Ports outlook optimistic for 2017 Great Lakes-Seaway season

Great Lakes maritime interests are optimistic about 2017 shipping, spurred by a strong fourth quarter last year.

“Certainly, there was a big improvement in the last quarter of 2016 with the resurgence of iron ore pellet exports out of the U.S. and a strong grain season," Chamber of Marine Commerce President Bruce Burrows said Tuesday. "We expect that positive momentum to continue with overall cargo volumes increasing this year.”

“The overall feeling in the Port of Duluth-Superior is positive, and 2017 is shaping up to be a building year to regain traffic,” said Vanta Coda, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “Coal should stabilize, iron ore should be up and I believe this port has the opportunity to do well with grain shipments again this year. We are expecting a middle-of-the-road season in terms of project cargo, though we could be surprised to the upside.”

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