Seafaring traffic nearly done for the season on the Great Lakes

DULUTH (WPR) The last ocean-going ship of the season left the Duluth-Superior port this week, marking the end of a tough season for the so-called “salty” traffic.

Cold temperatures will make the BBC Italy’s trip down the St. Lawrence Seaway an icy, tough haul.   Duluth Seaway Port Director Adolph Ojard says that chill reflects the international traffic this season.   He says although grain trade is up, cargo carried on the ocean-going ships is down 30-percent.  A little more than 60 “salties” have called on the Twin Ports this season, compared to pre-recession numbers of 130 to 150 ocean-going ships.

But Ojard says there are signs that international trade is warming up from the depths of the recession.   Charter rates for ships dropped 90-percent at one point. He says rates have rebounded, which means there’s a rebound in international shipping worldwide. He adds the Great Lakes stand to benefit from the increased traffic.

A rebound would have an economic spin-off for farmers, truckers, railroads and dock workers.   International shipping agent Chuck Hilleran of Guthrie-Hubner says that would depend on lenders loosening their purse strings. He says once the international banking system stabilizes and banks are willing to lend money again for projects, things will improve.

While the international shipping season ends when the St. Lawrence Seaway closes next week, laker-only traffic will continue until January 15. 

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org