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MARAD 22-04c
Contact: Wes Irvin, Tel: (202) 366-5807
Thursday, October 7, 2004
U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Witnesses Firsthand
Booming Business on Great Lakes
Highlights Growth of Great Lakes Shipping & Its Role In Moving The American
Economy
GREEN BAY – A booming shipping business on the Great Lakes could
spell even better news for America's growing economy, U.S. Deputy Maritime
Administrator John Jamian said today during a visit to the Port of Green Bay. He
came to see how the port and ships flying the U.S. flag are handling the
business from increased shipments of various commodities moving in and out of
the Great Lakes region.
U.S.-flag tonnage has increased at the Port of Green Bay by over 17 percent from
last year. Additionally, there has been a 17 percent increase in cement and 56
percent increase in coal, both commodities carried on U.S.-flag ships. Overall
on the Great Lakes, the Lake Carriers Association has reported that
approximately 5.2 million tons of limestone was shipped from U.S. ports in
August, up almost one million tons from 2003. Additionally, iron ore shipments
on the Great Lakes remained strong with movement of 18 million tons for the
year, up 19 percent from last year’s totals.
“Business is booming on the Great Lakes and the products moving on U.S.-flag
vessels are helping to move the American economy forward,” said John Jamian.
“Road builders need more cement and steel mills need more iron ore. The
commodities traveling on Great Lakes ships are vital if we are to meet the
increased demands of our manufacturing industry. This is good news for the Great
Lakes and great news for America’s strengthening economy.”
During his tour John Jamian also cited the importance of the Department of
Transportation's Sea 21 initiative that would provide the resources to help
local ports meet their growing infrastructure needs and better handle increased
business. “We are committed to investing in the future of our ports to ensure
the seamless flow of commerce so that we may continue to compete in the global
market,” said Jamian. Sea 21 will focus on leveraging funds from federal, state
and local governments, as well as the private sector, to address the capital
needs of the Marine Transportation System.
Additionally, the Deputy Maritime Administrator discussed the importance of the
Short Sea Shipping initiative that will move more heavy duty traffic off the
road and onto ships. “It makes good sense to make better use of our seaways and
waterways as domestic transportation solutions,” he said.
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