Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor opens new dock

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor officials last week marked the opening of a new dock, Berth 5, that will handle bulk shipments from ocean vessels, lake carriers and river barges at the Lake Michigan port.

Partially funded by a U.S. Maritime Administration FASTLANE Grant, the $6 million project called for construction of over 500 feet of new dock space. It’s the first new dock the Ports of Indiana has opened in 20 years, port officials said in a press release.

The port constructed Berth 5 to handle self-unloading bulk ships and to transfer cargo to rail cars, trucks, barges and storage areas.

“This new dock will provide critical global connections for Indiana families, as well as important jobs for local workers and their families,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock.

This dock is just the beginning of the investments being made in the port, she said. $77 million in investments are underway at the port, including the increase of rail storage. 

Members of the port’s workforce, including the International Longshoremen’s Association and the International Union of Operating Engineers, gathered at the new dock the Sept. 5 grand opening.

Norfolk Southern Railway and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad serve the port.