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.
Great Lakes shipments of iron dip in July
