St. Lawrence Seaway Begins Navigation Season

The St. Lawrence Seaway is a Key Link in the North American Supply Chain, Moves Tens of Millions of Tons of Goods Each Year

WASHINGTON – Yesterday marked the opening of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System’s (Seaway System) 65th navigation season. The Seaway System is a key link in North America’s supply chain, connecting the U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports with the world. The U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) joined its partner, the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), at the opening ceremony of the binational waterway, which took place at St. Lambert Lock in Montreal, Canada.  

 “At a time when we are working to strengthen our nation’s supply chains, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System plays a central role, helping us move tens of millions of tons of goods each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and combating climate change,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “As we open the Seaway System’s 65th season, it remains a model of international cooperation and a cornerstone of America’s trade with the rest of the world.”

GLS Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht, and SLSMC President/CEO Terence Bowles welcomed the transit of the first commercial vessel of the season. USDOT Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Christopher Coes, and Transport Canada Associate Deputy Minister Dominic Rochon participated in the ceremony. 

“As the binational waterway turns 65, it is resilient and ready for the future,” said GLS Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht. “New technologies, an exceptional reliability record, and significant investments in infrastructure are enhancing efficiencies and keeping the Seaway safe and competitive. We look forward to robust international and domestic trade throughout the shipping season.” 

“The St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital link in the North American supply chain, supporting industries, creating jobs and assisting with sustainable development”, said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC.  “With its advanced technology, the Seaway provides a reliable transportation route for ships transiting the system carrying a wide range of commodities required by citizens on a daily basis. We look forward to greater use of this marine corridor and are optimistic about a strong start to the navigation season.”
 
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System provides maritime commerce with reliable, efficient cargo movement supporting high-quality jobs in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the Seaway System plays a critical role in addressing climate goals across North America. The movement of various cargoes on the Seaway System totals more than 35 million metric tons and supports more than 237,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity in the U.S. and Canada annually.

A ship transiting the Seaway System’s 15 locks from Montreal to Lake Erie crosses the international border 27 times. Therefore, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada work closely together to ensure that this transit experience is as safe and seamless as possible.  

Algoma Central Corporation’s Capt. Henry Jackman, a Seawaymax Equinox Bulk Carrier built in 2021, was the first ship to transit through the lock at St. Lambert. 

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