Cleveland – June 12, 2025— The Port of Cleveland Board of Directors has approved nearly $8 million in project management contracts to support two major initiatives: modernizing the iron ore conveyance system at the Cleveland Bulk Terminal and overseeing critical infrastructure rehabilitation and electrification efforts at the Port’s general cargo dock.

A $5.2 million contract with The Ruhlin Company will provide construction management for the aging iron ore conveyor system at the Bulk Terminal. This system plays a vital role in the regional steel supply chain, moving ore from lake freighters and loading it onto smaller vessels for delivery up the Cuyahoga River to the steel mill.

The Port acquired the iron ore terminal in 1997 and since then has invested significantly in modernizing the site’s infrastructure. In 2021, the Port extended the tunnel and conveyor system to allow for taconite blending and increased throughput. However, the original segment of the system is now nearing the end of its useful life and is in need of major rehabilitation —a project expected to take at least two years, according to Dave Gutheil, interim CEO and chief commercial officer.

Modernizing Key Infrastructure and Advancing Port Electrification

The board also approved a $2.7 million agreement with Jacobs Engineering to manage a multi-phase infrastructure and electrification project that will significantly reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. This work will help reduce carbon emissions of port operations by 40 percent and makes considerable progress towards the Port’s Climate Action Plan.

This initiative includes the rehabilitation of Warehouse A, the Port’s largest warehouse built in 1975, as well as major electrical infrastructure enhancements to support clean energy operations. The effort includes installation of rooftop solar panels, battery energy storage, microgrid technology in partnership with Cleveland Public Power, and electric equipment across port facilities. Key upgrades include:

· Ten electric forklifts and charging stations (replacing six diesel units)

· A new electric mobile harbor crane

· Two electric tugboats and associated charging infrastructure procured and installed by Great Lakes Company

· Shore power installation at Dock 24

· Rooftop solar and microgrid systems at Warehouse A

Jacobs Engineering will provide day-to-day oversight of these improvements, which are expected to be completed by December 2028.

A Climate-Driven Investment in Cleveland’s Maritime Future

The Port’s modernization efforts are supported by two major public grants: $27.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration and $4.9 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Maritime Assistance Program. Together, these investments are transforming the Port of Cleveland into a national model for sustainable shipping.

These infrastructure and electrification upgrades are projected to cut the Port’s carbon emissions by 40 percent—a major step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Port’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once completed, the Port of Cleveland will be the first Great Lakes port to implement such an ambitious and comprehensive decarbonization strategy, reinforcing its leadership in climate-forward maritime innovation.

In other business, the Port of Cleveland welcomed Catherine Tompkins, Senior Counsel at KeyBank, as the newest member of its Board of Directors, appointed by County Executive Chris Ronayne and replacing Andrew Jackson. Tompkins brings extensive financial expertise and deep knowledge of credit risk management to the board. Her appointment begins Thursday, and she is expected to play an important role in guiding the Port’s ongoing infrastructure investments and long-term strategic planning.