2025 Impact Report: Driving Economic Growth and Opportunity Across Northeast Ohio

The Port of Cleveland’s 2025 Impact Report provides a comprehensive look at the organization’s impact on Northeast Ohio through maritime commerce, development finance, environmental stewardship, and strategic infrastructure investment.

As the region’s maritime gateway and a leading provider of development finance tools, the Port plays a vital role in connecting Northeast Ohio to global markets while supporting projects that strengthen local communities. The 2025 Impact Report highlights the people, partnerships, and investments that continue to drive economic opportunity across the region.

Together, Port-related activities support approximately 23,000 jobs and generate $7.07 billion in annual economic activity, demonstrating the critical role the Port plays in Northeast Ohio’s economy.

“A stronger Northeast Ohio requires intentional investment in the systems, places, and partnerships that power regional prosperity,” said Jeff Epstein, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “This report reflects the collective impact of our maritime operations, development finance programs, and sustainability initiatives, all of which help connect opportunity with execution and move our region forward.”

2025 Impact at a Glance

Maritime Operations

The Port handled more than 6 million tons of cargo in 2025, supporting supply chains, manufacturers, construction projects, and businesses throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Additional maritime highlights include:

• More than $105 million invested in maritime infrastructure over the past decade
• Nine Foreign Trade Zone sites were activated, supporting business growth and global competitiveness
• Continued investment in facilities and equipment that strengthen the Port’s role as a modern, efficient maritime gateway

Development Finance

The Port’s development finance programs continued to serve as an important catalyst for economic development across Cuyahoga County.

In 2025:

• $339.3 million in bond funding supported development projects throughout the region
• 17 projects received financing assistance through Port programs
• $781.7 million in total project costs were supported through development finance initiatives

These investments help advance housing, commercial development, community facilities, and other projects that contribute to Northeast Ohio’s long-term growth.

Infrastructure and Sustainability

The Port continued to advance projects that strengthen both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.

Among the year’s most significant accomplishments was the completion of the $65 million Irishtown Bend Stabilization Project, a transformative infrastructure initiative that protects the Cuyahoga River shipping channel, supports future development, and will create new opportunities for public access along Cleveland’s riverfront.

The Port also continued advancing sustainability initiatives and strategic investments that support resilient infrastructure and responsible growth.

Cruise and Tourism Growth

The 2025 cruise season marked another milestone for Cleveland’s waterfront, with a record-setting 53 cruise ship calls bringing approximately 8,700 passengers to the city.

These visits generate economic activity for local businesses while introducing travelers from around the world to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Connecting the Community to the Waterfront

The Port’s impact extends beyond cargo and construction projects. Through educational programming, public events, and community partnerships, the organization works to help residents better understand the role maritime commerce and waterfront infrastructure play in everyday life.

As part of this commitment, the Port will once again open its gates for guided tours during SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day on June 28, giving community members a behind-the-scenes look at one of Northeast Ohio’s most important economic assets.

Additional tour tickets are now available while supplies last.

Download the 2025 Impact Report

The 2025 Impact Report serves as a snapshot of the Port of Cleveland’s continued commitment to creating economic opportunity, supporting sustainable development, and strengthening Northeast Ohio’s future.

We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about the investments, partnerships, and initiatives that are helping move our region forward.