Great Lakes coal shipments declined 8.2 percent in 2012 as a result of low water levels and insufficient dredging, according to a maritime industry group.

Shipments totaled 25.3 million tons, 25 percent below the five-year average, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). Shipments from Lake Superior ports, at 15.1 million tons, were just about even with 2011. Included in that total were 1.3 million tons shipped to Québec City for loading into oceangoing vessels and delivery overseas.

Loadings at Chicago terminals totaled 3.2 million tons, a decrease of 14.5 percent from 2011, but a slight increase over their five-year average.

Shipments from Lake Erie ports totaled 7 million tons, a decrease of nearly 19 percent compared to 2011.

The impacts of falling water levels and lack of adequate dredging were clearly evident as the year came to a close, LCA said. The largest coal cargo shipped through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in December totaled 62,043 tons. The largest coal cargo passing through the locks during 2012 was 64,706 tons. When near record-high water levels offset the lack of dredging in the late 1990s, a U.S.-flag laker was able to carry nearly 71,000 tons in a single trip.

According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates, more than 17 million cubic yards of sediment must be removed from Great Lakes ports and waterways before vessels will be able to carry full loads.

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