About Us
The Detroit Wayne County Port Authority (DWCPA) is a government agency advancing southeast Michigan’s maritime and related industries with the purpose of delivering prosperity and economic benefit to our citizens and businesses. For more than 35 years, the DWCPA has worked to bolster the community by being the connection between the maritime industry and the Great Lakes region, raising awareness of the importance of the Port of Detroit and how the cargo and vessel activity generates economic impact for the State of Michigan.
Boasting the title of Michigan’s largest inland port, the Port of Detroit is located on the west side of the Detroit River. The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority oversees the port, which is made up of multiple marine terminals for handling general, liquid, and bulk cargo as well as passengers. Steel reigns supreme as the Port’s most valuable commodity, while ore takes the lead in terms of the largest amount of goods handled by tonnage. Other goods handled at the port include stone, coal, and cement.
Our Relationship
The Port of Detroit contains several terminals in Detroit, River Rouge, and Ecorse. General cargo is processed through the NT&D Detroit Terminal and the NT&D Ecorse Terminal, operated by Nicholson Terminal & Dock Company. Specific liquid and bulk cargoes are processed at other terminals along the Detroit and Rouge rivers. The DWCPA owns the NT&D Detroit Terminal located in the Delray neighborhood of Detroit. All other marine terminals at the Port of Detroit are privately owned and operated.
Cargo Capabilities
Each year, the Port Authority oversees millions of tons of cargo at 29 private and public sector terminal facilities in the Port of Detroit, including international and domestic commodities, which are shipped in and out of the port. Since it is one of the largest steel-handling port in the nation, the port is a powerhouse to the United States economy. At the Port of Detroit’s own terminal, steel, aluminum, cement, and project cargoes are handled for the support of the manufacturing community in Southeast Michigan.
Port Detroit is Green Marine Certified
Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority is thrilled to announce we are officially Green Marine Certified!
Green Marine is an incredible environmental certification in the maritime industry, pushing ports and ship owners to go beyond compliance and tackle real challenges like air and water quality, biodiversity, and community impact.
This milestone is more than a badge—it’s a bold step forward in our mission to drive sustainable maritime practices and reach net-zero emissions by 2040. As we continue our Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan, we also encourage all terminal operators within the Port of Detroit to explore the benefits of becoming Green Marine participants. Thank you to our Green Marine partners and verifier. We look forward to continuing the work.
Social Responsibility
In addition to supporting the economic vitality of our region, the Port Authority takes seriously its responsibility to improve the health and wellness of residents and the environmental sustainability of the Port of Detroit. The Port Authority demonstrates this commitment by working with Port of Detroit terminal operators and other port entities to establish best practices to reduce harmful emissions from port activity. We encourage members of the community to participate in the implementation of our Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan, provide feedback on our progress toward sustainability and become active members of the community governing body.
Free Trade
Port Detroit is one of the largest Free Trade Zones in the United States.
Heavy Lifter
Port Detroit handles approximately 8,177,000 tons of bulk cargo every year.
Global
Port Detroit serves vessels from North and South America, China, and Eastern Europe.
Cargo Shipping
Port Detroit handles Ocean cargo ships known as salties and Great Lakes ships known as lakers.
Cruise Ships & Charter Vessels
Port Detroit accommodates Cruise ships and passengers from all over the world.
Economic Generator
Port Detroit generates 6,000 jobs and $36 billion in economic activity.