MOREHEAD CITY

• Latitude: 34.7233
•
• Longitude: -76.7084
•
• US East Coast
•
• Port in US

Address: Morehead City NC 28557 US

Phone number: +1-252-726-3158

Web-site: http://www.ncports.com/port-of-morehead-city/

Port of Morehead City Overview

Location:

• Latitude: approximately 34.72° N
• Longitude: approximately 76.72° W
• Morehead City is situated in Carteret County, North Carolina, along the southern portion of the Outer Banks and adjacent to the Beaufort Inlet.

Port Specifications

Facilities:

• Terminals and Berths: Multiple berths equipped to handle a variety of cargo types, including bulk and breakbulk commodities.
• Wharves: Modern wharf facilities with deep-draft capabilities.
• Storage: Extensive on-dock and near-dock warehousing for short-term and long-term storage needs.
• Cranes and Equipment: Heavy-duty gantry cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and other material handling equipment.

Types of Cargo:

• Bulk Cargo: Includes phosphate, sulfur, fertilizer, steel, and wood chips.
• Breakbulk Cargo: Includes lumber, paper, pallets, and various other general cargo.
• Containerized Goods: The port can accommodate container traffic, although it handles relatively fewer containers compared to larger ports.

Draft and Depth:

• Channel Depth: The main shipping channel has a depth of approximately 45 feet (13.7 meters), suitable for deep-draft vessels.
• Berth Depth: Berth depths generally range from 34 to 45 feet (10.3 to 13.7 meters).

Size and Capacity:

• Area: Covers several hundred acres with room for expansion.
• Handling Capacity: The port handles millions of tons of cargo annually, with capacities continuously evolving based on infrastructure improvements.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Direct access to U.S. Highways 70 and 17, facilitating easy inland transportation to and from the port.
• Rail Access: Connected by a Southern Railway system that extends into the terminal for efficient cargo transfer.
• Airports: Proximity to regional and international airports for airfreight options.
• Inland Waterways: Navigable waterways enabling efficient barge transportation.

Services:

• Customs and Inspections: Full U.S. Customs services, along with USDA and other necessary regulatory agencies on site.
• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage services provided for safe vessel navigation.
• Towage and Tug Services: Available for berthing and unberthing of vessels.
• Logistics and Intermodal Services: Comprehensive logistics support including trucking, rail, and warehousing.

Future Development:

• Expansion Plans: Continuous investment in infrastructure improvements, technological upgrades, and expansion of terminals to meet growing demand.
• Environmental Initiatives: Ongoing projects aimed at sustainable development and minimizing environmental impact.

Strategic Significance

Economic Impact:

• The Port of Morehead City plays a vital role in the regional economy, providing thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local and state economic activities.

Advantages:

• Proximity to Major Markets: Situated closer to major production and consumption centers in the southeastern U.S., allowing for efficient distribution logistics.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined operations designed to minimize cargo dwell time and maximize throughput efficiency.
• Natural Harbor: The natural deep-water harbor requires less maintenance dredging compared to artificially deepened harbors.

Contacts

Port Authority:

• Operated by the North Carolina State Ports Authority.
• Address: 113 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557
• Phone: (252) 726-3158
• Website: NC Ports

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the Port of Morehead City, showcasing its capabilities, facilities, and strategic benefits.