The Ports of Indiana Commission approved an initiative to develop multiple international container terminals in Indiana.

Ports of Indiana operates facilities on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River, but the ports do not currently handle container shipments.

“Containerized freight represents a critical component of our state’s international trade and a new frontier for expanding our ports,” said Micah Vincent, Ports of Indiana commission chairman, in a press release. “This resolution clearly states our vision and commitment to develop new container facilities that will increase the value of our ports and provide critical shipping connections for Indiana businesses.”

 The resolution authorizes Ports of Indiana to:

• Pursue the development of international container terminals at locations within Ports of Indiana’s facilities and other Indiana locations.
• Pursue regulatory approvals necessary to establish container facilities along Lake Michigan, the Ohio River and at strategic inland locations throughout Indiana.
• Make investments and seek out additional funding sources.
• Explore international best practices for leveraging governmental assistance and legislative actions that can promote and advance global container shipments.
• Engage in partnerships, international agreements and collaborations to establish global container shipping opportunities for Indiana.

Governor Eric Holcomb recently participated in an Indiana container conference to discuss growing global trade, new container ports and agricultural exports.

“Containers are a high-value and fast-growing cargo for ports around the world and we see the Indiana Container Initiative as a key driver for elevating Indiana’s role as a hub for global trade,” said Jody Peacock, Ports of Indiana CEO. “Establishing new container facilities at the Crossroads of America can create both economic and public benefits by reducing shipping costs, creating access to world markets and establishing green shipping corridors that decarbonize supply chains.”

Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. The organization is undertaking a $100 million capital campaign that includes eight federal grants, five docks, three railyards, two cargo storage facilities, cargo handling equipment and decarbonization planning. Ports of Indiana was established in 1961.

(Photo provided by Ports of Indiana)