ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY REPORTS SUCCESSFUL 2021 SEASON

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced on January 19 that more than 38 million metric tons (mmt) of cargo passed through the system during the 2021 navigation season, which, despite another difficult year, is better than last year’s results.

Iron ore, steel slabs and other steel products posted strong performances, contributing more than 10.5 mts of the total. This was driven by demand from the automotive and construction industries, the press release noted.

“These results, and the fact that we have traded goods with more than 50 countries, confirm the Seaway’s role as an important transportation corridor linking the largest industrial centers in North America to markets around the world. , as well as to identify export opportunities and contribute to economic recovery. “, SLSMC said. “Petroleum products and other essential chemicals have increased by about 5% and are starting to return to more normal levels. Cargoes as varied as stone, cement, potash and aluminum also increased.”

However, the overall grain shipping season was down. Grain shipments of 10.6 mmt were below the bumper 2020 result due to a lower crop and drought conditions in western Canada, western US and the upper US Midwest in 2021 Canadian grain shipments, however, have always held steady at a five-year average .

“At the Seaway, we continue to demonstrate our resilience and operational sustainability,” said Terence Bowles, SLSMC President and CEO.

“Despite the many challenges faced by the transportation industry over the past year, the Seaway has been able to maintain its operations and its position as a reliable commercial transportation corridor, providing consistent and predictable service for its customers and supporting the Canadian and American economies during this difficult time.”

Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) of the United States, said, “In another challenging year for the shipping industry, the performance of the Seaway shipping highlighted its continued resilience as a maritime supply chain. an increase in freight tonnage during the navigation season, in a way that is safe, reliable, sustainable and respectful of the environment. Seaway users know they can count on the waterway to meet their domestic and international freight needs.

The last commercial transit of the 2021 navigation season through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section took place on December 31. The Welland Canal had a later closing date, with the last ship transiting January 7. Seaway canals and locks traditionally reopen for navigation. in mid-March, with major maintenance programs outside the navigation season.

Here is a link to a full summary of the Seaway’s annual summary as well as information on the entire St. Lawrence Seaway: https://greatlakes-seaway.com/…

Here is a link to the live stream from Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, currently in hibernation until spring arrives and ships return. The locks are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. https://streamtimelive.com/…

Here is a link to the Duluth Canal Cam live stream where you can see the current conditions as the canal waits for spring to welcome the first saltie after transiting through the Soo Locks which is the gate that opens to the lake Upper: https://www.duluthharborcam.com/…

Mary Kennedy can be reached at [email protected]

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