In a notable development for Indiana's maritime industry, there has been a substantial increase in cargo shipments for the year 2023 at the ports of Indiana. Experiencing a 6% rise compared to the previous year, a total of 12.6 million tons of cargo were shipped, marking the second-highest tonnage recorded in the history of these ports. This achievement comes second only to the record-setting year of 2018, indicating the resilience and strength of Indiana's maritime sector.
Of particular significance is the notable surge in coal exports from the Mount Vernon port, which saw a remarkable increase of 78%. Additionally, fertilizer shipments recorded an overall growth of more than 11%, with significant gains observed at both Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville. Other commodities such as soy products, minerals, ethanol, DDGs, and cement also witnessed growth during this period.
Acknowledging the collective efforts of various stakeholders, the CEO of Indiana Ports expressed gratitude for the collaboration with key partners in facilitating the transportation of critical cargo, which contributes significantly to the region's economic prosperity. Despite facing challenges such as low water levels and lock closures, the maritime industry in Indiana has demonstrated resilience, maintaining substantial tonnages throughout the year.
Furthermore, Indiana's ports experienced a notable increase in rail shipments, with a 28% year-over-year rise in rail carloads, indicating further growth and diversification in transportation modes.
A recent study conducted in 2023 underscored the significant economic impact of Indiana's ports, supporting over 49,000 jobs and generating $8.7 billion annually for the state's economy. This economic contribution translates into $3.5 billion in annual wages and $536 million in state and local taxes.
The remarkable performance of Indiana's ports in 2023 underscores their crucial role in facilitating trade and driving economic growth, positioning them as key contributors to the region's prosperity.
