Fleet Count Same As A Year Ago
The major U.S.-Flag Lakes lines had 58 of their 67 vessels in service on September 1, the same as a year ago. However, comparisons with 2000 and other years show the continued impacts of a struggling steel industry. Compared to September 1, 1998, the fleet is down 8 hulls.
There are still four U.S.-Flag lakers that have yet to see service this season: ELTON HOYT 2ND (Interlake Steamship); EDWARD L. RYERSON (Central Marine Logistics); JOSEPH H. FRANTZ (Oglebay Norton Marine Services Company); and RICHARD REISS (Erie Sand Steamship).
Vessel Utilization Rates
U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet
September 1, 2002
| Year | Dry-Bulk Carriers | Cement Carriers | Tankers | Total |
| 2002 | 48 | 4 | 6 | 58 |
| 2001 | 47 | 6 | 5 | 58 |
| 2000 | 53 | 5 | 5 | 63 |
| 1999 | 50 | 6 | 7 | 63 |
| 1998 |
53 |
6 | 7 | 66 |
Date of Publication: September 4, 2002.
