Ports of Indiana Partners with Louis Dreyfus Company to Operate Grain Export Facility
[By Ports of Indiana]
Ports of Indiana has announced a strategic partnership with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), a global leader in the agricultural industry, to operate the grain export facility at its Lake Michigan port. The Burns Harbor grain terminal, which has been a key player in agricultural exports since 1979, will now benefit from LDC’s expertise and resources.
LDC, one of the world’s top agri-commodity companies, recorded net sales of $50.6 billion in 2024. The partnership with Ports of Indiana will enable regional farmers to access global markets more efficiently, with the ability to load 1 million bushels of corn onto ocean vessels for export while also handling incoming shipments from local farmers.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with LDC to revitalize this essential agricultural shipping facility,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “The strategic location of Burns Harbor, coupled with LDC’s extensive network, will enhance market access for regional farmers and strengthen our position in the global trade market.”
Established in 1851 in France, LDC has a long history of success in the U.S., operating the country’s largest soybean crushing and biodiesel plant in Indiana. The partnership with Ports of Indiana aligns with LDC’s commitment to fostering economic growth in the Midwest.
“Burns Harbor’s proximity to key grain markets and transportation infrastructure makes it an ideal hub for LDC to expand its operations,” said Gordon Russell, LDC’s U.S. Head of Grains & Oilseeds. “We look forward to leveraging this strategic asset to serve our customers in North America and beyond.”
The port at Burns Harbor offers multimodal connections to railroads and waterways, making it a crucial link in the region’s transportation network. With storage capacity for 7.2 million bushels of grain, the facility can handle large volumes of agricultural products efficiently.
“LDC’s global network and expertise will drive export growth and enhance our region’s competitiveness in the agribusiness sector,” said Burns Harbor Port Director Ryan McCoy. “With LDC’s investment, we are poised to strengthen our multimodal capabilities and expand our global reach.”
The partnership is expected to commence operations at the terminal in early 2026.
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