Press Release  

DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.—The Port of Duluth-Superior handled 14 percent more waterborne commerce through May than during the same period in 1997, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth reported today.

The year-to-date cargo total was 8,662,940 metric tons compared with 7,616,273 tons in 1997. Total cargo exceeded the five-year average of 8.1 million metric tons by seven percent.

Both international and domestic commerce exceeded last year’s levels, with international trade experiencing strong exports of coal and grain. Total international trade of 2.4 million metric tons placed it 59 percent above the 1.5 million tons reached during the same period in 1997. Domestic trade of 6.2 million metric tons represented a three percent increase from the 6.1 million tons reached last year.

Iron ore, coal and grain, the ports three principal cargoes, equaled nearly 96 percent of total commerce. Iron ore contributed 48 percent 4.1 million metric tons. Coal contributed 40 percent with 3.4 million tons. Grain shipments of 685,785 tons equaled eight percent.

The strong start to the season—triggered by a mild winter and an early opening of Great Lakes navigation—was evidenced by vessel calls exceeding last year’s figure by 54. There were 250 vessels visiting the port through May compared with 196 in 1997. Making up that figure were 155 U.S.-flag, 66 Canadian-flag and 29 overseas vessels.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

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