IMMEDIATE RELEASE        May 24, 2002

Duluth, Minn.-U.S.A.-Early season waterborne commerce in 2002 through the Port of Duluth-Superior reached 3.9 million tons, an eight percent decrease from last year's 4.2 million tons, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Detail Report

Western coal shipments and slightly increased water levels helped hold Port tonnage at a moderate decline from last year's level despite dramatic reductions in iron ore and grain shipments. All cargo through April trailed the five-year average of 4.3 million tons by nine percent.

Total coal shipped via Superior's Midwest Energy Resources facility reached 1.93 million tons, a nearly one percent increase from last year's 1.92 million tons. The Port's other two principal cargoes, iron ore and grain, were down by 10 percent and 27 percent respectively.

Port officials said iron ore shipments are directly dependent on the struggling North American steel industry while grain exports have been adversely affected by excess worldwide production and the strong U.S. dollar.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers records showed spring rains brought Lake Superior's water level in April one inch above the same time last year, but four inches below its long-term average. Lakes Michigan and Huron were 11 inches above last year, but still one foot below the long-term average. Each inch of draft means about 270 tons of cargo for the largest domestic lakers and about 100 tons for typical Seaway vessels.

Total international cargoes of 1.6 million tons surpassed 2001's 1.1 million tons by 36 percent. Domestic trade of 2.3 million tons represented a 24 percent decrease from last year's figure of 3.1 million tons.

Coal through April reigned as the Port's tonnage leader, representing 50 percent of total commerce. The Port's three principal cargoes of coal, iron ore and grain represented 96 percent of total commerce, with iron ore shipments of 1.6 million tons making up 40 percent and grain movements of 221,029 tons contributing five percent.

Vessels visiting the Port through April totaled 110, a decrease of 11 from last year. There were 57 U.S.-flag, 40 Canadian-flag and 13 overseas vessels making up this year's total.

CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager, 218-727-8525

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