For the first time this season, the number of U.S.-Flag Great Lakes vessels in service has exceeded the corresponding point in the 2001 navigation season. On July 1, the major U.S.-Flag Lakes lines had 57 of their 67 vessels in operation, an increase of three hulls compared to a year ago.
The increase is, however, somewhat misleading. Last year a number of vessels were withdrawn from service for varying periods of time during the summer as demand for iron ore withered from the heat of unfair trade in steel. This season, vessels delayed their sailing. For example, the BUCKEYE and the COURTNEY BURTON (both Oglebay Norton Marine Services Company) only returned to service in mid-June. Interlake Steamship did not sail its 1,000-footer JAMES R. BARKER until June 29. Still to sail this season are the AMERICAN REPUBLIC (American Steamship); RICHARD REISS (Erie Sand Steamship); EDWARD L. RYERSON (Central Marine Logistics); ELTON HOYT 2ND (Interlake Steamship); and JOSEPH H. FRANTZ (Oglebay Norton Marine Services Company).
Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
2002 | 47 | 6 | 4 | 57 |
2001 | 44 | 5 | 5 | 54 |
2000 | 50 | 5 | 7 | 62 |
1999 | 52 | 5 | 6 | 63 |
1998 | 52 | 6 | 7 | 65 |