IMMEDIATE RELEASE        October 4 , 2002
Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.—Increased iron ore and coal shipments in the Port of Duluth-Superior have sustained this year’s rise in cargo volume, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Extended Tonnage

Although all Great Lakes iron ore shipments were reportedly down by nine percent, Duluth-Superior’s iron ore cargoes rose to 10.3 million metric tons, a 22 percent jump from last year’s 8.5 million tons.

Coal shipments through August from Superior’s Midwest Energy Resources Co. reached 9.4 million tons, one percent above last year’s 9.3 million tons. Outbound coal through the facility is expected to set a Port record for the ninth consecutive year this season.

Shipments of bulk grain, the Port’s third leading cargo, reached 1.3 million tons in August, a 20 percent decrease from last year’s 1.7 million tons. A lakes-wide decline in steel imports has meant fewer ocean ships available at competitive outbound rates.

The Port’s three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain combined for 92 percent of total commerce. Iron ore represented 45 percent, coal 41 percent and grain six percent.

Total international trade was boosted by strong Canadian iron ore and coal shipments to 7.8 million metric tons, a 16 percent increase from the 6.7 million tons reached a year ago.

Increased domestic shipments of iron ore helped lift total domestic trade to 15.1 million tons, a one percent increase from last year’s 14.9 million tons.

Vessels visiting the Port through August totaled 654, an increase of 51 from last year. There were 390 U.S.-flag, 191 Canadian-flag and 73 overseas vessels.
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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

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

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