U.S.-flag lakers quadruple liftings

U.S.-flag lakers quadruple liftings    U.S.-flag bulk carriers operating on the Great Lakes handled 2.55 million tons of cargo in March, more than four times the 579,284 tons moved in March 2009, according to the Lake Carriers Association.
   Thirty-two of the 55 U.S.-flag lakers were in service on April 1 compared to 17 a year earlier, another indication of a strengthening economy.
   The steel industry is “on the mend,” the group said, and 2.08 million tons were handled in March compared to 371,692 tons in March 2009.
   Coal loadings increased almost six-fold to 328,450 tons, compared to 56,471 tons in March 2009.
   “Another factor in the March upturn was the sterling performance of the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaking resources. All eight vessels stationed on the Great Lakes aided in the resumption of navigation,” the group said. It also noted the U.S. Coast Guard also transferred the East Coast icebreaker Penobscot Bay to the lakes for the ice season and that two Canadian icebreakers “also made significant contributions.”