Discover the Port of Portland, Maine, and how its harbor layout, tides, and services influence shipping and trade.
This report describes port and harbor facilities, rail connections, transfer between rail and water, and other factors that affect the movement of traffic through the port. It explains what ships and producers need to know to plan economical outlets for their goods and to understand the infrastructure that supports successful port operations.
- Harbor layout and access: Front Harbor, Fore River, and Back Cove with a combined water frontage of about eight miles and a deep-water main channel between Cushing Island and Portland Head.
- Tides and currents: mean tide around 8.9 feet with occasional higher ranges; currents are strongest near bridges and generally manageable for navigation.
- Facilities and services: anchorage areas, grain elevators, bunkering options, oil facilities, ballast handling, and extensive fire protection on the waterfront.
- Operations that affect planners: pilotage as an option, dockage and towage charges, and the role of railroads in handling and distributing cargo.
Ideal for readers of maritime history, port development, or shipping and logistics planning.