By Andi Anderson
The Ports of Indiana has selected Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to operate the international grain terminal at Burns Harbor, bringing new life to one of the Midwest’s most vital agricultural shipping hubs.
This decision is expected to strengthen Indiana’s agricultural economy and improve export access for farmers across the region.
LDC is one of the world’s top agri-commodity companies, with $50.6 billion in net sales in 2024. The company, founded in France in 1851, has a long history in the U.S. since 1909. It also runs the largest soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in the country, located in Claypool, Indiana.
The Burns Harbor terminal, active from 1979 to 2023, has exported over 500 million bushels of corn and soybeans. With this new partnership, the terminal will once again serve as a key link between Indiana farmers and international buyers.
The site features storage for 7.2 million bushels of grain and can load ocean vessels with up to 90,000 bushels per hour. It can also unload 30,000 bushels per hour from unit trains.
According to Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock, combining LDC’s resources with the terminal’s high capacity gives farmers in the Midwest unmatched export potential. The port can handle grain from trains, trucks, and barges—providing farmers with flexible shipping options.
Located on Lake Michigan’s southern shore, Burns Harbor offers access to the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the U.S. Inland River System. It is also connected to 16 railroads in the Greater Chicago area.
LDC leaders say the terminal will help expand their service to grain markets in North America and abroad. This move not only boosts exports but also enhances multimodal transport and global agribusiness opportunities in the region.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232
Categories: Indiana, Business