Great Lakes shipments of iron dip in July

   Limestone shipments on the Great Lakes increased 11.9 percent in July compared to 2011 while iron ore volume decreased 2.2 percent, the Lake Carriers’ Association said.
   The 57-vessel U.S.-flag fleet that plies the Lakes hauled 4.1 million tons of limestone from U.S. and Canadian ports. Loadings were also more than 8 percent ahead of the month’s five-year average. Year-to-date, limestone trade is up 14 percent on annual basis to 14 million tons and slightly ahead of the five-year rolling average.
   Despite iron ore’s decline, volume was 12 percent ahead of the five-year average for July. Iron ore shipments totaled 6.9 million tons, with a 6 percent drop off from U.S. ports eased by a 30 percent increase of loadings at Canadian ports.
   Through July iron ore shipments totaled 32.1 million tons, an increase of 6.5 percent compared to a year ago and 19 percent better than the five-year average.
   Compared to June, growth was 6 percent for limestone shipments and 6.3 percent for iron ore shipments.