Ports of Indiana launches new cargo operation in southern Indiana
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The Ports of Indiana on Monday announced the launch of a new business venture it says will be the largest general cargo operation on the Ohio River.
Indiana River & Rail Terminals will manage all general cargo facilities at the Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon ports and serve the Southern Indiana Port District, which ships nearly 28 million tons of cargo via barge annually.
The port authority said the new venture—a partnership with Superior River Terminals Indiana—will manage six docks, six warehouses, multiple rail transload facilities, and logistics services for more than 40 existing customers.
Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said in a news release that the new business expands general cargo operations at the Ohio River ports under one brand and creates new services for customers, including pricing and operational synergies.
“Indiana River & Rail immediately becomes one of the most important general cargo operations on the Ohio River by serving the greater Louisville and Evansville metro areas as well as one of the Midwest’s busiest manufacturing, agriculture and energy regions,” Peacock said.
The Ports of Indiana previously tapped SRTI to provide stevedoring and distribution services for the Jeffersonville port. The partners said they will share in the facilities’ investment, operating costs and marketing.
“Partnering with Ports of Indiana on this venture allows us to build upon our recent success and increase cargo shipments,” said Jonathan Lamb, president of SRTI. “These two Ohio River ports are dynamic facilities with tremendous potential for future growth, and we’re thrilled to work with Ports of Indiana to expand operations and provide additional logistics services and economic prosperity to the region.”
The launch comes less than a month after the Ports of Indiana announced the creation of the Mount Vernon Railroad to coordinate rail connections and assemble outbound trains at the Mount Vernon port.