Ottawa-The St. Lawrence Seaway began its 66th season March 22 with little ice on the Lakes, ships in action and the Canadian portion of the waterway operating under a new 20-year new agreement with the federal government.

The 2023 season saw 38 million tonnes of cargo pass through its locks - an increase of more than 3.4 per cent over 2022 with grain shipments rising by nearly 5 per cent to 10.4 million tonnes.

Grain is expected to be a big player again this year amid some hopeful signs about the North American economy and continued demand for North American grain.

Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) said, “We are thrilled to have a renewed Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement with the government. This long-term contract brings stability and predictability for the Corporation and customers alike. It allows the SLSMC to continue its mission of maintaining a safe, secure, reliable, environmentally friendly and cost-effective system.”

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez said, “The government is committed to supporting the Seaway’s long-term economic growth and sustainability. We are working to make maritime trade as efficient and cost effective as possible–so people can get the goods they need, when they need them, at the best possible prices, and to support good, well-paying jobs in Canada.”

The inaugural vessel of the 2024 season was the Algoma Sault, an Equinox class self-unloading bulk carrier brought into service in 2018 with new technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Its owner Algoma Central Corp is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. “The St. Lawrence Seaway is not just a passage for vessels but an essential conduit for Canada’s economic and environmental prosperity. Shipowners and operators, shippers, ports, shipyards, suppliers, and the Seaway are all part of this vital binational network.”

Given the fuel efficiency of new vessels and the recently announced plan by Canada and the U.S. to establish a Green Shipping Corridor, the Seaway is poised to be part of Canada’s solution to the challenges of climate change in the transportation sector, Bowles said. Through innovative technologies and hydro-electricity generation, SLSMC has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 58 per cent from 2005 levels.

“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,” he said. “We’re optimistic about a strong navigation season and, with our renewed long-term agreement with the government, assured of a bright future for our system.”

SLSMC was established in 1998 as a not-for profit corporation that manages and operates the Canadian assets of the Seaway.

The new agreement ensures continued maintenance of a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system with enhanced governance mechanisms to ensure the Seaway provides the best value for Canadians and continues to deliver as a transportation corridor of strategic importance.

This news item was prepared for National Newswatch