U.S.-Flag Lakes Fleet Down Five Hulls On July 1
That sluggish demand for cargo continues to impact the U.S.-flag Lakes fleet is confirmed by the July 1 survey of major U.S.-flag lines. Those companies had 52 vessels in operation, a decrease of five hulls compared to both a year ago and the 5-year average for that date. However, one of the idled vessels, the cement carrier SOUTHDOWN CHALLENGER, is in the shipyard undergoing her U.S.C.G.-required 5-year inspection and should return to service upon completion. The 1,000-footer GEORGE A. STINSON has been idled while its status is determined following USX's acquisition of National Steel.
Vessel Utilization Rates
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
July 1, 2003
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2003 | 44 | 4 | 4 | 52 |
| 2002 | 47 | 6 | 4 | 57 |
| 2001 | 44 | 5 | 5 | 54 |
| 2000 | 50 | 5 | 7 | 62 |
| 1999 | 52 | 5 | 6 | 63 |
| 5-Year Average | 47 | 5 | 5 | 57 |
Date of Publication: July 9, 2003.
