FILE PHOTO: The 740’ Capt. Henry Jackman, a Seawaymax Equinox Bulk Carrier built in 2021, becomes the first ship to transit through the lock at St. Lambert on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, marking the start of the 65th navigation season of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Photo Credit: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC)
The binational St. Lawrence Seaway has kicked of its 66th navigation season. Key stakeholders and representatives from the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Development Corporation were present at the official ceremony held in Niagara Region, between lakes Ontario and Erie.
The first ship to sail this season was the Algoma Sault, a high-tech self-unloading bulk carrier introduced in 2018. Algoma Central Corporation, the vessel’s owner, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
The Seaway system, extending 3,700 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, supports 241,286 jobs and contributes $46.8 billion to the economic activity between Canada and the United States. In 2023, nearly 38 million tonnes of cargo transited the binational system, representing an overall increase of more than 3.4 percent from 2022.
“The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System’s performance continues to highlight its resiliency and importance as a global maritime supply chain,” said Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht. “An exceptional reliability record and significant investment in infrastructure and technology are enhancing efficiencies and have kept the Seaway System safe, sustainably minded, and competitive. We look forward to building on last season’s accomplishments.”
Terence Bowles, President and CEO of SLSMC, welcomed a renewed Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement with the Government of Canada.
“This long-term contract brings stability and predictability for the Corporation and customers alike,” said Bowles. “It allows the SLSMC to continue its mission of maintaining a safe, secure, reliable, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective system.”
In response response to climate change challenges, the Canadian and U.S. governments recently announced the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor. Coupled with the fuel efficiency of new vessels, the St. Lawrence Seaway is expected to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
“Moving more goods that drive our economy by water will help optimize supply chains and realize the potential of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Green Shipping Corridor,” said Bowles. “We’re optimistic about a strong navigation season and, with our renewed long-term agreement with the Government of Canada, assured of a bright future for our system.”
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