Extreme ice conditions impact cement shipments on the Great Lakes

According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, sever icy weather impacted cement, coal and iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes in March. In some cases, cargos that were loaded in March could not be delivered until 7 April or later. Total shipments transported by US-flag vessels came in at 980 000 t, 55% lower than in March 2013. In the first three months of 2014, US-flag cargos reached 3.2 million t. Compared to the corresponding period in 2013, this represents a contraction of almost 39%.

Cement shipments in March declined by 67% y/y to 52 000 t, while iron ore shipments fell to 827 000 t, down 47% y/y.

The ice particularly affected coal shipments, with only three cargos loaded in March. Together, this equaled 102 000 t of coal, a drop of 70% y/y. Compared to the March 5-year average, loadings fell by over 80%.

The Lake Carriers’ Association expects the extreme icy conditions to continue to slowdown cargo movement in April. As of 1 April 2014, 23 US-flag lakers were in service compared to 38 in 2013 and 40 in 2012.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/18042014/ice_affects_cement_shipments_on_great_lakes_march_2014_36/