Your solution for specialized cargo

In 2024, the Port of Monroe and terminal operator DRM demonstrated expertise in handling specialized cargo through a series of complex operations, including heavy-lift transfers and roll-on/roll-off movements. These successful projects underscore our strategic location, robust infrastructure, and commitment to providing tailored logistics solutions for your unique cargo needs.​

Heavy Lift: Barge to Rail Spur Transfer
In June 2024, the Port was involved a complex heavy-lift operation involving the transfer of a 390-ton generator stator from a barge to a specialized railcar. Monroe has now been the site of three unique transfers involving the same component- it was imported in 2019 onboard the heavy-lift vessel Happy Ranger and exported in 2022 for reconditioning. This operation showcased the port’s robust connectivity, offering direct Class I rail access from the turning basin dock.

Roll-Off: Two Specialized Trailers
Immediately following the heavy lift, the Port and DRM rolled off of two specialized trailers carrying oversized industrial components. The port’s existing infrastructure, combined with its strategic location, enabled the efficient handling of these unique cargoes.

Roll-On: Two Absorber Towers
The Port and DRM successfully managed the roll-on of two large absorber towers destined for a regional battery manufacturing facility in October 2024. The port’s proximity to significant regional investments positions it as a pivotal player in supporting large-scale industrial projects.

Roll-On: Crane Deployment for Infrastructure Project
In October 2024, the Port and DRM facilitated the roll-on of a crawler crane to support a significant infrastructure project in the region. This operation displayed how the Port can be quickly configured to support time-sensitive deployment of equipment.

Looking ahead, the Port of Monroe’s ongoing infrastructure developments are set to further enhance its capabilities in handling specialized cargo.

• The heavy-lift rail spur, a result of a partnership with DTE Energy and funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Rail Loan Assistance Program, allows for direct discharge operations, minimizing cargo handling and increasing efficiency.

• The Turning basin dock, originally constructed in the 1930s, will be fully rehabilitated with a new concrete cap and construction of a seawall which collapsed in 2022. A RORO extension funded through MDOT will create a dedicated space for future RORO movements.

With these advancements, the Port of Monroe stands ready to be your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of project cargo logistics.