Louis Dreyfus to reopen grain export terminal in Indiana

The Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), based in Rotterdam, has been selected by Ports of Indiana to take over operations at the Burns Harbor grain export terminal, located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. The terminal, which has been inactive since its closure in 2023 due to poor market conditions, is set to reopen in early 2026. This strategic move aims to enhance market access for regional farmers and bolster exports to global markets.

Strategic Importance of Burns Harbor Terminal

Burns Harbor’s strategic location is a significant advantage for LDC, as it provides access to multiple regional grain markets. The port is recognized as the largest in northern Indiana, connecting with the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the US Inland River System. It offers multimodal connections to 16 railroads within the Greater Chicago area, facilitating efficient transportation of grain. The terminal has a storage capacity of 7.2 million bushels of grain, along with the capability to accommodate 200 railcars and 20 barges.

Historically, the terminal has played a vital role in the export of over 500 million bushels of corn and soybeans. Gordon Russell, LDC’s US head of grains and oilseeds, emphasized that the terminal will be a crucial asset in expanding market access for regional farmers, enabling them to serve customers across North America and beyond. He stated, “Burns Harbor is well-positioned at the southern shore of Lake Michigan,” underscoring the terminal’s potential for growth.

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Enhancing Global Market Access for Farmers

The partnership between LDC and Ports of Indiana signals a new chapter for the Burns Harbor terminal, which is one of the few facilities in the Midwest capable of loading 1 million bushels of corn onto an ocean vessel for export while simultaneously handling an 85-car unit train and numerous semi-trucks from local farmers. Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana, remarked on the importance of combining LDC’s extensive resources with the terminal’s capabilities.

This collaboration is expected to provide critical access to global markets for local agricultural producers. By revitalizing the terminal, LDC aims to ensure that farmers in the region can maximize their potential for exports, ultimately benefiting the agricultural economy. The reopening of Burns Harbor is anticipated to enhance the competitiveness of Indiana’s grain sector on the international stage, bolstering both local and national agricultural initiatives.