Barge traffic reduced by low level of Mississippi River
9/29/2022 3:27:04 PM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Business & Industry
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Arkansas
Illinois
Kentucky
Louisiana
Missouri
Mississippi
Tennessee
Start Date: 9/1/2022
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The Mississippi River below St. Louis was low from drought just as crop harvests were beginning, which is unfortunate, given how much grain is moved by barges. Tows normally move up to 36 barges at a time, but due to low water levels, will only move 25 barges at a time.
Since the start of September, 1,890 grain barges have unloaded in New Orleans, which is about 39% fewer than the five-year average.
“The tight barge supply is problematic for grain shippers heading into harvest,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Transportation Report. “Unless barge supply improves, the increased demand for barges from grain shippers during harvest will likely put even more upward pressure on barge rates.”
The Associated Press (New York), Sept 29, 2022
Sources
