U.S.-Flag Lakes Fleet Up 4 Vessels On May 1
The major U.S.-flag Great Lakes carriers had 56 of their 63 vessels in service on May 1, an increase of four hulls compared to a year ago. The increase reflects the reinvigoration of steel mills in Cleveland, Indiana Harbor and Chicago by ISG. A year ago these mills were idle. Today they are making steel and even exporting their product to Europe.
That said, the industry is far from operating at full capacity. As of today, six U.S.-flag lakers have no sail date in 2003.
The fleet total - 63 vessels - reflects recent changes in the industry. The ELTON HOYT 2ND (Interlake Steamship) has been sold to Canadian interests for operation under that flag. The grain carrier KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (Great Lakes Associates) and the liquid-bulk carrying barge 2801 (Hannah Marine Corporation) are not expected to operate again.
Vessel Utilization Rates
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
May 1, 2003
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2003 | 45 | 5 | 6 | 56 |
| 2002 | 43 | 4 | 5 | 52 |
| 2001 | 48 | 5 | 3 | 56 |
| 2000 | 49 | 6 | 7 | 62 |
| 1999 | 52 | 7 | 6 | 65 |
| 5-Year Average | 47 | 5 | 5 | 58 |
Date of Publication: May 2, 2003.
