Ambrose Channel facts for kids

A map showing the southern end of Ambrose Channel.

The Ambrose Channel is a very important waterway for ships entering and leaving the Port of New York and New Jersey. Think of it as the main highway for huge cargo ships and cruise liners! This channel is located in the Lower New York Bay, a few miles off the coasts of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and Breezy Point, New York.

The Ambrose Channel ends near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which is like the main entrance to New York Harbor. At this point, the channel changes its name to the Anchorage Channel. The channel is named after John Wolfe Ambrose, an engineer from New York who helped make it happen.

Guiding Ships: The Ambrose Light

The original Ambrose Light Station, built in 1967.

For many years, the entrance to the Ambrose Channel was marked by a special structure called the Ambrose Light. This light acted like a giant lighthouse in the water, helping ships find their way. It was also a meeting spot for pilot boats. These small boats carry expert sailors called "pilots" who guide large ships safely into the busy harbor. The most famous pilots here are the Sandy Hook Pilots.

Before the big light tower was built in 1967, the channel was marked by a special ship called the Ambrose Lightship. This was a type of lightship used by the United States Coast Guard to mark important shipping lanes.

Changes to the Light

The Ambrose Light from 1999 to 2008.

The original Ambrose Light tower was a "Texas Tower" design. Over time, it was hit by small boats a few times. Because of this, the light tower was redesigned and moved to a new spot in 1999. Finally, in 2008, the Ambrose Light was taken down completely. Today, modern navigation systems help guide ships through the channel.

Inside the Harbor: Connecting Channels

Once ships pass through the Narrows, the Ambrose Channel becomes the Anchorage Channel. From there, it splits into many smaller channels that lead to different marine terminals where ships load and unload cargo.

Some of these connecting channels include:

• The Bay Ridge Channel
• The Red Hook Channel
• The Buttermilk Channel
• The Claremont Channel
• The Port Jersey Channel
• The Kill Van Kull Channel
• The Newark Bay Channel
• The Port Newark Channel
• The Elizabeth Channel
• The Arthur Kill Channel

There are also special areas where ships can wait or anchor safely. These anchorages are known as Stapleton, Bay Ridge, and Gravesend.