A large container ship navigates the Erie harbor during sunset with a prominent ships shadow stretching across the calm water

    Erie-Western PA Port Authority

    Pennsylvania
    East

    Overview

    The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority serves as the primary maritime gateway for the city of Erie and the northwestern Pennsylvania region on the shores of Lake Erie. Its strategic location provides access to one of only two 1,000-foot dry docks on the entire Great Lakes system, conferring it a significant role in ship repair and maintenance for large cargo vessels. The port features one of the largest cargo lift capacities on the Great Lakes, supporting a wide array of industrial, commercial, and recreational operations. Connectivity is a major asset, with multimodal transport links enabling seamless transition between maritime, rail, and highway systems, thereby expanding its reach to a 500-mile radius encompassing approximately 85 million people. The port accommodates bulk cargo shipments, breakbulk, and project cargoes crucial to regional manufacturers and shippers. Developable land within the port area offers opportunities for new businesses and expansion projects. The port’s versatility also supports recreational boating and tourism, making it a multifaceted asset to Erie’s economic and community life. Ongoing improvement projects and active operations ensure that the Authority remains a dynamic hub for industrial growth and logistics in Pennsylvania.

    Facilities

    • Erie International Marine Terminal
    • 1,000-foot dry dock (one of only two on the Great Lakes)
    • Multi-modal terminal (maritime, rail, and road connectivity)
    • Commercial dock facilities
    • Boat launches and marinas
    • Bulk and breakbulk cargo handling areas

    Operating Hours

    Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

    Shipping Lines

    Major carriers serving this port

    1
    Rand Logistics
    2
    Interlake Steamship Company
    3
    Canadian Steamship Lines