First vessel of Port Milwaukee’s 2025 international season arrives

Port Milwaukee has welcomed the Singapore-flagged Patagonman as the first vessel of the 2025 international season on Sunday, March 30.

The Patagonman arrived in Milwaukee after unloading cargo in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, following its transit through the St. Lawrence Seaway from an oceanic port. The St. Lawrence Seaway locks opened 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. The locks operate seasonally, with a standard maintenance period from early January through late March.

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 2024, 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 growers, producers, and manufacturers throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.

“Port Milwaukee is a valuable link for businesses and farmers throughout the region who trade internationally,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “World markets strengthen our economy, and it is great to welcome the first international arrival of the 2025 shipping season.”

On Tuesday, April 1, Port Milwaukee staff went aboard the Patagonman to present Captain Eduard Kovalevskiy with a plaque in honor and celebration of being the first vessel of the 2025 international season.

“The Patagonman’s arrival signals the start of Port Milwaukee’s international season, and we are hopeful we’ll go above and beyond 2024 tonnage levels,” Port Director Jackie Q. Carter said. “We wish Captain Kovalevskiy and his crew a safe voyage and are thankful for their role in transporting Wisconsin products around the world. We look forward to welcoming more vessels this season.”

After loading in Milwaukee, the Patagonman set sail for the United Kingdom. Port Milwaukee had 42 international vessel visits last year, carrying over 324,000 metric tons of cargo - an increase of roughly 70 percent compared to the previous year.