U.S. Great Lakes ports are on pace to beat 2018 cargo volumes following a robust September handling road salt, cement, stone, petroleum and wind energy components. “U.S. Great Lakes ports are reporting cargo growth as they support the region’s construction activity and energy needs and help our cities prepare for the winter ahead,” said Bruce Burrows, president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “Iron ore exports from Minnesota to Japan and China via the St. Lawrence Seaway are also continuing.”
Shipments of limestone and petroleum products continued to lead the way at the Port of Green Bay in September, bringing its year-to-date shipping total to more than 1.6 million tons through September; 17% ahead of 2018. “It’s great to see the strong tonnage numbers for September,” said Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay director. “We’ve had solid numbers for petroleum (up 44% over last year) and limestone shipments (up 64% over last year) throughout the season and salt shipments are typically strong this time of year with winter months not too far away. We’re optimistic that we’ll see a good finish for the 2019 shipping season for the Port and for the entire Great Lakes. It’s a good sign for the regional economy.”
Overall tonnage through Port Milwaukee is up 25% as the Port’s handling of salt, cement, steel and other specialty cargoes have led the way this year. “Port Milwaukee is continuing an impressive streak into the last quarter of 2019,” said Director Adam Schlicht. “The Port’s efforts to strategically market its multimodal capabilities to domestic and international customers is having a prodigious effect, culminating in the Port’s receipt of the American Association of Port Authorities national Overall Award of Communications Excellence this week in Virginia.”