The fuel use and air emission consequences of shipping Great Lakes coal through the Soo Locks

Fuel use and air emission consequences of using the Soo Locks for Great Lakes coal shipping are considered. By including all major origin/destination route-specific characteristics, it is seen, in contrast to many industry and government publications, that a switch primarily to rail would reduce fuel use and air emissions. The consequences of the extra pollutants are calculated based on existing offset/permit prices and marginal damage estimations. It is likely that emission costs are well below the purported economies of scale savings from vessel shipping.

► The paper provides fuel use and air emissions estimates for using shipping and rail for an important US cargo route.
► While there are variations in detail, the results of a number of simulations are robust and suggest a switch primarily to rail would reduce fuel use and air emissions.
► Emission costs are likely below the economies of scale associated with vessel shipping.