Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon has announced a record shipment total for any of the state's three ports in more than 50 years. This is the second consecutive quarter the southwest Indiana port has reported record business. April 15, 2015

News Release

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. – The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon recorded the highest quarterly shipments by any port in Ports of Indiana's over 50-plus year history during the first quarter of 2015. This was the second consecutive quarter the port broke this record. First quarter shipments increased three percent over the fourth quarter of 2014 and were up 48 percent over 2014's first quarter. A key driver for the high volumes was a 36 percent increase in grain shipments.

“Being located in the most fertile agricultural region in the world, grain is one of the largest volume commodities handled through the Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon,” said Phil Wilzbacher, Port Director. “On an annual basis, port companies trade or process approximately 75 million bushels of corn, soybeans and wheat. During the first quarter, Consolidated Grain and Barge handled a significant increase in corn shipments. CGB is a very progressive grain trading business and our partnership with this company continues to grow even after more than 30 years.”

Grain volumes were helped in part by the record harvest of 2014 while fertilizer and steel shipments were up 16 percent and 10 percent, respectively. In addition, mineral and magnetite volumes increased significantly.

Coal shipments handled by Alliance Coal also remained strong during the first quarter, up significantly from the first quarter of 2014 and accounted for just over half of the port's total shipments.

Located on the Ohio River in Southwest Indiana near Evansville, the port is a multimodal hub connecting the Midwest to world markets with year-round routes to the Gulf of Mexico, over 20 states and the Great Lakes via the U.S. Inland Waterways System. The port also provides connections to five Class I railroads and ocean vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Current port companies ship cargo to or from 20 countries and 44 states.

Mount Vernon is ranked as the seventh largest port district on the Inland Waterways System. The port recently expanded and now has 600 acres available for development by companies that would benefit from its multimodal connections.

About the Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon

The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon opened in 1976 and is operated by Ports of Indiana, a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana's economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system. For more information, visit www.portsofindiana.com.

Source: The Port of Indiana-Mount Vernon

Story Continues Below

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

One Subscription, Unlimited Access to IBJ and Inside INdiana Business Subscribe Now

One Subscription, Unlimited Access to IBJ and Inside INdiana Business Upgrade Now

One Subscription, Unlmited Access to IBJ and Inside INdiana Business Upgrade Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In