Notice of Special Meeting of the AD Hoc Executive Search Committee: April 5, 2025

Cleveland, OH (March 30, 2025)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE AD HOC EXECUTIVE SEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE

CLEVELAND-CUYAHOGA COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

 

Please be advised that the Ad Hoc Executive Search Committee of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will hold a special meeting pursuant to its Rules and Regulations on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the offices of the Port Authority at 1100 West Ninth Street, 1st Floor Conference Center, Cleveland, Ohio.  The purpose of the meeting will be to consider certain matters in Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), specifically, to consider the appointment, employment and compensation of a public employee.  The Committee intends on adjourning into Executive Session after convening the meeting and considering approval of the March 13, 2025 Committee Meeting Minutes, and will only reconvene to adjourn the meeting.

 

 

/s/ David Wondolowski             

David Wondolowski, Chair


port-cleveland-aerial

Logistec USA to Resume Normal Operating Hours: Effective March 31, 2025

Logistec USA to Resume Normal Operating Hours: Effective March 31, 2025

As the flowers begin to bloom and spring settles in, Logistec USA at the Port of Cleveland is gearing up for the 2025 shipping season. We are excited to welcome back all our carriers, brokers, drayage teams, and partners. To ensure a smooth and efficient experience this season, we invite you to take a moment to review the important updates and guidelines below.

Resumption of Normal Business Hours

Starting Monday, March 31, 2025, Logistec USA will resume normal business operations and return to a 5-day work week. Our loading hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. We are eager to work with our partners to meet the demands of the season, and we encourage everyone to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Increased Port Entry Fee for Non-TWIC Visitors

Please be advised that the Port of Cleveland will see an increase in the fee for non-TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) visitors. Effective March 31, 2025, the entry fee will rise from $70 to $80, which must be paid via credit card or company check. Unfortunately, cash will no longer be accepted.

Safety Guidelines and Compliance

The safety of everyone at the Port of Cleveland is our top priority. All visitors are required to review and adhere to the attached safety pamphlet, which outlines the necessary guidelines for entry and operations. Please remember that compliance with safety practices, including wearing the mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), is essential. Any individuals failing to follow the safety protocols will be excused from the port without their cargo, and the matter will be reviewed with the relevant cargo owners, brokers, and carrier or drayage dispatch.

Missed Loads Policy

Please take note that missed loads will not roll over to the next day and will incur a charge of $50 per load. This policy is effective immediately, and more details are provided in the attached “Letter to Carriers.”

Important Navigation Reminder

For ease of access, please use the following address for navigation to the Port of Cleveland:
500 W 3rd Street, Cleveland, OH.

It is crucial to avoid using 775 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH, or simply entering “Port of Cleveland” into GPS systems, as this will direct drivers to the wrong location.

Looking Ahead

We are excited for another busy and successful shipping season, and we can’t wait to see all the familiar faces returning to the port this year. Let’s work together to ensure a safe, efficient, and prosperous 2025 season for all involved.

We look forward to a productive season ahead—thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership!

Stay safe and see you at the port!


Cleveland’s Sediment Revolution: How the Port of Cleveland Turned a Disposal Problem into a National Model

Cleveland’s Sediment Revolution: How the Port of Cleveland Turned a Disposal Problem into a National Model

For years, dredging was seen as a necessary but costly burden, a way to keep Cleveland’s shipping channels open while figuring out what to do with endless piles of river sediment. But today, Cleveland has transformed a once-mundane maintenance task into an environmental and economic game-changer, with the rest of the nation watching.

No longer just about clearing the river for massive cargo ships, Cleveland is proving that dredged material isn’t waste; it’s a resource with untapped potential.

The Port of Cleveland has spent the last 15 years pioneering a groundbreaking approach that recycles sediment into valuable materials for land restoration, construction and brownfield redevelopment while protecting Ohio’s greatest natural resource, Lake Erie. This innovative model is attracting attention at the state and federal levels, with many calling it the future of sustainable sediment management.

From Disposal Headache to Economic Opportunity

Today, sediment is harvested by locally based Kurtz Bros., which has operated the Port’s Sediment Processing Facility since 2016. This public-private partnership has transformed sediment from a liability into an asset, processing material that was discarded and repurposing it into everything from engineered soil to construction aggregate.

“The Port has been leading the charge in finding beneficial applications on land,” said Jason Ziss, Director of Business Development with Kurtz Bros., a company that has significant expertise with beneficial reuse. “Right now, other ports in Ohio as well as the Army Corps of Engineers are all looking at the Port of Cleveland’s model as the future of sediment management. The ingenuity and pioneering spirit of the Port is providing a national impact.”

Why Sediment Management Matters

Dredging is critical to Northeast Ohio’s economy. The Cuyahoga River is a crucial commercial artery, supporting $7 billion in economic impact and 23,000 jobs.

Cleveland has more sediment than any Great Lakes port. Without regular dredging, the river would become unnavigable for the large ships that carry essential goods into the region. Even a one-inch loss in water depth can reduce a vessel’s cargo capacity by 270 tons, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association.

Across the nation, dredged materials many years ago were barged out and dumped in designated areas in bodies of water. Current regulations prohibit that.

A common misconception is that all dredged sediment is toxic. In reality, most of it comes from natural erosion—soil washed into the river from stream banks and parks. While excess sediment in water can contribute to harmful algal blooms, when properly managed, it becomes a valuable resource for land use. By repurposing these nutrients in upland soils, plants can absorb them naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and supporting more sustainable land management practices.

Recognizing this, the Port, under the leadership of former CEO Will Friedman and Jim White, its former director of sustainable programs, began researching ways to reclaim sediment for beneficial reuse. The result was a first-of-its-kind sediment recycling center at Burke Lakefront Airport, where sediment is pumped from barges into a processing facility that uses the natural energy of water flow to separate and capture useful sediment materials.

“The Port and their partners created a facility for a sediment recycling center on the east side of Burke Lakefront Airport,” Ziss said. “The Port, Kurtz Bros., along with Hull and Associates created a sediment collection system that pumps sediment off barges into the facility, using the natural energy of flowing water to capture sorted sediment and allowing us to process it for reuse.”

Turning Sediment into Solutions

No longer an expensive burden, the Port and Kurtz Bros. now repurpose sediment into high-demand products, including:

· Construction materials (sand and aggregate for building projects)

· Engineered soils (blended with compost for land revitalization)

· Brownfield redevelopment (used as fill for industrial sites in the process of being reclaimed)

· Landfill cover (stabilizing closed landfills and preparing them for new uses)

A prime example of these efforts includes the reuse of sediment in several key redevelopment and infrastructure projects. This includes the transformation of brownfields, providing soil for the ODOT’s I-90 Innerbelt project and aggregate for use in embankments that support the bridge structures. Additionally, sediment has been utilized in the Towpath Trail Connector Project and for topsoil as part of ODOT’s Lakeland Boulevard project in Lake County. A large amount of the sediment is turned into a nutrient rich topsoil that is used in landscaping and horticulture applications throughout Cuyahoga County.

“We are proud to partner with a local company like Kurtz Bros. to bring real innovation to sediment management,” said Dave Gutheil, interim CEO and Chief Commercial Officer for the Port. “Kurtz Bros. has been a trusted environmental steward and an invaluable partner in finding creative ways to repurpose dredged material, turning a necessary process into an opportunity for economic growth and ecological improvement. Together, we’re demonstrating how public-private collaboration can drive forward-thinking solutions that benefit our waterways, our economy and our entire community.”

Gutheil also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ohio EPA in supporting the Port’s work.

Headquartered in Independence, Kurtz has been redefining waste into resources since the 1940s. Today, the company employs over 200 people and has set ambitious goals: to further develop dredge material into useful products that can be used in positive productive applications throughout the region and state. Kurtz currently recycles at least 60% of all the sediment that is dredged from the Cuyahoga River each year and also operates other sediment recycling facilities in Ohio. Kurtz is the largest sediment beneficial reuse company in the entire Great Lakes region.

Ziss said the company could potentially expand Cleveland’s model. “Cleveland is proving that there’s a market for reclaimed sediment, and demand is only growing—especially in the construction and agricultural industries.”

Another promising next step could be using sediment to restore degraded farmland, improve soil health and address soil lead contamination—a major issue in Cleveland.

The Port of Cleveland’s approach to sediment recycling is proof that even the most overlooked challenges—like river dredging—can be transformed into innovative, job-creating and environmentally responsible solutions. Thanks to the Port of Cleveland and Kurtz Bros.., what was once considered waste

is now fueling economic growth, advancing sustainability and earning national recognition—solidifying Cleveland’s reputation as a leader in innovative, environmentally responsible solutions.


Port Board approves support for $49.5 million West Side Market renovation and $44 million Superior Arts District renovation

Port Board approves support for $49.5 million West Side Market renovation and $44 million Superior Arts District renovation

CLEVELAND – March 13, 2025 – Two transformative projects — a nearly $50 million West Side Market overhaul and a $44 million Superior Arts District mixed use project — received significant support today from the Port of Cleveland board of directors.

“These projects will redo two historical properties in our city and we are proud to be able to help make both projects happen,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, some of them who arrive via cruise ships using our Port. And the textile building project will bring much needed housing and retail space to a growing, vibrant neighborhood.”

Revitalizing the West Side Market

The $49.5 million West Side Market transformation will breathe new life into the 112-year-old landmark. The market’s metamorphosis involves renovation of the Market Hall, adjacent arcades and the basement. The capital lease financing approved by the Port Board allows exemption of state sales and local taxes on construction materials.

Renovations will begin this summer, starting with the East Arcade, a largely vacant produce hall between the parking lot and the main market building. Early improvements will include:

  • New HVAC systems and upgraded vendor stalls.
  • Basement renovations featuring mechanical upgrades, walk-in coolers, a shared commercial kitchen and a new freight elevator.

Future phases will transform the North Arcade and Courtyard into vibrant destinations with new seating areas, restaurants, event spaces, food stalls, full-service bars and public dining options.

“We have one of the most stunning market structures in the country, and this initiative is focused not only on preserving this vital historic treasure, but also supporting small businesses and having greater community impact,” said Rosemary Mudry, executive director of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the non-profit that manages the West Side Market for the City of Cleveland, which owns the property. “We have received tremendous support from many partners and we are immensely grateful to the Port for their assistance in making this great regional asset even better.”

“The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, including some who arrive via cruise ships using our Port,” said Holmes. “We’re proud to support this vital renovation, which will ensure the Market continues to thrive for generations to come.”

A New Chapter for the Superior Arts District

The Port Board also approved issuing up to $25 million in lease revenue bonds to support TurnDev’s redevelopment of the historic Heller-Keller-Kohn textile buildings at 2202 and 2230 Superior Avenue, converting them from old textile buildings into a mixed-use development. The project will include:

  • 100 market-rate apartments.
  • 2,261 square feet of street-level retail space.
  • 108 climate-controlled parking spaces

The two former industrial buildings housed garment manufacturing operations until the later part of the 20th century. The project is across the street from the CrossCounty Mortgage headquarters, which TurnDev led. TurnDev is renovating Superior Avenue’s historic ArtCraft building into Cleveland’s new police headquarters.

—–

Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.

Holmes added: “The Port is proud to support investments that create jobs, attract residents, and strengthen our neighborhoods.”

Contact: Nancy Lesic, 216.392.9634


Port of Cleveland Board Elects New Officers

Port of Cleveland Board Elects New Officers

CLEVELAND – March 13, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland’s Board of Directors today elected David Wondolowski as the new Chair of the Board, alongside J. Stefan Holmes as Vice Chair and Peggy Zone Fisher as Secretary/Fiscal Officer.

Wondolowski expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Board at such an important time.

“I’m honored to take the helm of this vital organization,” said Wondolowski. “I deeply respect the trust placed in me, and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor. The Port plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and connecting our region to the world, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance that mission.”

The Board expressed its appreciation to outgoing Chair Holmes for his dedicated service, recognizing his steady leadership and commitment to the Board. His guidance has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives that have strengthened Cleveland’s position as a hub for commerce and development.


Notice of Special Meeting- March 13, 2025

Cleveland, OH (March 11, 2025)

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

OF THE AD HOC EXECUTIVE SEARCH COMMITTEE OF THE

CLEVELAND-CUYAHOGA COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY

 

Please be advised that the Ad Hoc Executive Search Committee of the Board of Directors of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will hold a special meeting pursuant to its Rules and Regulations on Thursday, March 13, 2025 immediately following the Port Authority’s March 13, 2025 Board of Director’s meeting at the offices of the Port Authority at 1100 West Ninth Street, 1st Floor Conference Center, Cleveland, Ohio. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider certain matters in Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), specifically, to consider the appointment, employment and compensation of a public employee. The Committee intends on adjourning into Executive Session after convening the meeting and will only reconvene to adjourn the meeting.

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

By:   Stefan Holmes, Chair


2025 FIRST SHIP CONTEST: Guess the Maiden Ship's Arrival and Win Exciting Prizes!

2025 FIRST SHIP CONTEST: Guess the Maiden Ship's Arrival and Win Exciting Prizes!

Spring is on the horizon, and the Port of Cleveland is celebrating the beginning of the 2025 commercial shipping season with an exciting opportunity for you to win big! The first ocean-going vessel to enter Cleveland’s harbor is not only a symbol of the start of the shipping season but also the perfect way to usher in the warmer months. Here’s your chance to predict when this historic ship will arrive and sail toward incredible prizes!

How to Enter:

Simply predict the date and time of the arrival of the first transatlantic ship to Cleveland’s harbor, and you could be the lucky winner of one of several amazing prizes. The person who guesses the closest date and time will win a grand prize package that includes, but is not limited to:

  • Guardians Tickets
  • Monsters Tickets
  • Lady Caroline Gift Card
  • Great Lakes Science Center Prize Pack
  • Lago East Bank Prize Pack
  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Prize Pack
  • Overnight stay at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown

Submission Details:

  • Entries must be submitted via email to firstship@portofcleveland.com by 4:59 p.m. ET, March 14, 2025.
  • Only one entry per person or household is permitted.
  • To submit your guess, you must include your full name, address, email address, and daytime phone number.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Contestants must be residents of the state of Ohio.
  • Minors under the age of 18 as of March 14, 2025, must have written parental or guardian consent to participate. The entry form should include the parent/guardian’s full name, address, email address, and daytime phone number to claim the prize.

Contest Rules:

  • The contestant who guesses the closest date and time of the first ship’s arrival will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the person who submitted their guess first will win.
  • The winner will be notified by phone and email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, the next closest contestant will be contacted.
  • By entering, you grant permission to the Port of Cleveland to use your name and entry information in various media, including website and social media.
  • Participants must adhere to the following eligibility guidelines:
    • Port of Cleveland employees and their immediate family members are not eligible.
    • Employees of any Port of Cleveland tenant, vessel line, or user and their immediate family members are also not eligible.
    • Immediate family members are defined as parents, stepparents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, and spouses.

The Importance of the Port of Cleveland:

The Port of Cleveland is a critical economic hub for the region, serving as the premier international multimodal trade center on the Great Lakes. As a gateway to America’s Heartland, the port supports more than 23,000 jobs and generates approximately $7.07 billion in annual economic activity through the cargo that moves through Cleveland Harbor. This contest is a great way to celebrate the port’s significance to the local economy and the shipping industry.

Enter Now and Get Ready to Sail Into Spring!

Make sure your entry is submitted before the deadline of March 14, 2025, at 4:59 p.m. ET to secure your chance at winning incredible prizes and to be part of the exciting countdown to the first ship’s arrival!

Good luck, Cleveland! Let’s get ready to set sail!


For additional details or any questions about the contest, please visit the Port of Cleveland’s website or reach out to firstship@portofcleveland.com.


Port of Cleveland Off to a Strong Start in 2025 with $97 Million in Impactful Development Financing

Port of Cleveland Off to a Strong Start in 2025 with $97 Million in Impactful Development Financing

CLEVELAND – February 13, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland continues to play a critical role in advancing redevelopment projects across Northeast Ohio, today approving financing, sales tax savings, and PACE bonds to support more than $97 million in transformative projects in Cleveland and Lakewood.

The approved projects include the redevelopment of a historic Ohio City property, the transformation of a former auto dealership in Lakewood, and the construction of a new senior living and library facility on Cleveland’s west side.

Together, these projects will add more than 300 new apartments, including 51 units of affordable senior housing, along with commercial and community spaces.

With this latest action, the Port has now approved more than $850 million in financing assistance since January 2024.

The projects approved today are:

· Barry Buick Redevelopment (Lakewood)$24.4 Million Lease Revenue Bonds The Port approved $24.4 million in lease revenue bonds to support the redevelopment of the former Barry Buick auto dealership and service center on Detroit Road. The $30.5 million project will feature two four-story mixed-use buildings with 124 apartments and 1,500 square feet of commercial space. Construction is slated to begin in Q1 2025 and finish by Q2 2026. The development is led by NewBrook Partners and The Krueger Group.

· Rauch & Lang Carriage Company (Voss Aerospace Building, Ohio City)– Capital Lease and $8 Million PACE Bond Fund Bonds

The Port is partnering with MRN Ltd subsidiaries to redevelop the historic Voss Aerospace building into Rauch & Lang Carriage Company, a $51.6 million mixed-use project. The Port will provide sales tax savings through a capital lease and issue $8 million in PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) bonds for energy efficiency improvements. The project will include 129 apartments, 8,000 square feet of commercial space, 5,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space, and parking for 122 vehicles.

Originally constructed in the 1870s, the building played a key role in Cleveland’s carriage and auto industries before being repurposed for materials handling. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2025, with completion by end of year 2026. The project is led by MRN’s Jori Maron, a developer with more than 20 years of experience redeveloping historic properties in Cleveland.

· Karam Senior Living & Walz Library (Cleveland’s West Side) – $5 million in lease revenue bonds

The Port is partnering with Northwest Neighborhoods CDC and Salus Development LLC to develop the $21.2 million Karam Senior Living featuring 51 affordable senior apartments and a new branch of the Cleveland Public Library at 7918 Detroit Avenue. The Port is providing a capital lease to provide sales tax savings to the project.

Located at West 80th Street and Detroit Avenue, Karam Senior Living will include a community room, laundry facilities, on-site parking, and a wellness center. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2025, with completion in Q3 2026.

Northwest Neighborhoods, a community development corporation (CDC) is the nonprofit provider of affordable housing and community development services for Cudell, Detroit Shoreway and Edgewater on Cleveland’s west side.

The CDC’s executive director, Bridget Kent Marquez, said, “The Port has been another key partner in the interconnected relationships that are ensuring success for this catalytic project.”

“The Port Authority continues to be a pivotal force in advancing redevelopment across the Cleveland region,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port Board Chair. “We are proud to support these projects that will transform key sites, create much-needed housing, and enhance our communities.”

Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.

In 2024 alone, the Port approved 20 projects totaling $753 million in development financing—making it the second-highest revenue year for development finance in its history. Notably, the Port set a new record for revenue while keeping expenses under budget, reinforcing its commitment to fiscal responsibility and high-impact investments.


Port Approves Major Grant for Marine Safety Program That Trains Cleveland High School Students

Port Approves Major Grant for Marine Safety Program That Trains Cleveland High School Students

CLEVELAND, February 13, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland has approved a $110,000 grant to Argonaut, a nonprofit organization that provides maritime and aviation career training to students at Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. This hands-on program not only prepares students for future careers in the maritime industry but also enhances critical safety operations on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.

With this funding, Argonaut will continue to increase the of students in its Marine Safety Program, expanding opportunities for Cleveland high school students to gain real-world experience in maritime careers and strengthen their connection to the city’s growing waterfront economy.

The Port’s grant will allow Argonaut to:

· Expand student participation in the Marine Safety Programs

· Strengthen maritime and waterfront education and training programs

· Enhance youth workforce training opportunities in a high-demand industry

· Support ongoing safety operations for Cleveland’s recreational and commercial maritime communities

“We are committed to ensuring that economic development benefits every corner of our community,” said Carl Naso, Port CFO. “Argonaut has been a vital partner in providing hands-on workforce training while also playing a critical role in keeping our waterways safe. This grant allows them to expand their impact, providing more Cleveland students with career opportunities while bolstering safety on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie.”

Argonaut’s program gives students real-world experience while contributing to public safety efforts on Cleveland’s waterways. In 2023, Argonaut’s crew:

· Assisted 91 ships navigating Cleveland’s harbor

· Partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard and emergency services on 123 missions

· Led 10 active in-water rescues and assisted with 32 additional rescue operations

Additional Argonaut programs help keep Cleveland’s waterways clean. Students use specially designed tandem vessels, Flotsam and Jetsam, to remove floating debris from the Cuyahoga River and Inner Harbor. Four active Davis students and two Davis graduates manage clean-up

efforts four days a week after school and throughout the summer. They also gain hands-on experience with mechanical, fueling, safety inspections, and vessel operations.

The Port of Cleveland contracts with Argonaut to captain the vessels and work with students.

By combining education, workforce development, and public safety, Argonaut is creating a pipeline of future leaders in Cleveland’s growing waterfront economy.

“The Port’s continued investment in the future of Cleveland’s maritime workforce is invaluable,” said Drew Ferguson, Founder and CEO of Argonaut. “This funding allows us to provide students with immersive, real-world learning experiences while making Cleveland’s waterways cleaner, safer, and more accessible for everyone.”

A number of Argonaut graduates at the Port board meeting told stories about how life-changing the program has been for their career trajectories.

The Port’s Community Investment Fund —made possible by the success of the Port’s development finance program—is funded by 10% of revenues from development finance projects. This ensures that the Port’s economic development efforts create tangible benefits for historically disadvantaged communities by supporting workforce training, economic opportunity, and community improvement initiatives.

Since its launch, the Community Investment Fund has supported a range of impactful projects across Cuyahoga County. With this latest grant, the Port’s total investment in Argonaut now totals $380,000 since 2019, underscoring its long-term commitment to strengthening Cleveland’s workforce, creating educational opportunities for students, and improving quality of life for the region.


Port of Cleveland Looks to 2025 with Optimism, Key Projects & Growth Ahead

Port of Cleveland Looks to 2025 with Optimism, Key Projects & Growth Ahead

A letter from David Gutheil, our Interim President & CEO:

As we begin 2025, we reflect on both the challenges and triumphs that have shaped our path. While we were saddened by the departure of Will Friedman, whose leadership, and contributions over more than a decade were instrumental to the Port of Cleveland’s growth and success, we look forward with optimism. Thanks to the support of our Board of Directors and the dedication of our incredible staff, we have a strong strategic plan which was enacted in 2023, which will continue to guide our efforts as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

Our focus remains on building and maintaining a strong, sustainable, and multi-source financial foundation for the Port. The latest analysis shows that the port and maritime sector now generate more than 23,000 jobs and have an economic impact exceeding $7 billion—a notable increase of $2.3 billion since 2021. I am confident that in 2025, we will continue to build on this momentum.

Items to watch in 2025:

  1. Electrification Hub and Modernization of General Cargo Terminal
    A major step forward in our commitment to decarbonizing the port, modernizing our facilities, and enhancing our operational capabilities will be the upgrade of our General Cargo Terminal. This project will rehabilitate key infrastructure and significantly enhance the terminal’s electrical systems as part of our decarbonization efforts. This initiative is crucial to ensuring the Port remains competitive, sustainable, and prepared for the future.
  2. Cruise Season
    The cruise industry is experiencing exciting growth here in Cleveland. In 2025, the number of cruise ship stops is expected to more than double with the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes. We anticipate more than 50 cruise ship calls in Cleveland in 2025, up from just 22 in 2024—an impressive milestone that will continue to boost our local economy and elevate Cleveland’s standing as a major port of call on the Great Lakes.
  3. Logistec Agreement
    The Port of Cleveland has approved a new long-term contract with Logistec USA Inc. to serve as our General Cargo terminal operator. This partnership will significantly enhance our operating revenues and represents a key step in advancing the Port’s financial sustainability.
  4. Infrastructure Projects
    Progress continues on several major infrastructure and urban planning projects, including the stabilization of Irishtown Bend and the Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience (CHEERS) project. These efforts are vital to preserving and improving Cleveland’s waterfront, ensuring the long-term health of the local maritime economy, and contributing to the region’s resilience against climate change.

As we look ahead to 2025, I am confident that we will continue to see growth, innovation, and progress in all areas.”

Sincerely,

Dave Gutheil
Interim President & CEO/Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Cleveland