Advertisement for Bids

CLEVELAND – Dec. 12, 2024—The Port of Cleveland has approved a new contract with Logistec USA Inc. to be the terminal operator for the 2025 shipping season, a partnership expected to significantly increase operating revenues.

Logistec, a Montreal-based company with operations at 91 terminals across 62 North American port locations, has been providing terminal services at the Cleveland Bulk Terminal since 2017 and the General Cargo Terminal since 2019. These terminals are critical to the regional economy, handling essential materials like iron ore and limestone as well as various general cargo. The Port’s General Cargo Terminal handles between 350,000 and 550,000 metric tons of cargo annually.

Under the new contract, which runs from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, the increase in the fixed charges and tonnage assessment annually paid to the Port by Logistec will result in significant improvements to the Port’s operating revenues.

The agreement is expected to bring in significant additional operating revenue based on a baseline of 350,000 metric tons, with Cleveland Terminal Tariff charges projected to separately generate additional operating revenue.

“This agreement is a win-win for the Port,” said David Gutheil, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cleveland. “Logistec has been an exceptional partner, working with us to attract new cargo opportunities and drive growth at our terminals, an example of which were the three cranes that moved through the Port earlier this year that were destined to the Intel project near Columbus. They’ve played an instrumental role in broadening the Port’s capabilities, ensuring that our facilities are competitive and attractive to a diverse array of industries.”

Terminal operators like Logistec are the backbone of modern port operations, ensuring the efficient movement of goods through facilities that serve as gateways to the global economy. Their work involves handling diverse types of cargo, maintaining equipment and managing workforce logistics. By optimizing these operations, terminal operators enable ports like Cleveland to attract and retain shipping partners, support regional industries and drive economic growth.

Gutheil emphasized Logistec’s commitment to operational excellence and environmental sustainability, values that align closely with the Port’s strategic goals. Their extensive North American network and specialized expertise make them uniquely equipped to manage the Port’s complex and growing cargo demands.

Gutheil said the Port has a good relationship with the Logistec management team, which is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Rodney Corrigan, President of Logistec Stevedoring Inc., said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Port of Cleveland. Together, we are driving sustainable growth and enhancing the region’s supply chain capabilities. Cleveland is a critical hub in the Great Lakes, and we are committed to delivering exceptional service to our customers and stakeholders.”

CLEVELAND – December 12, 2024 — The Port of Cleveland and the maritime-dependent industrial sector show resiliency and growth as a critical economic force in Northeast Ohio, according to a new study commissioned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The latest analysis reveals the port and maritime sector generates more than 23,000 jobs and over $7 billion in economic impact, a notable increase of $2.3 billion since 2021.

The report, conducted by John C. Martin Associates LLC, an internationally recognized leading transportation economics firm, underscores the vital contribution of Port and maritime-based activity to the region’s economy and its expanding impact on jobs, income and tax revenue. Key findings from the report include:

· Total Economic Impact: $7.07 billion (up from $4.7 billion in 2021)

· Total Jobs (Direct & Indirect): 23,758

· Personal Income: $1.89 billion

· Local and State Taxes: $189 million

This surge in economic impact is attributed to increased iron ore tonnages (up to nearly 9 million metric tons in 2023), higher output (cargo throughput, vessel traffic, etc.) and improved salaries and income multipliers.

“Cleveland’s harbor and river system is not just a local maritime and recreational asset—it’s a major economic powerhouse. As the public guardian of the maritime sector, the Port of Cleveland continues to prove itself as an economic engine for Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio,” said Will Friedman, Port President and CEO. “These numbers demonstrate we are headed in the right direction, and I am especially gratified to see this report as I conclude my tenure.”

Stefan Holmes, Port Board Chair, added: “The Port plays a vital role in the economic fabric of Northeast Ohio, supporting industries, creating jobs and strengthening communities. While its contributions often go unnoticed, the impact is undeniable.”

The data was developed as part of ODOT’s Ohio Maritime Plan and can be found here:

Ohio Maritime Plan – Economic Value Analysis

Beyond Shipping: A Milestone Year for Development Finance

The Port of Cleveland’s influence extends far beyond maritime operations, leveraging its unique authority under Ohio law to finance transformative job-creating and neighborhood projects. In 2024 alone, the Port approved a record 20 projects for approximately $753 million in development financing.

“This milestone reinforces that the Port’s economic development tools are more relevant than ever,” Friedman added. “Our unique combination of shipping services, infrastructure investment, and financing capabilities has proven to be a potent combination for driving growth and job opportunity across the region.”

Cleveland – November 19, 2024—David Gutheil has been appointed as the interim leader for the Port of Cleveland, set to take over in January following the departure of Will Friedman who is stepping down from his role at the end of this year.

“We are fortunate to have someone as experienced and trusted as Dave ready to step in,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “As we announced when Will shared his decision to move on, the board is committed to finding a successor with experience in maritime transportation, development finance and economic development. As we look for a permanent successor, we are fully confident in the guiding hands of Dave.”

Holmes said the board will be engaging a search committee for the permanent successor.

Gutheil has been with the Port of Cleveland more than 14 years, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer, a position he was named to in March 2018.  In this role, he has led all operational and business development functions of the Port’s maritime division, including management of tenant and client relationships, overseeing strategic planning and driving cargo development initiatives.

He has played an integral role in various high profile projects, including securing over $90 million of infrastructure upgrades at the general cargo and bulk terminals, which have increased efficiency of cargo movements in and out of the Port by more than 35%. He has also developed new cruise vessel business for the Port and developed strategic alliances with partners such as OmniTrax, which has increased rail activity and efficiencies at the general cargo terminal, and Logistec USA, which operates the Port’s bulk and general cargo terminals.

Gutheil previously was the Port’s Vice President, Maritime and Logistics. He led development of the Cleveland-Europe Express, the first container service at the Port and a Great Lakes game changer.

“I am honored by the Board’s trust in me,” said Gutheil. “Our commitment to our community and business partners remains strong, and I look forward to supporting the Port’s continued growth and positive impact on the region, including the bold initiatives started under Will Friedman.”

In October, Friedman announced his decision to step down from his role following the expiration of his contract. His departure marks the end of a successful 14-year tenure during which the Port expanded its impact on regional economic development, environmental stewardship and infrastructure investment.

Cleveland, OH (November 14, 2024) –

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on November 21, 2024, a public hearing will be held in the 1st Floor Conference Room of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (the “Authority”), 1100 W. 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, commencing at ten o’clock a.m., with respect to the proposed issuance of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Variable Rate Revenue Bonds, Series 2024A and 2024B (The Medical Center Company Project), in a combined principal amount not to exceed $80,000,000 (the “Bonds”). The proceeds of the Bonds are to be used (1) to assist The Medical Center Company, an Ohio nonprofit corporation (the “Company”) in financing a portion of the costs of the acquisition and construction, reconstruction, renovation, expansion and improvement of its steam distribution system, chilled water distribution system and electric distribution system (the “Project”) for use by the Company to provide chilled water, steam and electric power to its members, including Case Western Reserve University (“CWRU”), University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (“UHCMC”) and The Church of the Covenant (“COTC”), (2) to refund all or a portion of the Authority’s Variable Rate Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A and 2014B (The Medical Center Company Project) (collectively, the “Series 2014 Bonds”) and (3) to pay certain expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, not to exceed 2% of the sale proceeds. The amount of proceeds of the Bonds allocated to Project expenditures, including the proportional share of cost of issuance, shall be an amount not to exceed $24,000,000 and the amount of proceeds allocated to the refunding of the Series 2014 Bonds, including the proportional share of cost of issuance, shall be in an amount not to exceed $56,000,000. The Series 2014 Bonds were originally issued to refund the outstanding balance of the Authority’s Economic Development Revenue Bonds, Series 2011A and 2011B (The Medical Center Company Project) (collectively, the “Series 2011 Bonds”). The Series 2011 Bonds were originally issued (a) to refund the outstanding balance of the County of Cuyahoga, Ohio Utility Systems Improvement and Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series 1995B (The Medical Center Company Project) (the “Series 1995B Bonds”), which were originally issued to (i) pay the cost of constructing and installing certain improvements to the Company’s chilled water distribution system for air conditioning and process cooling and an electric power distribution system, including substation, and (ii) advance refund certain revenue bonds issued by the County of Cuyahoga in 1989 to finance improvements to the Company’s electric distribution system, (b) to refund the County of Cuyahoga, Ohio Utility Systems Improvement Revenue Bonds, Series 1998 (The Medical Center Company Project) (the “Series 1998 Bonds”), which were originally issued to pay the cost of constructing certain improvements to the Company’s chilled water distribution system, electric distribution system and steam distribution system, (c) to refund a note originally issued by the Company to The Huntington National Bank to fund improvements to the Company’s steam distribution system, chilled water distribution system and electric distribution system and (d) to pay certain expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Series 2011 Bonds, not to exceed 2% of the sale proceeds. The facilities being financed and refinanced with proceeds of the Bonds are all located either at the Company’s facilities located at 2250 Circle Drive, 2220 Circle Drive, 12401 Euclid Avenue and 11626 Mayfield Road, all in Cleveland, Ohio (the “City”) or on the campuses of CWRU, UHCMC and COTC in the University Circle area of the City. CWRU’s primary street address is 10920 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 and its campus is bounded by: Cedar Road between Overlook Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the South; Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard from Cedar Glen Parkway to Euclid Avenue, Euclid Avenue from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to East Boulevard, East Boulevard from Euclid Avenue to the north intersection with Wade Oval and Wade Oval from East Boulevard to Wade Park Avenue on the West; Wade Park Avenue from Wade Oval to East 118th on the North, East 118th Street from Wade Park Avenue to Euclid Avenue and Euclid Avenue from East 118th Street to the RTA Tracks on the North; and the RTA tracks to Cornell Road, Cornell Road from the RTA Tracks to Edgehill Road, Edgehill Road from Cornell Road to Overlook Road, Overlook Road from Edgehill Road to Cedar on the East. UHCMC’s primary street address is 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 and its campus is bounded by Euclid Avenue to the north, Adelbert Road to the West, Cornell Road to the East and Circle Drive to the south. COTC’s primary street address is 11205 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.

The proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned by the Authority to the Company pursuant to a loan agreement. The Bonds will be special obligations of the Authority as to the maximum principal amount of $80,000,000, payable solely from funds provided as loan payments by the Company and will not constitute a debt or a pledge of the faith and credit or the taxing power of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the State. The initial operator of the financed and refinanced facilities will be the Company.

This public hearing is required by section 147(f) of the Code. Persons wishing to express their views on the proposed bond issuance may appear at the hearing or may submit their views in writing regarding the proposed issue of bonds and the location and nature of the facilities to be financed. Any written submissions should be sent to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, 1100 W. 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 clearly marked “Re: The Medical Center Company Project”. Written submissions should be mailed in sufficient time to be received on or before ten o’clock a.m. on November 21, 2024.

CLEVELAND-CUYAHOGA COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

Stefan Holmes, Chair

Cleveland, OH (November 14, 2024) –

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given that on November 26, 2024, a public hearing will be held by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (the “Port Authority”) commencing at 11:00 a.m. local time in its offices located at 1100 West Ninth Street, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, and via toll-free telephone conference, with respect to the proposed issuance by the Port Authority of its Multifamily Note (Governmental) (Allerton Apartments) (the “Note”) in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $34,000,000.  The Note will be issued pursuant to Sections 4582.01 through 4582.20, Section 4582.60 and Sections 9.98 through 9.983, Ohio Revised Code (collectively, the “Act”). The proceeds of the Note are to be used to pay costs of the acquisition, rehabilitation, installation, equipping and improvement of certain “port authority facilities” within the meaning of the Act to be owned by the Allerton Preservation LLC, an Ohio limited liability company (the “Owner”), including more specifically to make a loan to the Owner to assist in financing the costs of the acquisition and rehabilitation of Allerton Apartments, consisting of 199 residential rental units located at 1802 E. 13^th Street, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (the “Project”).  The initial legal owner or principal user of the Project financed by the Note is the Owner.

The Note will be a special obligation of the Port Authority payable solely from funds provided by the Owner and will not constitute a debt or a pledge of the faith and credit or the taxing power of the Port Authority, the State of Ohio, or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the State.

Persons wishing to express their views on the proposed Note may appear at the hearing, or may submit their views in writing, regarding the proposed Note and the location and nature of the Project to be financed.  Any written submissions should be sent to the Port Authority at 1100 West Ninth Street, Suite 300, Cleveland, Ohio 44113, and clearly marked “Re: Allerton Apartments Project.”  Written submissions should be mailed in sufficient time to be received on or before the referenced public hearing on November 26, 2024.

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

By:   Stefan Holmes, Chair

Cleveland – November 14, 2024— The Port of Cleveland today approved the issuance of more than $171 million in bonds and notes for four transformative projects, including the pivotal first new development in Bedrock’s Riverfront project along the Cuyahoga River and a major affordable housing renovation in downtown Cleveland, among other strategic initiatives.

This brings the total development bonds approved by the Port in 2024 to approximately $753 million, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing the economic landscape of Northeast Ohio.

“The projects approved today are a good showcase of the Port’s ability to add value to a diverse group of projects during a time when projects are a challenge to get done. Today’s approvals assist in moving forward a riverfront development to bring Cleveland closer to an 18-hour 15-minute neighborhood, give non-profits access to the tax-exempt bond market, provide PACE financing through collaboration with another port, and rehabilitate a low-income property in downtown, Cleveland,” said Rhonda Winslow, Vice President of Development Finance.

The projects  approved today include:

• The Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center – Up to $50 million in taxable lease revenue bonds will help fund this 153,247-square-foot athletic training and medical facility. This over $200 million project is a cornerstone of the $3.5 billion Riverfront development being executed by Bedrock and will house a new training facility for the Cavaliers, with completion expected in 2027.
• Allerton Apartments Renovation – Up to $34 million in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue notes will support a $60 million overhaul of the Allerton Apartments at 1802 E. 13th St. in downtown Cleveland. This critical affordable housing project will modernize 199 Section 8 units within a 15-story, 146,094-square-foot building, ensuring continued access to quality housing for low-income residents.
• Medical Center Company Expansion – Up to $80 million in variable-rate revenue bonds will refinance existing bonds and fund the expansion of steam and chilled water services to University Circle non-profits, primarily Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals’ Case Medical Center. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency and support future growth in this essential district. The Medical Center Company also serves The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Church of the Covenant, The Musical Arts Association (Severance Hall), the Cleveland Botanical Garden, The Cleveland Medical Library Association and the Cleveland Institute of Art.
• Central Mutual Insurance Company Headquarters Repairs – Up to $7.4 million in PACE bonds will support $12.3 million in repairs to the Central Mutual Insurance headquarters in Van Wert, Ohio. This project, in partnership with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, will strengthen infrastructure for a major property and casualty insurer serving 24 states, and helps to geographically diversify the Port’s bond fund portfolio.

“The financing projects approved by the Board throughout 2024 highlight the critical role our agency plays in Northeast Ohio’s development,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair.  “I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish this year.

Cleveland – October 29, 2024 –  The Port of Cleveland is proud to announce that it has been awarded the largest grant in its history, nearly $95 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This transformative funding, part of the $3 billion EPA Clean Ports Program, will position the Port as a national leader in sustainable maritime operations and sets the standard for environmental stewardship on the Great Lakes. 

“This is a monumental achievement for the Port of Cleveland,” said William Friedman, President and CEO. “Receiving the full amount of our request reflects both the strength of our proposal and our commitment to sustainability. We expect this investment will reduce port CO2 emissions by 40%, greatly improve air quality, and advance our Climate Action Plan in ways we could only imagine before.”

”This award reflects the tireless work of our team and the incredible support from our federal partners. It wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Senator Sherrod Brown and others who share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Great Lakes region,”  Friedman said, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in securing this grant.

The $95 million grant will cover 90% of project costs aimed at significantly reducing its carbon footprint and cementing its position as a leader in sustainable maritime shipping, with the remaining 10% funded through private and public contributions. As part of the Clean Ports Program, the Port will implement a series of sustainability initiatives through partnerships with Logistec USA Inc. and Great Lakes Towing, the operators of the Port of Cleveland general cargo terminal and tugboat shipyard in Cleveland harbor.  Together, they will implement the following initiatives:

• Rooftop solar system and battery energy storage for Port operations
• Electric cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure
• Shore power system to allow vessels to plug in while docked
• Building two new electric tugboats, setting a new standard for maritime sustainability

In a letter to the EPA, Senator Sherrod Brown said: “These proposed upgrades would eliminate all trail-pipe emissions from the port, provide renewable energy power sources for visiting cargo vessels, improve air quality and fortify the port for future business growth in the area.”

Friedman credited dedicated Port staff involved in the application, with special recognition for the efforts of Carly Beck, Senior Manager of Planning, Environment and Information Systems.

“This funding provides the Port with an incredible opportunity to lead by example,” Beck said. “We are not just reducing emissions—we’re transforming the way maritime operations can integrate sustainability. This project will ensure that Cleveland’s port remains competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible for decades to come.”

This historic grant underscores the Port of Cleveland’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener future, leading the way in maritime sustainability and environmental stewardship. As part of its strategic plan unveiled last year, the Port of Cleveland implemented a Climate Action Plan, the first port in the Great Lakes to adopt such a plan, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Friedman said the Port is evolving with changing technologies, trade dynamics and environmental sustainability goals.  The Climate Action Plan allocates resources that will build resiliency to climate change impacts such as increased storm intensity and heavy rainfalls, while also decarbonizing the Port.