Lakes iron ore cargoes dip 17 percent in November

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

(CLEVELAND) — Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4.9 million tons in November, a decrease of 17 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments were down 12 percent from the month’s five-year average. 

Loadings at U.S. ports totaled 4.2 million tons in November, a decrease of 21.6 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian ports totaled 710,000 tons, an increase of 29.3 percent.

Through November, the Lakes/Seaway ore trade stands at 49.3 million tons, a decrease of 7 percent compared to the same point in 2014 and the five-year average for the January-November time frame. Loadings at U.S. ports are down 11 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Shipments from Canadian ports are up 29 percent.

The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 15 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 115 million tons of cargo per year. More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

By Professional Mariner Staff