IMMEDIATE RELEASE        November 20, 2001

DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.-Continued strong coal shipments helped offset declining iron ore tonnage, bringing year-to-date commerce in the Port of Duluth-Superior slightly above last year's level, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

Extended Tonnage

All cargo through October totaled a fraction more than 30 million metric tons, nearly two percent ahead of last year's 29.5 million tons and almost one percent below the five-year average of 30.3 million tons.

Total coal shipped via Superior's Midwest Energy Resources facility reached 12.5 million metric tons, an eight percent increase from last year's 11.6 million tons.

Overall Great Lakes iron ore shipments through October decreased 19 percent from the same period a year ago, according to The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA), while the Port of Duluth-Superior's iron ore shipments through October of 11.5 million tons represented nearly a three percent decrease from last year's 11.8 million tons.

The Port's iron ore movements for the balance of the season are expected to be negatively impacted by a lakes-wide deterioration of iron ore shipments and the early lay-up of several U.S.-flag lakers.

Despite a decrease in overall vessel visits, U.S. lakers visiting the Port through October increased by 13 from last year's level. The largest domestic lakers carry about 65,000 metric tons of cargo-typically coal and iron ore-and higher Great Lakes water levels this year have enabled the big carriers to move more tonnage per trip.

Shipments of bulk grain, the Port's third leading cargo, reached 2.8 million metric tons in October, a 12 percent decrease from last year's 3.2 million tons. Fewer ocean ships have been available at competitive outbound rates due to a lakes-wide decline in imports, as reflected in the drop of 18 overseas vessels visiting the Port through October (totaling 125 versus last year's 143).

The Port's three principal cargoes of coal, iron ore and grain combined for 89 percent of total commerce, with coal continuing as this season's leader at 42 percent, iron ore at 38 percent and grain nine percent.

Both international and domestic trade increased from last year's level, with international trade's total of 9.3 million tons representing a three percent rise from last year's nine million tons. Domestic trade's 20.7 million tons equaled a one percent increase from the 20.5 million tons reached a year ago.

The 836 vessels visiting the Port through October represented a decrease of 34 from last year. This year's traffic included 506 U.S.-flag, 205 Canadian-flag and 125 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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