IMMEDIATE RELEASE        October 25, 2001

DULUTH, Minn., U.S.A.-Strong Canadian coal shipments and increased domestic iron ore shipments in the Port of Duluth-Superior have sustained this year's modest rise in cargo volume, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today..

Extended Tonnage

All cargo through September totaled 26 million metric tons, a three percent increase from last year's 25.2 million tons and two percent above the five-year average of 25.5 million tons.

Canadian coal shipments through September from Superior's Midwest Energy Resources Co. reached 3.7 million tons, 82 percent above last year's two million tons.

Total coal shipped via the facility reached 10.9 million metric tons through September, a nine percent increase from last year's 10 million tons. Outbound coal handled through the facility is expected to set a Port record for the eighth consecutive year this season.

The Lake Carriers' Association (LCA) reported a 23 percent decrease through September of overall Great Lakes iron ore shipments, but Duluth-Superior's domestic shipments of iron ore rose from 7.4 to 8.1 million tons (a 10 percent increase). The closure of an LTV Co. dock in Taconite Harbor, Minn., and this year's higher lake levels contributed to the rise.

Total iron ore shipments through September of 10 million tons represented a one percent decrease from last year's 10.2 million tons. To date, weak demand for iron ore and other steel-related cargoes has resulted in eight U.S.-Flag lakers being idled a total of 501 days, two lakers out of service all year and one laker laying up 150 days early, according to the LCA.

Shipments of bulk grain, the Port's third leading cargo, reached 2.3 million tons in September, a 15 percent decrease from last year's 2.6 million tons. A lakes-wide decline in steel imports has meant fewer ocean ships available at competitive outbound rates.

The Port's three principal cargoes of coal, iron ore and grain combined for 90 percent of total commerce, coal with 42 percent, iron ore at 39 percent and grain with nine percent.

Total international trade was boosted by strong Canadian coal shipments to 8.1 million metric tons, a seven percent increase from the 7.6 million tons reached a year ago.

Increased domestic shipments of iron ore and receipts of limestone, which is used in making iron ore pellets and for agricultural and chemical processes, brought total domestic trade to 17.9 million tons, a two percent increase from last year's 17.6 million tons.

Vessels visiting the Port through August totaled 733, a decrease of five from last year. There were 441 U.S.-flag, 182 Canadian-flag and 110 overseas vessels making up that total.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

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

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