Cargo Volume Climbs 31% at Port of Cleveland

The Port of Cleveland experienced strong growth in cargo tonnage in 2011.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority said the port handled 3.4 million tons last year, the most since 2008. General cargo — including steel and project cargo — was up 16%, and bulk cargo — which includes iron ore — was up 33%. The increases came as overall tonnage transiting the St. Lawrence Seaway increased 2.5%.

“Trade through our port showed strong growth in 2011, which is another indicator of an economic rebound underway in our region,” said CEO Will Friedman in the port's announcement. “With this momentum we are working harder than ever to develop better waterborne freight connections with global markets to help Ohio firms compete for and win business, and ultimately create new jobs.”

The port authority’s board of directors has authorized the port to enter into a contract for up to $65,000 with Martin Associates to analyze the business case for regularly scheduled liner service between Cleveland and ports in Europe, and possibly Canada. The firm has performed market analyses for the port authority before and recently concluded a bi-national analysis of the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. Under the new contract, Martin Associates will conduct market research and identify viable service design options that the port can use in soliciting interest from ocean carriers later this year.

The board has also agreed to enter into a contract for the construction of an on-dock rail loop intended to improve the port's competitive position.