A close up of where the ships dock

Shipping Facts

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

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.

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.