MILWAUKEE – Port Milwaukee was excited to welcome the Marshall Islands-flagged Federal Nagara as the first vessel of the 2026 international season on Friday, April 3.
The Federal Nagara arrived at the Logistec terminal to unload specialty steel products following its transit through the St. Lawrence Seaway from Spain and Belgium, where it was loaded. The St. Lawrence Seaway locks opened for the season on March 22, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence Seaway is a binational system, with two American and 13 Canadian locks.
Port Milwaukee’s international season corresponds with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. For roughly nine months out of the year, Milwaukee welcomes vessels hailing from around the world. In 2025, cargo moved through the Port was sourced from or destined for Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Direct access to world markets via Port Milwaukee supports farmers, producers, and manufacturers throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
“International shipping drives opportunities here in Milwaukee,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Our global connections strengthen our local economy, create jobs, attract investment, and ensure our city remains competitive, benefiting our entire city and state.”
On Friday, Port Milwaukee staff went aboard the Federal Nagara to present Captain Laiquer Rahman with a plaque in honor and celebration of being the first vessel of the 2026 international season.
“The arrival of the Federal Nagara signals another exciting year of global trade flowing through our Port,” Port Director Benji Timm said. “Each shipment handled through Milwaukee strengthens our role in the supply chain and supports regional industries, reinforcing our connection to markets around the world.”
The St. Lawrence Seaway is a major trade artery for North America that creates mutually beneficial relationships among ports in the Great Lakes system. After unloading in Milwaukee, the vesselsailed for Thunder Bay, Ontario. Port Milwaukee had 60 international vessel visits last year, carrying over 570,000 metric tons of cargo.
“We’re proud to have the Federal Nagara open the Seaway season at Port Milwaukee,” Fednav Senior Manager, Liner Mike Ganley said. “The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway has been at the core of Fednav’s operations for decades, and each opening day reaffirms our long‑term commitment to supporting regional industries with safe, efficient, and reliable marine transportation.”
The public can stay up-to-date on vessel arrivals and departures throughout the 2026 season by using Port Milwaukee’s virtual vessel tracker, available online here.
Port Milwaukee is an economic entity of City government governed by the seven-member Board of Harbor Commissioners, a panel appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Common Council. It administers operations on the 467 acres that make up the Port. It promotes regional shipping and commerce by providing access to domestic and international ships, rail, and over-the-road transportation.
