Fleet Down One Hull On November 1
U.S.-Flag Lakes operators had 59 vessels in service on November 1, a decrease of one hull compared to a year ago. However, a comparison with November 1, 1998 finds the fleet down 7 hulls. A struggling steel industry and uneven demand for aggregate have idled a number of vessels in recent years. This season, four U.S.-Flag lakers never sailed: ELTON HOYT 2ND; EDWARD L. RYERSON; RICHARD REISS; and JOSEPH H. FRANTZ. The 1,000-footer JAMES R. BARKER did not depart its winter berth until June 29.
Vessel Utilization Rates
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
November 1, 2002
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2002 | 49 | 5 | 5 | 59 |
| 2001 | 48 | 6 | 6 | 60 |
| 2000 | 52 | 5 | 5 | 62 |
| 1999 | 52 | 6 | 6 | 64 |
| 1998 | 53 | 6 | 7 | 66 |
Date of Publication: November 5, 2002.
