In an article from The Toledo Blade, the Port of Toledo announces that it is in the final stages of expanding its capabilities with a new 50,000-square-foot warehouse. 

The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority board of directors authorized Thursday a design-build contract for a 50,000-square-foot warehouse at the Port of Toledo to support its construction of a new liquid-bulk terminal there.

The warehouse won’t just be for liquid-bulk commodities, however. Joe Cappel, the port’s vice president of business development, said it will be flexible enough to handle anything that might need indoor storage at the port.

“Indoor storage is in high demand at the Port of Toledo,” Mr. Cappel said after the directors’ unanimous vote to authorize port President Thomas Winston to enter a contract with a design-build venture chosen through an ongoing selection process.

The project’s budget includes $4,692,393 from an Ohio Department of Transportation Maritime Assistance Program grant, which is the amount the port board authorized. The board also authorized a 10 percent contingency, which would be drawn either from “previously appropriated port authority funds” or from Midwest Terminals of Toledo International, the port operator.

Mr. Cappel said the warehouse will be built along the southwest side of John Q. Carey Drive, the international cargo docks’ southerly entrance road. The liquid bulk transload facility is nearly complete, with only final construction cleanup remaining.

“Qualifications have been received and are in final review and selection, consistent with standard port authority process,” a staff report to the board of directors stated.

Along with being near the liquid-bulk facility, Mr. Cappel said, the new warehouse will offset the recent removals of several old storage buildings.

The new building is to be built on a concrete slab and include dock doors, fire protection, electrical and mechanical systems, and site improvements. Mr. Cappel said construction could begin next spring after design is completed this winter.

“It should go fairly quickly” considering it’s a relatively simple project, he said.

Source: This blog post is based on the article by David Patch, Blade Staff Writer, titled “Port board authorizes 50,000-square-foot warehouse project,” published in The Toledo Blade.

The Port of Toledo is taking another significant step towards sustainable operations with the conversion of its second diesel-powered switching locomotive to a battery-electric model provided by Midwest Terminals. This exciting development follows the successful debut of Engine 205, the first completely battery-electric conversion locomotive in North America, in July 2023.

Building on Success
The new project, spearheaded by Midwest Terminals of Toledo International, the firm operating the port’s general cargo docks, mirrors the conversion of Engine 205. Engine 703 will undergo a similar transformation at Medha Transportation, LLC. This process involves replacing the traditional diesel engine with a bank of batteries, powering the locomotive’s wheels electrically.

Environmental and Operational Benefits
The switch to electric power offers a multitude of advantages. The new locomotive will eliminate emissions, contributing to cleaner air around the port and the city of Toledo. Additionally, the electric engine operates quietly, minimizing noise pollution and creating a more pleasant work environment.

Performance and Efficiency
While both locomotives share the same control systems, brakes, motors, and wheel assemblies, some subtle differences exist. According to locomotive engineer Brent Lutz, the diesel engines deliver a quicker initial start-up, whereas the electric version provides a smoother ride with slightly slower acceleration. However, the electric engine boasts superior efficiency, minimizing wear and tear on the rail with its smoother operation.

Looking Ahead
The success of Engine 205 played a crucial role in the decision to convert Engine 703. Officials are optimistic about the new locomotive’s performance and its potential impact on further reducing the port’s environmental footprint. While hydrogen fuel cell technology wasn’t deemed mature enough for this project, future advancements might make it a viable option for the port’s future or even the electric engine’s recharging station.

Source: This blog post is based on the article by David Patch, Blade Staff Writer, titled “Toledo port sending 2nd train to electric; Rebuilt engine expected to arrive next year,” published in The ToledoBlade.

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Last week, the Port Authority celebrated its 100th project financed through the Northwest Ohio Bond Fund, which has a national rating of “A” from S&P Global Ratings. This project provides $8,000,000 to support Midwest Terminals, operator of the Port of Toledo’s General Cargo Dock, to finance the construction of a liquid transloading facility at the Port of Toledo.

This is a significant milestone as The Port Authority’s Northwest Ohio Bond Fund was the first municipal bond fund established in the state of Ohio and has allowed the Port Authority to finance new business and business expansion throughout the state.

Since its inception in 1988, the Bond Fund has provided $446 million in direct financing proceeds, which has resulted in the creation and retention of over 8,700 jobs.

S&P Global Ratings (S&P) recently announced an upgrade to the Port Authority’s Bond Fund rating from an “A-” to an “A” investment-grade rating with a stable outlook. Key factors contributing to the upgrade include an increased investment in the Bond Fund Reserves, the diversification of projects, and a zero percent default rate to bondholders.

Check out photos of the closing of the 100th bond project! 

Hello Midwest Terminals Community,

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone in our commitment to greener and more sustainable rail operations. On November 3rd, our team welcomed the 13abc news team, who visited Midwest Terminals to showcase our groundbreaking all-electric switcher locomotive. The visit highlighted our unwavering commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible rail operations.

Read the full news report here: https://www.13abc.com/2023/11/03/project-planet-first-ever-all-electric-switcher-locomotive-provides-green-alternative-railroads/

At Midwest Terminals, we recognize the urgent need to transition to environmentally responsible practices. With the introduction of the all-electric switcher locomotive, we aim to provide a green alternative for rail transportation, setting new standards in the industry.

This revolutionary locomotive boasts several remarkable features that make it a game-changer for both the environment and the rail industry. Let’s take a closer look:

• Zero Emissions: The all-electric switcher locomotive eliminates harmful emissions, drastically reducing our carbon footprint. By transitioning from traditional diesel-powered locomotives to electric models, we are making significant strides towards a cleaner and healthier planet.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Equipped with state-of-the-art electric motors, the switcher locomotive delivers superior performance and efficiency. Its cutting-edge technology allows for quicker acceleration and deceleration, optimizing operations and reducing energy consumption.
• Noise Reduction: One of the significant benefits of electric locomotives is the reduction in noise pollution. The switcher locomotive operates silently, minimizing disturbances to nearby residential areas and wildlife habitats. This silent operation is a testament to our commitment to being a responsible member of the communities we serve.

The introduction of the all-electric switcher locomotive marks an important step towards a greener future for Midwest Terminals and the entire rail industry. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond this remarkable development; we continue to explore and invest in innovative solutions that align with our environmental goals.

By embracing change and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Midwest Terminals is leading the way towards a more sustainable future in rail operations. We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this green revolution and are excited to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for more updates on our sustainability initiatives. Together, let’s build a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.