The Rocky River, Ohio-based Lake Carriers' Association reported that iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 5,013,621 net tons (nt) in December, an increase of more than 11 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings were virtually tied with the month's five-year average.
For the year, the Great Lakes iron ore trade totaled 54.4 million nt, an increase of 67 percent compared to 2009. Shipments from US ports rose 67.8 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings at Canadian ports finished 62 percent ahead of last year's pace. The 2010 total was slightly off the 5-year average. Loadings were down 2 percent compared to the average for the years 2005-2009.