DULUTH, Minn. — The United States Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) announced Friday the recipients of its Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for international cargo tonnage increases during the 2024 shipping season, a septet that included the Port of Duluth-Superior.
Driven by gains across multiple cargo categories, Duluth-Superior claimed its 18th Pacesetter Award overall—second most among Great Lakes ports—and its first since 2019. Increased grain, petcoke and breakbulk exports emerged as the primary catalysts in a 17.4% international tonnage increase year over year.
“We’re pleased to accept this award on behalf of all the waterfront cargo facilities in Duluth-Superior,” said Kevin Beardsley, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “It takes partnership, persistence and vision to sustain a thriving world port, and we’re grateful for the numerous contributors who play a role. Awards like this are a collaborative effort.”
The GLS established its Pacesetter Award program in 1992 to recognize U.S.-based ports for increased maritime tonnage year over year through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The award was renamed in 2001 to posthumously honor Robert J. Lewis, the former GLS logistics director who was instrumental in implementing the organization’s trade development program.
The GLS saluted its award winners Aug. 15, during the American Great Lakes Ports Association Annual Conference in Chicago.
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More than 700 vessels and 30 million short tons of cargo move through the Port of Duluth-Superior each year, making it the Great Lakes’ largest tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20. The port supports more than 7,000 jobs and contributes $1.3 billion in business revenue to the regional economy. Learn more at DuluthPort.com.