U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had only 55 vessels in service on July 1, the lowest mid-season total since the recession of the 1980s. The ongoing crisis in steel is the primary culprit, but sluggish demand for stone from the construction industry and a downsized grain processing industry in Buffalo have also contributed to so many vessels being "tied to the wall."
Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
2001 | 44 | 5 | 6 | 55 |
2000 | 50 | 5 | 7 | 62 |