It is reported that shipping numbers are up on both the Great Lakes and international cargo on the St Lawrence Seaway so far this year. The increases are modest but encouraging to industry officials.

US flagged freighters have carried almost 5% more cargo on the Great Lakes so far this year compared to last year. And there are signs the season is finishing strong. Lake Carriers Association vice president Mr Glenn Neckvasil says November is way up.

He said that “A 12% increase compared to a year ago is a healthy number, so I would say the industry is continuing to rebound from the recession. The iron ore industry has been strong all year long and the steel mills are operating at very high rates.”

Mr Adolph Ojard Seaway Port Authority of Duluth Director said Duluth-Superior traffic is off a bit. Iron ore is up but coal is down as Ontario phases out the use of coal at power plants. But he expects a strong finish especially in iron ore.

He said that “We have good weather conditions. It appears the demand is out there maybe even some additional cargoes are being added by the end of the year. The word we have right now is that there will be no early lay ups of ships, that they’ll continue moving right through the closure of the Soo Locks.”

The Soo Locks will close on January 15 St. Lawrence Seaway tonnages to Canada and the Atlantic Ocean is up 1%. St Lawrence Seaway Administrator Mr Terry Johnson says that’s modest but encouraging.

He said that “Obviously much slower than anybody would like but at least it’s not a retrenchment. There were economists talking about a double-dip recession. We’re kind of bell weather for how the economy is doing and so it’s good news.”

Mr Johnson expects an end-of-the-season rush to build up inventories for the winter. Since it was a warm season, he says there shouldn't be a problem with ice this month.

(Sourced from www.superiortelegram.com)