Shipping Facts

Shipping Facts and Lingo

From towering freighters to international cargo, the Port of Duluth-Superior is a powerhouse of North American shipping. As North America’s furthest-inland freshwater seaport, this working port sees hundreds of vessels every year — and you don’t need to be a sailor to get in on the action.

By the Numbers: Fast Facts About Shipping

Here are a few eye-opening stats about this vital gateway between the Great Lakes and the world:

Located 2,342 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s the most inland seaport in North America.
Approximately 900 vessels visit the Port of Duluth-Superior each year. It’s the Great Lakes’ top tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20.
The St. Lawrence Seaway, opened in 1959, connects the Great Lakes to global markets via the Atlantic Ocean.
The port handles an average of 35 million short tons of cargo annually.
Iron ore and coal make up nearly 80% of total tonnage passing through the port.
One ship can carry as much cargo as 300 rail cars or 900 trucks.
Duluth’s First Ship Contest, started in 1984, celebrates the season’s first arrival and draws thousands of entries each year.

Outdoor Duluth Facts

Duluth has 129 municipal parks, totaling 3,264 acres and that is only the beginning of what the Duluth outdoor scene offers.

Learn More

Shipping Lingo 101

Not sure what a “saltie” is? You’re not alone. Whether you’re watching from Canal Park or brushing up for a trivia night, we’ve got your cheat sheet.

A large ship on lake superior under passes under the aerial lift bridge in duluth, mn

Types of Ships

Lakers: Large bulk carriers built specifically for Great Lakes transport.
Salties: Ocean-going vessels designed to navigate both the Great Lakes and the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Nautical Terms to Know

Bow: The front of the boat.
Stern: The rear of the boat.
Port: The left side of the boat.
Starboard: The right side of the boat.
Underway: When the boat is moving
Amidships: The middle section of the vessel.
Topside: Moving from a lower to an upper deck.
Quarters: Living and sleeping areas.
Head: The toilet or bathroom.
Hull: The main body of the boat, in contact with water.
Dry Weight: The boat’s weight minus fuel, water, or cargo.
Mayday: The universal radio distress call.

Discover More About Duluth’s Port

Want to dive deeper into Duluth’s role in global trade? Head over to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority for real-time stats, history, and a peek behind the scenes of one of the Great Lakes’ busiest ports.