Ports of Indiana and Metro Ports signed a five-year extension of their bulk terminal operating agreement at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

The agreement reaffirms both organizations’ commitment to growing bulk cargo operations at Indiana’s Lake Michigan port.

Metro Ports is a national terminal operator. The company has managed bulk cargo handling at Burns Harbor since 2017. Metro Ports oversees the movement of materials, such as coking coal, iron ore and grains, via ocean vessels, Great Lakes ships, river barges and railcars.

“Metro Ports has been an outstanding partner at Burns Harbor and their continued leadership will be instrumental as we increase bulk cargo-handling capacity at the port,” said Jody Peacock, Ports of Indiana CEO, in a press release. “Their decision to launch their first Great Lakes operation here in 2017 marked a pivotal moment for bulk-cargo growth at our port.”

Burns Harbor handles approximately 3 million tons of cargo annually. It plays a role in the movement of commodities supporting the steel, agriculture and construction industries.

“Indiana offers a strong business environment, and we’re very optimistic about the opportunities at Burns Harbor,” Lee Swietlikowski, Metro Ports president, said. “Ports of Indiana is making transformational investments in infrastructure, allowing us to expand capabilities and better serve the industrial and commercial markets across the Midwest.”

Metro Ports is the brand representing the affiliated companies of Metropolitan Stevedore Co. and its parent company, Nautilus International Holding Corp. With roots dating back to the California Gold Rush, Metro Ports was incorporated in 1923.  The company operates at 20 U.S. ports across the West, East and Gulf coasts, in addition to its presence at Burns Harbor.