Maritime industry veteran Brian Dooley will lead the new European Trade Office, which will operate from Cork and Kildare, Ireland. The office is expected to play a central role in strengthening trade relationships and developing new containerized shipping opportunities between Indiana and European markets.

Ireland has emerged as a significant trading partner for the state. In 2024, Ireland accounted for $32.4 billion in shipments to Indiana, according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research. Despite this strong trade volume, most shipments have not moved through Indiana’s ports, highlighting a key opportunity for growth. 

To address this gap, Ports of Indiana is advancing plans to open its first container terminal and has established partnerships with the Port of Cork and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the world’s 13th largest container port. The Belgian port already provides liner service to Indiana for general cargo, offering a foundation for expanded container operations. 

“Europe is a critical trading partner for Ports of Indiana, and establishing an Ireland office is part of our strategic growth initiative to better serve existing customers and develop new container shipments between Indiana and Europe,” said CEO Jody Peacock. “Brian Dooley’s experience and relationships will be instrumental in expanding our liner service to Antwerp and creating more efficient, direct shipping options for Ireland-Indiana trade.” 

Dooley brings nearly three decades of experience across maritime operations, logistics and business development. He previously served as business support manager at the Port of Cork and spent nine years as operations supervisor with MTL Peelports in Dublin. Earlier in his career, he held roles with Marine Terminals Ltd. and Coastal Container Line Limited. 

“There is strong interest across Ireland and Europe in Ports of Indiana’s expansion and the opportunity to establish a direct container service with the U.S. Midwest,” Dooley said. “Indiana’s port system is uniquely positioned, and strengthening connections with Ireland presents a major opportunity to improve efficiency by leveraging the Great Lakes and inland river network.” 

Central to that strategy is development of the Burns Harbor Container Terminal on Lake Michigan. The facility is expected to provide the only direct ocean container service into the Chicago metropolitan area, the largest container market in the United States. Trial shipments are anticipated to begin later this year. 

In his new role, Dooley will serve as the primary contact for European trade development, focusing on building partnerships, identifying new cargo opportunities and advancing international growth strategies. 

Feature image: Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor