Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor receives first ocean vessel of 2017

The arrival of the 413-foot BBC Monte Blanc marked the official opening of the international shipping season by delivering wind turbine components from Spain to the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.    The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor welcomed the first ocean vessel of the year, marking the official opening of the international shipping season for inland ports along the St. Lawrence Seaway.
   The seaway locks opened in March after being closed for the winter season.
   The 413-foot cargo carrier, BBC Mont Blanc, delivered 900 tons of wind turbine tower sections from Marin, Spain to Federal Marine Terminals and will employ thirty dockworkers to unload the cargo, which will take two days, the Ports of Indiana said Wednesday.
   The wind turbine sections are destined for a wind farm in Illinois. After the wind turbine cargo is unloaded, the ship will sail to Thunder Bay, Ontario, where it will discharge a large transformer and other related components.
   Situated in northwest Indiana, the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor is known for being one of the top steel ports, and is home to 15 steel-related companies. The port also has 110 acres available for future growth.
   Project cargo, comprised of heavy-lift and large dimensional cargo, increased 25 percent in 2016. Overall, the port handled nearly 2.6 million tons of cargo during the year.
   The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor is operated by statewide port authority, Ports of Indiana, which operates three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.