Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes totaled 2.2 million tons in April, a decrease of 3.8 percent compared to a year ago.
However, when compared to its 5-year average, the trade was down nearly 27 percent, said the Cleveland-based Lake Carriers’ Association.
The trade group said loadings at Lake Superior ports increased by nearly 10 percent, but shipments from Chicago fell by a third, while Lake Erie ports were off 12.3 percent, or 90,000 tons.
Year-to-date the Great Lakes coal trade stands at 3.3 million tons, a decrease of 8.7 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings are 31 percent behind the 5-year average for the January-April period.
The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 17 American companies that operate 57 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes. In addition to coal, these vessel operators transport a variety of bulk cargoes, such as iron ore, fluxstone, aggregate, and cement. Collectively, the carriers can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo per year.
Great Lakes coal drops 3.8% in April
