Month after month this summer, Lake Carriers' Association reports have painted a grim picture of commerce on the Great Lakes. Much of what moves on the lakes is tied directly to the larger economy iron ore for steel production and limestone for construction and other industries.

According to a report released, the August numbers for limestone continue to be depressed.

What happens on the lakes has a wider effect on the local economy. Late last month, Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay which does much of the repair and maintenance on the Great Lakes fleet — said it could lay off 405 people later this year because of economic conditions.

According to the report, shipments of limestone from US and Canadian ports totaled 3 million net tonnes last month, a decrease of 31.4% compared with a year ago.

The report stated that "The decrease was slightly larger when compared to the month's five year average of 32.7%. Several vessels that are heavily engaged in the trade were forced to lay up for periods of time during the month."

According to the report, for the year, the limestone trade stands at 13.4 million tonnes a decrease of 34.6% compared with a year ago.

Lake Carriers' Association represents 16 American companies that operate 63 US Flag vessels on the Great Lakes that carry raw materials including iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the construction industry and coal for power generation. Collectively, these vessels transport more than 115 million tons of cargo annually.

(Sourced from postcrescent.com)