The East Coast ports of the United States are essential hubs for global trade. With their geographical advantages of being close to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East and their convenient connection to Asia via the Panama Canal, they have become key nodes for transatlantic and trans-Pacific trade. These ports not only support the growth of the US economy but also handle a large amount of imported and exported goods through modern infrastructure and efficient logistics networks, alleviating congestion on the West Coast and ensuring the stability of the supply chain. They are an indispensable and essential part of international trade.
Major container port on the east coast
Port of New York and New Jersey
- Established: 1921
- Location: at the border between New York and New Jersey, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 9.2 million TEU (2023)
- Characteristics:
- The largest container port on the east coast of the United States, ranking second in the country, after the Port of Los Angeles.
- It has several modern terminals, such as Port Newark and Elizabeth Marine Terminal.
- It is connected to the Atlantic shipping network and radiates to the noNortheastnd Midwest markets.
Port of Savannah
- Established: 1744 (port operations began in 1945)
- Location: Savannah, Georgia, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 5.3 million TEU (2023)
- Characteristics:
- The largest container port in the southeastern United States, with rapid growth.
- Operated mainly by Garden City Terminal, it is one of North America’s largest single container terminals.
- The modern facilities are being expanded to accommodate larger ships and increase handling capacity.
Port of Virginia / Port of Norfolk
- Established: 1906
- Location: Norfolk, Virginia, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 3.6 million TEU (2023)
- Characteristics:
- The deepest natural deep-water port on the US East Coast (55 feet, approximately 16.8 meters) is suitable for ultra-large ships.
- It is directly connected to the Midwest rail network and is a transportation hub for the East Coast to the Midwest.
- It is mainly operated by the Virginia International Gateway (VIG) and Norfolk International Terminals (NIT).
Port of Charleston
- Established: 1670 (modern container port opened in 1942)
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 2.7 million TEU (2023)
- Characteristics:
- It is one of the fastest-growing ports in the southeastern United States, serving mainly the manufacturing and automotive industries.
- Terminal facilities include the Wando Welch Terminal and the Leatherman Terminal.
- Recent deepening to 52 feet (about 15.8 meters) allows for larger ships.
Port of Baltimore
- Established: 1706
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 1.1 million TEU (2023)
- Characteristics:
- The deepest inland port on the East Coast (50 feet, approx. 15.2 meters), suitable for berthing large vessels.
- It is the largest automobile import and export port in the United States, handling large quantities of bulk cargo and agricultural products.
- Major terminals include Seagirt Marine Terminal.
Port of Miami
- Established: 1905 (modern port developed in the 1960s)
- Location: Miami, Florida, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 1.3 million TEU (2023)
- Special features:
- The “Gateway to the Americas” connects trade routes between the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.
- It is also one of the world’s largest cruise ports, handling millions of passengers annually.
- Major terminals include Dodge Island Terminal.
Port of Philadelphia
- Established: 1701 (modern container terminal since 1965)
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Annual container throughput: approx. 600,000 TEU (2023)
- Special features:
- Mainly handles foodstuffs, agricultural products, cold chain logistics, and pharmaceutical products.
- New cold storage facilities have been expanded in recent years to strengthen the logistics of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals.
- The main terminals include the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal.
The East Coast ports of the United States, via the Panama and Suez Canal, are key transit points between Asia and the Americas and between Europe and the Americas. They offer diverse options for global supply chains.
