St. Lawrence Seaway Cargo Movements Top 32 Million Tons through November

CORNWALL, ON / WASHINGTON D.C. (December 10, 2024) - The St. Lawrence Seaway reported its November traffic figures, with total cargo shipments of 32.3 million metric tons since the start of the navigation season. The figure is on par with the same period last year, once again reaffirming the Seaway’s vital role in the North American supply chain.

“Contributing to the North American economy and strengthening the supply chain remain key priorities as we prepare to end this navigation season,” said Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. “With navigation concluding on January 5 in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section and January 10 in the Welland Canal, we are hopeful for favourable weather conditions to ensure smooth cargo movements.”

“The growth in grain, potash, liquid bulk, and general cargo this season reflects rising demand for these key commodities and highlights the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway’s role as a vital trade lane for North American commerce,” said Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. “As the season nears its close, we remain dedicated to ensuring safe and efficient operations for all Seaway users.”

Trends across major cargo segments indicate continued demand in key sectors. Grain has increased 12% year-over-year, while potash has grown 8.35%, liquid bulk has increased 13.75% and general cargo has grown 14.37%.

About the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC):

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, on behalf of the Government of Canada, manages the Canadian portion of the waterway system and its associated lands. The binational St. Lawrence Seaway system serves as a key corridor and vital supply chain link for North America, driving significant economic activity.

About the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS):

The GLS is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation created by statute to construct, operate, and maintain that part of the St. Lawrence Seaway between the Port of Montreal and Lake Erie, within the territorial limits of the United States. Its mission is to serve the U.S. intermodal and international transportation system by improving the operation and maintenance of a safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible deep-draft waterway, in cooperation with its Canadian counterpart. The GLS also encourages the development of trade through the Great Lakes-Seaway System, which contributes to the comprehensive economic and environmental development of the entire Great Lakes region. Some 241,286 jobs and $36 billion in economic activity are supported by the movement of goods within the Great Lakes-Seaway System.

For more information on the St. Lawrence Seaway, please consult www.greatlakes-seaway.com.

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Media Contacts:
Nicole Giroux-Laplante (SLSMC)
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
613-932-5170, ext. 3296
ngirouxlaplante@seaway.ca

Jennifer Wilk (GLS)
Director, Congressional and Public Relations
(202) 590-8115
jennifer.wilk@dot.gov