Brutal winter exacts high price from Great Lakes shippers

Lake Carrier’s Association calls on U.S. government to build another heavy icebreaker.

Cargo movement in U.S.-flag Great Lakes freighters in March fell to its lowest level since 2009. Shipments totaled only 825,000 tons, a decrease of more than 60 percent compared to the month’s 5-year average.

Another brutal winter, coupled with a number of casualties to U.S. and Canadian icebreakers, slowed the resumption of navigation.

Because of the heavy ice, only 26 U.S.-flag lakers were in service on April 1. In some years, nearly 50 hulls are underway by that date.

This is the second year in a row a harsh winter has stalled the new shipping season.

http://www.boatnerd.com/news/

Thanks to Terry Pack for this link