Green Bay Press Gazette
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090815/GPG03/908150514/1247/Great-Lakes-shipping-lag-continues
August 15, 2009
Great Lakes shipping lag continues
July iron ore, limestone numbers down from '08, but are highest of the year
By Nathan Phelps
nphelps@greenbaypressgazette.com
Overall shipments of dry goods on the Great Lakes continued to lag last month, but the Lake Carriers Association said there are signs things may be improving.
The association points to increases in iron ore and limestone shipments, which were at the highest levels for any month this year, according to a report issued by the association Friday.
July numbers for iron ore were 2.6 million tons, compared with 5.5 million tons last year, while limestone numbers were 2.1 million tons, down from 3 million at the same time last year.
Overall, U.S.-flag ships hauled 7.5 million tons of dry goods on the lakes last month, down 37 percent compared with 2008 and the five-year average for July.
July also saw the most lakers in service for 2009. As the month came to an end, 53 hulls were in service, beating the previous peak of 49 vessels on June 1, according to the report.
Like other parts of the economy, the shipping industry has been pinched by the recession.
Iron ore, for instance, is used in products ranging from cars to appliances, while limestone is a key part of the construction industry.
So far this year, U.S.-flag ships have moved 28.4 million tons, a decrease of about 45 percent compared with both a year ago and the five-year average.
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