PORT DARLINGTON

• CABWV
• Latitude: 43.8936
• Longitude: -78.6678
• Great Lakes
• Marina in Canada

Location: Canada

Port Darlington - Overview

Location: Port Darlington is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, near the town of Bowmanville in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is positioned at approximately latitude 43.897° N and longitude 78.695° W. This small port is situated about 75 kilometers east of Toronto and serves as a key access point to the Great Lakes.

Strategic Importance: Port Darlington is primarily used for recreational boating and small-scale commercial shipping. Its strategic location on the shores of Lake Ontario allows for convenient transportation of goods and provides access to the extensive waterway network of the Great Lakes, facilitating trade and commerce within North America.

Port Specifications

1. Infrastructure:

   • Docks/Piers:
     • The port features several docks and piers suitable for small to mid-sized vessels. These include both commercial docks for handling cargo and marina facilities for recreational boats.
   • Harbor Depth:
     • The water depth at Port Darlington varies, with typical depths ranging from 3 to 5 meters, sufficient for smaller commercial vessels and sailing boats.

2. Facilities:

   • Cargo Handling:
     • Basic cargo handling facilities are available, including loading and unloading equipment. The port is capable of handling general cargo but does not have specialized equipment for heavy bulk or containerized cargo.
   • Marina:
     • The marina serves recreational boaters, featuring amenities such as fueling stations, mooring slips, maintenance services, and waste disposal facilities.

3. Services:

   • Pilotage:
     • Not typically required for smaller vessels, but pilotage services can be arranged if needed for navigation assistance.
   • Towing and Tug Services:
     • Limited availability given the port’s size and typical traffic, but can be arranged through nearby larger ports.
   • Repairs and Maintenance:
     • Basic repair and maintenance services are available within the port area for both recreational and small commercial vessels.

4. Access:

   • Road:
     • Port Darlington is accessible via local roads connecting to Ontario’s Highway 401, providing direct access to the provincial and national road network.
   • Rail:
     • There is no direct rail access to the port itself, but adjacent areas are served by regional rail lines.
   • Air:
     • The nearest major airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport, approximately 90 kilometers west of Port Darlington.

5. Operational Considerations:

   • Navigation:
     • The port has navigational aids such as buoys and markers to ensure safe entry and exit of vessels.
   • Weather:
     • Lake Ontario can be subject to sudden weather changes, and operators must be prepared for varying conditions, including fog, high winds, and temperature fluctuations.

Environmental Considerations

Port Darlington, like many smaller ports on the Great Lakes, must adhere to environmental regulations to protect water quality and the surrounding ecosystem. This includes managing waste products, controlling emissions, and preventing spills or other contaminant releases. There are ongoing efforts to ensure that port operations do not adversely impact Lake Ontario’s environmental health.

Conclusion

Port Darlington is a modest but vital port for the local community, providing essential services for recreational and small-scale commercial boating. Its strategic location on Lake Ontario makes it an important node in the regional transportation network, offering various maritime services, though on a smaller scale compared to larger ports.