Business North’s Ron Brochu explores a study showing the economic impact of Great Lakes shipping, which is strongly influenced by the Port of Duluth and northern Minnesota iron mining.
Maritime commerce on the Great Lakes Seaway system created nearly a quarter million jobs last year and salaries of $14.1 billion, according to a report released Tuesday. In addition, it’s also the most environmentally friendly way to move cargo, according to a long-time industry participant.
Great Lakes shipping will face new challenges in coming years as the locus of economic control shifts toward the Pacific. Temptation to send iron ore and grains overland by train to the West Coast will only rise with commodity prices. Nevertheless, the remarkable infrastructure and location of the Great Lakes will ensure its well use, if not its market share, into the future.
(Photo: Ron Reiring, Creative Commons).
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