US-flag ships working on the Great Lakes carried less cargo in 2012 compared to 2011 and compared to the five-year average, according to an annual report.
Great Lakes freighters carried 89.5 million tons of the dry-bulk cargo last year, down 4.6% from 2011 and down 1.5% from the five-year average, according to the Ohio-based Lake Carriers’ Association.
The five-year average is 90.8 million tons.
The five-year average is 90.8 million tons.
Iron ore shipments dropped 4.3% from 2011. At 45.2 million tons, the iron ore total is still above the five-year average of 42 million tons, according to the report.
Coal shipments fell to 17.6 million tons last year, well below the five-year average of 22.5 million tons. Part of that decline has been attributed to the phasing out of coal-fired electrical plants in Canada.
Cement and limestone shipments were slightly ahead the five-year average for both commodities.
Cement and limestone shipments were slightly ahead the five-year average for both commodities.
