WASHINGTON – Overall U.S. maritime cargo volumes in the
Great Lakes region are recovering from extreme lows experienced in 2009,
according to a
report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime
Administration.
The report, “Status of the U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Water
Transportation Industry,” finds that the U.S. Great Lakes maritime industry is
generally healthy, “providing efficient, safe and environmentally friendly
transportation services.” It continues to be competitive with railways and
trucks and, supported by responsible regulation and infrastructure maintenance,
will remain an essential part of the regional and national economies.
“This study shows that the recovery happening in communities
all across the country is also happening right here in the Great Lakes, with
cargos rebounding from the low levels reached in 2009,” said U.S.
Transportation Secretary LaHood, in a statement. “It confirms what we’ve long
known – that the Great Lakes fleet provides efficient, safe and environmentally
sound transportation services that remain competitive with other modes of
freight transportation.”
The study describes a broad range of issues relevant to the
current and future health of the U.S.-flag Great Lakes water transportation
industry. It provides information on U.S. vessels, ports, shipyards, cargo
markets, emissions and ballast water regulations, dredging, regional planning,
and other factors, with a focus on Lakers. The study identifies and evaluates
options to revitalize some U.S.-flag Lakers, particularly by repowering older
vessels that still use steam engines with modern conventional diesel or LNG
diesel engines.
The report notes that in 2009, the Great Lakes maritime industry
suffered from a confluence of several challenging conditions, including a 33
percent drop in cargos attributable to the recession. The moderate recovery in
waterborne cargoes since that time, aided by the recovery of the automobile and
steel industries, is providing support to the water transportation industry.
Iron ore, the single most important cargo for U.S.-flag Lakers, has almost
fully recovered to pre-recession levels. With the exception of coal, the major
cargos of iron ore and limestone on the Great Lakes are projected to grow
gradually with the economy over the next several years. Coal cargos have not
recovered since the recession.
“The Department of Transportation is committed to a strong
future for the maritime industry, and the Great Lakes fleet is an extremely
important part of that future,” said Maritime Administrator David Matsuda, in a
statement. “This study helps the Agency and our industry partners better
understand what we need to do to needed to keep Great Lakes shipping
competitive and responsive to regional needs.”
The Maritime Administration works to strengthen the maritime
transportation system of the United States to meet the economic and security
needs of the country. It also operates the United States Merchant Marine
Academy at Kings Point, New York, which provides advanced education and
training for professionals from the maritime community, private sector,
government and military.