Ports of Indiana, Metro Ports Extend Bulk Cargo Partnership at Burns Harbor

Metro Ports is a national terminal operator and one of the longest operating stevedores in the United States, according to the company, which has managed bulk cargo handling at Burns Harbor since 2017 and oversees the efficient movement of essential materials—such as coking coal, limestone, iron ore pellets, grains and minerals—via ocean vessels, Great Lakes ships, river barges and railcars.

Burns Harbor handles approximately three million tons of cargo annually and “plays a vital role in the movement of critical commodities supporting the steel, agriculture and construction industries.”

“Metro Ports has been an outstanding partner at Burns Harbor and their continued leadership will be instrumental as we increase bulk cargo-handling capacity at the port,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “Their decision to launch their first Great Lakes operation here in 2017 marked a pivotal moment for bulk-cargo growth at our port. Today, we’re proud to continue building on that success and strengthening Indiana’s role in global supply chains.”

“Indiana offers a strong business environment, and we’re very optimistic about the opportunities at Burns Harbor,” said Metro Ports President Lee Swietlikowski. “Ports of Indiana is making transformational investments in infrastructure, allowing us to expand capabilities and better serve the industrial and commercial markets across the Midwest. We are proud to be part of this forward-looking partnership.”

Metro Ports’ tenure at Burns Harbor has been “defined by development of strong customer relationships,” according to Burns Harbor Port Director Ryan McCoy.

“Metro Ports operates as an extension of our team,” he said. “Their unwavering commitment to service and innovation has earned the trust of our customers and helped drive substantial growth across multiple commodities.”