Ports of Indiana Commission Approves $20M in New Projects Amid Gains
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
Ports of Indiana
Ports of Indiana handled 11.9 million tons of cargo in 2022, a 6% rise from 2021 and 42% more than in 2020. The year-end totals were announced March 9 at the Ports of Indiana's first quarter commission meeting.
The commission also approved nearly $20 million in expansion and maintenance projects at the meeting. The Jeffersonville and Burns Harbor ports both reached new shipping records in 2022, and overall cargo volume was the fourth highest it has been in the Ports of Indiana’s history, a release said.
“We’re excited to see the continued growth at our ports and this success is directly attributable to the world-class companies we partner with every day,” said Ports of Indiana Chief Executive Officer Jody Peacock. “Our industry is still recovering from the economic and supply chain challenges, but the continued growth in shipments is a very good sign, and the new business development opportunities we’re seeing indicate more growth is ahead. Our Commissioners have shown tremendous vision and commitment to supporting growth of Indiana’s economy by approving more than $20 million in projects that will immediately expand Ports of Indiana’s capabilities and help our customers grow.”
The commission approved a $13 million capital budget as well as up to $15 million in future investments connected to three federal programs. Three additional shipping berths and a bulk warehouse are being built at Burns Harbor, as is a new barge shuttle storage facility at Jeffersonville, and a new dock winch system and substantial maintenance work at Mount Vernon, a release said.
In 2022, the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled 3.45 million tons on Lake Michigan, a 2% increase over 2021 and a 52% increase over 2020. This is the port’s second straight year with the greatest yearly shipment total since it opened in 1970.
Metro Ports, a bulk terminal operator, assisted the port in handling record volumes. The port achieved a record for steel cargoes—up 13%—in coordination with the International Longshoremen’s Association, International Union of Operating Engineers, and Federal Marine Terminals.
Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville handled 3.46 million tons on the Ohio River, up 7.3% from 2021 and 30% from 2020. Since its inception in 1985, Jeffersonville has achieved its highest annual shipment total, a release said.
On the Ohio River, the Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon handled 5.02 million tons, a 7.8% increase over 2021 and a 42.8% increase over 2020.
