Latest News

Phase II Expansion Completed at DeLong Agricultural Export Facility in Milwaukee

Soybean farmer leaders presented a ceremonial $200,000 check March 31 in Milwaukee to support the Phase II expansion of the Agriculture Maritime Export Facility at Port Milwaukee.  The facility, owned... Read More

Great Lakes Shipyards Form Alliance to Support U.S. Icebreaker Construction

Fincantieri Marine Group has partnered with Fraser Shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin, and Donjon Marine in Erie, Pennsylvania, to establish a collaborative framework aimed at expanding shipbuilding capacity along the Great Lakes. The initiative aligns with President... Read More

Great Lakes Ports Mark Start of 2026 International Shipping Season

The Ocean7 Ranger arrived at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on April 4, marking the official start of the 2026 international shipping season. The vessel completed a 52-day voyage to deliver... Read More

Ice Conditions Renew Calls for Additional U.S. Icebreaker on Great Lakes

Commercial shipping on the Great Lakes has slowed sharply just a few days into the 2026 navigation season, as ice conditions in the St. Marys River and Whitefish Bay halted vessel traffic and renewed... Read More

Maritime Administration Announces $488.6 Million in Port Infrastructure Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $488.6 million in funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support upgrades at ports across the country.  The... Read More

Dirk S. VanEnkevort & Michigan Trader is First Vessel to Transit Soo Locks for 2026 Season

The Michigan Trader is the first vessel to transit the Soo Locks to open the 2026 navigation season. Together with tug Dirk S. VanEnkevort, the pair represents the most modern... Read More

2026 Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Season Officially Underway

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, opened the Poe Lock at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on... Read More

Ports of Indiana Establishes First European Trade Office in Ireland

Ports of Indiana has expanded its international presence with the opening of its first European trade office in Ireland, a strategic move aimed at increasing cargo shipments and supporting the... Read More

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy receives 2026 Champion of the Great Lakes Award in Washington

The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) named U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), as the 2026 recipient of its Champion of the Great Lakes Award during the Great Lakes Day Congressional... Read More

Revised Ship Inspection Fees for 2026 Navigation Season

There will be a 2.5% increase of ship inspection fees for the upcoming 2026 navigation season. Fees will be as follows: Inland/ocean ship inspection inside the normal area: During normal... Read More

St. Lawrence Seaway Cargo Traffic Holds Steady During 2025 Navigation Season

Cargo traffic through the St. Lawrence Seaway remained largely unchanged during the 2025 navigation season, with increases in grain shipments offsetting declines in several other cargo categories.  The system handled 36.9 million metric tons of... Read More