Ports of Indiana sets tonnage record in Q4 2016

The state’s three ports handled 3.9 million tons of cargo in the fourth quarter of 2016.    The Ports of Indiana experienced the highest quarterly shipment total in 55 years during the fourth quarter of 2016.
   Handling nearly 3.9 million tons of cargo during the fourth quarter, the result surpassed the previous record held by the second quarter of 2015 by 300,000 tons, the Ports of Indiana said.
   The Ports of Indiana, which includes Burns Harbor, Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville, shipped 11.3 million tons in 2016, making 2016 the third consecutive year the ports have exceeded 10 million tons annually.
   The Port of Mount Vernon on the Ohio River handled 2.5 million tons of cargo last quarter, breaking the previous quarterly record by 44 percent and prompting an announcement by Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. to invest $31 million to increase soybean process capabilities. In addition, Valero Renewable Fuels Co. completed two projects last year at the port, including the installation of a new DDG dryer system and new corn-receiving equipment at its ethanol plant.
   The Port of Jeffersonville, also situated along the Ohio River, was aided by the demand for cars and thus handled the second highest steel shipments in the port’s history last year.
   Meanwhile, the Port of Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan handled 2.6 million tons in 2016 with major cargo including grain shipments, coal and large-dimensional cargo, such as beer fermentation tanks and wind turbine components. As a result, Ratner Steel will be completing an $8 million port expansion project next month, adding 100,000 square feet to its steel processing facility.
   Maritime operations at these three ports contribute to over $7.8 billion in total economic activity and more than 60,000 jobs to the region.