Active U.S.-Flag Lakes Fleet More Than Double That Of A Year Ago
The active U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet totaled 45 dry- and liquid-bulk cargo vessels on April 1, more than double the total recorded a year ago, and an increase of 22 percent compared to the month's average. Equally important, the April 1 tally is the highest since 2000, when 51 U.S.-flag "Lakers" were in service. Most of the increase comes in the category of vessels that carry iron ore, limestone and coal.
Vessel Utilization Rates :
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
April 1, 2000-2004 and 5-Year Average
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2000 | 41 | 4 | 6 | 51 |
| 2001 | 29 | 4 | 3 | 36 |
| 2002 | 27 | 4 | 3 | 34 |
| 2003 | 13 | 4 | 2 | 19 |
| 2004 | 37 | 4 | 4 | 45 |
| 5-Year Average | 29 | 4 | 4 | 37 |
