Great Lakes vessel operators urge deeper port channels

Great Lakes vessel operators urge deeper port channels U.S.-flag carriers operating on the Great Lakes told House lawmakers Friday that the region's ports are in dire need of dredging.
   'Unfortunately, we are not able to take full advantage of our vessels' efficiencies because of inadequate dredging,' testified James H.I. Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers' Association and an officer with the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, before the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee.
   'Today, three of every four vessels leave the dock 'light loaded' because ports and connecting channels on the Great Lakes are not maintained to project dimensions,' Weakley said.
   The association estimates that when a Great Lakes vessel shaves an inch off its draft potential it loses more than 8,000 tons of cargo per trip.
   'Those 8,000 tons of iron ore not carried could have produced steel for 6,000 automobiles. Those 8,000 tons of coal not carried could have produced electricity to power the Greater Detroit area for three hours. Those 8,000 tons of limestone not carried could have been used to build 24 homes,' Weakley said.
   The Lake Carriers’ Association represents 18 companies that operate 63 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.
   Weakley cited specific examples about the depth constraints on shipping in the Great Lakes.
   'Ships bound for Saginaw, Mich., could load an additional 60 inches if adequate water were available,' he said.
   The Saginaw's turning basin hasn’t been dredged since 1983, and last summer the port was nearly closed to commercial navigation when two ships ran aground. 'Only emergency dredging by the Army Corps of Engineers kept dock owners from certain bankruptcy,' Weakley said.
   The Great Lakes port of Dunkirk, N.Y., was not so fortunate. The port was closed to commercial navigation last year due to insufficient water depth.
   Weakley urged the House subcommittee to use the funds collected for the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), which now contains about $3.5 billion, to cover the cost of dredging the Great Lakes ports.
   'It's time to restore the 'trust' to the HMTF by either spending it down or taking it 'off budget,' ' Weakley said.