North Star Port

innesota Gov. Tim Walz visited the Clure Public Marine Terminal on April 9, high- lighting the role of state investment in keeping Minnesota's freight network functioning efficiently. During the visit, Port Authority representatives emphasized how capital projects at the Port of Duluth-Superior connect directly to statewide supply chains, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing and project cargo. Jeff Udd, the Port Authority's director of government and environmental affairs, noted that critical cargo-handling infrastructure, such as the Clure Terminal's twin gantry cranes, requires ongoing main- tenance and modernization to safely and efficiently handle evolving cargo demands. The gantries, manufactured in Duluth and in service since 1959, have long provided the heavy-lift capacity needed to move oversized components and other breakbulk cargo from ship to shore. Port officials explained that a planned refurbishment project will extend the life of these proven cranes at a signifi- cantly lower cost than full replacement, while keeping their lifting capability available to shippers that depend on them. Walz's stop at the terminal came as debate continues at the state capitol over a public works bonding bill that would finance i n f ra s t r u c t u re p ro j e c t s across Minnesota. Port rep- resentatives noted that the gantry crane refurbishment already has federal support and a Port Authority fund- ing commitment, and that Port Development Assistance Program dollars from the state bonding bill would complete the package. Local officials pointed out that reliable, modern equip- ment at ports, rail yards, airports and along key highway corridors helps prevent bottlenecks, reduce delays and keep transportation costs in check for Minnesota businesses and producers. In Duluth's case, investments in assets like the American-made gantries allow the Clure Terminal to continue handling heavy-lift and project cargo safely and competitively, supporting jobs on the waterfront and through- out the regional supply chain. DULUTHPORT.COM | 15 The Duluth Seaway Port Authority teamed up with Kelsey Prihoda of Minnesota Sea Grant to bring a shipyard to the Superior Middle School eighth grade career fair on Tuesday, April 28. Showcasing a variety of vessels that ply the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System, the shipbuilding station challenged students to turn that inspiration into a cargo vessel of their own at one of five drydocks containing an identical assortment of craft supplies. Upon completion, each vessel then set sail in a small, water-filled tub for sea trials. After that, terminal operators loaded the vessels with cargo coinage. A scale told the tale for each vessel, determining which held the most weight without bottoming out or taking on water. Nearly 30 shipbuilding teams participated. The winning vessel, modeled after a Great Lakes articulated tug barge, hauled 803 grams. Eighth graders build ships in Superior Walz visits Clure Terminal, highlights need for bonding bill M Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (center) stands for a photo with Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert, Jeff Udd from the Port Authority, and local union representatives, including Port Authority Commissioner Jerome Johnson (back row, right), during a visit to the Clure Terminal on April 9, 2026.

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