US-flag shipping on Lakes holds steady in May

The following is the text of a news release from the Lake Carriers Association:

(CLEVELAND) — U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 9.5 million tons of cargo on the Great Lakes in May, a virtual repeat of a year ago. The float totaled 9,496,663 tons this May and 9,473,709 tons a year ago. This May’s shipments were, however, down 5 percent from the month’s long-term average.

Iron ore cargoes for steelmakers totaled 4.9 million tons, an increase of 4 percent compared to a year ago.

Coal loadings were little changed in May. Shipments totaled 1,435,400 tons, an increase of 36,953 tons.

Limestone cargoes hauled in U.S. bottoms totaled 2.7 million tons, a decrease of 7 percent compared to a year ago.

Year to date, U.S.-flag cargoes total 20,833,120 tons, again a virtual tie with a year ago. Iron ore shipments have increased 6.5 percent to 12.9 million tons. Coal cargoes mirror a year ago: 2.9 million tons. However, shipments of aggregate, fluxstone and scrubber stone — 3.9 million tons — have dipped nearly 15 percent.

By Professional Mariner Staff