
A maritime facility is where ships dock and port operations take place. It's a critical hub for international trade, commerce, and travel.
These facilities are located near coastlines and are responsible for handling cargo, fueling ships, and providing maintenance services.
The size and complexity of a maritime facility can vary greatly, with some being small and basic, while others are large and highly mechanized.
A typical maritime facility has multiple berths for ships to dock and unload or load cargo.
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Maritime Facilities
In the maritime world, facilities play a crucial role in the docking of ships. The Duluth Lake Port, for instance, is operated by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, with Jonathan Lamb at the helm as President.
You'll find a variety of commodities handled at the Duluth Lake Port, including coal, dry bulk, and fertilizer. Commodities like these are also handled at the Riverland AG – Duluth Storage, which is owned by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.
The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has a strong leadership team, with Deb DeLuca serving as Executive Director.
Palumbo Shipyards

The Palumbo Shipyards is a major ship repair facility within the Grand Harbour, specifically located within French Creek.
It has 3 docks, with the largest one capable of handling vessels of about 330 metres in length.
Palumbo Shipyards operates this facility, providing essential repair services to ships.
The facility's proximity to the Valletta Cruise Port suggests a high volume of maritime activity in the area.
More information about Palumbo Shipyards can be found by visiting the provided link.
Victoria's Facilities
Victoria's Facilities offer a range of services for users, including those related to security and fees.
You can find more information on the Standard Terms and Conditions for using these facilities on the Ports Victoria website.
To ensure safe handling of cargo, Ports Victoria has guidelines for handling dangerous cargoes.
Visit the Use of Ports Victoria’s facilities page on this website to learn more about Ancillary Service Provider Licensing and Inward Passenger Manifest Declaration.
You'll also find information on Port Load Chart and cruise vessel booking forms on this page.
Facilities

Ports Victoria offers a range of facilities for use, including Standard Terms and Conditions, Port Load Chart, and cruise vessel booking forms.
You can find more information on using these facilities on the Ports Victoria website.
The Port Facilities section lists various commodities handled at different ports, including coal, dry bulk, salt, and stone and aggregate.
Cenovus Energy Marine Fueling Terminal and Clure Public Marine Terminal are two examples of ports that handle specific commodities.
The Duluth Lake Port is operated by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, and it handles commodities such as coal, dry bulk, and fertilizer.
The USCG Station at the Duluth Lake Port is run by Commander J.P. Botti, and it handles commodities like coal, dry bulk, and liquid bulk.
Palumbo Shipyards has a major ship repair facility within the Grand Harbour, with three docks that can handle vessels up to 330 meters long.
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Docking and Mooring
Docking and Mooring is a crucial aspect of any maritime facility where ships dock. The Mooring Operations Guideline – Station Pier is in place to ensure safe operation and regulatory compliance.
The guideline is designed to help all parties involved with planning of mooring operations and the delivery of mooring services at Station Pier. This includes vessels, port operators, and other stakeholders.
Safe mooring operations are critical to prevent accidents and damage to the pier and surrounding environment.
Berths

A berth is essentially a docking space for ships, and it's a crucial part of any port or terminal.
The Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in San Diego has no mention of berths, but the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth has five general cargo berths, covering 2,620 linear feet of dock wall at Seaway depth.
The length of a berth can vary greatly, as seen at Station Pier in Melbourne, which has a total wharf length of 933 meters.
Bezzina and Cassar Ship Repair
The Grand Harbour is home to two private ship repair yards that play a vital role in the docking and mooring process. Bezzina and Cassar Ship Repair Yards are the names you'll often hear.
Bezzina Ship Repair Yard is one of the two private ship repair yards located in the Grand Harbour. It's equipped with shore workshops and floating docks.
Cassar Ship Repair Yard is the other private ship repair yard in the Grand Harbour, operating in a similar manner to Bezzina.
Both Bezzina and Cassar Ship Repair Yards operate in accordance with agreements entered into with the Authority for sea and land concessions.
Mooring Operations Guideline

The Mooring Operations Guideline is a crucial document for anyone involved in docking and mooring operations at Station Pier. It's designed to ensure safe operation, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
The guideline is available for download as a PDF, so you can easily access it and refer to it when needed.
To plan mooring operations effectively, the guideline is a must-have resource. It provides valuable information to help all parties involved carry out their responsibilities.
Initial planning has started for upgrading the pier's fenders to meet the needs of the cruise industry. This upgrade will likely involve significant changes to the pier's infrastructure.
Warm-Water
Warm-Water Ports are a Game Changer for Coastal Communities.
In countries with mostly cold winters, warm-water ports are a vital lifeline for trade and commerce. They remain ice-free year-round, making them a hot commodity for geopolitical and economic interests.
Settlements like Narvik in Norway and Dalian in China owe their existence to being ice-free ports. Their strategic locations allow them to operate 24/7, unaffected by seasonal changes.
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Ports like Murmansk and Novorossiysk in Russia, Odesa in Ukraine, and Kushiro in Japan are other examples of settlements that rely on warm-water ports. These ports have enabled the growth of industries and communities that would otherwise be hindered by ice.
The use of icebreakers has made some Baltic Sea ports available year-round since the 20th century. However, Russia's expansion to the Black Sea was a result of earlier access problems.
Smart
Smart ports have become increasingly efficient thanks to the use of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).
A smart port can handle goods more efficiently by deploying cloud-based software as part of the automation process.
Most of the world's ports have some level of technology integration, but the number of intelligent ports has been increasing due to global government initiatives and growth in maritime trade.
A report by Visiongain predicted that the Smart Ports Market spending would reach $1.5 billion in 2019.
Shipping Services

Shipping services at this maritime facility are quite comprehensive. Shipping services include pilotage, towage, mooring / unmooring.
Provisioning for ships is also a breeze, with fresh produce and export markets within a 5 km radius of the pier. This means that a homeporting or visiting cruise ship can get the supplies it needs at short notice.
Emergency services are readily available, should they be needed. Fresh water is also plentiful, with Melbourne's water being renowned as the cleanest and best drinking water of any Australian city.
Port Operations
The Clure Public Marine Terminal is a key part of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority's operations, serving as the only breakbulk and general cargo maritime freight facility in the harbor.
With five general cargo berths and 2,620 linear feet of dock wall at Seaway depth, this terminal is equipped to handle the largest and most complex cargoes.
The terminal offers direct access to four Class I rail carriers, including BNSF, Canadian National, CPKC, and Union Pacific, through its on-dock rail system.
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This allows for efficient cargo transfer between ship, truck, and rail, with four tracks along the dock wall and a loop track for unit train handling and other transloading options.
Here are some key features of the Clure Terminal's rail-served, land-based intermodal container hub:
- Direct access to four Class I rail carriers
- Four tracks along the dock wall for direct cargo transfer
- Loop track for unit train handling and other transloading options
The terminal also includes a roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) dock, twin rail-mounted gantry cranes, and equipment for efficient ship loading and discharge.
National City Marine Terminal
The National City Marine Terminal is a game-changer for the automotive industry, serving as the primary port of entry for one out of every 10 new foreign cars shipped to the United States.
Located on the National City waterfront at the south end of San Diego Bay, this terminal is owned by the Port of San Diego and operated by Pasha Automotive Services. It's a 135-acre complex with four working berths, a depth of 35 feet, and direct access to on-dock class I rail.
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This terminal specializes in processing vehicles for top brands like Audi, Bentley, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM, Hino, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Itochu, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi Fuso, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Pasha Automotive Services' strong partnership with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) ensures a skilled labor force to meet all shipping needs.
The terminal's secure facilities provide 24-hour monitoring for valuable cargo, and flexible storage opportunities are available for importers and exporters. You'll also find on-site offices for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Cruise Lines, as well as a Crew Amenities Center offering telephones, internet access, wire service, video rental, and sundries.
Here are some key features of the National City Marine Terminal at a glance:
- 135-acre complex
- Four working berths
- Depth of 35 feet
- 10 miles from U.S.-Mexico Border
- Direct access to on-dock class I rail
- Minutes from interstates 5, 8, 15 and 805
- Secure facilities for valuable cargo with 24-hour monitoring
- Flexible storage opportunities
Clean Marine Terminal
The Clure Public Marine Terminal is a state-of-the-art facility that's a hub of activity in the Duluth-Superior harbor. It covers 120 acres and has dock faces on three sides at a depth of 27 feet.

The terminal has five general cargo berths, with 2,620 linear feet of dock wall at Seaway depth. This allows for efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
One of the key features of the terminal is its on-dock rail with direct access to four Class I rail carriers. This enables seamless transfer of cargo between ship, truck, and rail.
The terminal has four tracks along the dock wall for direct cargo transfer, as well as a loop track for unit train handling and other transloading options. This flexibility makes it easier to handle complex cargoes.
The terminal also has easy access to three major highway corridors, including Interstate 35. This makes it convenient for trucking companies to transport cargo to and from the terminal.
The Clure Terminal has nearly 500,000 square feet of warehouse capacity and 65+ acres of secure outdoor ground storage for cargo staging and assembly. This provides ample space for cargo to be stored and processed.
The terminal is equipped with twin rail-mounted, made-in-Duluth gantry cranes, each with a 90-ton lift capacity and 130-ton capacity in tandem. This heavy-duty equipment enables efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
The Clure Terminal is also home to the port's rail-served, land-based intermodal container hub, operated by Duluth Cargo Connect. This hub provides a convenient and efficient way to transfer cargo between ship, truck, and rail.
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Customs, Quarantine, Immigration

When dealing with customs, quarantine, and immigration, it's reassuring to know that full customs and quarantine security is available.
The pier can be physically isolated, giving security and privacy to ships and their passengers, which is a big plus when it comes to sensitive cargo or high-profile visitors.
Maritime security is provided in accordance with government regulations, so you can trust that everything is being handled properly.
Charges
Port charges are a significant aspect of port operations, and it's worth noting that they can be negotiated, especially for homeporting ships.
The rates for port charges are listed in the Reference Tariff Schedule, which is a good resource to consult if you're planning a trip.
Station Pier is closed to the public until further notice, which is something to be aware of if you're planning to visit.
Cruise passengers, on the other hand, have access to the pier when cruise ships are in port, making it a convenient option for embarking and disembarking.
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Maritime Escort Card Request

To request a maritime escort card, you'll need to provide certain documents and be present at the designated time.
You'll need to bring a copy of your TWIC card to access the terminal and receive your escort card.
The escort card is issued by appointment only, so be sure to schedule a time in advance.
You'll need to be present at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, located inside the main entrance.
World's Major Ports
The world's major ports are a crucial part of global trade, with some handling over 10 million containers per year.
The Port of Shanghai is the busiest container port in the world, handling over 40 million TEUs in 2020.
Singapore's Port of Singapore is a close second, with a capacity to handle over 30 million TEUs annually.
The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is a significant hub for European trade, with a cargo volume of over 460 million tons in 2019.
The Port of Hong Kong is a major player in the Asia-Pacific region, with over 27 million TEUs handled in 2020.
The Port of Busan in South Korea is a key hub for international trade, with a cargo volume of over 120 million tons in 2019.
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Features

The port's features are impressive, to say the least. The complex spans an enormous 96-acre area.
One of the standout features is the eight berths available for vessels. This allows for efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
The port's depth is a significant 42 feet, making it suitable for a wide range of vessels.
A flexible, mobile harbor crane is also on site, providing the flexibility needed for various cargo operations.
Cold storage, covered storage, and open laydown space are all available for cargo, offering flexibility in terms of storage options.
The temperature-controlled warehouse is a massive 300,000 sq. ft. (27,871 square meters), providing a secure environment for sensitive cargo.
On-dock shore power and fueling are also available, reducing the need for vessels to burn fossil fuels while docked.
The port's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico Border is another significant advantage, with it being just 15 miles away.
U.S. Customs and Federal USDA inspection services are also on site, streamlining the inspection process.
The port is conveniently located near several major interstates, including 5, 8, 15, and 805, making it easily accessible by road.
Environmental Impact

Ports can have a significant environmental impact, with sediment contamination and spills from ships being major concerns.
Human activities, including climate change, also pose a threat to the environment around ports.
Ports are often located near waterways, which can lead to lower water quality due to direct and indirect pollution from shipping.
Trash washing into the ocean from the port's community is another challenge that affects water quality.
Several initiatives aim to decrease the negative environmental impacts of ports, such as the World Port Sustainability Program and the World Ports Climate Initiative.
These programs consider the Sustainable Development Goals as a way to address port sustainability.
Types and Locations
Maritime facilities can be found in various locations around the world, with some of the busiest ones being in the United States, China, and Japan.
These countries have a long history of maritime trade and have invested heavily in their ports and shipping infrastructure. The Port of Los Angeles in the United States is one of the busiest container ports in the world, while the Port of Shanghai in China is the world's busiest container port in terms of cargo volume.
In addition to these large-scale facilities, there are also smaller, specialized ports that cater to specific types of shipping, such as oil tankers and cruise ships.
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Types

Ports come in different forms, each suited for specific types of vessels. A port is typically used for ocean-going vessels, while a seaport is also used for ocean-going vessels, but the terms are often used interchangeably.
Seaports are indeed often used for ocean-going vessels, and the terms "port" and "seaport" are sometimes used synonymously.
River ports, on the other hand, are specifically designed for river traffic, such as barges and other shallow-draft vessels.
Fishing
Fishing ports are a crucial part of the fishing industry, and they're typically commercial facilities.
A fishing port is the only port that depends on an ocean product, which makes it vulnerable to depletion of fish resources.
Fishing ports are used for landing and distributing fish, making them a key part of the food supply chain.
A fishing port may also be a recreational facility, but its main purpose is to support commercial fishing operations.
Depletion of fish resources can cause a fishing port to be uneconomical, which highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices.
Asia

Asia is home to some of the world's busiest ports, with the port of Shanghai being the largest in terms of cargo tonnage and activity.
The port of Shanghai regained its position as the world's busiest port by cargo tonnage and the world's busiest container port in 2009 and 2010, respectively.
The port of Singapore is the world's second-busiest port in terms of total shipping tonnage, and it also transships a significant amount of the world's shipping containers.
It's worth noting that the port of Singapore transships a third of the world's shipping containers, which is a staggering amount.
The ports of Hong Kong and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, are also major players in the region, although they trail behind the top two in terms of cargo tonnage and activity.
Sources
- https://www.portofsandiego.org/maritime/terminals
- https://ports.vic.gov.au/marine-operations/station-pier/
- https://www.transport.gov.mt/maritime/local-waters/ports-in-the-maltese-islands/port-of-valletta-118
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port
- https://duluthport.com/business/port-operations-and-facilities/
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