The Cleveland-Europe Express offers competitive transit time advantage for cargo owners that typically move goods through coastal ports. It is the only container shipping service on the Great Lakes that handles import and export cargo (Port of Cleveland). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Will be among most sustainable Great Lakes ports
The Port of Cleveland was just awarded the largest grant in its history — nearly $95 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This transformative funding, part of the $3 billion USEPA Clean Ports Program, will position the port as a national leader in sustainable maritime operations and sets the standard for environmental stewardship on the Great Lakes.
“This is a monumental achievement for the Port of Cleveland,” said William Friedman in a written statement. He will leave as the port’s president and CEO at the end of this year. “Receiving the full amount of our request reflects both the strength of our proposal and our commitment to sustainability.”
He said that he expects this investment will reduce port carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions by 40 percent, greatly improve air quality, and advance the Port of Cleveland’s Climate Action Plan in ways that port officials could only imagine before.
”This award reflects the tireless work of our team and the incredible support from our federal partners,” he continued. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Senator Sherrod Brown and others who share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Great Lakes region.”
The $95 million grant will cover 90 percent of project costs aimed at significantly reducing its carbon footprint and cementing its position as a leader in sustainable maritime shipping, with the remaining 10 percent funded through private and public contributions.
In winning a record-large grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Port of Cleveland aims to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions and become a cleaner, stronger job-producer for the region (Port of Cleveland).
As part of the Clean Ports Program, the port will implement a series of sustainability initiatives through partnerships with Logistec USA Inc. and Great Lakes Towing, the operators of the Port of Cleveland general cargo terminal and tugboat shipyard in Cleveland harbor.
Together, they will implement the following initiatives:
- Rooftop solar system and battery energy storage for port operations
- Electric cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure
- Shore power system to allow vessels to plug in while docked
- Building two new electric tugboats, setting a new standard for maritime sustainability
International cruise ship visits to Cleveland are a growing tourism business. In early September, The Hamburg, Le Bellot, and Pearl Mist were all docked at the Port of Cleveland at the same time (Port of Cleveland).
In a letter to the USEPA, Brown said: “These proposed upgrades would eliminate all trail-pipe emissions from the port, provide renewable energy power sources for visiting cargo vessels, improve air quality and fortify the port for future business growth in the area.”
“The port is an essential economic engine for Northeast Ohio and this funding will help improve sustainability and support good jobs and a cleaner environment,” said U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown.
Friedman credited dedicated port staff involved in the application, with special recognition for the efforts of Carly Beck, senior manager of planning, environment and information Systems.
“This funding provides the Port with an incredible opportunity to lead by example,” Beck said. “We are not just reducing emissions—we’re transforming the way maritime operations can integrate sustainability. This project will ensure that Cleveland’s port remains competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible for decades to come.”
Port officials said this historic grant underscores the Port of Cleveland’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener future, leading the way in maritime sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Ore and other aggregate-hauling ships routinely visit the Cleveland Bulk Terminal on Whiskey Island, as was seen here in July (Lance Aerial Media).
As part of its strategic plan unveiled last year, the Port of Cleveland implemented a Climate Action Plan, the first port in the Great Lakes to adopt such a plan, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Friedman said the port is evolving with changing technologies, trade dynamics and environmental sustainability goals. The Climate Action Plan allocates resources that will build resiliency to climate change impacts such as increased storm intensity and heavy rainfalls, while also decarbonizing the port.
As noted earlier, Friedman announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the year, following the expiration of his contract. Friedman and the port authority’s board could not reach agreement on a new contract.
“This was not a decision I took lightly,” Friedman said. “I am incredibly proud of the port team and what we have accomplished to strengthen the port and contribute to the community. I am confident that the important work we’ve started will continue under new leadership.”
Friedman said he is committed to facilitating a smooth leadership transition over the coming months.
The Port of Cleveland is leading some of Greater Cleveland’s largest infrastructure and development projects, including the hillside stabilization above the Cuyahoga River at Irishtown Bend (Jordan Abbott)
“I have advised the board of my plans and communicated my intentions to assist with an orderly transition. I will continue to do everything I can to support the port’s ongoing operations,” he said.
Friedman’s departure marks the end of a 14-year tenure during which the port expanded its impact on regional economic development, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure investment. J. Stefan Holmes, chair of the port authority’s board, thanked Friedman for his leadership and contributions.
“Will’s vision and expertise in maritime operations and finance have enabled the Port of Cleveland to positively impact the regional economy,” Holmes said. “His outstanding service has been vital to the economic vitality of the region, and we sincerely thank him for his dedication.”
Holmes said the board will soon discuss plans to search for qualified candidates to replace the departing CEO.
“The board is committed to finding a successor with deep experience in maritime transportation, development finance and economic development to guide the port through the next chapter,” Holmes said.
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