IMMEDIATE RELEASE        June 28 , 2001

Coal shipments continued as the Port of Duluth-Superior's maritime commerce leader through May, but, despite record spring rainfall, Great Lakes water levels restrained nearly all tonnage cargo categories, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Total waterborne commerce of 8.2 million metric tons represented a 3.6 percent decrease from 8.5 million tons through May 2000.

Outbound coal handled through Superior's Midwest Energy Resources Co. facility has set Port records for seven consecutive years. Historically the Port's No. 2 cargo, it eclipsed iron ore in the 2000 season and continues its lead in 2001.

All of the Great Lakes basins received above average rain through May; however, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are still six and 23 inches below average respectively. Each inch of vessel draft equals about 270 tons of cargo for the largest domestic lakers.

Decreased Canadian exports of iron ore and a sluggish grain market held international trade to 2.1 million metric tons, a 21.2 percent decrease from last year's 2.6 million tons.

Increased domestic shipments of iron ore helped bring total domestic trade to 6.2 million tons, a 4.2 increase from last year's 5.9 million tons.

There were 236 vessels visiting the Port through May, a decrease of 12 from last year. Making up 2001's total were 142 U.S.-flag, 62 Canadian-flag and 32 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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