U.S.-flag lakers see decline in January volumes

A total of 2.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo, primarily consisting of iron ore, was transported by U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters on the Great Lakes in January, a 23.1 percent year-over-year decline.    U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters transported 2.3 million tons of dry-bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in January, a 23.1 percent decline from January 2015, according to the Lakes Carriers’ Association.
   Iron ore volumes carried by U.S.-flag lakers during the month totaled 1.7 million tons, while coal transport stood at 189,977 tons, year-over-year declines of 19.7 percent and 67.5 percent, respectively.
   Cement shipments for January fell 16.8 percent year-over-year to 150,775 tons, but limestone shipments rose 72.7 percent compared to a year prior to 180,204 tons.
   In addition, U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters transported a total of 77,072 tons of salt in January 2016, a sharp contrast from January 2015 when these lakers did not transport any salt.