The Ports of Indiana, including the deepwater port on Lake Michigan in Porter County, shipped 1.26 million tons of cargo last year, the second most in its 63-year history.
Tonnage increased by 6% to the Port of Indiana Burns Harbor and the two ports on the Ohio River in southern Indiana year-over-year in 2023. It was second only to the 14.8 million tons of cargo Indiana's three ports handled in 2018.
The largest increase was a 78% jump in coal exports from Mount Vernon in southwest Indiana. Fertilizer shipments jumped 11% due to double-digit gains at the ports in Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville. Shipments of soy products, minerals, ethanol and cement also rose.
“At Ports of Indiana, we are privileged to partner with a group of world-class companies that ship critical cargoes to and from our regional economies,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “The dedication and hard work of these businesses is why Indiana ranks 12th in the nation for maritime shipping and why our maritime economy is booming. The 2023 cargo volumes were even more impressive considering some of the major challenges facing our industry this past year with low water levels and lock closures.”
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The Indianapolis-based Ports of Indiana said its challenges last year included a weeklong strike by St. Lawrence Seaway employees, a protracted lock closure on the Illinois River and near-record low water levels on the Mississippi River.
But the ports grew maritime business, as well as rail shipments. They handled 65,141 rail cars last year, a 28% year-over-year increase. Mount Vernon saw a 42% increase with 39,909 rail cars.
“This is an exciting time at Ports of Indiana,” Peacock said. “We’re going through a transformational period as we build up our internal resources to spur port growth and work through transitions of key terminal operators at all three ports. We’re cautiously optimistic about the 2024 cargo outlook, but we’re more excited about how our team is positioning Indiana’s port system for long-term future growth.”
A consultant's study found the ports supported more than 49,000 jobs, generated $8.7 billion in economic activity, paid $3.5 billion in annual wages and contributed $536 million in state and local taxes.
A look back at Northwest Indiana businesses that closed in 2023
A look back at Region businesses that closed in 2023
Beer Geeks, one of the Region's first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced with a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.
A longtime staple in downtown Crown Point poured its last drink.
The longtime Westforth Sports gun shop is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently.
Brewfest in Highland will close in what's been called "an end of an era."
David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if no buyer emerges to save it.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with displays at museums in two different states.
For years, the "millionaire's club" met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its final slider Tuesday.
One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner died.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, closed in downtown Whiting after a run of several years.
A Calumet Region institution, Calumet Fisheries on the far South Side of Chicago, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no mas in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Troubled retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores nationwide as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has shuttered its branch in downtown Hammond.
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its last craft beer at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana's most prominent highway interchanges.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest auto show, returns to McCormick Place Saturday, running through Feb. 19.
