Little Rock Port Authority Reports May Tonnage

The docks at the Port of Little Rock (Ark.) enjoyed another strong month of activity during May, according to a June 20 announcement. Logistic Services Inc., (LSI) the port’s stevedore, worked 57 barges that contained more than 87,000 net tons of cargo.  Both docks remained busy with 29 barges being worked at the main river dock and another 28 barges being worked at the slackwater dock. Breakbulk cargo remained strong with more than 46,000 tons, while bulk commodities were above 41,000 net tons for the month.

Commodities handled during May included aluminum ingots and tee bars, DAP, lightweight aggregate, nepheline syenite, potash, rock and sand, scrap, steel coils, sulfate, triple, urea, wetcake and wire rod coils.

Through the first five months of this year, the port worked 36 more barges than the same period last year and had an increase of 59,000 tons of cargo. Year-to-date bulk commodities have generated more than 160,000 tons; breakbulk cargo has produced over 141,000 tons.  The 302,000 tons worked this year is 24 percent higher than the 243,000 tons worked over the same period last year. The port’s barge count has seen an increase of 22 percent.

June looks to remain busy as LSI continues to keep a full schedule on both docks.  LSI anticipates working at least 50 barges. The company said it is approaching the end of fertilizer season so the port should see the tonnage for breakbulk cargo surpass that of bulk during June and continue that trend throughout the summer.

Total tonnage on the Arkansas River for the month of May was 1,129,822 tons.
“The MKARNS remains the most valuable asset Arkansas has to offer in terms of growing jobs and creating opportunities for communities,” said Bryan Day, executive director of the Little Rock Port Authority.  “The Port of Little Rock remains committed to ensuring this asset remains viable and working to attract industry from around the world to use the river as a means of transporting goods.”