58 U.S.-Flag Lakers In Operation On October 1
The active U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet numbered 58 vessels on October 1, an increase of two hulls compared to a year ago, but two less than the month's 5-year average. Included in the total of active vessels for the first time this year was Oglebay Norton's Buckeye. The vessel ended a 21-month lay up on September 30.
Vessel Utilization Rates
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
October 1, 2000-2004 and 5-Year Average
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2000 | 53 | 6 | 6 | 65 |
| 2001 | 48 | 6 | 6 | 60 |
| 2002 | 49 | 6 | 5 | 60 |
| 2003 | 45 | 6 | 5 | 56 |
| 2004 | 49 | 5 | 4 | 58 |
| 5-Year Average | 49 | 6 | 5 | 60 |