Great Lakes carriers optimistic about future freight volumes

Great Lakes carriers optimistic about future freight volumes

Great Lakes carriers optimistic about future freight volumes

   Great Lakes carriers expect their freight volumes to increase during the next five years, according to a U.S. Maritime Administration report released Monday.

   The MarAd report cited increases in bulk iron ore, coal, limestone and cement shipments. There is also potential for Great Lakes carriers to transport other types of bulk cargoes, such as iron ore briquettes, plastic pellets and scrubbing stone.

   Great Lakes carriers say these cargo increases will ensure investments in new vessels during the next five years, the MarAd report said.

   “The more Americans manufacture, the more they consume, the more goods will flow on the Great Lakes,” said Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian in a statement Monday.

   About two-thirds of the country’s manufacturing is located in the eight-state Great Lakes region, and more than half of domestic steel production is concentrated in this area.

   The MarAd report, however, cited several infrastructure concerns by Great Lakes carriers, such as maintaining sufficient harbor depths and lock repairs.

   The report is available online at http://www.marad.dot.gov/marad_statistics/ .