>>Waterway Facts

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway extends from Norfolk VA through Key West, FL for approximately 1200 miles.  The Waterway was authorized in the 1939 Rivers and Harbors Act and the US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for its maintenance.

The AIWW system serves

•      US Coast Guard

•      Federal Law Enforcement Training Center for Homeland Security

•      Barge traffic supporting intermodal transportation to deep draft ports

•      Military equipment and supply transportation barges and vessels

•      Commercial fishing vessels and charter fishing vessels

•      Cruise and tour boats

•      Recreational vessels

•      NOAA vessels

•      Dept. of Energy research vessels

•      US Army Corps of Engineers and industry dredging vessels

2006 US Corps of Engineers Waterborne Commerce Statistics

Norfolk VA to Key West FL

Tonnage 3,078,000,

Ton Miles 213,815,000,

Commercial Vessel Trips 49,362. 

Products shipped include fuel oil, gasoline, asphalt, fertilizers, chemicals, wood chips, wood, limestone, sand, gravel, iron, steel, slag, lime, fabricated metal products, soybeans, vegetables, produce, and electrical machinery.

Recreational Use

•   2.7 million registered boats in the region (NC, SC,GA,FL) – the second largest number in the country (source 2005 NMMA boater registration study)

•    In FL alone, registered vessels make 16 Million vessel trips per year