Waterborne Commerce
Since 1976, the Lorain Port Authority has supported commercial shipping, dredging, and industrial growth along Lake Erie — strengthening regional and global trade through efficient operations and sustainable development.
Shipping, Dredging & Waterfront Property
The Lorain Port Authority is an active commercial port, maintained as a deep water navigational channel through dredging, providing an ideal environment for industrial development and growth.
Lorain’s strategic location at the mouth of the Black River on Lake Erie has made it a working port city for generations. The LPFA supports continued commercial maritime activity — a critical driver of jobs and economic activity in our region.
Commercial Shipping
Supporting cargo and freight operations on Lake Erie
Port Infrastructure
Maintaining and improving maritime infrastructure
Industrial Access
Waterfront industrial site access and logistics
Trade Relations
Building commercial maritime partnerships
Strategic Economic Advantages
The Port of Lorain holds two key federal designations that provide significant advantages for businesses and investors.
Qualified Opportunity Zone
Economically-distressed community census tracts where new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Allows taxpayers to reinvest proceeds from asset sales into an Opportunity Fund, providing capital gains deferral and potential exclusion.
Foreign Trade Zone
Part of Foreign-Trade Zone 40 and a recipient of the Pacesetter Award. FTZs are designated areas considered outside U.S. customs territory, offering duty deferral, reduction, and elimination for companies engaged in international trade.
Dike Disposal Site
Constructed in June 1976, the dike disposal facility is located adjacent to the east breakwater, off-shore with a semi-circular shape covering a surface area of 58 acres.
Port of Lorain Shipping Statistics
Five-year shipping data (2021–2025) showing average annual tonnage, vessel traffic, and cargo composition.
- Limestone522,319 t · 47.7%
- Sand & Gravel498,016 t · 45.5%
- Salt51,863 t · 4.7%
- Potash22,185 t · 2.0%
- Inbound5,288,453 t · 98.6%
- Outbound73,746 t · 1.4%
Lorain Shipping Activity
Carmeuse
AMCOR
Terminal Ready Mix
Amrize
Foreign Trade Zone
The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program is a unique global supply chain management tool that assists U.S. companies engaged in international trade by lowering their costs and improving their competitiveness.
Created in 1934 by Congress as an incentive to encourage companies to keep investment and jobs in the United States, an FTZ is a designated area that is considered outside U.S. customs territory for purposes of duty payment.
The Lorain Port Authority is part of Foreign-Trade Zone 40 and a recipient of the Pacesetter Award.
General Purpose Zones
Accommodate multiple companies and activities in industrial and commercial parks.
Subzones
Established for single companies with specific manufacturing or processing operations.
Additional Resources
Port Traffic Videos
Herbert C. Jackson Departing Port Lorain
Tug & Barge Defiance and Ashtabula Arriving
Interested in Port Operations?
Whether you’re looking to ship through Port Lorain, explore trade zone benefits, or learn about waterfront industrial access — our team is ready to help.