U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers see increased dry bulk volumes in April

U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers see increased dry bulk volumes in April    The U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet carried about 10.3 million net tons of cargo in April, a 26.3 percent increase over April 2003.
   “While the increase reflects improving demand for dry-bulk cargoes, it must be remembered that heavy ice slowed navigation a year ago,” said the Cleveland-based Lake Carriers’ Association, which tracks the freight volumes for the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet. “More accurate is the five-year comparison and in that regard, this April’s total represents an increase of 6.9 percent.”
   For the year, the U.S.-flag float stands at 18.3 million net tons, an increase of 56 percent compared to the same point in 2003.
   “The increase partially reflects the extension of the closing date for the Soo Locks to Jan. 24 that allowed additional cargoes of iron ore and western coal to move in January,” the association said. “However, even when compared to the five-year average for the January-April timeframe, the U.S.-flag fleet’s float is still more than 20 percent ahead of the pace.”