The ports accounted for 27% of the international freight moving through the Great Lakes in 2025 and were recognized with the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS). 

Among the recipients, Wisconsin’s Port Green Bay posted the largest percentage increase, with international tonnage moving through the Seaway climbing 145% compared with the previous year. The Port of Buffalo in New York followed with a 132% increase, while Michigan’s Port of Monroe doubled its international tonnage with a 100% gain. 

Port Milwaukee also recorded substantial growth, increasing international cargo tonnage by 78%. 

Other recipients included the Lorain Port and Finance Authority in Ohio, which increased tonnage by 15.37%; the Conneaut Port Authority in Ohio, up 11%; the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority in Ohio, up 7.36%; Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor, up 5.83%; and the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, which recorded a 1% increase. 

The results demonstrate the continued role Great Lakes ports play in connecting U.S. industries and regional supply chains with overseas markets. 

“The sustained level of high performance is a testament not only to the Seaway system’s importance as a maritime supply chain, but also to the hard work and resiliency of the dedicated men and women throughout the Great Lakes region port community,” GLS Administrator Mike McCoshen said. 

The nine ports receiving the 2025 award and their increases in international tonnage were: 

• Port Green Bay, Wisconsin: 145%

• Port of Buffalo, New York: 132%

• Port of Monroe, Michigan: 100%

• Port Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 78%

• Lorain Port and Finance Authority, Ohio: 15.37%

• Conneaut Port Authority, Ohio: 11%

• Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Ohio: 7.36%

• Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor, Indiana: 5.83%

• Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, Pennsylvania: 1%

Established in 1992, the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award recognizes U.S. Great Lakes ports that increase the amount of international cargo shipped through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. 

Together, the nine recipients’ more than 4 million metric tons of international cargo underscore the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway’s continuing position as a major trade corridor connecting the region’s ports, manufacturers, agricultural producers and other industries with global markets. 

Feature photo courtesy of GLS