U.S.-flag cargo movement on Great Lakes down 6.4% in June

Lake Carriers' Association said that U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters (lakers) moved 9.65 million tons of cargo in June, a decrease of 6.4 percent compared to a year ago. The June float was also 5 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Iron ore cargos for the steel industry totaled 4.8 million tons, an increase of 8 percent compared to a year ago. Coal shipments to power plants and steel mills fell to 1.5 million tons, a decrease of nearly 28 percent. Limestone loads for construction projects and steel production totaled 2.9 million tons, a decrease of 4.4 percent compared to a year ago, the association's report said.

Year-to-date U.S.-flag carriage stands at 30.5 million tons, a decrease of 2 percent compared to the same point in 2015. Iron ore cargos are up 7.2 percent, but coal cargos have dipped 28 percent.

Limestone shipments trail last year by 2.3 percent.

Lake Carriers’ Association represents 14 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes and carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, aggregate and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation, as well as salt, sand and grain. Collectively, these vessels can transport more than 100 million tons of cargo per year.

Lake Carriers' Association (founded in 1880) is one of the oldest trade associations in the country promoting the common interests of its members, with special emphasis on legislative and regulatory matters. Membership in LCA is open to owners/operators of Great Lakes-licensed, self-propelled vessels (including tug/barge units that operate as self-propelled vessels) whose principal marine business is the transportation of cargo and whose vessels are subject to inspection by the U. S. Coast Guard. Lake Carriers’ Association is a founding member of Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, American Maritime Partnership and Great Lakes Seaway Partnership.  We are also a member of the Seaway Task Force Coalition.