U.S. Great Lakes port officials recap 2022 shipping season, provide insights
With the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System’s 2022 shipping season recently coming to a close, the Great Lakes Seaway Partnership is providing a closer look at the efforts that made last year’s successes possible.
“Ports around the Great Lakes Seaway System demonstrated a high level of resiliency and a commitment to uplifting the American economy in 2022,” said Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. “The ability of the Seaway System to adapt and overcome various supply chain challenges domestically and internationally leaves me with a great sense of pride and optimism as we gear up for a strong 2023 shipping season.”
2022 saw notable increases in shipments of corn, soy, fertilizer, wind energy equipment, and a diverse range of other essential commodities on the Seaway System.
2022 Highlights from U.S. Great Lakes Ports
Lake Ontario
Port of Oswego
A high volume of grains, aluminum, and wind energy equipment shipments tell the story of the Port of Oswego in 2022. The port proved to be well-positioned to respond to increased demand for moving essential commodities. One notable highlight included importing New York State’s largest wind turbine blade, which was made possible because of the construction of a new road connected to the port.
“We’re no longer looked at as the small little port on Lake Ontario, and we’re gaining our reputation in the Great Lakes commerce trade,” said William Scriber, Executive Director of the Port of Oswego. “I believe that a prosperous and healthy port creates a prosperous and healthy community, and that’s what the Port of Oswego has always been. Our board and I have a vision of ensuring that the Port of Oswego is a driving economic force in upstate New York.”
Scriber also pointed to his port’s role in supplying the growing domestic semiconductor industry. Micron Technology, Inc., announced plans to build what will be the largest semiconductor fabrication facility in the country by 2024 in nearby Onondaga County, N.Y.
The Port of Oswego isn’t without its challenges, however. Lake Ontario is impacted by rising water levels caused by climate change, prompting the port to stay ahead of the curve by investing in infrastructure and stabilization efforts.
“Our primary concern is our docks and our piers. We’ve invested heavily in upgrading our docks in response to high water levels brought on by climate change,” added Scriber. “We have to not only be prepared for the effects of climate change, but we have to be able to thrive and prosper amid these changes.”
Lake Erie
Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland saw significant tonnage increases in 2022. General cargo was up 25 percent compared to 2021, as its docks moved roughly 525,000 metric tons in 2022. Container volumes through Cleveland also doubled last year compared to the previous year.
Infrastructure upgrades were significant in Cleveland last year. The Port of Cleveland is nearing completion of its Dock 24 and Dock 26 rehabilitation project, a $22 million investment that will position the port for success for the next 30 to 40 years. This and other projects have substantially reduced the port’s environmental footprint by limiting the amount of time trucks have to wait when moving in and out of the port.
Frequent destinations on the Great Lakes, including the Port of Cleveland, found themselves well-positioned to help shippers overcome global supply chain challenges in 2022.
“Congestion at coastal ports frankly helps smaller, inland ports like us because customers and cargo owners are looking for other locations to move their goods through,” said Dave Gutheil, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cleveland. “We’ve done a good job of establishing ourselves as a viable alternative to the coastal ports. Cargo owners have come to the realization that ports like us can be used just as efficiently, if not more so, as the coastal ports.”
Port of Toledo
The Port of Toledo had a record year as its General Cargo Dock handled its highest volume of aluminum shipments to date. Additionally, grain shipments at Toledo jumped nearly 15 percent compared to 2021, marking the highest increase the port has seen. State and federal partnerships empowered the port to upgrade its infrastructure and reduce its environmental impact.
“The extensive capabilities of the Port of Toledo were demonstrated throughout our record-setting shipping season,” said Joe Cappel, Vice President of Business Development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “Strategic infrastructure and sustainability investments not only made our accomplishments in 2022 possible but they also position our docks for high productivity and efficiency in the years ahead.”
Lake Michigan
Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor
It was a record setting year at Burns Harbor, which for the second straight season handled more cargo through its docks than any other year since the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor opened in 1970. The port handled record volumes of foundry coke, minerals, and steel products in 2022.
“We’re excited to celebrate another record year, but we believe the best is yet to come,” said Ryan McCoy, Port Director for the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. “Our team is currently working on a $32 million facilities expansion funded, in part, by two federal grants that includes construction of two rail yards, new bulk and general cargo terminals, a bulk warehouse and a truck marshalling yard. These new assets will drive significant future growth.”
Illinois International Port District
The Illinois International Port District’s (IIPD) productive 2022 was driven by increased volumes of lumber, sugar, and non-ferrous metals shipped through Chicago. Other highlights at IIPD include securing $21.5 million in state grant funding through the Rebuild Illinois program and implementing its first ever master plan.
The grant funding will go towards the reconstruction of a landing dock wall and to replace warehouse roofs, which will make the port more energy efficient as it sees continued growth. Additionally, federal bipartisan infrastructure investments passed during the last Congress are taking effect. Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited the 95th Street Bridge over the Calumet River to tout $144 million to upgrade the bridges and roads near the IIPD.
Erik A. Varela, Executive Director of the IIPD, explained that the steel and concrete needed for these infrastructure investments wouldn’t be possible without the shipments that come through his docks.
“Without our partnerships at all levels of government, we wouldn’t be able to obtain the capital necessary to complete these projects on our own. It’s been so long since we’ve had capital improvement projects of this magnitude here in Chicago,” Varela said. “We’re getting the materials we need to build our cities, states, and country.”
Port Milwaukee
Overall tonnage through Port Milwaukee was down slightly in 2022 compared to 2021, but new developments underway give good reason to be optimistic heading into the next shipping season. Construction of a new agricultural export facility is expected to complete this spring and should position Milwaukee for sustained productivity going forward.
“We’re constantly working on reinvesting in our infrastructure. Our port is pretty old, so we’re making sure that we prioritize keeping our assets in good repair in order to accommodate new business when it comes,” said Jackie Q. Carter, Port Director of Port Milwaukee.
Carter also emphasized that breakbulk shipments, including brewery tanks and construction materials support broader industries in the region. “It’s nice to be able to connect something that people associate with Milwaukee back to the port and demonstrate our role in supporting that,” added Carter.
As the shipping industry focuses on new ways to reduce its environmental impact, Port Milwaukee launched its StewardSHIP Initiative in 2022 to incentivize ship owners to utilize sustainable policies. Fourteen (14) Milwaukee-bound vessels participated in this program in its first year.
Port of Green Bay
The Port of Green Bay saw its tonnage numbers in 2022 decrease 10 percent compared to 2021. Green Bay’s top imports included foreign limestone, which increased 11 percent last year, and domestic petroleum products, which jumped 36 percent.
“We had a strong shipping season in 2021 and while we strive to reach 2 million tons a year, it’s not always possible due to marketplace conditions,” said Dean Haen, Director of the Port of Green Bay said in a statement. “Still, in the current economy, we’re pleased with where things finished.”
Lake Superior
Port of Duluth-Superior
Total tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior was down in 2022 compared to the year prior, as commodities like coal and grain shipments were down relative to historical trends. It was still a strong year for general cargo shipments, including 19 million tons of iron ore.
Deb DeLuca, Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, pointed out the important economic impact the cargo shipments have on the region in a statement:
“On the positive side, 2022 was a terrific season for general cargo tonnage, and while it doesn’t offset grain or coal in total tonnage, those general cargo shipments deliver outsized economic value per ton in comparison, and they also support development of regional industry and greener energy sources, so they represent a big win for our port and our region.”
AJOT
Extreme caution advised on ice along shores of lakes Erie, Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the St. Lawrence River
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Coast Guard reminds the public to exercise extreme caution on ice along Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
Each year the Great Lakes region sees multiple accidents due to unstable ice, resulting in people in the water as well loss of personal recreational equipment, such as snowmobiles and ATVs.
Current ice thickness is far below seasonal average, resulting in unstable, weak ice and extremely hazardous conditions. Varying air temperatures have also contributed to historically low ice coverage. This winter has already seen two large ice rescue cases in which multiple people had to be rescued on the Great Lakes.
“Never assume the ice is safe, even if others are on it,” said Sector Buffalo Commander Capt. Mark Kuperman. “Ice conditions are highly unpredictable this year, and where you may have safely gone on the ice last year, may be entirely different and unsafe this year.”
During the winter months, the public is reminded that certain safety precautions should be taken when engaging in recreational activities on or near the water. Wear the proper clothing to prevent hypothermia and choose bright colors to be easily seen. Carry proper safety equipment such as a whistle or noise-making device, waterproof VHF-FM radio or Personal Locating Beacon. Ice awls or screwdrivers can be vital in self-rescue, should an accident occur on the ice.
Please contact the Sector Buffalo Command Center at (716) 843-9527 with any questions.
USCG
President Biden Touts Port of Green Bay Expansion Project’s Potential for Job Creation
A Green Bay project talked about for decades has the eye of President Joe Biden.
While speaking in the Madison area on Wednesday, the President endorsed the job creation potential for expanding the Port of Green Bay to the mouth of the Fox River, which is being done as part of a plan to move the city’s downtown coal piles.
“That is pretty incredible to have the President of the United States mention the Port of Green Bay, so that was very satisfying. I think I’ll be sharing that with a few people,” said Dean Haen, the director of the Port of Green Bay.
The project is moving forward faster than expected, helped by about $30 million in various government grants.
“At the Port of Green Bay, we’re helping turn an old water plant site into a new port terminal — going to create thousands of jobs over time,” said President Biden. “This is a big deal.”
The site is actually the former Pulliam Power Plant.
“Just as a reference, when we did our 2017 economic impact study, the port was responsible for 1,700 to 1,800 jobs total,” said Haen. “So, when you talk thousands, you’re doubling the port. That is always a target and a goal to double the port, but I think hundreds is more realistic.”
Haen says job estimates for the expansion project can be complicated with direct, indirect and induced jobs.
“There are the people that actually work on that site and the people that are there to pick up the goods, move it by truck, train and then move it to a manufacturing facility where there is indirect jobs, so it’s complicated. But from our estimate, we’d be in the hundreds,” said Haen.
The goal is to start construction at the old power plant site at this time next year.
The City of Green Bay and C. Reiss Coal are still in negotiations about moving the coal piles.
“Progress is being made,” said Haen. “It’s complicated. We didn’t expect to have these dollars or to be moving this fast with the development, and now some of the other pieces have to hurry along to meet the same timelines.”
WNCY
