The American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) will begin a comprehensive market analysis aimed at expanding cargo movement between the Great Lakes and the inland waterways system in the USA.
The Great Lakes and the USA’s inland waterways cumulatively move around 700 million tons (635 million tonnes) of cargo each year; however, only a small percentage of said cargo moves between the Great Lakes and inland rivers.
In partnership with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development (GLS), the AGLPA – which includes Ports of Indiana – the study will assess opportunities to increase waterborne commerce by leveraging the river–lake connection. It will evaluate market demand, identify promising cargo flows and explore the infrastructure and operational needs required to support greater integration.
“For too long, the connection between the Great Lakes and the inland waterways has been an underutilised asset in America’s freight network,” said AGLPA president, captain Paul C. LaMarre III. “This study will help identify the cargoes, markets and infrastructure needed to make river–lake shipping more efficient and commercially viable. AGLPA and our member ports are committed to a data-driven approach that strengthens maritime commerce and reinforces our region’s vital role in the nation’s supply chains.”
The three major Lake Michigan ports – Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin – are providing the study’s local match, with these states accounting for 65 percent of the economic activity related to US Great Lakes shipping, according to Ports of Indiana. The study will be conducted by transport, energy and major project infrastructure advisor CPCS Transcom, along with AGLPA, GLS and member ports.
HLPFI reported last month that Ports of Indiana had appointed Brady Jacoba to the newly created role of chief commercial officer.
