Great Lakes iron ore cargoes in December benefit from less ice

U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers cite a mild December and less ice for their ability to transport 6.3 million tons of iron ore that month.    U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers cite a mild December and less ice for their ability to transport 6.3 million tons of iron ore that month, an increase of 23.6 percent compared to the same month last year, when the lakes were closed in with thick ice.
   The Lake Carriers’ Association said the biggest increase came from U.S. ports on Lake Superior, with loadings out of Duluth, Minn.; Superior, Wis.; Two Harbors and Silver Bay, Minn.; and Marquette, Mich., totaling 5,124,525 tons, an increase of 41.8 percent compared to December 2013.
   “The December surge allowed the iron ore trade to erase the deficit with 2013, at least on paper. Lakes-wide, the iron ore trade totaled 59.6 million tons, an increase of 2.2 percent. However, even with higher water levels allowing for bigger loads and the activation of three U.S.-flag lakers that had not been scheduled to operate in 2014, not all the iron ore that was contracted to be hauled was delivered,” the association said.
   The heavy ice that carpeted the Lakes between December 2013 and May 2014 delayed and/or cancelled so many voyages that the next seven months were not sufficient to meet all commitments.
   Thick ice is already creeping into the Great Lakes this month. “A number of delays were incurred and cargo totals, when finalized, will reflect that,” the association said.
   The Cleveland-based Lake Carriers’ Association represents 17 American companies that operate 55 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.