MINNEAPOLIS

• USMES
• Latitude: 45.0049
• Longitude: -93.2733
• Inland, USA
• Port in US

Location: Minneapolis MN US

Minneapolis, located in the state of Minnesota, is not traditionally thought of as a significant marine port due to its inland location. However, it does have river port facilities that are part of a larger system of inland waterways. Here are some relevant details about Minneapolis with respect to its river port facilities:

Port of Minneapolis Overview

• Location: Minneapolis is situated along the Mississippi River, which provides a navigable waterway for barge traffic.
• Port Facilities: The port facilities in Minneapolis are primarily aimed at handling bulk cargo transported via barge. This can include agricultural products, chemicals, and construction materials.
• Connection to Greater Inland Waterway System: The Mississippi River is part of the U.S. inland waterway system, which provides access to the Gulf of Mexico and other major tributaries.

Specifications

1. Docks & Terminals:

   • The port includes multiple terminals and docks designed for loading and unloading cargo from barges.
   • Facilities may also include grain elevators and tank farms for storage of various commodities.
   • Warehousing and open storage spaces are available for staging cargo.

2. Draft:

   • The draft of the port, or the depth of water that ships can safely navigate, is relatively shallow in comparison to deep-water ports. It accommodates shallow draft vessels and barges.
   • Typically, Mississippi River barges require a draft of about 9 feet.

3. Cargo:

   • Primary cargo includes bulk commodities such as grains (corn, soybeans), steel, aggregate materials, and chemicals.
   • Intermodal transfers are facilitated for cargo moving between river and rail or truck transit systems.

4. Navigation and Access:

   • The Army Corps of Engineers maintains the navigation channel of the Mississippi River to ensure safe passage.
   • The port is accessed via a series of locks and dams that help manage the river's water levels and flow.

5. Rail and Road Connectivity:

   • The port has strong intermodal connections, including railroads like the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, which allow for efficient movement of cargo to and from the port.
   • Highway connections include major routes such as I-94, I-35, and I-494, facilitating truck transportation.

6. Seasonal Operation:

   • The port’s operation can be affected by seasonal changes, particularly the freezing of the river during winter months which can hinder navigation.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• Agriculture: The port plays a significant role in the agricultural sector, allowing for the export of Midwest agricultural products.
• Industrial Goods: Besides agricultural products, the port supports the transport of various industrial goods vital to regional and national economies.
• Link to Global Markets: Although it is an inland port, goods transported through Minneapolis can reach global markets via the Mississippi River's connection to the Gulf of Mexico and thus elsewhere.

Developmental Aspects

• Efforts are often ongoing to upgrade and modernize port facilities to meet the demands of modern logistics and shipping.
• Environmental considerations such as managing sedimentation, controlling water pollution, and sustaining wildlife habitats are also part of port operations.

In summary, while not a traditional coastal marine port, the Port of Minneapolis serves as a crucial inland river port playing a vital role in regional trade and transportation. Its location on the Mississippi River allows it to connect to major waterways and facilitates significant cargo movement essential for the Midwest's economy.