Great Lakes traffic slumps in April

Great Lakes traffic slumps in April    The Lake Carriers Association said U.S.-flag vessels working the Great Lakes saw cargo totals plummet in April as steel mills, iron ore mines, and other industrial activities slumped from the weight of the recession.
   Cargo movement in April totaled only 5.1 million tons, a 45 percent decrease compared to a year ago and just half the month's five-year average.
   For the year, U.S.-flag carriage stands at 6.6 million tons, a 59 percent decrease compared to the same point in 2008, and down more than 61 percent compared to the five-year average for the January-April timeframe.
   The biggest decline came in iron ore cargos. April shipments totaled 1.7 million tons, off 62 percent from April 2008, and limestone shipments were 1.1 million tons, down 48 percent.
   The coal trade — 1.9 million tons — was “within striking distance” of April 2008’s 2.1 million tons because shipments of western coal from Lake Superior were strong, the group said, noting that cargo loaded at Lake Michigan and Lake Erie ports slumped badly.
   Vessel operating rates are well below a year ago. On May 1, 46 U.S.-flag lakers were in service, a decrease of 28 hulls compared to a year ago. Since then, two vessels have been withdrawn from service.