PORT COLBORNE

• Latitude: 42.8814
•
• Longitude: -79.2487
•
• Great Lakes
•
• Port in Canada

Address: Canada

Port Colborne Overview

Location: Port Colborne is situated at the southern end of the Welland Canal in the Province of Ontario, Canada. It lies on the northern shore of Lake Erie, providing a crucial link in the St. Lawrence Seaway System.

Specifications and Facilities

Coordinates:

• Latitude: 42.8722 N
• Longitude: 79.2500 W

Port Type:

• Public Port

Operational Authority:

• Port Colborne is managed by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

Navigational Information:

• Entrance Depth: Accessible for vessels with drafts up to 8 meters (26 feet).
• Channel Depth: Similar to entrance depth; maintained to accommodate large vessels.
• Cargo Pier Depth: Various docks and piers in the port area accommodate different depths, typically up to 8 meters (26 feet).
• Anchorage Depth: Deepwater anchorage within the port area suitable for cargo and transit vessels.

Berthing Facilities:

• Multiple berths available, supporting a variety of cargo types including bulk, breakbulk, and containerized cargo.
• Specialized berths for dry bulk cargo like grain and coal.

Cargo Handling:

• Equipment available includes cranes, conveyor belts, and loading/unloading machinery specific to different cargo types.
• Storage facilities include warehousing and open storage areas.

Supporting Facilities:

• Fuel and Bunkering Services: Available within port premises.
• Ship Repair and Maintenance: Basic repair facilities available; more specialized services accessible at nearby facilities in regional ports.

Traffic and Trade:

• Primarily handles bulk commodities.
• Significant movements of agricultural products, raw materials like iron, steel, and minerals, as well as general cargo.

Customs and Border Services:

• Port Colborne houses facilities for customs clearance to expedite import/export activities, given its strategic role in international shipping routes within the seaway.

Connectivity:

• Regional road and rail networks connect the port to major Canadian and US destinations.
• Proximity to urban centers like Buffalo (USA) and Toronto enhances logistical efficiencies.

Environmental and Safety Regulations:

• Adheres to both local and international maritime safety and environmental standards.
• Equipped with waste disposal, recycling facilities, and emergency response teams to handle potential environmental hazards.

Additional Features:

• The port hosts ship navigation aids such as lighthouses and signal stations to ensure safe passage.
• Regular dredging operations ensure maintained depths and navigability.

Economic and Strategic Importance

Port Colborne is vital to the Canadian and the larger North American trade landscape due to its strategic location on the Welland Canal, part of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System. This system is a crucial artery for transporting goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the continental interior, facilitating both import and export activities with considerable economic implications for the region.

With its robust infrastructure, efficient handling facilities, and strategic geographical position, Port Colborne remains a key player in the realm of maritime logistics and trade.