U.S.-flag Great Lakes cargo up 2% in 2006

U.S.-flag Great Lakes cargo up 2% in 2006 U.S.-flag members of the Lake Carriers' Association moved 109.7 million tons of dry bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in 2006, up 1.9 percent from 107.9 million tons in the previous year.
   The LCA reported strong demand for iron ore (up 5.1 percent to 49 million tons) and limestone (up 5.6 percent to 29.5 million tons) but a drop in coal cargos (down 6.9 percent to 25.3 million tons).
   The association said the modest growth in 2006 was partly the result of 'inadequate dredging,' which forced many vessels in both the coal and iron ore trades to load at 90 percent capacity or less when the water levels plunged, a situation that became acute in the final months of the year.
   Cleveland-based LCA represents 18 American companies that operate 63 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.