allow passage of maritime traffic.

Industrial and Commercial Activities:

• Industry: The region surrounding the Maumee River, especially the Toledo area, is highly industrialized with activities that include automotive manufacturing, glass production, and oil refining.
• Shipping: The river serves as a major shipping route for commodities such as agricultural products, industrial materials, and raw minerals.
• Economic Impact: The port activities significantly contribute to the local and regional economy, providing jobs and facilitating trade.

Recreational and Environmental Aspects:

• Recreation: The Maumee River is also a popular destination for recreational activities like boating, fishing, and waterfront events. Several parks and nature preserves are located along the river.
• Environmental Concerns: Efforts are ongoing to maintain the ecological health of the river, including pollution control measures and habitat restoration projects.

Specifications:

• Channel Depth: Varies, typically maintained around 25-28 feet to accommodate large freighters.
• Width: Varies along different sections, with the main shipping channel being sufficiently wide for commercial traffic.
• Docking Facilities: Includes multiple piers and quays equipped for handling a variety of cargo types.
• Storage: Extensive warehousing and open storage areas are available at the Port of Toledo.
• Transportation Links: Well-connected to road, rail, and air transport networks to facilitate efficient cargo movement.

The Maumee River's role in the Great Lakes maritime system underscores its importance in national and international commerce, making it a critical infrastructure asset with both industrial significance and recreational value.