First Sea Cargo Container Port for Chicago Area Approved

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has approved the establishment of the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. This development will create the only all-water container route for ocean vessels serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area through the Great Lakes.

Located in northwest Indiana and visible from the Chicago skyline, the Burns Harbor terminal is part of the 25th largest U.S. port, handling 25 million tons of cargo annually and generating $16.6 billion in economic impact. Chicago, with a population of 9.6 million, is the third-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. and the largest intermodal container market in North America. Currently, all containers moving through Chicago travel by rail or truck.

“This is a critical step in establishing a container terminal at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor and a new supply chain for international container shipments,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “Having an all-water container route into the Midwest could create transformational opportunities, but it will take time to develop. Our port can handle containers today, but regular container shipments won’t be scheduled until Customs facilities are operational, potentially in 2026.”

CBP's approval includes the establishment of a staffed container cargo examination facility at Burns Harbor. Ports of Indiana will be responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure, including a CBP office, equipment, and security measures. Construction of the facility and equipment is expected in 2025.

“This new venture comes with major challenges and opportunities, but our team has made this a top priority because it is critical to providing Indiana with a modern port system,” said Ryan McCoy, Port Director at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. “Great Lakes shipping is limited by a shorter season and smaller vessels, but the potential for handling containers is tremendous. Allowing ocean carriers to serve this market could diversify supply chains, avoid bottlenecks, and reduce the carbon footprint for Midwest shipping.”

In support of this effort, Ports of Indiana has secured memorandums of understanding from potential partners and letters of support from other Great Lakes ports and over 35 government officials, businesses, and trade associations.

“We’re working with several businesses interested in using a regular liner service to Burns Harbor, and the initial container projections are promising,” said Ian Hirt, a maritime consultant working with the port. “This will likely be a niche service offering specialized amenities, such as refrigerated containers or a green alternative, but it could also help avoid bottlenecks and improve supply chain reliability.”

As facility planning begins, Ports of Indiana officials are seeking potential partners and customers to advance the project and will engage in select partnerships to formalize development plans, quantify volumes, and develop a scalable terminal to meet current and future demands.