Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes totaled 3 million net tonnes in October, a decrease of nearly 11% compared to September and a drop of 9.6% compared to a year ago. The trade slumped even more 20.7% when compared to the 5 year average for October.

Loadings at Lake Superior ports fell to 1.5 million tonnes, a decrease of 21.6% compared to a year ago. Shipments from Lake Michigan terminals rose 40% for the second straight month. Loadings at Lake Erie docks were essentially on par with a year ago.

Year to date, the coal trade stands at 22.1 million tonnes, a decrease of 14.1% compared to a year ago, and even more, 25.4%, when compared to the 5 year average for the January to October timeframe.

(Sourced from www.marinelink.com)