Two Of Indiana’s Three State Ports Set Cargo Records In 2022
The Indiana ports of Jeffersonville and Burns Harbor set records for cargo volume in 2022, and overall cargo volume at the state’s three public ports was the fourth highest in history, the Ports of Indiana announced March 6.
The total of 11.9 million tons of cargo was a 6 percent increase from 2021, and a 42 percent increase from 2020.
“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,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said. “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,” Peacock added.
At its March 2 meeting, the Ports of Indiana Commission approved a $13 million capital budget and up to $15 million in additional future investments related to three federal grants. Major projects include new construction of three shipping berths and a bulk warehouse at Burns Harbor, a new barge shuttle storage facility at Jeffersonville, as well as a new dock winch system, truck scale and major maintenance projects at Mount Vernon.
The Burns Harbor Port is on Lake Michigan, while the Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon ports are on the Ohio River.
Port Totals
The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled 3.45 million tons of cargo last year, up 2 percent from 2021 and 52 percent more than 2020. This is the second consecutive year that the port set a record for cargo shipments.
Bulk terminal operator Metro Ports helped the port handle record volumes of foundry coke (up 210 percent) and minerals (up 33 percent). The port also set a record for steel cargoes (up 13 percent) supported by efforts from the International Longshoremen’s Association, International Union of Operating Engineers and Federal Marine Terminals.
The Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville handled 3.46 million tons last year, up 7.3 percent compared to 2021 and 30 percent more than 2020. Jeffersonville reached its highest annual shipment total since it began operation in 1985. Cargo increases include DDGs (up 69.6 percent), fertilizer (up 19.7 percent), minerals (up 14.7 percent), oils (up 10 percent) and steel (up 9.5 percent).
The Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon handled 5.02 million tons in 2022, up 7.8 percent from 2021 and 42.8 percent more than 2020. The port saw increases in energy cargoes as coal increased by 39 percent and ethanol by 3 percent.
