Press Release  

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.—The Port of Duluth-Superior handled six percent more waterborne commerce through June than during the same period in 1997, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth reported today.

The year-to-date cargo total was 12.9 million metric tons compared with 12.2 million tons in 1997. Total cargo exceeded the five-year average of 12.6 million metric tons by two percent.

International commerce, led by increased Canadian iron ore and coal exports and overseas grain exports, exceeded last year’s level by 35 percent. Total international trade reached 3.5 million metric tons compared with 2.6 million tons during the same period in 1997.

Domestic trade of 9.3 million metric tons represented a three percent decrease from the 9.6 million tons reached last year. Domestic iron ore and coal shipments were both up slightly, but inbound bulk cargoes dropped by 45 percent.

Iron ore, coal and grain, the ports three principal cargoes, equaled 95 percent of total commerce. Iron ore contributed 48 percent with 6.1 million metric tons. Coal contributed 39 percent with nearly five million tons. Grain shipments of more than one million tons equaled eight percent.

Vessel calls exceeded last year’s figure by 52. There were 364 vessels visiting the port through June compared with 312 in 1997. Making up that figure were 231 U.S.-flag, 93 Canadian-flag and 40 overseas vessels.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

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