St. Lawrence Seaway Posts Record Results

Cargo volumes on the St. Lawrence Seaway surpassed 40.9 million tonnes in 2018, according to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., or SLSMC.

The results is the highest level since 2007 and follows the recent completion of the SLSMC’s modernization program. Upgrade work has seen the introduction of hands-free mooring and remote operation of locks from centralized operation control centers.

“After completing the first year with hands-free mooring installed at all of our high-lift locks, it is gratifying to see that our efforts to boost system efficiency and heighten our competitive position are bearing strong results. This new mooring technology eliminates the need for special vessel fittings, enabling the St. Lawrence Seaway to welcome a broader range of ships from the world fleet,” said Terence Bowles, CEO of the SLSMC.

The St. Lawrence Seaway covers 3,700 kilometers of locks, canals and channels from the Atlantic Ocean to the head of the Great Lakes and provides a deep-draft waterway in both the U.S. and Canada.

Photo: The St Lawrence Seaway. Credit: SLSMC