The Port of Green Bay is a leading indicator of business activity in Northeast Wisconsin, according to Port Director Dean Haen, so people often pay close attention to the monthly tonnage reports.
The port’s terminal operators are bringing in raw materials that support construction, agriculture and manufacturing.
Tonnage for the Port of Green Bay started slow for the 2025 season, but activity continues to pick up.
The port reported 244,675 tons of cargo in August, with the key commodities of limestone, petroleum, cement and salt contributing to totals. While the port’s total tonnage as of the end of August was 21% below the previous year, at the end of July it was running 36% below the previous year.
“We’re seeing encouraging signs in commodity movement. If this pace continues, we expect the season to close at a level comparable to last year,” Haen says.
The 2024 total was 1.7 million tons. The shipping season typically runs from March until January, depending on ice conditions.
Beyond those reports, port staff has been preparing for a $55 million expansion and is in the midst of creating a five-year plan.
“We’re always working with our operators to help them grow the business,” Haen says.
As part of that they have solicited feedback from the operators for the five-year plan Haen says will be ready by the end of the year.
The previous plan included a goal of finding the best use for the former Pulliam Power Plant site near the mouth of the Fox River. It’s a goal that has been met as Haen says funding is in place and bid documents will be released soon.
Expansion plans for the 37-acre site include constructing 1,700 feet of new dock wall, dredging part of the Fox River to allow ship access, constructing a stormwater detention basin and installing mooring features.
The expansion has a ripple effect as it will allow the C. Reiss Company to move coal piles off land the city of Green Bay has long wanted to develop in the port area. It also will provide space for an additional business to operate, according to Haen.
While the port has been protective of the commercial interests and ensuring its viability, port officials also have contributed to other goals. Other successful outcomes from the previous five-year plan were the arrival of the first passenger cruise ship in Green Bay in 2022 and development of Renard Island.
Haen says the 2025 strategic plan may include goals such as acquiring additional property for port activities, developing the Port Development Site, promoting foreign trade zone 167 and exploring intermodal container opportunities.
Tracking ships and cargo
Whether it is for business purposes or to satisfy curiosity, the Port of Green Bay website and social media accounts provide information about incoming ship traffic and their cargo.
There are charts and data for the cargo, but often far more fascinating are the images and ship history shared by professionals and hobbyists as each ship arrives at the port.
The Port of Green Bay recognizes that interest and annually holds a “first ship” contest asking entrants to guess when the first ship will arrive.
Those who want to take a really deep dive can follow links to follow ships worldwide. Find up‑to‑the‑minute ship arrival and departure updates at marinetraffic.com.
