Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor Welcomes First Vessel of 2026 International Shipping Season
Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor marked the beginning of the 2026 international shipping season with the arrival of the Ocean7 Ranger. This vessel completed a 52-day journey, delivering equipment for upgrades at U.S. Steel Gary Works, the largest integrated steel mill in North America. The St. Lawrence Seaway, which opened on March 22, experienced one of its shortest winter closures, lasting only 69 days. To celebrate the occasion, Burns Harbor Port Director Ryan McCoy presented the 'Steel Stein' to Captain Ilia Kalachov of the Ranger, highlighting Northwest Indiana's significance as 'The Steel Capital of North America.' The Ocean7 Ranger, managed by HAMMONIA Reederei, traveled from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, through the Pacific Ocean, Panama Canal, Atlantic Ocean, and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. The vessel delivered a 63-ton dewatering drum, which will be transported to U.S. Steel. The port handles over 2 million tons of cargo annually, including steel, limestone, and iron ore. 
