Background information
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching 2500 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. For many, the longest and most powerful river in America embodies a sense of adventure and exploration as it has been a major waterway for trade, navigation and recreation throughout its history. Of course, it has also been extensively studied and is a subject of fascination for scientists, historians and geographers. When it comes to the study and exploration of the Mississippi, one question that often comes up is ‘how far can ocean vessels travel up the Mississippi River?’
Data and Expert Perspectives
In order to answer this question, it is important to understand that the river is divided into two sections – the upper Mississippi and the lower Mississippi. The lower Mississippi is generally considered to be the most navigable portion of the river and is where the majority of shipping and commerce takes place. Ocean vessels are generally limited to only the very lowermost portion of the Mississippi primarily due to the port of New Orleans, a major port city in Louisiana at the mouth of the river.
That’s not to say that ocean vessels can’t travel up the Mississippi, though. According to Michael E. Steen, Chief of Port Operations Navigation and Regulatory Division at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division, ocean vessels can be seen navigating the river during certain times throughout the year. He states, “It’s not unusual to see ocean-going vessels such as tankers and bulk carriers, up to and beyond Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during the summer months.”
It’s also important to keep in mind that the navigability of the river typically varies throughout the year as the height of the river rises and falls with the changing of weather patterns. According to Steen, “water depths can vary from a few inches to more than 40 feet. This can make navigation difficult, even for vessels that are specifically designed to operate on rivers.” In other words, ocean vessels entering into the upper Mississippi would need to factor in the changing river levels and would be limited to ships of a certain size and draft.
Analysis and Insights
Though ocean vessels are technically capable of travelling on the Mississippi, it is clear that navigating the river would prove to be difficult. Not only is the river susceptible to dramatic changes in water levels, but there are also other obstacles to consider. For instance, the river is home to numerous sandbars, snags, and other hazardous materials that would require a vessel to have an experienced captain and crew in order to successfully make the trip.
Furthermore, it is important to note that if an ocean vessel does choose to travel on the Mississippi, that the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers must be notified beforehand. This would help ensure the safety of the vessel and the river’s surrounding environment by providing advanced approval for clearing restricted channels or hazardous conditions that may otherwise be encountered.
Finance
In terms of the financial commitment to navigating the Mississippi, the costs can be high. According to experts, the price tag for such a venture depends on numerous factors including the size of the vessel, the distance travelled, and the amount of time spent on the river.
Moreover, many ocean vessels traveling up the Mississippi may require the services of specialized pilots and escort vessels. These teams are there to not only navigate the vessel through the river’s more tricky channels and conditions, but also to provide escort services and to clear traffic and tows. The costs associated with these services could add up quickly as many pilots and escort vessels would command a premium rate to traverse the river.
Environmental Considerations
In addition to the financial investment of navigating up the Mississippi, there must also be a consideration for the environmental impact that such a voyage would have. After all, the river has been home to a variety of flora and fauna for dozens of years and even the slightest disturbance could have unforeseen consequences.
It is for this reason, that the U.S. Coast Guard requires that all vessels, especially those that are ocean-going, be held to a stringent set of environmental standards. This includes being monitored for any potential spills, leaks and other possible pollutant discharges. It also means that the vessels must be able to provide proof that all waste that is collected will be disposed of in an environmentally-safe and approved manner.
International Regulations
Finally, a prospective ocean vessel looking to navigate the Mississippi must also take into consideration any additional international regulations they may need to adhere to. After all, the lowermost portion of the river is also the entryway to the Gulf of Mexico, which means that a vessel coming in from the Gulf must first pass through both U.S. and international customs and regulations.
In terms of international regulations, those looking to traverse the Mississippi must be aware of any protocols or treaties that the country of origin of the vessel has signed. This would require any such vessel to adhere to any specific or additional regulations such as those found in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which may be required of the vessel and its crew prior to entering the Gulf of Mexico.
Logistical Challenges
Navigating the Mississippi upriver can present a range of logistical challenges. For starters, the river is crisscrossed with both commercial and recreational boats, posing a danger to any vessel that wants to navigate the river. Additionally, large bodies of water such as lakes and reservoirs are also sources of potential danger for ocean vessels navigating up the Mississippi.
Not only would these shallow or hidden areas pose a potential risk of grounding or colliding, but they can also make navigation difficult if a passage plan is not established properly beforehand. This is why the U.S. Coast Guard requires all vessels to have an experienced navigator and crew in order to successfully traverse the Mississippi.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions are yet another factor that any ocean vessel travelling up the Mississippi must contend with. Because of the unpredictability of the river’s environment, a vessel would need to factor in the potential for heavy rains, strong winds, and other weather conditions that could raise the river’s height or otherwise reduce the navigability of the river.
This is why the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommend that all vessels travelling up the Mississippi pay attention to the local weather reports and pay close attention to the river’s flow while attempting to navigate it.
Expanding the Industry
As the technology and infrastructure around ocean vessels continues to develop, so too does the potential for vessels to explore the Mississippi River. Companies such as the International Shipmasters Association are working to create new navigational guidelines for the Mississippi and other potential areas for exploration for ocean vessels.
The ISA is also actively pushing for updates to existing infrastructure and technologies that would allow for greater access and navigability for such vessels. This would open up the potential for ocean vessels to explore the Mississippi and other similar rivers in ways that were never thought possible before.
Safety Standards
In order to ensure the safety of both the crew and passengers of any ocean vessels travelling up the Mississippi, there are specific safety protocols that must be observed. The U.S. Coast Guard has established a strict set of regulations that must be followed in order to protect the well-being of visitors to the river. These range from wearing personal floatation devices to providing fuel, water, and other emergency supplies on board.
In addition to the regulations set forth by the Coast Guard, the ISA has also established a comprehensive set of safety standards that all international vessels travelling up the Mississippi must observe prior to embarking. These standards are meant to ensure that the vessel and crew are well-equipped for the journey and for any unforeseen difficulties that may arise.
Tracking, Prohibitions, and Limitations
It is also important to note that the U.S. Coast Guard and other government entities have the authority to place limits on the routes and the travel of any vessels travelling up the Mississippi. This could include tracking or prohibiting vessels from travelling in areas of the river that are deemed to be too dangerous for navigation or are off-limits for other reasons.
In addition, any vessel travelling up the Mississippi can also be subject to certain limitations imposed on cargo, fuel and other supplies. This is because the river can be quite shallow and large ships may be prevented from navigating certain portions of the river depending on their size. As such, any large ships travelling up the Mississippi must factor in the possibility of size limitations.
