Connecting the Great Lakes: Shipping, Sustainability, and Regional Growth

Escanaba Historic Lighthouse
Past this there
is deep water, commercial,
and tourist ship docking
possibilities.

The past of shipping can 
help us understand
future opportunities.

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Thinking about ways to improve shipping on the Great Lakes is really about creating more value—not only for waterfront communities, but for the broader economy. The study below explores opportunities to better connect the Great Lakes with inland waterways, creating more efficient transportation networks for moving goods and materials. Better integration of these water systems could also encourage thoughtful waterfront redevelopment and expand economic opportunities.

Any discussion of expanding waterways must also recognize the environmental risks. However, if projects are carefully designed, scientifically informed, and responsibly managed, the long-term benefits can outweigh many of the costs. In some cases, restoration and development can work together by improving water quality, restoring habitats, and strengthening the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Rather than pursuing development for its own sake, the goal should be to create projects that enhance both economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

This perspective is especially relevant for communities such as Escanaba and Delta County, Michigan. While the local population may not justify extensive inland waterway expansion, the region has characteristics that could support a larger role as a transportation and distribution hub. Its potential deep-water capacity, connections to major highways, rail access, airport, and strategic location within the Upper Peninsula provide a foundation for future logistics and supply chain opportunities.

Studies like this encourage communities to think strategically about how things like transportation infrastructure, environmental stewardship, tourism, commercial fishing, and economic development can complement one another. Similary to assembling a puzzle, each new piece of research provides a better understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges. Over time, that broader perspective can help communities make informed decisions that strengthen their economies while preserving and enhancing the natural resources that make the Great Lakes region unique.

Expanding Cargo Opportunities Between the Great Lakes and Inland Waterways

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• The American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA), in partnership with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and several Lake Michigan ports, launched a comprehensive market study to identify opportunities for expanding cargo movement between the Great Lakes and the U.S. inland waterways.
• Although the Great Lakes and inland waterways collectively transport nearly 700 million tons of cargo annually, only a small share currently moves between the two systems, indicating significant untapped freight potential.
• Researchers will evaluate market demand, promising cargo types, and the infrastructure and operational improvements needed to make river-to-lake shipping more efficient and commercially viable.
• Expanding waterborne transportation could strengthen U.S. supply chains, reduce highway congestion, lower transportation emissions, create jobs, and support industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, steelmaking, and energy.
• The study will also develop strategies for improving transloading between barges and Great Lakes vessels, helping ports better integrate regional freight networks while enhancing long-term economic competitiveness.

American Great Lakes Ports Association. (2026, February 3). New study examines expanding cargo between Great Lakes and inland waterways. https://www.greatlakesports.org/new-study-examines-expanding-cargo-between-great-lakes-and-inland-waterways/