b'20American Journal ofTransportation ajot.comPort Milwaukee: Operational diversity enhances strategic expansion plan GREAT LAKES & IncreasedcollaborationwithtenantscreatesoptionsfortheST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY best use of existing space.By Brenda Silva, AJOT PORTS 2024In much the same way stock port- Milwaukeeiscontinuallypartnering folioscanbecomemoresuccessfulwith multi-agency first responders to when diversified, so is the plan at Portenhancecurrentresponseplansand Milwaukee, where a focus on diversi- developnewjointoperationsplans fication of services is expected to playwhenever gaps are identified.an integral role in the future success ofFurtherassuringanyconcerns the Port. Built in the 1950s and 1960s,that safety is a top priority at the Port, Port Milwaukee oversees operations onCarter said, Port Milwaukee is com-400 acres and often finds itself having tomitted to ensuring the safety and secu-addressinfrastructureissuesthatneedrityofitsfacilities,employees,and priority attention. The same heightenedthe community. The port community attention is currently being given to theis resilient and has strong connections future plans for Port Milwaukee, wherewith our maritime partners and local a valuable commodity for the Port andfirst responders.its tenants is collaboration.i nCreasedC argo andC hallengesB egin wiTha wareness C ollaBoraTionThe challenges faced by Port Mil- Although a smaller port, Port Mil-waukee are the same as those facedwaukee moves an impressive amountCommodities moving through the Port Milwaukee include road salt, cement, limestone, bottom bymanyotherportsaginginfra- (PLANcontinued on page 22) ash, slag and liquid bulk. structure,transportationbottlenecks, security,etc.whichmakesiteven more essential for Port Milwaukee to become more competitive with larger ports that may be more well known becauseoftheirsizeandshipping accommodations. According to Jackie Q.Carter,portdirector,oneofthe biggestconcernsatPortMilwaukee is what little awareness there is about the Port.Abigconcernofoursisthe availability of employees, which we feelislackingbecausethereisnot alotofportawarenessatthelocal level.Peopleareoftensurprised when they learn just how much cargo andfreightmovesthroughtheport system. With so many careers avail-able in the maritime industry, we are tryingtohighlighttheopportunities availableforteensandotheryoung people by exposing them to the mari-time industry. By doing this, we are creating a pipeline of employees who, once trained, can take over as other employees retire, Carter said.Anotherimportantconcernat Port Milwaukeeas well as at almost everyotherportinthecountryis safety,especiallysincethebridge collapseatthePortofBaltimorein March. Following the bridge collapse, Port Milwaukee received many inqui-ries about what safety measures they haveinplacethatcouldpreventa similar event from occurring.In a statement from the Port, they replied, Port Milwaukee has received several media requests regarding our safetymeasuresandinfrastructure integrity.Largeoceaniccontainer ships,suchasthevesselinvolved intheBaltimoreincident,donot callonMilwaukee.PortMilwaukee receives vessels similar in length, but roughly half in width, compared to the involved vessel.The Port added, All foreign ves-sels are required to engage a United StatesorCanadianregisteredpilot todirectvesselnavigationthrough critical areas of the Great Lakes. TugHARNESS THE GLOBAL POWER OF A GREAT LAKES PORT.assistanceforvesselsprovidesanRegional, national and international logisticians count on Port Milwaukee for a turnkey approach additional level of safety for the cap-tain,pilot,andownerofanyvesselto solve their transportation and supply chain needs. Strategically located in the industrial center transitingthePort.Tugassistanceof the U.S., Port Milwaukee provides premier access to domestic and world markets.coupledwithavesselsbowand stern thrusters and a skilled pilot sig-nificantly mitigates any risk to criti- VISIT PORTMILWAUKEE.COM . PORT @ MILWAUKEE.GOVcal structures within the harbor. Port'