March 28 - The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority posted a 10 percent increase in international cargo during the 2011 navigation season, earning it the prestigious Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation. SLSDC Administrator Terry Johnson presented the award today to Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority President and CEO Will Friedman at an event hosted by the Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP).
“The sustained strong economic performance by the port serves to highlight marine transportation’s importance for the city, the region, and the country,” said Administrator Johnson. “Through its ongoing infrastructure improvements and forward looking strategic plan, the port is well positioned for further growth in 2012 and beyond.”
During the 2011 navigation season, the Port of Cleveland shipped 302,047 metric tons (mt) of cargo through the Seaway, a 10 percent increase over the 2010 season, earning the port its 10th Pacesetter award. In 2011, the Port of Cleveland achieved an 81 percent growth in project cargo mostly attributed to its handling of windmill components, machinery and generators, and automotive presses. This was the first year the port has handled windmill component cargo. This cargo originated in Germany and was destined for Euclid, Ohio.
“We are honored to be recognized for the second year in a row by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for increasing our international tonnage. This is a team effort with our operator, Federal Marine Terminals, and our International Longshoremen’s Association workforce. Together, we strive to offer the best possible service and value to the shippers and carriers who choose our port,” said Will Friedman.
Joe Roman, President & CEO of the GCP said, “The Port of Cleveland is clearly one of Ohio’s economic engines and we are fortunate that Will Friedman is leading the organization. We’re proud to be a partner and supporter; our congratulations to Will, his Board of Directors and staff.”
The Port of Cleveland is constructing more than one mile of new railroad track on the port, which will be operated by the Cleveland Commercial Railroad under an innovative public-private partnership arrangement. This is the port’s largest infrastructure project in more than 10 years, which will enable important intermodal connections for customers’ supply chains. The port is also pursuing new services including a cross-lake ferry and a container feeder service.
The Pacesetter Award is presented annually to U.S. Great Lakes Seaway ports that register year-on-year increases in international overseas cargo tonnage shipped through the Seaway. The other three ports winning the award this year are the Port of Green Bay, the Port of Chicago and the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor.
