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News Release

Contact: Jeff Fleming, [email protected]

For release: Friday, May 5, 2026

 

Port Milwaukee Traffic is on the Upswing

Latest Numbers Show Positive Trends

Port Milwaukee tonnage through March is 160% above 2025 during the same period. Dry bulk is robust with strong growth in salt and cement. Though salt tonnage in 2025 was unseasonably low, tonnage this season is back to normal. Liquid bulk, mostly gasoline additives, is showing growth this season over 2025. However, similar to salt, it is more reflective of normal tonnage. Port Milwaukee did not have any liquid bulk shipments during the first three months of 2025 due to equipment failure at the refinery. 

Port Milwaukee saw its first international cargo vessel, the Federal Nagara, on April 3. It arrived at the Logistec terminal to unload specialty steel products. The ship’s arrival corresponded with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which occurred on March 22. For roughly nine months out of the year, Milwaukee welcomes vessels hailing from around the world. In 2025, cargo moved through the Port was sourced from or destined for Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Direct access to world markets via Port Milwaukee supports farmers, producers, and manufacturers throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. 

Port Milwaukee had three vessels loaded for export with dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGs), as well as five ships arriving with European steel. 

The Viking Polaris arrived at Port Milwaukee on April 23, marking the first cruise ship of the 2026 season. To date, Port Milwaukee has welcomed three cruise ship visits with over 1,500 passengers. Port Milwaukee is expecting a record-breaking season with 64 cruise vessel calls this year with an estimation of 20,000 global passenger visits. The 2025 cruise season created a $2.5 million local economic impact and is projected to exceed $3.5 million this year.