SPARROWS POINT

• Latitude: 39.2163
•
• Longitude: -76.4816
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• US East Coast
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• Port in US

Address: Sparrows Point MD US

Sparrows Point Marine Terminal: Overview & Specifications

Location: Sparrows Point Marine Terminal is located in the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States, directly south of the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It is strategically positioned to serve as a crucial hub for maritime cargo on the Eastern Seaboard.

Historical Context: Historically, Sparrows Point was known for its steel production, originally home to the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. With the decline of steel activities, the area has transitioned into a modern marine terminal with significant improvements in infrastructure to handle various types of cargo efficiently.

Ownership and Management: The Sparrows Point Marine Terminal is managed by Tradepoint Atlantic, a global logistics center that focuses on the development and operations of the terminal facilities.

Key Specifications and Features:

1. Infrastructure and Facilities:

   • Water Access:

     • Navigational Channels: The terminal is accessible through deep-water channels with depths of up to 50 feet, making it capable of accommodating large Post-Panamax vessels.
     • Berths: Multiple berths with robust bulkheads to support large maritime operations.

   • Storage and Warehousing:

     • On-Site Storage: Extensive on-site warehousing facilities, including dry storage and temperature-controlled units.
     • Open Storage: Large open laydown areas for bulk cargo, automobiles, and construction materials.

2. Cargo Handling:

   • Types of Cargo:

     • Bulk Goods: Coal, grain, ore, cement.
     • Breakbulk Cargo: Steel coils, forest products, machinery.
     • Automobiles: Facilities for Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) cargo, efficiently handling automotive imports and exports.
     • Containers: Operations for container loading and unloading, though traditionally less containerized than other nearby ports.

   • Equipment:

     • Cranes: A variety of cranes including gantry cranes, mobile harbor cranes, and specialized heavy-lift cranes.
     • Forklifts and Other Machinery: Numerous forklifts, yard hustlers, and other material handling equipment.

3. Transport Connectivity:

   • Road Access: Direct access to major interstates I-95, I-695, and I-895, facilitating seamless cargo transportation to and from the terminal.
   • Rail Access: On-dock rail facilities connected to CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads, accommodating intermodal transport and ensuring efficient logistics chains to the Midwest and beyond.
   • Airports: Proximity to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) for air cargo support.

4. Special Services:

   • Logistics and Distribution: Tradepoint Atlantic offers comprehensive logistics, distribution, and supply chain management services.
   • Customs Services: U.S. Customs and Border Protection services available on-site for expedited cargo clearance.
   • Environmental Sustainability: Implementation of eco-friendly practices and sustainability initiatives to minimize environmental impact, including dredging activities and habitat restoration projects.

5. Security:

   • Advanced Security Measures: Compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
   • 24/7 Surveillance: Around-the-clock surveillance and security personnel ensuring a secure and safe operational environment.

6. Expansion and Development:

   • Future Plans: Ongoing expansion projects aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity, enhancing infrastructure, and improving technology to meet evolving industry demands.

Conclusion:

Sparrows Point Marine Terminal serves as a key asset along the Eastern Seaboard, providing versatile capabilities for various cargo types and robust connectivity to rail, road, and air transport networks. Its strategic position and continually improving facilities make it an integral part of the maritime logistics landscape in the United States.