The Mississippi River is one of North America’s most iconic rivers, known for providing incredible scenery, recreational opportunities and history. The river provides transportation and shipping that is vital to the economy of the eight states it touches. But how much of the shipping is actually transported on the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the American economy, supplying nearly 90 percent of the water used to flush goods and commodities from the river to their destinations.
The Mississippi River provides a vital transportation route for goods and commodities to travel from the Great Lakes to states all over the country. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, approximately 451 million tons of cargo are shipped by barge on the Mississippi River each year, including grain, fertilizer, coal, petroleum, steel, and building materials.
One of the Mississippi’s most prominent cargo is petroleum and petroleum goods, which range from gasoline and diesel fuel to crude oil and natural gas. In 2017, over 54 million tons of petroleum and petroleum products were transported by barge on the Mississippi River.
Cargo shipping is also important to smaller states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Each year, the states transport nearly 85.4 million tons of cargo via the Mississippi River and its tributaries, contributing significantly to their economies and providing necessary resources to their citizens.
Grain is another important cargo transported on the Mississippi. In 2017, over 109 million tons of grain were transported on the river, making agriculture a major beneficiary of the Mississippi shipping industry.
In addition to shipping, the Mississippi River is a critical resource for recreational activities and our natural environment. The river supports a variety of aquatic life, and its vibrant ecology is one of the primary reasons why so many people visit the area to fish and boat. The Mississippi River is also the home of a vibrant and diverse human population, with people coming from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
The Mississippi River provides a lifeline for the people, goods, and services of the eight states that it travels through. The river’s importance is only increasing, as the shipping industry continues to grow, providing an immense economic benefit for the region and the country.
Specific Commodities and Shipping Processes on the Mississippi River
While the majority of cargo is transported on the Mississippi River by barges, there are other forms of shipping as well. For instance, tankers, railcars and pipelines are also used to transfer goods. There are many different types of commodities transported by different types of shipping. For example, grain is shipped in bulk, while petroleum is shipped in barrels and containers. The shipping process differs depending on the type of commodity being transported. For instance, grains are typically shipped in large barges, while petroleum and crude oil are shipped via small barges, pipelines and tankers.
Barges are one of the most efficient forms of transporting goods on the Mississippi River. A typical barge can hold up to 1,500 tons of cargo. Barges are loaded upriver, and then transported on the waterway to the port of destination. Once it arrives, the barge is unloaded and the cargo is then transported to its final destination.
Pipelines are also used to transport goods and commodities on the Mississippi River. There are pipelines that run from Minnesota to Louisiana, providing a direct route for crude oil and natural gas to be transported from the oil fields to coastal areas. This attracts the attention of many oil companies, and pipelines have become an increasingly popular method of transportation for these industries.
Another important commodity is steel, which is often transported via railcars. Railroads are more cost-effective than barge transport, as they can handle larger loads and move quickly. Steel is typically transported on the Mississippi River via tankers, which use the river’s currents to move the steel from its place of origin to destination ports.
The Impact of Shipping on the Mississippi River’s Ecology
Shipping on the Mississippi River has both positive and negative effects on the environment. Shipping helps to stimulate and improve the economy of the states that the river runs through, while at the same time there are some negative effects, such as the potential for pollution and disruption to fish and wildlife habitats in the river.
The most significant ecological effect of shipping on the Mississippi River is the release of oil from ships and barges. Oil spills from ships and barges on the Mississippi have become more frequent, with over 500 incidents of oil spills reported since 1983. These oil spills can have a detrimental effect on the river’s ecology, causing harm to fish and wildlife, and damaging the river’s water quality.
The Mississippi River is also subject to sediments from shipping, primarily from dredging activities. Dredging is the process wherein silt and other sediment are removed from the river bottom in order to improve navigation and access to ports. While dredging is necessary to maintain the river’s navigability, the sediment released in the process can result in nutrient accumulation, which can negatively affect the health of the river.
The Mississippi’s water traffic also results in water pollution, as vessels release wastewater and substances like oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants directly into the river. As a result, pollutants can build up in the river’s waters, making them unhealthy for the wildlife and aquatic life that inhabit the river.
Investment in River-Going Technology
The shipping industry is continually investing in better, safer, and more efficient river-faring technologies to ensure the safe and efficient shipment of goods. Technologies such as electronic navigation, automated ship control systems, and improved tugboat propulsion systems are being developed to make shipping on the Mississippi River safer and more efficient.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also keeping up with the latest developments in shipping technology and infrastructure. Recent efforts to expand and deepen the port at St. Louis, as well as the modernization of the locks, are helping to make the Mississippi River an increasingly efficient and safe means of transportation for goods and commodities.
In addition to investing in technological advances, the industry is also focused on the development of improved safety protocols and the implementation of better training and education for personnel. These initiatives provide a safer environment for operators and helps ensure the proper operation of boats and other vessels.
Solicitation of Public Opinion
In order to keep up with the ever-changing environment of the shipping industry on the Mississippi River, regular solicitations for public opinion and feedback are necessary. Public opinion helps to shape the industry, and provides valuable insights into how to improve the safety and efficiency of shipping on the Mississippi River.
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) recently conducted a survey of people who live and work along the Mississippi River, gathering their thoughts and experiences regarding the shipping businesses and industries in the river. The survey found that over 83% of respondents were in favor of increased safety regulations, while they also expressed support for industry-wide investments in new technologies.
The Mississippi River Commission is also regularly soliciting public opinion on current initiatives and proposals. This input not only helps to shape the regulatory policies that the commission puts in place, but also helps to ensure that businesses and industries have the necessary resources and infrastructure to provide efficient and safe shipping.
The Future of Shipping on the Mississippi River
The shipping industry on the Mississippi River is continually evolving and adapting to the changing environment. The industry is investing in better technologies and expanding infrastructure to ensure the effective and efficient transportation of goods and commodities.
The future of the shipping industry on the Mississippi River looks promising. The industry is making strides in the development of advanced technologies and improved infrastructure, while also improving the safety and efficiency of shipping processes.
The industry is also actively supporting public initiatives and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the Mississippi River ecosystem is protected, and that the river continues to serve as a vital resource for communities and businesses in the region.
The Mississippi River is an essential part of America’s history and economy, and it continues to offer an efficient and safe route for a wide range of goods and commodities to be transported. Shipping on the Mississippi is set to only increase in the coming years, providing an immense economic benefit for the region and the country.
