The port consists of multiple marine terminals handling general, liquid, and bulk cargo[2] as well as passengers.

The authority is charged with the assisting in the application doling out of state and federal grants, as well as facilitating capital improvements of the port.

[4] The authority is also involved in environmental programs, such as removing abandoned vessels from local waterways, and is permitted to finance bonds for port terminals or other development along the riverfront.

The port authority opened the $22 million Carl M. Levin Public Dock and Terminal on July 18, 2011 to attract Great Lakes cruise ships, and possibly to begin passenger ferry service between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

[9] The two-story, 21,000 square foot terminal is located at 130 East Atwater Street between the Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza, and includes a 250-foot off-shore wharf.