Iron ore in July boosts U.S.-flag Lakers

Iron ore in July boosts U.S.-flag Lakers    Iron ore shipments for U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes totaled 6 million net tons in July, a nominal increase compared to June.
   The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) said the volume was a 72 percent increase over a year ago, although loadings were down about 6 percent compared to the month's five-year average.
   'July loadings at U.S. ports increased 70 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments from Canadian ports essentially doubled,' LCA said.
   Year-to-date Great Lakes ore trade stands at 27.6 million tons, a 115 percent increase compared to the same point last year. The end-of-July total is also within 'striking distance' of the five-year average for the January-July timeframe, LCA said. Shipments from U.S. ports are up 124 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings at Canadian ports are 59 percent ahead of last year's pace.