Fleet Holding Steady As Year Ends
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes operators had 59 lakers in service on December 1, the same total as a month earlier, and an increase of three hulls compared to a year ago. The fleet is also up one hull compared to the month's 5-year average.
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
December 1, 2000-2004 and 5-Year Average
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2000 | 50 | 5 | 5 | 60 |
| 2001 | 45 | 4 | 4 | 53 |
| 2002 | 49 | 5 | 4 | 58 |
| 2003 | 46 | 5 | 5 | 56 |
| 2004 | 49 | 5 | 5 | 59 |
| 5-Year Average | 48 | 5 | 5 | 58 |