Duluth Seaway Port Authority

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority oversees the Port of Duluth-Superior, which is recognized as the largest tonnage port on the Great Lakes and consistently ranks among the top 20 ports nationwide by annual tonnage. Strategically situated at the western tip of Lake Superior, the port serves as the primary entry and exit point for oceangoing and domestic vessels entering the North American continent via the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System. Each year, the port manages an average of 35 million short tons of diverse cargo, including iron ore, coal, limestone, grain, general and heavy-lift cargo. Surrounded by a nine-mile natural breakwater, the port’s 49 miles of harbor frontage accommodates 20 privately owned bulk cargo docks and several specialized terminals, including its crown jewel, the 120-acre Clure Public Marine Terminal. The Authority not only manages this multimodal hub but also actively drives regional economic development, supports industrial projects, and advocates for maritime commerce. Its connectivity is enhanced by proximity to highways, Class I railroads, and intermodal infrastructure, providing seamless cargo movement to and from the North American interior and overseas markets. The port's leadership in fleet modernization, operational safety, and sustainable practices further underscores its role as a critical gateway for transoceanic and inland trade throughout the heartland.