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Frequently Asked Questions

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  How can I submit a general inquiry to Port Milwaukee?

Please contact Port Milwaukee via email at [email protected] or via phone at 414-286-3511. The Port maintains normal business hours at its Administration Building (2323 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive; Milwaukee, WI 53207) during the workweek (Monday – Friday) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST.

  How can I send my large shipment oversees? Where do I start?

Please contact the Port's trade development team via email at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you identify a timely and cost effective supply chain solution via the Port’s several multimodal options, as detailed on our “Commercial Services” page.

  How can I register my mooring at South Shore Yacht Club?

Please contact Port Milwaukee via email at [email protected] or via phone at 414-286-3511, to receive the required application documentation. Issuance of mooring tags is dependent on space availability; the Port recommends contacting Jerry’s Mooring Service (online here or via phone at 414-482-1430) prior to requesting the application documentation to confirm.

Note that Port Milwaukee does not oversee moorings at McKinley Marina.

  What is Jones Island?

Jones Island is an industrialized peninsula shaped by Milwaukee’s Outer and Inner Harbor. Jones Island is home to Port Milwaukee as well the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, originally called the Harbor Bridge, is a tied-arch bridge that connects Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee to the Lake Freeway via Jones Island.

  Are the Port and Jones Island publicly accessible?

Portions of the Port are available via public streets. Ongoing operation of the Port is subject to City, State, and Federal safety and security requirements; at any time you may be requested by Port business or security personnel regarding your identity and the nature of your business at the Port. Please have a form of identification ready.

Tenant-leased terminals at the Port are managed by private companies; these areas are not publicly accessible without the permission of the leaseholder.

Please see this letter for more detailed instructions on Port accessibility.

  What is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a complex mission for ports of entry with broad law enforcement authorities tied to screening all foreign visitors, returning American citizens, and imported cargo that enters the U.S. at more than 300 land, air, and sea ports. More information about CBP’s Port of Entry in Milwaukee, a federal entity separate from Port Milwaukee, can be found online here.

  What multimodal services does the Port provide for companies seeking to do business in southeastern Wisconsin?

Please review the Port Milwaukee “Commercial Services” page to learn more about the Port’s access to domestic and international ships, rail, and over-the-road transportation for manufacturers, farmers, freight forwarders, and other beneficial owners of cargo. Port Milwaukee has 20+ tenants that are available to assist your cargo movement.

  What vessels are at Port Milwaukee currently?

If interested in a vessel in Port or about a vessel’s expected arrival at Port Milwaukee, please visit the Vessel Tracker.

Several additional online resources are available for interested boat watchers, many of which are based on publicly-available Global Positioning System (GPS) information, including MarineTraffic and BoatNerd. An interactive map of the entire Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway system is also offered online here.

Weather, Seaway lock and operational delays, and other reasons may cause a vessel not to arrive on any scheduled day.

  When does the Board of Harbor Commissioners (BHC) meet?

Unless otherwise specified, the BHC meets every two months at 8 a.m. in the Port’s Administration Building (2323 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive; Milwaukee, WI 53207). The latest schedule is online here.

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  When does the BHC Marketing Committee and BHC Finance and Personnel Committee meet?

The BHC Marketing Committee and BHC Finance Committee may decide to hold meetings on an ad hoc basis at the request of the Committee Chair. Committee agendas are made publicly available at least 24 hours prior to the meeting in accordance with City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin policy.

  How can I contact the BHC?

Please submit your inquiry to Port Milwaukee via email at [email protected].

  When is the Port available to receive import or export cargoes?

Port Milwaukee operates on a 24/7 basis, offering multimodal service that is available any time and every day throughout the year. The Port maintains direct access for shipping to international markets and ports worldwide via the Great Lakes when the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway are operational, usually from March 25 to December 31 annually. For information about Seaway System availability, please visit this site.

  Is there a webcam of Milwaukee’s Harbor?

Yes! The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences offers a live webcam online here.

  How can I learn more about recreational boating and boater safety in Milwaukee?

The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) Harbor Patrol offers a general, informational guide regarding boating regulations, including marine information, harbor laws, boater safety tips, and other rules of the water. A copy of the brochure may be viewed here.

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