Great Lakes’ limestone shipments rise in May

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes reached 3.8 million tons in May, an increase of 16.6 percent compared to a year ago.    Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes reached 3.8 million tons in May, an increase of 16.6 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Lakes Carriers’ Association.
   The association, which represents 16 companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes, said May recorded the highest monthly total since June 2012. 
   “Unlike a year ago, the limestone trade was not hampered by the aftereffects of a brutal winter,” LCA explained. “The Lakes were basically ice-free, whereas in 2014, ice formations lingered well into May and a number of vessels were idled for a period to repair ice damage suffered in March and April.”
   Year-to-date limestone shipments totaled 5.9 million tons, an increase of 37.7 percent compared to the same point in 2014. “However, as impressive as that increase is, it could have been greater. A number of vessels that primarily serve the short-haul stone trade delayed their sailings this April rather than become beset in ice,” the association said.