Ports of Indiana near-record cargo shipments in 2024
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Ports of Indiana says cargo shipments have continued to increase, with 2024 totaling its second highest year for annual volume shipments in history.
Indiana has ports in Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon on the Ohio River and Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan. Ports of Indiana shipped 13 million tons of cargo in 2024, an increase of 3% from 2023.
“Agriculture products, coal and steel-related shipments made up about 85% of our cargo in 2024, which demonstrates our ports’ critical role in the manufacturing, energy and ag sectors,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said in a statement. “We’re pleased to see our ports have increased shipments by 50% since 2020, but our team is focused on investing in the future and making sure our facilities can support the growing needs of Indiana’s economy.”
In addition to shipments, the ports announced more than $200 million in public and private investments last year, including:
- Four company expansions.
- Three new companies locating at the ports.
- Six federal grant projects to support infrastructure.
In November, The Ports of Indiana received the largest federal grant in its history to build a $16 million rail yard and transload facility at its Mount Vernon port. Peacock said the project could double the port’s rail capacity.
A new business venture, Indiana River & Rail Terminals, launched in October. It manages all general cargo facilities at the Jeffersonville and Mount Vernon ports. The Ports of Indiana said the company helped increase’ annual cargo shipments by 48% at Mount Vernon and 12% at Jeffersonville.
Shortly after a new nonstop flight from Indianapolis to Dublin, Ireland, was announced, The Ports signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Cork in Ireland to explore the feasibility of an express container shipping service between the two locations.
Ireland is Indiana’s No. 1 importer with $20.9 billion in shipments last year. The top shipments between Ireland and Indiana are pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals, the port authority said.
READ MORE: Indy-to-Dublin flight expected to generate new partnerships, strengthen relationships
In July, the organization received approval to establish the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.
The Ports of Indiana also signed an MOU with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture aimed at increasing collaboration and expanding agricultural trade.