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.