THE St Lawrence Seaway posted a seven per cent year-on-year drop in cargo throughput to 14.5 million tonnes during its April through July 31 opening season period.
Coal fell 38 per cent and iron and general cargo each dropped eight per cent with liquid bulk slipping three per cent over the same period last year.
But US grain shipments were up 63 per cent to 765,000 tonnes with Duluth, Toledo, Milwaukee, Chicago, Indiana Burns Harbour and Buffalo receiving and exporting much more grain, said the Chamber of Marine Commerce. (The seasonal Seaway is shared with Canada.)
Cement shipments also rose 11 per cent, which resulted from an increase in US construction activity. In addition, dry bulk shipments increased 10 per cent.
Detroit posted a 17 per cent increase in shipments of steel, aluminum and machinery while Cleveland saw an increase in new customers that previously used coastal ports.
"July was another strong month in our traditional steel sector, which includes steel coils, pipe, and wire rod," said Port of Cleveland vice president David Gutheil. "
The Cleveland-Europe Express service has also continued its momentum. Containerised cargo has increased by more than 300 per cent compared to 2014."
Throughout this year's shipping season, the Port of Toledo has seen an increase in grain, petroleum products and bulk materials shipments. In July alone, more than 22,000 tonnes of aluminum and steel were shipped via barges from Canada to the Port of Toledo. "Much of this breakbulk cargo used to find its way to our area via long haul cross-border truck routes, now more processors and manufacturers are taking advantage of marine transportation to bring goods to our region," said Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority vice president Joe Cappel.
WORLD SHIPPING
13 August 2015 - 21:44
St Lawrence Seaway cargo shipments down 7pc, but grain up 63pc
THE St Lawrence Seaway posted a seven per cent year-on-year drop in cargo throughput to 14.5 million tonnes during its April through July 31 opening season period.
WORLD SHIPPING
13 August 2015 - 21:44
St Lawrence Seaway cargo shipments down 7pc, but grain up 63pc
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