January 15 - The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled more shipments in 2014 than any year since the port opened in 1970, with total tonnage up 30 percent over 2013.
The port also posted a 35 percent year-on-year increase in ocean vessels, and nearly a 25 percent increase in river barges moving through the Illinois/Mississippi river system.
"Steel going into the manufacturing sector was a key driver for the increase in port shipments," said port director Rick Heimann. "In 2013, the port handled its highest steel volume since 2006 and 2014's steel tonnage more than doubled the previous year's total. The port also handled over 500 barges in 2014 for the first time in several years."
The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor also continued to serve as an inland hub for overdimensional cargoes, handling 29 beer fermentation tanks, which were shipped from Germany to Lagunitas Brewing Co. in Chicago via the gateway.
The port also received a 400-tonne project cargo shipment via barge. The consignment comprised of a fuel processing unit being transported from Oklahoma to Ohio, which was offloaded at the port's specialised ro-ro dock.
