Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System Commences 65th Navigational Season

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System (Seaway System) began its 65th navigational season, celebrating its pivotal role in connecting the Great Lakes ports of the United States and Canada to global markets.

The United States’ Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and its Canadian counterpart, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), celebrated the occasion on Wednesday, March 22 at Montreal’s St. Lambert Lock , Canada.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stressed the importance of the Seaway system in maintaining supply chains, creating jobs and fighting climate change. “As we open the 65th season of the Seaway System, it remains a model of international cooperation and a cornerstone of America’s trade with the rest of the world,” he said.

GLS Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht and SLSMC President/CEO Terence Bowles, along with USDOT Assistant Secretary for Transport Policy Christopher Coes and Deputy Assistant Minister of Transport Canada Dominic Rochon, welcomed the passage of the first merchant vessel of the season. Commending the Seaway system’s resilience, advanced technology, infrastructure investments and exceptional reliability, Tindall-Schlicht expressed optimism for a successful shipping season.

Terence Bowles, President and CEO of SLSMC, underscored Seaway’s critical role in the North American supply chain, supporting the industry and promoting sustainable development. With its state-of-the-art technology, the Seaway system ensures the reliable transport of important goods and looks forward to increased use of this maritime corridor in the years to come.

The Seaway system not only supports more than 237,000 jobs and generates $35 billion in economic activity in the United States and Canada, but also plays a significant role in North America’s climate goals. Maritime trade, facilitated by the system’s 15 locks, moves over 35 million tons of cargo annually.

With ships crossing the international border 27 times between Montreal and Lake Erie, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada are working closely to ensure a safe and seamless transit experience.

As a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Seaway System, the first vessel to pass through St. Lambert’s Lock was that of the Algoma Central Corporation Captain Henry Jackmana 2021 built Seawaymax Equinox bulk carrier.