Ports of Indiana Says It Aims to Develop Container Terminals

The Ports of Indiana Commission has approved Resolution 24-01 to launch “The Indiana Container Initiative” in support of developing multiple international container terminals within the state of Indiana.

As a statewide port authority, Ports of Indiana operates multiple facilities on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, but the state’s ports do not currently handle container shipments. The new initiative is designed to increase the organization’s efforts to pursue the development of international container facilities within Indiana’s ports and other locations throughout Indiana.

“Containerized freight represents a critical component of our state’s international trade and a new frontier for expanding our ports,” said Ports of Indiana Commission Chairman Micah Vincent. “This resolution clearly states our vision and commitment to develop new container facilities that will increase the value of our ports and provide critical shipping connections for Indiana businesses.”

The resolution authorizes and directs Ports of Indiana to do the following:

• Vigorously pursue the development of international container terminals at appropriate locations within Ports of Indiana’s facilities and other Indiana locations.
• Pursue regulatory approvals necessary to establish container facilities along Lake Michigan, the Ohio River, and at appropriate strategic inland locations throughout Indiana.
• Make significant investments and seek out additional funding sources, whether through federal grants, public/private partnerships, or any other funding that may be available.
• Explore international best practices for leveraging governmental assistance and legislative actions that can promote, incentivize, and advance global container shipments, and remove bureaucratic impediments for developing and operating container facilities.
• Engage in partnerships, trade missions, international agreements, and collaborations to establish new global container shipping opportunities for Indiana.

“Containers are a high-value and fast-growing cargo for ports around the world and we see ‘The Indiana Container Initiative’ as a key driver for elevating Indiana’s role as a hub for global trade,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “Establishing new container facilities at the ‘Crossroads of America’ can create both economic and public benefits by reducing shipping costs, creating access to world markets, and establishing green shipping corridors that decarbonize supply chains.”

MarineLink

Ship Enthusiasts to Gather at Eisenhower Lock

Clayton, NY – The St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network will host a gathering of ship enthusiasts on Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the all-new St. Lawrence Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock.

The Network invites folks to make their way to Massena for an afternoon of interacting with fellow ship fanatics while experiencing the Visitor Center’s 38 interactive exhibits.

“The social media interaction of the Network has been outstanding since 2011 and it was time to get people together for some face-to-face time,” said Michael Folsom, Network founder. “While this will be a casual afternoon of handshakes and chatter, the goal is to gauge the interest in doing gatherings like this more often in the future. The new Visitor Center is an ideal location and a way to encourage people to get to Massena to see the outstanding facility built for people like us.”

As part of the activities, St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht is expected to be on hand to interact with visitors. In addition, the Visitor Center will have guides on-site to give visitors walk-thru tours.

The afternoon will also include interaction opportunities with Network moderators and Ivan Schell of Ivan’s Insights, on-site tapings for upcoming Downbound Discussion Podcast segments, chances to win prizes including a limited-edition Seaway Traders trading card featuring Canada Steamship Lines’ Frontenac, and hopes of a ship appearance or two in the lock.

The Eisenhower Lock gathering is part of the 2024 initiative known as Seaway Traders, a season-long series of feature articles, videos, podcasts, and events, intended to bring stories of the waterway — past, present, and future — to several platforms within the Network. In May, the first trading card of the Seaway Traders trading card set debuted, and the entire 10-card set is expected to be available later this summer.

For the latest Seaway Traders content and information, visit St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network on Facebook or www.theshipwatchers.com.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/