Low water levels on Great Lakes means ships ‘light loading’

Low water levels on Great Lakes means ships ‘light loading’    The Lake Carriers’ Association said: “with water levels on most of the Great Lakes below long-term average, the effects of light loading were again pronounced in August.”
   “The Lakes are now beginning their seasonal decline, so loads will be further reduced, thus heightening the need for dredging,” the group added.
   Shipments of dry bulk cargos in U.S.-Flag Lakers totaled 11.66 million net tons in August, a 4.2 percent decrease compared to a year ago and 2.6 percent off the month’s five-year average.
   “Demand for iron ore remained strong, with shipments rising 9.4 percent compared to a year ago. However, high inventories of coal trimmed shipments of that commodity overall by 8.4 percent. With demand steady in the long haul trades — iron ore and Lake Superior coal — the limestone float felt the effects of tight vessel capacity. Shipments slipped 14.6 percent compared to a year ago,” the association noted.