LAKES & RIVERS STRENGTHENS THE “HEART” OF BURNS HARBOUR

Burns Harbor, located in Northwestern Indiana along the shore of Lake Michigan, is a major artery in the steel industry's heart. Handling over 15% of all U.S. steel trade with Europe as well as other commodities such as limestone, grain, various chemicals, fertilizers, and coal. This port also accommodates international ships via the Great Lakes connection to the Atlantic Ocean and barges via inland river links to 38 states and the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its critical function, this essential port is currently receiving over $77 million for infrastructure and expansion projects. Some of the fundamental parts of this project will include the construction of a highway bridge entering the port, three new ship berths, a new bulk warehouse, two new railyards, and an industrial site development throughout the 600-acre port. Such a strategic location will provide local steel, agriculture, and manufacturing businesses with the opportunity to grow within the port's footprint.

Earlier this year, Lakes & Rivers Contracting (L&R) was chosen for this monumental project and has been given the task of installing pipe piles for the future site of an additional ship unloading area. Specializing in marine and heavy construction projects, the experts at Lakes & Rivers knew that they would need a powerful and reliable hammer to drive the 36" (in) Dia x .75 x 100' (ft) wall spiral weld pipe piles needed to install eight piles on a 3:1 batter for the new ships mooring. L&R, however, did not own a hammer big enough for these piles and capacity; and due to them being in the water offshore leads were preferable over swinging leads. After speaking with their International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) Sales and Service Team, they decided that an ICE® I-62 Diesel Hammer with offshore leads would be the perfect piece of equipment for this project. There were some job-site challenges. Custom hammer rigging was made so the ICE® I-62 Hammer and Offshore Leaders would hang correctly on the 3:1 batter. All work had to be completed offshore, including driving the test pile driven to 400 tons (ultimate capacity) and a relatively tight timetable. Lakes & Rivers Contracting was thrilled that ICE® was able to provide the equipment and accessories when needed for the job, helping to keep them on schedule. Now completed, this new berthing area will allow additional locations for offloading ships and help improve docking operations.

As these new expansion and infrastructure projects are finalized, new business is sure to flourish in the region, providing many jobs such as truck drivers, dock workers, operation engineers and construction workers. The investment in Burns Harbour will also strengthen port customers' businesses, solidifying the area's importance to the US economy. International Construction Equipment, Inc. (ICE®) is immensely proud to be a part of this fresh look that the Harbour is receiving and celebrates Lakes & Rivers Contracting on a job well-done! Kudos to the entire team! The visitors and residents of Indiana and Michigan are surely looking forward to the growth and positive economic impact on the surrounding area.