Industry endorses cargo sweeping policy on Great Lakes

Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has endorsed a U.S. Coast Guard final environmental impact statement on wash down of small amounts of residue from the decks of ships carrying dry cargo such as coal, iron ore, and limestone.

The Coast Guard will generally require ships on the lakes performing so-called cargo sweeping to be six to 13.8 miles or further offshore. The task force said an international treaty permits ocean vessels to wash down just three miles from shore.

Patrick J. O'Hern, president of the task force and vice president and general manager of Bay Shipbuilding, said his group applauded the decision to be extra mindful of the precious Great Lakes environment. 

Source: American Shipper