ST JOSEPH

• USSTJ
• Latitude: 39.7455
• Longitude: -94.8582
• Inland, USA
• Port in US

Location: St. Joseph MI US

St. Joseph, Michigan, is home to a notable marine port situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the United States. This bustling port serves various purposes, including commercial shipping, recreational boating, and fishing activities. Here is a detailed description and specification of the port:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 42.1098° N latitude and 86.4829° W longitude.
• Water Body: Located on the Saint Joseph River where it meets Lake Michigan.
• Accessibility: Accessible from Lake Michigan and downstream from the city of St. Joseph into the river.

Infrastructure and Facilities:

• Harbor Types: It is a combination of a lake port and a river port.
• Docks/Piers: The port has several docking facilities for both commercial and recreational boats. This includes commercial docks for shipping freights and cargo, as well as marinas servicing pleasure crafts.
• Depth: The depth of the water at the port is generally adequate for medium-sized vessels. The depth regularly maintained, reaching around 21 feet at the harbor entrance.
• Cargo Handling: Facilities are available for loading and unloading various types of cargo. There are cranes, forklifts, and other cargo handling equipment.

Commercial Use:

• Types of Cargo: The port sees a range of cargo including bulk goods such as sand, gravel, cement, and other materials.
• Shipping Routes: The port serves as a waypoint for shipping routes across the Great Lakes, connecting to other ports in Michigan and around the Midwest.

Recreational Use:

• Marinas: There are well-equipped marinas providing slips, fueling stations, and boat repair services.
• Amenities: Includes restaurants, shops, and other services catering to boaters and tourists.
• Events: The port and surrounding area often host boating events, fishing tournaments, and community festivals.

Navigation:

• Lighthouse: The St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse assists in navigation, especially critical due to the mixing of river currents and lake winds.
• Channel: A dredged channel ensures safe passage for vessels entering from Lake Michigan.
• Marine Traffic Control: Managed by the U.S. Coast Guard for secure and efficient vessel movement.

Other Features:

• Environmental Considerations: Efforts are made to maintain water quality and manage environmental impact, ensuring sustainable use of the port area.
• Winter Use: During winter, the port may be subject to ice coverage, impacting navigability unless ice-breaking services are employed.

Significance:

• Economic: Significant for the local and regional economy, supporting jobs in shipping, tourism, and dockside businesses.
• Historic: The port has a rich history associated with the development of trade and transportation along the Great Lakes.

In summary, the St. Joseph port in Michigan is a critical infrastructure component for commercial shipping and recreational activities, well-equipped with diverse facilities and managed for efficient operation and environmental sustainability.