Jody Peacock concluded his service as Chief Executive Officer of Ports of Indiana effective November 1. On that date, Ports of Indiana Chief Operating Officer Dave Parrott and Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson began serving as the organization’s interim leadership team. Commission Chairman Steven Stemler is taking an active role working with them to lead Ports of Indiana during the interim period.

“On behalf of the Commission, I thank Jody for his more than 25 years of service to Ports of Indiana,” said Stemler. “Dave and Erica bring strong experience and a deep commitment to our ports. I’m very confident about the path ahead and the opportunities to keep moving Indiana forward.”

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Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has been awarded $11.2 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to modernize its cargo handling, including the specialized equipment needed to support future international container service. The grant is part of a $498 million investment announced today by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy to modernize 35 port projects across 19 states and strengthen America’s supply chains.

“Indiana is the Crossroads of America, and our ports are a big part of what makes that true,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This investment helps Burns Harbor move more goods faster and gives Hoosier farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers around the world.”

“This grant is a smart investment in Indiana’s port infrastructure,” said Ports of Indiana Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson. “Paired with our own funding, it puts existing docks and terminal space to work and creates new revenue to support the port long term. We are grateful to our congressional partners, Secretary Duffy and MARAD for their partnership.” 

The Burns Harbor Container Handling Modernization Project will fund a mobile harbor crane, bulk-handling attachments, reach stackers, a top handler, off-road yard trucks, and more. The equipment will also strengthen the port’s existing operations. The mobile harbor crane can switch between bulk grabs, breakbulk lifting gear, and container spreaders allowing Burns Harbor to handle more steel, bulk materials, construction materials and project cargo alongside future container traffic when market demand arises. The $14 million project includes a $2.8 million match from Ports of Indiana. 

“Indiana’s location along the Great Lakes gives our state a unique advantage in moving goods and supporting American commerce,” said U.S. Senator Todd Young. “Securing the federal investment needed to expand Burns Harbor’s shipping capabilities, create new opportunities for Indiana businesses, and strengthen our state’s role in domestic and international trade has been a priority of mine for years. I thank Secretary Duffy for his partnership in supporting this important project.” 

Supporting Quotes: 

“Burns Harbor is the beating heart of Indiana’s economy,” said U.S. Senator Jim Banks. “This is a major grant to support the port’s Container Handling project and modernize its operations. I appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation recognizing the value of this project to Indiana.” 

“Congratulations to Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor on securing this critical federal funding to further enhance economic development and job-creation in Northwest Indiana,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan. “Let us build on these successful initiatives with all local, state, and federal officials to continue to support our region’s world-class manufacturing workforce and capabilities.”

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Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana, has been named one of the inaugural recipients of the CARGO Award, presented by Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT) at its annual conference on Sept. 3.

IRPT is a nationwide, non-profit trade association founded in 1974 that represents and advocates for the United States inland waterway transportation system. The “CARGO” Award stands for Commitment to Advancing River Growth and Operations. IRPT created the award to recognize individuals whose careers reflect more than professional success — people who have helped move the inland waterways industry forward.

“We looked for people who have helped move this industry forward, and Jody Peacock has spent more than two decades doing exactly that,” said Aimee Andres, executive director of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, in presenting the award. “He has helped grow ports, create opportunities for businesses and communities, and strengthened the connections between maritime transportation and economic development. It’s my honor to recognize Jody and all the work he’s done for our industry.”

Jody has spent more than 25 years in the maritime industry, joining Ports of Indiana in 2001 and serving as CEO for the last three years. During his career, Jody has led transformation and growth initiatives throughout Indiana’s three-port system and the maritime industry. He serves on numerous maritime and economic development boards supporting the growth of the nation’s inland waterways and is a past recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier Award and the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian honor. Jody has been a driving force behind multiple regional cargo development strategies as well as the creation of Indiana’s northern and southern port districts, which now rank as the #1 inland port in the country and the #2 Great Lakes port.

Jody was named CEO of Ports of Indiana in 2023, taking responsibility for a statewide port system that includes three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, 2,800 acres of multimodal industrial parks, three shortline railroads, and a statewide network of foreign-trade zones. Under his leadership, Ports of Indiana has achieved three consecutive years of unprecedented growth, secured the two largest federal grants in the organization’s history, and opened its first new dock in two decades. The organization also established the largest general cargo operation on the Ohio River, started development of the state’s first ocean container terminal, opened its first foreign office in Europe, and signed new partnership agreements with three international ports.

“Being recognized by the Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals is a tremendous honor, and to be an inaugural recipient of the CARGO Award means a great deal to me,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “Over the past few decades, I’ve come to believe that ports are more than places where cargo changes hands — they’re engines for economic growth and gateways to the world. I’m honored to be part of IRPT, which has become such a dynamic and important organization, and to share the vision that our waterways offer tremendous opportunity, strategic advantages, and public benefits for our nation.”

Throughout his career, Jody has helped develop the strategies and business initiatives that transformed Ports of Indiana from a government-funded agency into the self-funded, entrepreneurial organization it is today, contributing $8.7 billion annually to the state economy and supporting 50,000 jobs throughout the region.

Earlier this year, Jody was elected to IRPT’s Board of Directors as a Great Lakes Basin director, helping to strengthen representation of the organization’s Great Lakes members and better connect the Great Lakes and inland river systems.

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Ports of Indiana has been awarded a $25 million federal “BUILD” grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a $32 million expansion of its Jeffersonville port. This grant is the largest federal award in Ports of Indiana’s 65-year history – more than double the previous high for any Indiana port. It also represents the Jeffersonville port’s largest single infrastructure investment since opening in 1985, more than doubling the facility’s general cargo footprint and increasing the port’s lift capacity from 35 tons to 300 tons. 

“Indiana’s ports are essential to keeping our economy moving, and this $25 million BUILD grant is a major investment in our state’s future,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Expanding our Jeffersonville port’s capacity to move cargo by river, rail and truck will create new opportunities for Indiana manufacturers, farmers and businesses while supporting high-quality jobs across Southern Indiana.” 

The BUILD program (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) is administered by USDOT to provide grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. This week, USDOT awarded $1.73 billion in BUILD grants to 127 projects from 1,200 applications.  

The Jeffersonville grant will fund a major redevelopment of an underutilized area along the Ohio River into a high-volume multimodal terminal. The project includes a new 300-ton crane system, a 6,500-square-foot dock, and a 22,000-square-foot warehouse designed to improve operational efficiency and expand heavy-lift and breakbulk capabilities.  

“This is a transformational project for our Jeffersonville port and the entire Southern Indiana region,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for this award, and to our federal, state and local port partners who helped make this project possible. This investment will dramatically increase the port’s capacity to handle larger steel and project cargoes, increase storage and operational efficiencies, lower transportation costs for regional industry, and strengthen Jeffersonville’s position as one of the Midwest’s premier multimodal freight hubs for decades to come.” 

Once complete, the expansion will increase lift capacity by more than 800%, double barge-rail transloading capacity, and establish the port’s first general cargo facility located outside the floodplain. The project is expected to be completed in 2028. 

“Strong infrastructure is essential to a strong economy, and this BUILD grant is an important investment in Indiana’s future,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin. “The improvements at Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville will increase efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the port’s ability to serve businesses throughout our state and the Midwest. I was proud to advocate for this project and congratulate everyone whose hard work made this achievement possible.”

Supporting Quotes: 

“Indiana’s ports are critical to our state’s economy and America’s supply chains, and this historic BUILD grant will ensure the Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville is well-positioned to meet growing demand for decades to come,” said U.S. Sen. Todd Young. “I’m proud to support projects that create jobs, improve infrastructure, and reinforce Indiana’s role as a national logistics leader.” 

“This investment is a major win for Indiana,” said U.S. Sen. Jim Banks. “Modernizing the Jeffersonville port will strengthen American manufacturing, support Hoosier jobs, and keep Indiana at the forefront of logistics and commerce.”

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Mount Vernon port’s largest project in 20 years will triple soybean handling capacity

MOUNT VERNON, Ind. (May 19, 2026) – State and local officials today celebrated the groundbreaking of Consolidated Grain and Barge Co.’s (CGB) $47 million expansion at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, the largest investment at Indiana’s largest port in more than 20 years.  Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CGB Enterprises, Inc.

The project is designed to triple grain handling capacity of CGB’s soybean processing operations at the Ohio River port. CGB currently processes approximately 50 million bushels of soybeans annually at Mount Vernon, producing soybean oil, meal, and soy hulls that are shipped to livestock producers and food companies around the world.

The expansion includes new grain storage and truck unloading facilities, as well as a conveyor system that transfers grain between multiple sites at the port. The project will increase the facility’s storage volume by 4.25 million bushels and boost truck unloading capacity by 200 percent. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

“CGB has been a long-standing leader in Indiana agriculture, and this investment at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon strengthens two of our greatest assets – world-class infrastructure and a leading agriculture economy,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Expanding CGB’s port facilities helps Hoosier farmers move crops more efficiently to global markets, supports rural communities, and reinforces Indiana’s leadership in agriculture and trade.”

CGB’s soybean volume at Mount Vernon has increased more than 60 percent over the past decade, driving the need for expanded capacity and improved truck flow. The new unloading system will allow entire truckloads to discharge without repositioning, reducing congestion on port roads, shortening turnaround times, and lowering transportation costs for local farmers.

“We strongly value our relationship with the state of Indiana, Ports of Indiana and the Mount Vernon community, and this investment centers on serving our farmers and the local community,” said CGB Enterprises, Inc. Executive Vice President Tom Malecha. “By improving traffic flow and reducing wait times, CGB is making soybean delivery at Mount Vernon more efficient while positioning the facility for the future. This port is an ideal location for growing our business and continuing to expand the value we bring to the agricultural, energy and food sectors.”

CGB also manages grain merchandising as well as ethanol and DDG transload facilities at the port. Founded in 1969, CGB operates more than 110 grain facilities across the Midwest and beyond with integrated barge, rail, and truck transportation capabilities.

“CGB is a world-class company that has been a tremendous partner at our Ohio River ports for nearly three decades,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “This investment demonstrates CGB’s strong commitment to Indiana agriculture, our port, and future growth opportunities that support local farmers. It also highlights the strategic competitive advantages Indiana’s ports create through robust barge and rail connections in the heart of one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions.”

Indiana is one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, and the Mount Vernon port serves as a major gateway for agricultural exports. The port handles approximately 5 million tons of cargo annually, including grain, soy products, ethanol, fertilizer, steel, and project cargo. The 1,200-acre port has connections to five Class I railroads and is part of the nation’s busiest inland port district.

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Ports of Indiana and Indiana University Southeast have partnered to launch a logistics internship to support local workforce needs and introduce college students to port operations. In May, the program’s first intern, Jonas Powers, will begin a 15-week internship, gaining hands-on experience in transportation, logistics, agribusiness, warehousing, and port operations.

Ports of Indiana operates three ports, which support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in annual economic impact for the state. This pilot program will be expanded to offer internships in multiple port locations through university partnerships designed to meet Indiana’s growing logistics workforce needs.

Powers is a second-year student from Corydon, Ind., majoring in Supply Chain Management. During the internship, he will work with Ports of Indiana and four port companies that play a key role in Indiana’s global trade and freight logistics.

“Indiana’s logistics industry depends on a strong workforce, and that starts by helping young people see the exciting career opportunities available in our ports and supply chains,” said Jody Peacock, CEO for Ports of Indiana. “Through our partnership with IU Southeast, we can introduce students to high-demand careers while raising awareness of the vital roles ports play in connecting Indiana businesses to global markets and driving long-term economic growth.”

Indiana University Southeast, located in New Albany, offers top quality and nationally accredited programs and has a track record of strong student outcomes—with 99 percent of graduates going on to employment or graduate school. The partnership reflects the university’s commitment to connecting students with meaningful professional opportunities in the region.

“IU Southeast is excited to partner with Ports of Indiana and offer our students this valuable internship experience,” said Dr. Debbie Ford, Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. “Partnerships like this create powerful opportunities for our students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experience. By working alongside respected employers, our students gain valuable professional skills while strengthening the talent pipeline that helps our regional economy grow.”

The maritime industry employs 650,000 workers in the U.S., and one out of every five Indiana jobs is related to logistics. In addition, Ports of Indiana is advancing significant job growth initiatives, investing in a $100 million capital program, and developing new multimodal terminals at all three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.

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PORTAGE, Ind., May 1, 2026 – On Thursday, April 23, the Northwest Indiana Forum and Ports of Indiana welcomed an international delegation representing 10 countries and provinces to the Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor, highlighting the region’s growing role in global trade, logistics, and industrial development.

The visit was conducted in partnership with the Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association (CITCA) and the Québec Government Office in Chicago. Delegates participated in a guided tour of the port, gaining firsthand insight into its scale, multimodal connectivity, and economic impact.

The program began with welcome remarks from Port Director Ryan McCoy, followed by a comprehensive tour of the Burns Harbor facility. The agenda continued with a series of presentations highlighting Northwest Indiana’s competitive advantages and strategic priorities. Heather Ennis, President & CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, provided an overview of the region’s economic landscape, with emphasis on emerging initiatives in quantum computing, defense, and data center development.

Additional presentations underscored the region’s integrated approach to global competitiveness. Dan Vicari, Executive Director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, highlighted the airport’s international access and foreign trade zone capabilities. Lisa Daugherty, President & CEO of the Center of Workforce Innovations, shared insights on workforce development efforts designed to meet the needs of a growing economy. Dexter Salenda, Foreign Trade and Economic Development Director for the Ports of Indiana, presented on emerging shipping container initiatives that further strengthen the region’s logistics infrastructure.

“Québec is Indiana’s second largest Canadian trading partner, with bilateral trade totaling $3.1 billion USD,” said Jean François Hould, Chief Representative for the Government of Québec in the Midwest. “Northwest Indiana is strategically positioned within North American trade corridors, as the Ports of Indiana Container Project and the Gary Chicago International Airport expansion align with major logistics investments in Montréal and Québec City, strengthening globally competitive cross-border supply chains.”

Together, the tour and presentations reinforced Northwest Indiana’s position as a logistics and industrial hub—strategically investing in infrastructure and talent to compete on a global stage. Notably, the Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor provides direct access from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, offering global reach from the heart of the Midwest.

For more information about Northwest Indiana’s economic development initiatives, visit the Northwest Indiana Forum at www.nwiforum.org. To learn more about the Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association, visit www.citca.org. To learn more about the Ports of Indiana, visit www.portsofindiana.com.

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ST. LOUIS, MO —April 16, 2026 — Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT) is pleased to announce the election of two respected industry leaders to its Board of Directors, representing the Great Lakes Basin. Joe Liebau of Foth and Jody Peacock of Ports of Indiana were elected to serve in these roles. Their election reflects the continued strength, diversity, and expertise that define IRPT’s membership across the inland river system.

Joe and Jody bring extensive experience in environmental policy, infrastructure funding, economic development, and port leadership to the Board. Together, they will represent and serve IRPT members across the Great Lakes Basin, supporting a diverse network of ports, terminals, industrial operators, and transportation stakeholders that strengthen domestic supply chains and international trade throughout the region.

IRPT is governed by a Board of Directors composed of five officers, Basin Directors, and Directors At Large. Basin Directors are elected by Members within designated navigable river basins, ensuring that leadership reflects the unique needs, priorities, and opportunities of each region. The full Board, consisting of five Officers and twenty-five Basin Directors, represents some of the most respected and forward thinking professionals in the industry, chosen by IRPT Members for their dedication to advancing the inland waterways.

The election of Joe Liebau and Jody Peacock underscores IRPT’s mission to champion a strong, connected, and competitive inland river transportation system. Their leadership, insight, and regional perspective will help guide the Association’s initiatives, advocacy, and strategic direction in the years ahead.

About Joe: Joe Liebau, Jr. serves as Senior Strategic Advisor with Foth’s Environment Solutions division, where he develops relationships and guides strategy to help clients solve complex science, engineering, and infrastructure challenges. He brings extensive experience in federal funding, project delivery, and environmental policy, having previously served as Chief of Staff for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago, where he oversaw Region 5 operations and supported major Great Lakes restoration, grants, and clean water initiatives. His background also includes leadership roles with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and private consulting focused on large-scale construction and demolition projects. Joe’s expertise provides valuable perspective on funding, permitting, and long-term project development across the Great Lakes region.

About Jody: Jody Peacock serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ports of Indiana, a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan that generate $8.7 billion annually in economic impact. Appointed CEO in 2023 after more than two decades of leadership within the organization, he oversees three ports, 2,800 acres of multimodal industrial parks, three shortline railroads, and a statewide network of foreign-trade zones. Under his leadership, Ports of Indiana has achieved record growth, expanded major cargo operations, secured significant federal grant funding, and strengthened international port partnerships. A lifelong Hoosier and strong advocate for maritime and economic development, Jody brings broad strategic leadership to the Great Lakes Basin and the inland waterways industry.

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U.S. Steel cargo shipment ends one of shortest winter closures for Great Lakes shipping

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor celebrated the start of the 2026 international shipping season Saturday with the arrival of the Ocean7 Ranger. The ocean vessel completed a 52-day voyage carrying equipment for facility improvements at U.S. Steel Gary Works, the largest integrated steel mill in North America.

The 2026 opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway to ocean vessels marked one of the shortest winter closures in history, totaling just 69 days from Jan. 12 until March 22.

To commemorate the occasion, Burns Harbor Port Director Ryan McCoy presented the Ports of Indiana “Steel Stein” to Captain Ilia Kalachov on board the Ranger. The presentation celebrates the first ocean vessel’s arrival and Northwest Indiana’s role as “The Steel Capital of North America.”

“Our port operates year-round, handling barge, rail, and truck shipments, but the arrival of the year’s first  ocean vessel is a signature moment,” McCoy said. “It represents Burns Harbor’s connection  to the world and new global trade opportunities for local companies. This was also one of the shortest winter closures of the Seaway on record, which underscores the capability and opportunity to expand our shipping season. Adding new icebreakers and practical technologies to extend the shipping window for vessels like the Ocean7 Ranger will allow our Great Lakes economy to better compete in global markets.”

Ocean7 Ranger is a general cargo carrier owned and operated by German ship management company HAMMONIA Reederei. The ship arrived at Indiana’s Lake Michigan port 52 days after departing from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, passing through the Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Atlantic Ocean, and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway.

The Ranger delivered a 63-ton dewatering drum that is being transferred from ship to dock, and then to barge for transport across the lake to U.S. Steel. Stevedore Logistec executes the port’s heavy lift transfers with support by local workers from the International Longshoremen’s Association and International Union of Operating Engineers.

The Ranger, a general cargo vessel built in 2005 by Volharding Shipyards in the Netherlands, is 441 feet long and 72 feet wide and has a dead weight tonnage capacity of 10,508 metric tons.

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor handles over 2 million tons of cargo each year, including steel, steel-related materials, limestone, coke, salt, fertilizer, minerals, and iron ore.

The St. Lawrence Seaway opened March 22 for the 68^th international shipping season.  The Seaway routinely closes for up to three months during the winter for icy conditions and maintenance on the system’s 15 locks. However, groups are calling for implementation of new technologies, increased investment and added icebreaking capabilities that would extend the shipping season to promote growth in regional economies, new container shipping lines, and Great Lakes trade.

In 2026, the Indiana General Assembly unanimously  passed House Concurrent Resolution 9, calling for “all relevant agencies and  stakeholders to work collaboratively to explore extending the Great Lakes-St.  Lawrence Seaway navigation season to advance Indiana’s economic prosperity,  grow exports, and support Hoosier jobs.” The resolution, authored by  Representative Dave Abbott, had 26 bipartisan coauthors. (Resolution Link)

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Ports of Indiana has opened a new federally approved bonded storage facility at its Mount Vernon port, marking a major expansion of capabilities and enabling the port to handle its first barge shipment of aluminum.

The new facility – developed in approximately six weeks to meet urgent customer demand – positions Mount Vernon as a competitive Midwest hub for duty-deferred storage of high-value commodities. The milestone shipment, totaling approximately 1,650 tons of aluminum, arrived today after traveling by ocean vessel from Asia to New Orleans and then by barge to Indiana. The aluminum will be distributed to Midwest manufacturers, where it will be used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, construction, and packaging materials.

“Opening a federally approved bonded facility within six weeks after a customer inquiry is unheard of in our world and a tremendous accomplishment,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “The collaboration and efficiency of our port team, our terminal operator, and U.S. Customs is creating real-time supply-chain solutions and competitive advantages for our customers.”

Bonded storage areas are secure, government-authorized facilities where imported goods can be stored without immediate payment of duties or taxes. This allows businesses to defer those costs for up to five years, improving cash flow and enabling more flexible supply chain strategies. The Mount Vernon bonded facility includes both indoor and outdoor storage, featuring a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and one-acre storage yard. To meet federal requirements, Ports of Indiana installed approximately 800 feet of fencing, security cameras, access controls and aggregate laydown yard.

The facility is operated by Indiana River & Rail Terminals, the largest general cargo operator on the Ohio River, which partners with Ports of Indiana to operate terminals in Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville.

“Through our partnership with Ports of Indiana, we’ve created new opportunities for growth and expanded our ability to serve customers,” said Jonathan Lamb, CEO of Indiana River & Rail Terminals. “This facility opens the door to new cargoes in metals, energy, and technology sectors, and we see strong potential for continued expansion.”

The bonded designation creates a new supply chain route that leverages Indiana’s absence of a state inventory tax, allowing companies to defer both federal duties and state-level carrying costs until goods leave the facility.

“This new facility creates a long-term competitive advantage for our customers and our community,” said Jason May, Port Director at Mount Vernon. “It builds on our strengths in cargo handling, multimodal transportation, and Indiana’s pro-business environment. We’re excited to attract new industries and cargoes that don’t traditionally use our ports.”

Mount Vernon’s capabilities support efficient handling and distribution of bulk and breakbulk cargoes, including the use of a 60-ton overhead crane to transload shipments from barge to truck or rail. The port offers access to five Class I railroads, 10 barge berths, fleeting capacity for over 400 barges, and 600 acres available for development. Its location near the median center of the U.S. population and the I-69 Canada-Mexico trade corridor provides strategic advantages for reaching Midwest markets.

The Mount Vernon bonded facility is designed to support industries handling high-value or high-tariff goods, including metals, automotive, energy, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage products. In addition to aluminum, the facility is capable of handling a wide range of commodities via barge, rail, and truck, further enhancing the port’s multimodal capabilities and expanding its role as a key logistics and trade hub for the Midwest.

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