The active U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet totaled 54 vessels on June 1, a decrease of three hulls compared to a year ago. However, the gap is narrowing; on May 1, the active fleet was down 5 hulls compared to a year ago. A number of vessels (four to be exact) still have no sail date for 2002. Those ships are the ELTON HOYT 2ND, EDWARD L. RYERSON, RICHARD REISS, and JOSEPH H. FRANTZ. The latter two vessels did operate in 2001, but the HOYT and RYERSON have been idle for a few seasons now.
Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
2002 | 45 | 5 | 4 | 54 |
2001 | 47 | 5 | 5 | 57 |
2000 | 50 | 6 | 7 | 63 |
1999 | 52 | 6 | 6 | 64 |
1998 | 53 | 5 | 5 | 63 |