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 – 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 – 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.