IMMEDIATE RELEASE        January 8, 2003

Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.- Total waterborne commerce at the Port of Duluth-Superior through November exceeded last year's level by six percent, while vessel traffic climbed by seven percent, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Extended Tonnage Report

Year-to-date cargo totaled 35.5 million metric tons compared with 33.7 million tons in 2001-when shipments were negatively impacted by a lakes-wide deterioration of iron ore shipments and low water levels.

Strong western coal and iron ore shipments boosted this year's vessel calls through November to 1,010 compared with 941 last year. Total cargo exceeded the five-year average of 34.2 million metric tons by four percent.

Total international trade of 11.8 million metric tons showed an increase of 12 percent from the 10.5 million tons reached during the same period in 2001. Domestic trade of 23.8 million tons represented a three percent increase from the 23.1 million tons reached last year.

The Port's three principal cargoes of coal, iron ore and grain equaled 92 percent of total commerce. Coal contributed 42 percent with 14.94 million metric tons (six percent above last year's level). Iron ore nearly mirrored that figure with a 42 percent contribution of 14.87 million tons (16 percent ahead of 2001). Grain shipments of 2.8 million tons equaled eight percent of total commerce (19 percent behind last year).

Great Lakes shipping will continue through Duluth-Superior until the seasonal closing of the Soo Locks January 15.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager 218-727-8525

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