The first ocean-going ship of the season arrived at Burns Harbor on Monday, signalling the beginning of the international trade shipping season.

The vessel delivered wind turbine equipment from Spain. The first ship is usually greeted with a ceremony that was skipped this year due to the coronavirus.

The Northwest Indiana Times says about 75 international vessels are expected at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor this year, with many of them carrying cargo for the energy sector.

Last year the port handled more than one and a half million tons of cargo, down from the previous year due to tariffs, trade disputes, and higher water levels.