| Vessel Name ↕️ | IMO | Type ↕️ | DWT ↕️ | ETA ↕️ |
|---|
Note: Vessel information is updated daily. All times are local port time.
Port Overview
Whitefish Point is a strategically positioned maritime facility located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States, situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior. This remote yet significant port serves as a critical navigation point and maritime infrastructure in the Great Lakes region, particularly important for bulk cargo transportation and regional maritime operations. Positioned at the entrance to Whitefish Bay, the port plays a crucial role in supporting maritime traffic through the critical Great Lakes shipping corridor.
Geographic Location & Access
Coordinates: 46.7603°N, -84.9647°E
Located at the northeastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Whitefish Point offers a unique maritime position within Lake Superior’s complex navigation system. The port benefits from a protected natural harbor with direct access to major shipping lanes connecting the Great Lakes. The surrounding geography features rugged coastline and maritime terrain typical of the Lake Superior region, with challenging navigation conditions during winter months due to ice formation and severe weather patterns.
Port Infrastructure & Facilities
While Whitefish Point is not a commercial container port, it serves critical maritime functions:
– Navigation support infrastructure
– Maritime safety station
– Coast Guard operational base
– Historical maritime preservation site
– Limited cargo handling capabilities for specialized maritime operations
The area primarily supports:
– Maritime traffic monitoring
– Search and rescue operations
– Lighthouse and navigation services
– Research and environmental monitoring
– Limited small vessel support services
Technical Specifications
Maximum Draft: 50 meters
Channel Characteristics:
– Depth varies based on seasonal conditions
– Challenging navigation due to rocky shoreline
– Requires specialized local navigation knowledge
– Subject to Lake Superior’s dynamic maritime environment
Navigation Considerations:
– Complex approach requiring expert pilotage
– Significant seasonal variations in water levels
– Ice navigation challenges during winter months
– Requires advanced marine navigation skills
Operational Services
Limited operational services include:
– Basic maritime safety support
– Navigation assistance
– Emergency response capabilities
– Weather monitoring
– Vessel tracking and communication services
Commercial & Economic Aspects
While not a primary commercial port, Whitefish Point contributes to:
– Regional maritime safety infrastructure
– Great Lakes navigation support system
– Tourism and maritime heritage preservation
– Environmental monitoring and research
– Supporting local maritime economic activities
Strategic Importance
Strategic significance includes:
– Critical navigation point in Lake Superior
– Maritime safety and rescue operations hub
– Historical maritime preservation site
– Environmental research location
– Supporting regional maritime infrastructure
Additional Considerations
Unique characteristics:
– Part of the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory
– Located within a protected maritime conservation area
– Significant historical maritime heritage site
– Important ecological and environmental research location
Conclusion
Whitefish Point represents a specialized maritime facility focused on navigation support, safety, and environmental monitoring rather than traditional commercial port operations. Its strategic location and critical infrastructure make it an essential component of the Great Lakes maritime ecosystem, providing vital services to maritime traffic and supporting regional maritime safety and research initiatives.
Recommended for: Maritime safety professionals, navigation specialists, research organizations, and maritime heritage enthusiasts interested in Great Lakes maritime operations.
WHITEFISHPOINT
Stop wasting time — streamline your pre-fixing process and move bulk vessel cargo faster than ever.
