July's hot weather, and the resultant need for more electricity, pushed coal loadings at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal to 2,253,840 net tons that month, a new record for the Lakes' largest coal loading dock. SMET's previous peak month was August of 1999 when the dock loaded 2,023,055 net tons.
For the season, loadings at SMET stand at 8.2 million tons, an increase of 12 percent. While low water levels continue affect SMET - 64,000 tons is a top load right now - reduced demand for iron ore has allowed the 1,000-footers to increase their participation in the western coal trade.
Coal Shipments From Superior Midwest Energy Terminal: 2001 Navigation Season
July 2001 | July 2000 | Season-To-Date 2001 | Season-To-Date 2000 | ||||
Loadings | Cargos | Loadings | Cargos | Loadings | Cargos | Loadings | Cargos |
2,253,840 | 43 | 1,723,417 | 38 | 8,226,996 | 173 | 7,339,741 | 161 |