Ports of Indiana marks opening of $6M dock at Burns Harbor
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The Ports of Indiana on Thursday celebrated the opening of its new, $6 million dock at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan. The port authority said it is the first new dock in 20 years and it will handle bulk shipments via ocean vessels, lake carriers and river barges.
The “Berth 5” dock was partially funded by a U.S. Maritime Administration FASTLANE grant, and the project added more than 500 feet of new dock space.
The dock, according to the Ports of Indiana, will be able to handle self-unloading bulk ships and quickly transfer cargoes—including salt, fertilizer, limestone and grain products—to railcars, trucks, barges and nearby ground storage.
Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said in a news release that the new dock signifies the port authority’s commitment to economic growth for the state.
“This new dock will provide critical global connections for Indiana companies and farmers as well as important jobs for local workers and their families,” Peacock said. “But the best part is, this new dock is just the beginning of our major growth plans for this port, and there is much more development to come.”
The new dock is just one piece of $77 million in new investments currently under construction at the Burns Harbor port. Other projects will allow the port to double capacity for truck traffic, increase rail storage by 1,200%, and add two additional docks.
In July, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved a proposal to establish the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan at the port.
“This port is well positioned to grow business and provide critical freight solutions for a variety of industrial and transportation sectors,” said Port Director Ryan McCoy. “The combination of our outstanding workforce and top-notch infrastructure creates a sustainable competitive advantage for our customers.”