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Port of Baltimore

USBAL🇺🇸USA

Port Location

About Port of Baltimore

Located on the Patapsco River, this historic port established in 1706 serves as a major US shipping hub. It is a leading facility for specialized cargo and passenger operations, handling a diverse range of goods. The port utilizes tugs and has large drydock facilities.

Background
The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is a shipping port along the tidal basins of the three branches of the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, on the upper northwest shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It is the nation's largest port facility for specialized cargo and passenger facilities. It is operated by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), a unit of the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Channel Depth
14ft
Elevation
456m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
L
Repair Code
A
Terminals
2

History

Established
1706

Terminals (2)

DUNDALK MARINE TERMINAL

PORTS AMERICA CHESAPEAKE

2700 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA

www.portsamerica.com →

SEAGIRT MARINE TERMINAL

PORTS AMERICA BALTIMORE, INC.

2600 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA

www.portsamerica.com →

Identification

UN/LOCODE
USBAL
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-8
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Good

Region

Subdivision
US-MD
Area
US East Coast
Body of Water
Patapsco River
Latitude
39.2540°
Longitude
-76.5868°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
8210 →
GeoNames ID
5712405 →
Wikidata
Q377595 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Official Site
mpa.maryland.gov →

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Baltimore?+
The approach to Baltimore is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Fort Mchenry Channel Range Front Lighthouse at 0.7 NM to the NE. Other aids include Lazaretto Point (0.9 NM NE), Fort Mchenry Channel Range Rear (1.3 NM N), Seven Foot Knoll (2 NM NNW), Chesapeake (2.2 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Baltimore?+
The Port of Baltimore is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Baltimore?+
You can track vessels near Baltimore (USBAL) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for USBAL on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Baltimore?+
The Port of Baltimore operates in the UTC-8 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.