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Port of Pinto Island

USP9O🇺🇸USA

Also known as: Pinto Island Reach, Pinto Reach

This industrial island port on the northwestern coast of Mobile Bay handles shipbuilding and repair. It is situated between the Mobile River and the Spanish River, with access via Pinto Pass. The port features compulsory pilotage and tug services, with a medium-sized drydock available.

Background
Pinto Island is an island in the U.S. state of Alabama, within the city limits of Mobile. Located on the northwestern coast of Mobile Bay, it is bounded on the west by the Mobile River, on the south by Mobile Bay, on the east by the Spanish River, and on the north by Pinto Pass and Blakeley Island. It is dedicated to industrial uses, primarily shipbuilding. The BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards was originally the site of the Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company, and most recently Atlantic Marine, which was acquired by BAE in 2010. The Alabama State Port Authority operates a terminal on the southern end of the island for the ThyssenKrupp steel plant upriver in Calvert. Austal USA owns part of this Island chain taking up most of the central part with a stocking shop channel on the west bank. In June 2018 BAE Systems Southeast completed a total shutdown of all facilities on Pinto Island, selling all their land and ship yards to Austal USA, giving Austal USA 51% control of Pinto Island land area from center to South shore.
Loading current conditions…
Channel Depth
11ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
-8m
Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
M
Repair Code
A
WPI No.
8770
GeoNames ID
4083712
Wikidata
Q7196541
UN/LOCODE
USP9O
Country
🇺🇸USA
Time Zone
UTC-6
Feature Type
CNL (Canal)
Type
Port
Harbor Type
River natural
Shelter
Excellent
Subdivision
US-AL
Latitude
30.6667°
Longitude
-88.0167°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do I navigate the approach to the Port of Pinto Island?+
The approach to Pinto Island is supported by 5 navigation aids within 50 nautical miles. The nearest is Mobile Middle Reach Range Rear Lighthouse at 1.7 NM to the SW. Other aids include Theodore Channel Outer Range Rear (11.9 NM S), Mobile Lower Reach Range Rear (12.5 NM S), Mobile Bay (13.8 NM S), Mobile Point (Range A Rear) (26.3 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart and List of Lights for full approach details.
What sea or ocean is the Port of Pinto Island on?+
The Port of Pinto Island is situated on the Gulf of Mexico in US. The area falls within the subtropical climate zone with mild winters and warm summers, which can influence port operations and seasonal shipping patterns.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Pinto Island?+
You can track vessels near Pinto Island (USP9O) 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 USP9O on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Pinto Island?+
The Port of Pinto Island operates in the UTC-6 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.