Lake Erie cargo ferry idea gets another look

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The on-off-again plan to launch a cargo ferry sailing across Lake Erie reportedly still has some wind behind it.

According to the London Free Press, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority is still assessing whether there’s demand from shippers and carriers for a cross-lake ferry from Port Stanley or Port Burwell.

Officials have retained a consultant to test the waters and gauge interest from the Ontario government.

"I still think the potential to find users is there," Port Authority chief executive William Friedman told The Free Press.

Friedman said that freight volumes is a key requirement in any ferry business plan, but conceded that there may be community opposition to increased trucking activity in the area.

Business interests on the U.S. side have for years promoted plans for a cross-lake ferry, but so far there’s been little action.

Daily trade between Ohio and southwestern Ontario is around $88 million, reports the Free Press.

Proponents say a cargo ferry would reduce fuel consumption and speed border crossings.