The Ports of Indiana posted its best month of the year in April, handling 676,000 tons of cargo. This brings the 2005 shipping volume to 2.56 million tons, a 19 percent increase versus the same period last year and the best year-to-date total since 1997.

Around the state, Mount Vernon again led the way with 302,000 tons in April bringing its year-to-date total to 1.37 million tons - up 33% from 2004. The port handled major increases in steel (+1,814%), coal (+30%), grain (+53%) as well as new salt shipments and is off to its best start since 1996.

The first international ships of the year arrived at Burns Harbor in April, pushing the monthly cargo to 205,000 tons and nearly doubling its first quarter total. Typically, about 90 percent of Burns Harbor’s shipping volume moves during May through December. Through April, the port handled 428,000 tons, which is up 73 percent over 2004 with increases in limestone (+257%), steel (+148%), grain (+68%) and new coal tonnage.

In Jeffersonville, there have been major year-to-date increases in steel (+104%) and grain (+46%) shipping as the port has handled 761,000 tons through four months, 169,000 tons in April alone. While the port’s year-to-date shipping volume is 13 percent behind last year’s near-record opening, it is still among the top four starts in port history.

Share or bookmark this story: