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Note: Vessel information is updated daily. All times are local port time.
Port Overview
Traverse City (USTVC) is a strategically positioned maritime facility located in the Great Lakes region of the United States, specifically in Michigan’s northwestern Lower Peninsula. Situated on the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, this port serves as a critical infrastructure point for regional maritime commerce, connecting inland waterways with broader transportation networks. While primarily a regional port, Traverse City plays a significant role in supporting local economic activities, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and light industrial sectors.
Geographic Location & Access
Coordinates: 44.767°N, -85.619°E
The port is nestled within the natural protection of Grand Traverse Bay, offering a sheltered maritime environment with unique geographic advantages. Located approximately 250 kilometers northwest of Detroit, Traverse City benefits from direct access to Lake Michigan’s shipping routes. The port experiences a temperate maritime climate with seasonal variations, characterized by moderate winters and mild summers, which moderately impact maritime operations.
Port Infrastructure & Facilities
Traverse City’s maritime infrastructure is designed to support regional maritime needs, with the following key characteristics:
– Total berth length: Approximately 500 meters
– Primary cargo handling areas: Multi-purpose terminals
– Storage capacity: 25,000 square meters of open and covered storage
– Specialized handling capabilities for:
– Agricultural products
– General cargo
– Limited container handling
– Small vessel maintenance
Technical Specifications
– Maximum draft: 5.0 meters
– Channel depth: 4.5-5.0 meters
– Tidal range: Minimal (Great Lakes tidal variations)
– Vessel size limitations: Primarily suitable for smaller commercial vessels and regional maritime traffic
– Navigation aids: Standard Great Lakes maritime navigation systems
– Pilotage: Mandatory for larger vessels, provided by local maritime authorities
Operational Services
Port services include:
– Basic stevedoring operations
– Cargo handling and transshipment
– Limited bunkering services
– Fresh water provisions
– Basic vessel maintenance support
– Customs and immigration facilities
– Environmental waste management
– Security screening and port authority oversight
Commercial & Economic Aspects
– Port dues: Competitive regional pricing structure
– Intermodal connections: Direct road and limited rail links
– Primary trade focus: Regional agricultural exports, tourism-related logistics
– Annual cargo throughput: Approximately 150,000 metric tons
– Key economic sectors served: Agriculture, light manufacturing, regional distribution
Strategic Importance
Traverse City represents a niche maritime infrastructure serving northwestern Michigan’s economic ecosystem. Its strategic value lies in:
– Supporting regional agricultural export capabilities
– Providing maritime logistics for local industries
– Enhancing regional transportation connectivity
– Serving as a critical infrastructure for local economic development
Competitive Advantages
– Protected bay location
– Proximity to agricultural production regions
– Flexible multi-purpose terminal capabilities
– Efficient regional transportation links
– Low congestion compared to major maritime hubs
Cargo Suitability
Optimal for:
– Agricultural products
– General cargo
– Small vessel maritime operations
– Regional distribution logistics
– Tourism-related maritime services
Limitations
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USTVC
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