October 20, 1999

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.-Canadian bound coal and overseas grain transshipped via Canada helped boost total waterborne commerce two percent above the level reached in 1998, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority reported today.

The clean-burning, low-sulfur coal shipped through the Port's Midwest Energy Resources terminal continued to climb toward its expected record level for year-end 1999, with shipments through September reaching 10.5 million tons (seven percent above last year's level.) Grain shipments through September were 20 percent ahead of levels reached during the same period a year ago.

All cargo through September totaled 26.6 million metric tons, two percent above both last year's figure and the five-year average (each at about 26.1 million tons.)

Strong international coal and grain shipments brought total international trade to 7.5 million metric tons, 11 percent above the 6.8 million tons reached last year. Domestic trade of 19 million metric tons showed a two percent decrease from last year's 19.3 million tons-a result of slightly decreased iron ore shipments.

The Port's three principal cargoes of iron ore, coal and grain equaled 91 percent of total commerce-iron ore with 10.8 million tons (41 percent), coal running a close second at 10.5 million tons (39 percent), and grain rounding up the top three with 2.9 million tons (11 percent.)

Cargo wasn't the only thing moving through the Port in September. Also included in the mix were people-the 300-plus passengers onboard the German cruise vessel Columbus which paid a visit to the Port on September 7.

"While passengers don't add to cargo figures they are an important addition to the Port's economic wellbeing-generating a local economic impact of more than $100,000 per day, per visit," said Port Promotion Manager Lisa Marciniak.

The Columbus is expected to return twice in September of 2000, and Port and City officials continue their efforts to convince additional cruise lines to provide Great Lakes' service.

Vessel calls through September (including the Columbus) totaled 733, slightly more than last year's figure of 730. Making up that total were 444 U.S.-flag, 179 Canadian-flag and 110 overseas vessels.

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CONTACT: Ray Skelton, Environmental & Government Affairs Director

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