The Port of Green Bay handled less cargo in the 2025-2026 season than it did in the previous year, but had a strong finish, according to Port Director Dean Haen.
“As we wrapped up this shipping season, cargo volumes accelerated and carried us through to a solid finish,” said Haen. “The diversity of commodities moving through the port continues to be a strength.”
The port handled 1,587,620 tons of cargo compared to the 2024-25 total of 1,696,097 tons. A total of 155 vessels moved cargo through the port.
The season began at a slower pace, but activity increased across multiple commodities as the year progressed. Salt volumes increased 9.74% from the previous shipping season, supported by winter maintenance needs across the region. Based on the 2025/26 winter season, this trend will continue with significantly more salt shipments throughout the 2026 shipping season.
Wood pulp shipments also went up 145.7%, pointing to renewed demand from manufacturing and paper-related markets. This growth underscores how diversified cargo activity helped stabilize the season and position the port for continued strength moving into the next shipping year.
“The Port of Green Bay plays a vital role in keeping goods moving for agriculture, industry and communities throughout tregion,” Haen said. “We value the strong partnerships with our public and private stakeholders that make this work possible and support long-term economic stability.”
The 2026 First Ship Contest sponsored by Discover Green Bay has returned and is officially open for community participation.
Individuals who would like to participate are encouraged to submit their official prediction for the arrival of the first ship of the 2026 season here: greenbay.com/contests/first-ship-contest/.
Those interested in recent and historical tonnage information for the Port of Green Bay can visit portofgreenbay.com/cargo-quantities-shipped.
