Milo Harbour Inc. in Wheatley will soon offer a cross-lake truck ferry service to Northeast Ohio.
The initiative will create a new cargo transportation route that is said to improve supply chain resilience, reduce dependency on congested highways, and potentially lower diesel emissions.
Milo Harbour Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Cleveland to create the new lake ferry. It will offer Canadian manufacturers, distributors, trucking companies, and logistics providers a marine option that is well connected to highways and railways in Ohio.
Canadian shippers will also be able to use the Port of Cleveland's container service, which will connect them to European markets.
"The team at Milo Harbour Inc. are committed to supporting Ontario and Canada’s plan to diversify trade and ensure our supply chains are stronger than ever,” said Milo Harbour Project Director Kieran Stewart.
A one-way trip will be roughly two to three hours, which the Port of Cleveland notes is competitive with current highway and rail transit times.
According to Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff, this could lead to economic gains for the municipality.
"A direct freight connection across Lake Erie has the potential to attract investment, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for economic growth. We’re excited to learn more about the project and better understand what it could mean for Chatham-Kent’s economic development, infrastructure, agriculture, and future investment across Chatham-Kent," said Canniff.
The ferry service is expected to be operational in early 2028 and will allow for up to 300 truckloads (round-trip) per day.
