U.S.-Flag vessel operators had 51 of their 67 lakers in service on May 1, a decrease of five hulls compared to a year ago. The decline reflects a number of factors - loss iron ore and fluxstone cargos for the former LTV Steel and a sluggish start for the stone trade and cement trades.
Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
2002 | 43 | 3 | 5 | 51 |
2001 | 48 | 5 | 3 | 56 |
2000 | 49 | 6 | 7 | 62 |
1999 | 52 | 7 | 6 | 65 |
1998 | 52 | 5 | 4 | 61 |