Study To Identify Cargo Opportunities, Markets and Infrastructure Needs
By Simon West
A U.S. ports association and federal maritime officials will launch a market study aimed at boosting cargo movements between the Great Lakes and the inland waterways system.
The study, carried out by American Great Lakes Ports Association in partnership with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, will examine demand, potential cargo flows and the required infrastructure to increase shipments between the nation’s two busiest inland shipping systems, which together move some 700 million tons of freight a year.
Despite their scale, only a small share of cargo currently transfers between the Great Lakes and inland rivers, limiting the potential for waterborne transport of agricultural products, steel, energy and other cargo, said the AGLPA, which represents the interests of 16 public port authorities and associated commercial users on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes.
The study will focus on opportunities to expand river–lake shipping through key Lake Michigan ports in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Those states account for roughly 65% of U.S. Great Lakes shipping-related economic activity and handle millions of tons of river barge traffic via the Chicago shipping canal and the Mississippi River system.
The analysis, conducted by transport consultancy CPCS Transcom, will also assess operational requirements for transloading cargo between barges and lake vessels, as well as the potential impact on supply chain reliability and job creation.
“We’re excited to join this unprecedented partnership to explore how we can better connect two of the busiest inland shipping corridors in the world,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “Maritime transportation can be further leveraged in the megaregion formed by Chicago, Milwaukee and Northwest Indiana to improve freight transportation, lower emissions, reduce highway congestion and grow economies throughout the Great Lakes and inland waterways systems.”
Breakbulk Americas 2026 is happening on 24-26 September in Houston.
Photo credit: Ceres Barge Line