The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor has invested $25 million in infrastructure improvements, featuring two new railyards and its first completely new dock in 20 years. "Today is a historic milestone for this region, our workforce, and this port," stated Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock on Tuesday. "This is the first new dock we've opened in two decades, underscoring our dedication to fostering economic expansion for our state. This new dock will forge vital global links for Indiana businesses and farmers, while also creating crucial employment opportunities for the local community. Importantly, this new dock is merely the initial phase of our ambitious growth strategy for this port, with further developments on the horizon." The investment enhances the Lake Michigan hub's switching and storage capabilities for 250 railcars. Jody Peacock noted in an email interview that the contract rail operator, Regional Rail, LLC, operating as Burns Harbor Railroad, managed over 10,000 carloads in 2023, transporting materials such as steel products, scrap metals, chemicals, and minerals. The port connects to the national rail network through Norfolk Southern. Inaugurated on September 5th, the $6 million Berth 5 is designed to accommodate ocean vessels exceeding 500 feet in length, facilitating the handling of bulk cargo via self-unloading ocean vessels, lake carriers, and river barges. It also supports ship-to-transfer operations to barges, rail, trucks, and adjacent ground storage. Anticipated bulk commodities include salt, fertilizer, and limestone.