Indiana Lake Michigan Port Sees Big Jump In Shipments

BURNS HARBOR, Ind. (AP) — Indiana's Lake Michigan port has seen a big increase in shipments this year as the global economy rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, the port handled a 52 percent spike in cargo.

So far this year, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor has had more than a 36 percent increase in maritime tonnage compared with the same period last year, said Vanta E. Coda II, chief executive of the Indianapolis-based Ports of Indiana port authority.

“Steel is up more than 100 percent and limestone has climbed nearly 90 percent, too. We look forward to additional growth in the second half of the year," Coda said.

Through the end of June, international cargos shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway to Great Lakes ports are up by 8.37 percent to 12.9 million tons, The (Northwest Indiana) Times reported.

Great Lakes shipping officials attribute the boost to increased domestic construction, manufacturing activity and global export demand.

Shipments of cement are up 36 percent, gypsum 79 percent and general cargo 61 percent. Iron ore volumes are up 14 percent, partly because of exports to Asia and Europe. Coke, another steelmaking input, is up 125 percent, partly because of exports to France, the Netherlands and other European countries.

“This time last year, many of these cargoes had fallen off a cliff due to the pandemic. It’s great to see marine shipping bustling again and supporting the accelerating recovery of so many American industries,” said Bruce Burrows, president and chief executive of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.