SARNIA

• CASNI
• Latitude: 42.9718
• Longitude: -82.4113
• Great Lakes
• Port in Canada

Location: Canada

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Sarnia, Canada

General Overview:

Sarnia is a prominent Canadian port located in Ontario, on the eastern shore of Lake Huron at the point where the lake flows into the St. Clair River. This strategic location makes it a key player in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway system, serving as a central hub for shipping and transport operations within the region.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approx. 42.9745° N latitude, 82.4060° W longitude.
• Waterway: Situated on the Lake Huron side of the St. Clair River.

Infrastructure and Facilities:

1. Terminals:

   • Petroleum Terminals: Sarnia has significant petroleum-handling facilities due to its proximity to the petrochemical industry in the region.
   • General Cargo Terminals: Facilities for handling various types of general cargo including breakbulk, bulk, and containers.
   • Dry Bulk Terminals: Terminals equipped to handle dry bulk commodities like grain, fertilizers, and aggregates.

2. Berths: The port has several berths accommodating different types of vessels, including tankers, cargo ships, and bulk carriers. Typical depths at the berths range from 9.1 to 12.5 meters, depending on the berth type.

3. Storage:

   • Warehouses: Multiple warehouses for storing general and specialized cargo.
   • Open Storage: Extensive areas for open storage of bulk commodities and large items.
   • Tankage: Ample storage for liquid bulk, particularly petroleum products.

4. Handling Equipment:

   • Cranes: Various cranes, including container cranes, mobile cranes, and heavy lift cranes, to handle diverse cargo needs.
   • Conveyors and Pipelines: For efficient loading and unloading of bulk materials and liquids.

5. Support Facilities:

   • Repair and Maintenance: Ship repair yards and facilities offering maintenance services.
   • Bunkering Services: Availability of bunkering (fueling) services for vessels.
   • Pilotage: Mandatory pilot services for vessels navigating the St. Clair River and approaching the port.

Navigation and Access:

• Channel Depth: Maintained to serve deep-draft vessels transiting the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway.
• Navigational Aids: Comprehensive navigational aids including buoys, lighthouses, and electronic systems ensure safe passage.
• Ice Conditions: Icebreaking services are available during winter months to keep the waterways navigable.

Connectivity:

• Road and Rail Links: Well-connected by road and rail networks to major Canadian and U.S. industrial hubs, facilitating efficient hinterland transportation.
• Intermodal Facilities: Support for intermodal operations ensuring smooth transition of cargo between different modes of transport.

Economic and Industrial Significance:

• Petrochemical Industry Hub: Close proximity to one of Canada's largest clusters of petrochemical plants.
• Cross-Border Trade: Vital point for cross-border trade with the United States, enhancing its strategic importance in North American trade.

Environmental and Safety Standards:

• Regulations: Adheres to stringent Canadian and international regulations governing marine safety, environmental protection, and pollution control.
• Emergency Response: Equipped with comprehensive emergency response plans including spill response and firefighting capabilities.

In summary, the Port of Sarnia is a critical node in the Great Lakes shipping network, providing diverse facilities and services conducive to a wide range of maritime and industrial activities. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and interconnectivity make it an essential port for regional and international trade.