Global Trade Hub

Port Milwaukee is southeastern Wisconsin’s preeminent distribution connection for access to domestic and world markets.

Port Milwaukee

Multimodal Transportation Solutions

Port Milwaukee offers comprehensive surface transportation alternatives, including by sea, rail, and interstate.

Heavy Lift and Bulk Operations

Port Milwaukee provides optimal handling for a variety of cargoes and specialty equipment.

Commercial Property Availability

Port Milwaukee has a diverse array of properties available for immediate commercial use.

Cruise and Recreation Destination

Port Milwaukee is a premiere destination for tourists seeking a diverse and vibrant travel experience.

Main Content

The Mission of the Port Milwaukee is to enhance the overall economic and social environment of the City and region by stimulating trade, business, and employment. Consistent with the Port's water-related location, the Port shall strive to be a premier provider of transportation and distribution services for its commercial customers and support public recreation, leisure, and other uses the Port deems to be in the public interest.

7,484

Jobs Created

27 Million

Cargo Handled (metric tons)

$1.4 Billion

Economic Activity

$480 Million

Income Generated

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News & Events

Adam Tindall-Schlicht Wins International Honor

October 6, 2020 - Leaders of an international shipping conference have named Milwaukee’s Port Director, Adam Tindall-Schlicht, as an AntwerpXL 40 Under 40 honoree. The award showcases rising stars, under the age of 40, in an important sector of marine commerce.

Busy Time for International Cargo at Port Milwaukee

June 13, 2018 - For thirty consecutive days, ships carrying cargo to and from Europe have been docked at Port Milwaukee. This is an unusually long stretch of consecutive days to have “salties,” ships that come through the St. Lawrence Seaway, at the docks in Milwaukee.

City of Milwaukee Accepting Applications for Position of Municipal Port Director

Port Milwaukee accepting applications for position of Municipal Port Director

Major Leases at Port Milwaukee Bring New Business and Investment

August 4, 2020 - Two significant new projects take steps forward this week as the Board of Harbor Commissioners considers new long-term leases with The DeLong Co. and with Michels Corporation.

Agriculture Export Facility teaser image

Major New Agricultural Product Export Facility Planned for Port Milwaukee

February 13, 2020 - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will unveil a major new development at Port Milwaukee Thursday morning. The Port, in coordination with The DeLong Company, will establish a $31-million agricultural product export facility.

Mayor Barrett Names Adam Schlicht as Port Director in Milwaukee

May 30, 2018 - Mayor Tom Barrett has appointed Adam Schlicht as Municipal Port Director. In this position, Schlicht will direct operations at Port Milwaukee, oversee a staff of nineteen people, and administer Foreign Trade Zone No.41. His appointment is subject to Common Council approval.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Announces First Cruise Ship Arrival for 2023 Season

The Viking Octantis will be the first cruise ship to visit Port Milwaukee as part of the 2023 season. This passenger vessel is scheduled to dock in Milwaukee Harbor on May 4, 2023.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson Tours Agricultural Maritime Export Facility with The DeLong Co., Inc.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson toured the development site for the agricultural maritime export facility at Port Milwaukee. Mayor Johnson was joined by Port officials, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and representatives from The DeLong Co., Inc. to view the progress of this major investment that will create jobs, support Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, and grow the regional economy.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Local Leaders Welcome First Cruise Ship of 2023

May 4, 2023 - Mayor Cavalier Johnson and local leaders welcomed the Viking Octantis, the first cruise ship to visit Port Milwaukee as part of the 2023 season.

Mayor Johnson Selects Jackie Q. Carter to Serve as Port Director

Mayor Cavalier Johnson has selected Jackie Q. Carter to serve as Municipal Port Director. In this position, Carter will direct commercial and recreational operations at Port Milwaukee, oversee a staff of twenty people, and administer Foreign Trade Zone No. 41.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Announces First Cruise Ship Arrival for 2022 Season

April 13, 2022 - Mayor Cavalier Johnson is announcing the Viking Octantis will be the first cruise ship to visit Port Milwaukee as part of the 2022 season. This Seawaymax vessel is scheduled to dock in Milwaukee’s Harbor on May 6, 2022. The Viking Octantis’ arrival in Milwaukee will begin a summer season where 33 port calls by various cruise ships are planned, bringing more than 10,000 passengers to the city.

Jackie Q. Carter Swearing-In as Port Milwaukee Director

Milwaukee’s Port Director Takes Her Oath of Office

February 23, 2023 - The City of Milwaukee’s new Municipal Port Director, Jackie Q. Carter, officially took office during a swearing-in ceremony at Milwaukee City Hall. Mayor Cavalier Johnson appointed Carter in January, and the Milwaukee Common Council confirmed her appointment earlier in February.

Milwaukee’s Port Director to Take His Oath of Office

August 6, 2018 - Milwaukee’s new Municipal Port Director will officially take office Monday morning when the City Clerk’s office formally swears him in during a brief ceremony at City Hall. Mayor Tom Barrett appointed Schlicht two months ago, and the Common Council confirmed that appointment in the following weeks.

New Lease Agreement Solidifies Port Milwaukee As a Hub for Great Lakes Cruising

December 3, 2020 - Port Milwaukee is entering into a lease agreement with Pearl Seas Cruises to give the company priority docking rights for its cruise ships at Pier Wisconsin, the downtown dock immediately east of Discovery World museum.

New Study Quantifies the Impact of Port Milwaukee on the Local Economy

August 9, 2018 - Port Milwaukee’s maritime cargo and vessel activity had a significant positive effect on the City and the region’s economy in 2017, a recently completed study has concluded. The study, commissioned by the marine shipping industry in partnership with U.S. and Canadian government agencies, concluded that Port Milwaukee sustained more than 1,300 local jobs and generated over $100-million in business revenue last year.

News

Port and Michels Corporation Sign Agreement for Grand Trunk Lease

November 16, 2020 - Port Milwaukee and Michels Corporation have formally signed a lease agreement for nearly seventeen-and-a-half acres at the Port’s Grand Trunk site along the Kinnickinnic River. The agreement has an initial term of twenty years

Port Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht Accepts Position in Biden-Harris Administration

October 20, 2022 - Port Milwaukee Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht has informed Mayor Cavalier Johnson of his acceptance of a position in the Biden-Harris Administration. Mr. Tindall-Schlicht’s last day at the Port will be Friday, October 28, 2022.

Port Milwaukee Addresses Safety Measures Following Port of Baltimore Bridge Collapse

March 26, 2024 - Port Milwaukee is sending our sympathy to the Port of Baltimore community following Tuesday’s tragic bridge collapse.

Port Milwaukee Announces ‘StewardSHIP’ Initiative to Promote Environmental Sustainability

December 16, 2021 - The Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously approved Port Milwaukee’s new ‘StewardSHIP’ sustainability initiative for vessels that have implemented emission reduction measures and other environmental improvements. The Port’s newly-approved 2022 Tariff creates the program, which will benefit Milwaukee’s harbor by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, deploying clean energy solutions, and supporting climate adaptation activities at the Port.

Port Milwaukee Announces Long Term Arrangement with Marek Landscaping

July 22, 2021 - Port Milwaukee announced today a new long term lease arrangement with Perch Point, a limited liability company, on behalf of Marek Landscaping. Founded in 1996, Marek Landscaping has provided contracting services for sustainable waterfront design and habitat restoration across Wisconsin for more than 25 years.

Port Milwaukee Awarded Over $4.5 Million from Harbor Assistance Program for New Terminal, Dock Wall

April 6, 2022 - Port Milwaukee is receiving more than $4.5 million from the State of Wisconsin’s Harbor Assistance Program (HAP) for the agricultural maritime export facility and dock wall repairs along the Jones Island Inner Mooring Basin. “Milwaukee is an economic catalyst for the State of Wisconsin, and this funding will enhance the Port’s efforts to connect Wisconsin agriculture with world markets,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Port Milwaukee Cargo Volume Grows in 2019

January 30, 2020 - Cargo traveling through Port Milwaukee facilities increased significantly in 2019 led by growth in all major dry bulk categories. The Port’s municipal docks’ total cargo volume was up 24% when compared to 2018. Increases included 10% more cement, 20% more limestone, and 56% more salt.

Port Milwaukee Cargo Volumes Rise in a Remarkable Year

January 19, 2021 - In an unusual year with historic challenges, Port Milwaukee finished 2020 with its highest annual cargo volume in the past seven years. Overall tonnage for the municipal port and the adjacent private docks in Milwaukee Harbor rose more than 5%, led by agricultural exports and handling of cement.

Port Milwaukee Cargoes for 2018

February 21, 2019 - Port Milwaukee posted significant gains in cargo movement through the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2018, an indication that international trade disputes have not, as yet, had a major impact on the amount of overseas cargo moving through the port.

Port Milwaukee Celebrates Successful Great Lakes Cruising Season

October 19, 2022 - Today marked the end of Port Milwaukee’s 2022 Great Lakes cruising season. On Wednesday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson was joined by officials from the City of Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and the Great Lakes region to celebrate a banner year for the city’s growing cruising industry.

2019 Cruise Season Conclusion teaser image

Port Milwaukee Concludes 2019 Cruise Ship Season

October 8, 2019 - On Tuesday, Port Milwaukee will welcome the season’s final passenger cruise ship when the Hamburg arrives with more than 300 passengers. Milwaukee will have a total of ten vessel visits this year which is more than double the number from 2018.

Port Milwaukee Cruise Schedule Update

April 17, 2020 - “As expected, we received formal notification that some planned passenger cruise ship visits at Port Milwaukee in the summer of 2020 have been postponed, including cruise calls by the Pearl Mist in June, in accordance with updated guidance from...

Port Milwaukee Dealing with Significant Weather Issues Operations and Access Halted at Jones Island

January 11, 2020 - Strong winds and high water have forced Port Milwaukee to prohibit public access to Jones Island. The unusual weather conditions have led to flooding on all the major roadways at the port. Flooding has also affected terminal buildings on Jones Island.

Image of Port Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht

Port Milwaukee Director Appointed to National Maritime Transportation Advisory Committee

June 22, 2022 - Port Milwaukee Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht was recently appointed to the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC) by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The MTSNAC advises the Secretary, through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator, on ways to identify and address impediments hindering the effective use of maritime transportation.

Port Milwaukee Earns 14th Pacesetter Award for Increased International Cargo in 2020

August 18, 2021 - Port Milwaukee has earned the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Deputy Administrator Craig Middlebrook congratulated Port Milwaukee in a video message during the Board of Harbor Commissioners’ August meeting.

Port Milwaukee Earns 15th Pacesetter Award for Increased International Cargo in 2022

June 28, 2023 - Port Milwaukee has earned the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

Port Milwaukee earns Great Lakes Seaway ‘Pacesetter Award’ for increased international cargo

August 18, 2025 Port Milwaukee has earned the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for the 16th time from the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Port Milwaukee Earns Pacesetter Award for Increased International Cargo in 2018

May 7, 2019 - Port Milwaukee will accept the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award on Wednesday from the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Deputy Administrator Craig Middlebrook will make the presentation during a luncheon ceremony at the Wisconsin International Trade Conference.

Port Milwaukee Helps Move Ascent Project Forward

December 13, 2021 - As construction is nearing completion on the 25-story mass timber Ascent tower in Downtown Milwaukee, the Port is highlighting its partnership with the development team on this major project and investment in the city.

Port Milwaukee Hosts First-Ever 'Port Leadership & Career Summit'

May 8, 2024 – It was all hands on deck as Port Milwaukee and sustainable building solutions leader Holcim US hosted middle and high school students from Future Urban Leaders...

Port Milwaukee implements a range of methods to great success

July 15, 2019 - When it comes to Port Milwaukee’s attempts to clean up the river, the Lynyrd Skymmr only touches the surface of its efforts. The bulk of the work happens underground.

Port Milwaukee International Partner Fednav Limited Launches Local Tree Planting Project

September 14, 2021 - Fednav Limited, a Port Milwaukee global shipping partner, is launching a new tree planting initiative in the City of Milwaukee to promote environmental stewardship and community revitalization.

International Shipping Season teaser image

Port Milwaukee International Shipping Season Begins Within Days

March 30, 2019 - The Great Lakes international shipping season has yet to start, but, already, two ships have departed northern Europe headed for Milwaukee. Both the Fednav ship Federal Barents and the Polsteam vessel Irma are in the North Atlantic now with port calls scheduled in North America, including Milwaukee.

Port Milwaukee leader Adam Schlicht champion for region, inclusion

April 18, 2019 - As one of the youngest port directors in the Great Lakes region and one of few openly gay port directors working in the U.S., Wisconsin native and Port Milwaukee executive director Adam Schlicht understands the importance of his current position.

Port Milwaukee Promotes Eric Polzin to Harbor Master With Retirement of Wayne Johnson

April 8, 2021 - The Milwaukee Board of Harbor Commissioners today approved the appointment of Eric Polzin to the position of Harbor Master. In his new role, Polzin will oversee operations at Port facilities and exercise regulatory and police powers over marine activity in the Milwaukee Harbor. His appointment is effective on June 14, 2021.

Port Milwaukee Temporarily Expands Public Access Hours for Residents to Enjoy Smelting Season

March 22, 2022 - Port Milwaukee is temporarily expanding public access hours for the area under the Hoan Bridge to accommodate requests from residents who are wishing to participate in Wisconsin’s traditional smelting season. Smelts are a family of small fish found, as well as in North American rivers, streams and lakes, including the Great Lakes.

Port Milwaukee Temporarily Expands Public Access Hours for Residents to Enjoy Smelting Tradition

Port Milwaukee is temporarily expanding public access hours for the area under the Hoan Bridge to accommodate requests from residents who are wishing to participate in this year’s traditional smelting season.

Port Milwaukee Welcomes the First Cruise Ship of 2024

May 1, 2024 - Port Milwaukee welcomed the Viking Octantis on Wednesday, May 1, as the first cruise ship to call on the city for the 2024 season.

Port Milwaukee Wind Turbine Celebrates 10th Anniversary

February 28, 2022 - This week marks the 10 year anniversary of the installation of the 100-kilowatt wind turbine at Port Milwaukee’s Administration Building. On Monday, City officials celebrated this milestone and highlighted Milwaukee’s commitment to reducing energy use and increasing renewable energy projects.

Port Milwaukee Wins Top Honors for Communications from the American Association of Port Authorities

June 26, 2019 - American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced this week that Port Milwaukee earned its 2019 Overall Award of Communications Excellence. The honor is based on Port Milwaukee’s “exemplary communications projects and programs” among ports with marketing budgets of less than $300,000 annually.

Port Milwaukee, The DeLong Co., Inc. Celebrate Opening of Agriculture Maritime Export Facility

July 18, 2023 - Port Milwaukee and The DeLong Co., Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the $40-million Agriculture Maritime Export Facility on Jones Island.

Port Milwaukee, The DeLong Company Break Ground on Major Agricultural Maritime Export Facility

October 15, 2021 - Port Milwaukee and The DeLong Company, Inc. celebrated the groundbreaking on a nearly $35-million agricultural maritime export facility on Jones Island. Representatives from the Port, DeLong and the City of Milwaukee were joined by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Representative Gwen Moore, federal, state and local officials, and Port customers and stakeholders to highlight this major investment that will create jobs, support Wisconsin’s agriculture industry, and grow the regional economy.

Port Milwaukee's $3.7M rehab will benefit region

April 26, 2019 - Longtime economic generator Port Milwaukee is expanding its operations to streamline its intermodal operations that will benefit the region's manufacturers and farmers who ship goods across America and the world.

Port Milwaukee's First Cruise Ship of the Season Docks

June 11, 2019 - On Tuesday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will greet the first passenger cruise vessel to dock at Port Milwaukee in 2019. The Pearl Mist’s arrival begins a summer season in which eleven port calls by cruise ships are planned. That is more than double the number of stops made last year.

Port Wind Turbine Reaches Milestone

October 23, 2018 - On Tuesday, Mayor Tom Barrett will mark an important milestone for Port Milwaukee’s wind turbine. This month, the renewable energy source generated its 1-millionth Kilowatt-hour of electricity since going online at the end of February of 2012.

Rail Improvements Could Spark Intermodal Shipping Boom

August 13, 2019 - Even in a challenging international trade environment, Port Milwaukee continues to hit its benchmarks for annual shipping tonnage, has helped open new trade markets for its tenants and remains a net-positive revenue source for the City of Milwaukee.

Request for Interest (RFI) Announced for South Shore Cruise Dock

November 8, 2021 - Port Milwaukee is seeking high-quality proposals from prospective tenants for development at its South Shore Cruise Dock. This waterfront five-acre site, located immediately east of the Lake Express High Speed Ferry terminal, is available for development of recreational, entertainment, tourism, cultural, passenger vessel and public access uses that will enhance the Port’s future growth.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Announced for Capital Asset Renewal Plan

September 11, 2020 - The Port seeks to establish a new Capital Asset Renewal Plan (CARP) to comprehensively address deficiencies in port facilities and infrastructure and establish a new preventative maintenance schedule.

Request for Proposals (RFP) Announced for Port Grand Trunk Parcel

October 15, 2019 - Port Milwaukee ("Port"), a City of Milwaukee ("City") department, is seeking high-quality proposals for a long-term tenant (preferred minimum of twenty years; 5-year base lease with three options for respective 5-year extensions; longer terms may be considered to facilitate major commercial/industrial development) at a portion of its “Grand Trunk” parcel, located on the Port’s South Harbor Tract.

Safety and Public Accessibility Update from Port Milwaukee for Independence Day Activities

June 30, 2023 - Port Milwaukee is announcing specific safety restrictions in advance of the Independence Day fireworks scheduled for the evening of Monday, July 3, throughout the downtown lakefront area.

Safety and Public Accessibility Update from Port Milwaukee for Independence Day Festivities

July 1, 2022 - Today, Port Milwaukee is announcing specific safety restrictions in advance of the Independence Day fireworks scheduled for the evening of Sunday, July 3, throughout the downtown lakefront area. Members of the public are advised on the following:

Ship Loader Equipment Delivered to Port Milwaukee’s Future Agricultural Maritime Export Facility

September 23, 2022 - A significant piece of loading equipment was recently delivered to Port Milwaukee for The DeLong Co., Inc. agricultural maritime export facility. The Made in America ship loader traveled more than 1,500 miles by barge from New Orleans, Louisiana, up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Jones Island.

State Grant Readies Port Milwaukee for Increased Rail Service

November 30, 2018 - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has awarded a grant of approximately $3-million to Port Milwaukee to upgrade railroad track on Jones Island. The money, from the State’s Freight Railroad Preservation Program, will be combined with a previously budgeted 20% match from Port Milwaukee in order to complete work valued at more than $3.7-million.

Two Cruise Ships Dock in Milwaukee

August 30, 2018 - Two passenger cruise vessels will dock in Milwaukee Friday bringing tourists to the city. This is the first time in recent history that two cruise ships will be in port simultaneously.

Update from Port Milwaukee

March 25, 2020 - The challenges presented by COVID-19 and the associated public health precautions have not stopped commercial activity at Port Milwaukee. Transportation operations including rail, trucking, and shipping continue on Jones Island. Port tenants and terminal facilities on Jones Island remain in operation...

Weather Update as of 11:20 a.m. on January 11, 2020

January 11, 2020 - Port Milwaukee on Jones Island is temporarily closed for business due to wind and high water levels on Lake Michigan. As flooding subsides, the Port will reopen service and access to Jones Island at the earliest opportunity.

Teaser image for WCPA to hold statewide meeting virtually

Wisconsin Commercial Ports to Hold Statewide Meeting Virtually

August 12, 2020 - On Thursday, August 13, 2020, the annual gathering of the Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association (WCPA) will take place via video-teleconference. The meeting will include presentations from local, state, and federal experts and policymakers, including agencies that support the growth and development of Wisconsin’s commercial ports by addressing operational challenges and identifying catalytic infrastructure funding.