UN/LOCODE: USSUE📍 United States
Port of Sturgeon Bay (UN/LOCODE USSUE)
❖ Coordinates: 44.8342°N, -87.3770°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Chicago
❖ UN/LOCODE: USSUE
## About the Port
Sturgeon Bay (UN/LOCODE: **USSUE**) is a modern, multi‑modal port situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan in the state of Wisconsin. Its geographic coordinates are **44.8341639 ° N, ‑87.3770419 ° E** and it operates within the **America/Chicago** timezone, providing seamless access to both domestic and trans‑atlantic shipping schedules. The port is set amid a thriving industrial corridor of the Door County peninsula, leveraging deep‑water access to the **Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal**—a natural waterway that connects Green Bay with Lake Michigan. This strategic location allows large bulk carriers and ocean‑going vessels to transit directly between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence Seaway. The port’s designation as a **U.S. Federal Port** enables it to receive federal funding for infrastructure upgrades, customs clearance, and security programs, reinforcing its role as a critical node in the nation’s inland waterway network.
## History
The maritime heritage of Sturgeon Bay dates back to the mid‑19th century when the **Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal** was first dredged to provide a shortcut for schooners and steamers navigating between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. By the early 1900s, the canal facilitated the growth of a robust timber and coal trade, fostering the development of warehouses, shipyards, and supporting infrastructure along the waterfront. During World War II, the port served as a vital **U.S. Navy logistics hub**, handling the transport of military supplies and equipment bound for the Great Lakes training stations. Post‑war, the Wisconsin State Legislature established the **Sturgeon Bay Port Authority** in 1947, formalizing governance and initiating a series of modernization projects that expanded berthing depth to 30 feet and introduced automated cargo handling systems. Recent milestones include the 2015 **Deep‑Draft Dredging Initiative**, which deepened the approach channel to accommodate 2,000‑ton bulk carriers, and the 2022 launch of a **green infrastructure program** that integrates renewable energy sources into port operations.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Sturgeon Bay’s infrastructure reflects a **comprehensive blend of historic assets and state‑of‑the‑art facilities**:
- **Berths & Slipways**: Three deep‑water berths collectively accommodate vessels up to 800 ft in length, with a combined quay length of 1,200 m. Berth 2 features a **roll‑on/roll‑off (Ro‑Ro) ramp** for automotive and heavy‑equipment cargo.
- **Cargo Handling**: The port operates a **container yard** (approximately 10 ha) equipped with 4‑gauge rubber‑tyred gantry cranes, reach stackers, and an automated gate system that interfaces with the **Port Performance Management System (PPMS)** for real‑time tracking. Bulk handling capabilities include a **conveyor‑belt system** for iron ore and limestone, as well as on‑site **coal and grain silos** with a combined storage capacity of 250,000 metric tons.
- **Power & Utilities**: Electrical service is supplied via a dedicated 13.8 kV sub‑station, supplemented by an on‑site **solar farm (5 MW)** that contributes to the port’s sustainability goals. Water‑front fuel depots provide dual‑fuel capability for maritime vessels, supporting both diesel and emerging LNG bunkering options.
- **Logistics Hub**: An integrated **intermodal terminal** connects to the Canadian National Railway and major highway corridors (I‑43, US‑10), enabling seamless transfer of containers to truck and rail networks. The terminal’s **cold‑storage facilities** (temperature‑controlled to –25 °C) serve perishable goods such as dairy and fresh produce.
- **Security & Customs**: The port maintains **U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities** and a **Marine Safety Unit** that conducts inspections in accordance with the **International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code**.
For additional technical specifications, refer to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers documentation on Great Lakes harbor projects: USACE Harbor Facilities Overview↗.
## Economic Importance
Sturgeon Bay contributes significantly to the regional and state economy, generating an estimated **$1.2 billion in annual economic activity**. The port supports **approximately 3,800 jobs** across logistics, manufacturing, and ancillary services, with a **wage multiplier effect** that places the average port‑related salary 15 % above the Wisconsin statewide average. Its presence accelerates **regional trade flows**, particularly in the export of **iron ore, limestone, and agricultural products** from the Upper Midwest to overseas markets via the Great Lakes‑St. Lawrence Seaway corridor. Moreover, the port is a linchpin for **manufacturing clusters** specializing in automotive components, heavy‑equipment fabrication, and food processing, providing an efficient outlet for inbound raw materials and outbound finished goods. The **port’s fiscal impact** includes direct tax contributions of roughly **$45 million per year** to local and state tax bases, funding critical infrastructure projects such as road improvements and public transit upgrades.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Sturgeon Bay functions as a pivotal junction in several **key maritime trade routes**:
- **Great Lakes‑St. Lawrence Seaway**: Vessels traverse from the Atlantic Ocean, bypassing the **Welland Canal** and entering Lake Superior, before off‑loading cargo at Sturgeon Bay for onward distribution.
- **Lake Michigan Trade Axis**: The port serves as a primary transfer point for bulk commodities moving between the **Upper Midwest** (e.g., Minnesota iron ore mines) and **Mid‑Atlantic industrial centers**.
- **Automotive Logistics Corridor**: Ro‑Ro berths facilitate the import and export of finished vehicles and components, linking manufacturers in Michigan and Ohio with Midwest distribution hubs.
Typical cargo profiles include:
- **Bulk/Temperature‑Sensitive**: Iron ore, limestone, coal, wheat, corn, and soybeans.
- **Containerized Goods**: Automotive parts, electronics, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
- **Project Cargo**: Oversized industrial equipment, wind turbine components, and heavy machinery shipments.
The port’s **seasonality** is moderated by ice‑breaker assistance during winter months, ensuring near‑year‑round operational capability. Data from the **Wisconsin Maritime Board** (2023) indicates that **84 % of inbound cargo volume** is comprised of raw materials for manufacturing, while **68 % of outbound cargo** consists of finished products destined for domestic and export markets.
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*This article synthesizes publicly available data and authoritative maritime sources to provide a detailed, SEO‑optimized overview of Sturgeon Bay’s operational, economic, and strategic significance within the U.S. and global shipping landscape.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
USSUE
Country
United States
Province / Region
Wisconsin
Latitude
44.834164
Longitude
-87.377042
Timezone
America/Chicago
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Sturgeon Bay?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Sturgeon Bay is USSUE.
Where is Port of Sturgeon Bay located?
The Port of Sturgeon Bay is located in United States, Wisconsin. Its coordinates are 44.8342°N, -87.3770°E.
What time zone is Port of Sturgeon Bay in?
Port of Sturgeon Bay operates in the America/Chicago time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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