Shipping Rebound For Great Lakes, Covid Turns Down

SHIPPING

Shipping Rebound For Great Lakes, Covid Turns Down

More than 30 million tons have passed through the Twin Ports, surpassing the previous year's total. After experiencing unprecedented lows during the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, Great Lakes ports are reporting a resurgence in cargo traffic this year, 2022.

This year, the Port of DuluthSuperior rebounded after cargo shipments fell to their lowest level since 1938 in 2020, with a total of 25.8 million tons passing through the lakes' major port. The port has handled roughly 29 million tons of goods as of the end of November, a 30% increase over the same period last year. As the shipping season comes to a close on Jan. 15 with the closure of the Poe Lock at Lake Superior's eastern edge, the port has already topped 30 million tons for the year. "We had hoped for a turnaround. All the signs were pointing to a recovery from the COVID-induced lows "The Duluth Seaway Port Authority's communications director, Jayson Hron, stated. "Domestic steel demand was on the rise, which helps considering that iron ore accounts for little more than half of our overall cargo from this port."

Through November, the port handled over 17.9 million tons of iron ore, up 37% from the previous year and roughly 22% more than the five-year average.

The port also saw an increase in coal shipments of more than 50%, with 6.8 million tons passing through the Duluth-Superior harbor. According to Hron, this is due to the rise in exports of petroleum coke, or petcoke, bound for other countries. Petcoke comes as a byproduct of the oil refining process that can be used in power plants to replace coal.

Through November, the Port of Green Bay reported a 9 percent increase in cargo shipments contrasting to the same period the prior year, with a total of 1.8 million tons handled. The port transported roughly 1.9 million tons last year, down more than 15% of the prior year.

Dean Haen, the port's director, said the most significant increase is in the transfer of petroleum products, with overseas imports six times greater than last year. He also highlighted that shipments of limestone and cement increased slightly, as did shipments of new commodities, including carbon anodes and ash.

Demand for items has increased, according to Haen, as industry and new construction have been vital in the region.

"The port is a leading indication," Haen explained, "so the fact that we're ending the year strong suggests the economy in our area should be strong long into the spring."

Port officials declined to comment on the 2021 cargo season while waiting for final figures. Other Great Lakes ports, such as Cleveland, reported a 50 percent rise in overall cargo carried. In comparison, the Port of Toledo witnessed a 22 percent increase in overall tonnage as of the fall of November, as per the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

"US Great Lakes ports have roared back this year, not only rebounding from major 2020 falls in conservative cargoes like iron ore and steel, but also getting onboard new business and seizing infrastructure investment opportunities," said Bruce Burrows, president and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

Through November, iron ore exports jumped 17 percent, while general cargo shipments increased 71 percent on the St. Lawrence Seaway, which connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast.

Dean Haen, the port's director, said the most significant increase is in the transfer of petroleum products, with overseas imports six times greater than last year. He also highlighted that shipments of limestone and cement increased slightly, as did shipments of new commodities, including carbon anodes and ash.