Great Lakes short sea shipping and the domestic cargo-carrying fleet

Abstract

This article examines aspects of short sea shipping on the Great Lakes, focusing on the current Great Lakes domestic cargo-carrying ship fleet. The age, capacity, and speed characteristics of the Great Lakes fleet are reviewed, and their implications on short sea shipping are discussed. We conclude that Great Lakes short sea shipping has it best potential for success in two areas: the bulk commodity market and short-distance Ro/Ro and container service. A case study illustrates some of the operational characteristics of successful short sea shipping, including the existence of a champion; simple, general-purpose loading and unloading; and few involved parties. Comparisons with European short sea vessels and experience are given.