SOUTHWEST PASS

• Latitude: 29.0318
•
• Longitude: -89.3384
•
• Gulf of Mexico
•
• Port in US

Address: Southwest Pass Louisiana US

Marine Port Description and Specification: Southwest Pass, US

Overview: Southwest Pass is a critical navigational channel for maritime traffic entering and exiting the Mississippi River, which leads to the Port of New Orleans and several other vital ports along the river. This channel serves as a major conduit for U.S. domestic and international trade, offering deep-draft access to the significant industrial and commercial regions inland via the Mississippi River.

Location: Southwest Pass is located in the southeastern region of Louisiana, extending from the mouth of the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the primary entrances for ships navigating to and from the Gulf and the interior states via the river.

Coordinates: Latitude: 28.933N Longitude: 89.408W

Channel Description:

• Depth: The channel at Southwest Pass is maintained to a depth of approximately 45 feet (13.7 meters), though this can fluctuate due to sedimentation and dredging activities.
• Width: The width of the channel varies but is generally about 750 feet (228.6 meters) wide, accommodating large vessels.
• Length: While the length of the channel from the mouth of the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico is roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers), navigation through the entire delta to reach deep water can encompass longer stretches.

Navigational Aids:

• Buoys and Beacons: A series of lighted buoys, day beacons, and range lights mark the channel, ensuring safe passage for vessels.
• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage for all foreign vessels and larger U.S. ships. The Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New Orleans (Bar Pilots) are responsible for navigating vessels through Southwest Pass.

Maritime Traffic: Southwest Pass accommodates a significant volume of maritime traffic, including:

• Bulk Carriers: Transporting commodities such as coal, grain, and iron ore.
• Tankers: Carrying crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, and LNG.
• Container Ships: Facilitating international trade with goods in containerized cargo.
• General Cargo Ships: Handling various goods and raw materials.
• Cruise Ships: Occasionally utilizing the channel for access to the Port of New Orleans.

Port Facilities: While Southwest Pass itself does not have direct port facilities, it is a gateway to several major ports along the Mississippi River, including:

• Port of New Orleans: A major port for trade, cruise, and shipping lines.
• Port of South Louisiana: One of the busiest ports in the U.S. by tonnage.
• Port of Baton Rouge: A key port for industrial and agricultural products.

Environmental and Navigational Considerations:

• Sedimentation: Constant sedimentation requires regular dredging to maintain channel depth.
• Weather Conditions: Subject to weather impacts, including fog, hurricanes, and seasonal storms.
• Current and Tides: Strong river currents and tidal influences affect navigation, requiring careful pilotage.

Economic Significance: Southwest Pass is vital for the U.S. economy, facilitating the movement of hundreds of millions of tons of cargo annually. It serves industries ranging from agriculture to petrochemicals, making it a linchpin in national and global supply chains.

Contact Information:

• U.S. Coast Guard: For navigational and safety information.
• Associated Branch Pilots for the Port of New Orleans: For pilotage services.

Summary: Southwest Pass is an essential maritime passage for access to the Mississippi River and its associated ports. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated, as it supports a wide range of economic activities and maintains the flow of goods into and out of the heartland of the United States. Regular maintenance and operational vigilance ensure that this channel remains safe and navigable for all maritime traffic.