The major U.S.-Flag Great Lakes lines had only 38 of their 67 vessels in service on April 1, a decrease of 13 vessels compared to a year ago. The sluggish start reflects the troubled state of America's steel industry. The continued dumping of foreign steel into the United States (some 120 million tons during the period 1998-2000) has delayed the sailing of many U.S.-Flag lakers and will idle two ore carriers this season - Central Marine's EDWARD L. RYERSON and Interlake Steamship's ELTON HOYT 2ND. Also currently not scheduled to sail this season is the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE. Reduced demand for grain has idle the ENTERPRISE since 1996.
The total fleet count - 67 vessels - is a decrease of two from 2000 and reflects the sale of the GEORGE A. SLOAN to a Canadian-Flag operator and the all-but-official retirement of the cement carrier E. M. FORD.
Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
2001 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 38 |
2000 | 41 | 4 | 6 | 51 |