R.G. Edmonson, Associate Editor | Jan 17, 2012 4:47PM EST
Tonnage shipped on the St. Lawrence Seaway in 2011 rose 2.5 percent year-over-year, reflecting a general improvement in the economy, but at season’s end traffic was 13 percent below volumes shipped five years ago, according to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Co.
Vessels on the international waterway in 2012 transported 37.5 million metric tons of cargo, compared to the 43 million tons shipped in 2007. Volume shipped on the seaway in 2011 rose for the second year in a row.
Vessel traffic last year rose 7.7 percent year-over-year to 4,225 vessels. Officials said the seaway set a seasonal record of 284 days when it closed Dec. 31, breaking the 2006 record by one day.
Strong overseas demand boosted exports of iron ore and coal. Bulk chemicals, salt and scrap metal traffic also rose last year, but grain shipments decreased 6.4 percent year-over-year.
Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobinWash.
