Coal and the Great Lakes
US Great Lakes ports - nine at the very least - and two Canadian Lake ports today possess a capability for moving substantial amounts of domestic and/or export coal. Eight of these nine US ports and both Canadian ports, because they have ground stoage capability, can permit direct loading by conveyor from existing stockpiles, independent of the delays and potential problems implicit in rail car delivery. This is in sharp contrast to East Coast ports, where rail cars must be in location before vessels can be loaded. The potential for Great Lakes ports in the movement of coal is substantial. The bulk loading technology is in place, as is the equipment. Shore personnel, as well as marine crews, are well versed and among the most highly skilled labor in the nation in the handling of bulk commodities. Vessel drafts are sufficient. Coal is plentiful. The bulk fleet in the Lakes is the newest and strongest in the entire world. And transshipment capabilities for loading 100,000 dwt. ocean vessels exist at several major lower St. Lawrence ports. With this apparent scenario for success, why is it that the federal government and, in fact, national port and energy entities, have overlooked this Great Lakes potential. In this issue, Seaway Review takes a look, in a second supplement on coal, at the reasons for the failure of the establishment to take advantage of this significant national resource - and examines further the structure, scope, potential and economic impact of the Great Lakes coal handling system.
- OSTI ID:
- 6332516
- Journal Information:
- Seaway Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Seaway Rev.; (United States) Vol. 10:3; ISSN SWRED
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
013000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
EXPORTS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GREAT LAKES
HARBORS
LAKES
MARITIME TRANSPORT
MATERIALS
NORTH AMERICA
STORAGE
SURFACE WATERS
TERMINAL FACILITIES
TRANSPORT
USA