Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

Located at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River on Lake Erie, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority operates the Port of Cleveland, a critical transportation hub on the Great Lakes. As the third-largest Great Lakes port by tonnage and the only container port on the system, it handles approximately 13 million tons of cargo annually and supports over 20,000 jobs, generating $3.5 billion in regional economic activity. The port features a unique bi-weekly container service, the Cleveland-Europe Express, linking Cleveland directly to Antwerp and providing regular, scheduled global shipping opportunities. The port’s cargo mix is diverse, including steel, heavy machinery, iron ore, limestone, cement, salt, and agricultural products, serving both inbound and outbound regional manufacturing needs. Its modern facilities and robust security accommodate maritime and intermodal operations, while its development finance division uses bond financing to support infrastructure. Cleveland’s strategic location and specialized services make it an essential gateway for international trade and regional industry, linking the Midwest with overseas markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway.