Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) announced that they’ve sent a letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection urging the expeditious implementation of an intermediate containerized cargo clearance operation at the Port of Cleveland. New direct international service with the Port of Antwerp, Belgium commences next month, with the first ship call expected to be on or around April 16, 2014.

“We strongly support the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority in its ambitious plan to launch regularly-scheduled service, including containerized cargo, between Cleveland and northern Europe, the first such service on the Great Lakes in 40 years,” the lawmakers said in the letter. “This service could potentially double the amount of cargo handled by the Port and create more than 100 jobs. It also will benefit the environment by enabling Ohio exports and other shipments to move over a substantial part of the supply chain by efficient, marine transport.”

“The establishment of direct, scheduled all water freight service between Cleveland Harbor and Europe is a top priority to the Port of Cleveland as we continue to pursue strategic initiatives to spur job creation and regional economic development opportunities,” said Will Friedman, president and CEO of the Port of Cleveland.  “We appreciate Senator Portman’s and Congresswoman Fudge’s support as we work to launch this important service and are pleased that Customs and Border Patrol is working with us to find a solution to implementing a cargo clearance operation so that this new international service can begin as planned.”

Full text of the letter can be found below and here.