Port Milwaukee
Press Release

Port Milwaukee Cargo Volume Grows in 2017

As Vessel Visits Climb Nearly 10%

By - Feb 8th, 2018 10:55 am
Windmill blade being loaded for shipment to Newfoundland, May 2015. Photo by Peter Hirthe.

Windmill blade being loaded for shipment to Newfoundland, May 2015. Photo by Peter Hirthe.

A significant increase in the quantity of dry bulk cargo moving through Port Milwaukee pushed annual cargo volumes past the previous year’s totals according to unaudited numbers shared with the Board of Harbor Commissioners on Thursday.  Categories such as limestone, salt, and other dry bulk material each posted double digit percentage increases during 2017 contributing to the strong annual performance.

A total of 2.57 million metric tons of cargo passed through Port Milwaukee in calendar year 2017. More than three-quarters of that total was handled at the port’s public docks. This past year the number of vessel visits also rose to 301, an increase of 9.9%.

Port Milwaukee continues to be one of Lake Michigan’s top commercial ports. By providing efficient and cost-effective transportation, the port contributes to the local and regional economies.

“Port Milwaukee is making improvements to our infrastructure, and working closely with our tenants.  Those investments and relationships set the stage for even more cargo transiting our docks in the future,” Port Milwaukee Director Paul Vornholt said. “Most importantly, we focus on adding value for local employers by reducing their transportation costs.”

Port of Milwaukee

Tonnage Summary

(in metric tons)

2017 2016
Total Public Docks 1,932,826 1,698,674
Total Private Docks 640,544 742,398
Total Port Tonnage and Private Docks Waterborne Tonnage 2,573,380 2,441,072

Port Milwaukee is an economic entity of City government governed by the seven-member Board of Harbor Commissioners, a panel appointed by Mayor Tom Barrett and confirmed by the Common Council.  It administers operations on the 467 acres that make up the Port. It promotes shipping and commerce throughout the region by providing access to domestic and international ships, rail, and over-the-road transportation.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

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