St. Lawrence Seaway cargo reached 40.9 million tonnes in 2018

Seaway reports very high movements of grain, the most on record since the turn of the century.

The St. Lawrence Seaway’s total tonnage shipped on the waterway during the 2018 navigation season reached 40.9 million tonnes, up 6.8% compared to the previous year.

This is the highest result since 2007, mostly due to high movements of grain, the most on record since the turn of the century. According to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), increased movements were also recorded in a broad range of cargoes including grain, road salt, stone, cement, gypsum and refined fuels.

“We are very pleased with the results recorded over the past year” said the SLSMC’s President and CEO, Terence Bowles. “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.”

The 2018 navigation season concluded on December 31st, with the transit of the Cedarglen through the Welland Canal’s Lock 8 ?at 12:35, heading for Lake Erie. In the Montreal sector, the M.V. Floragracht was the last ship to transit, clearing the St. Lambert Lock at 19:45 on December 30th as she proceeded on her voyage to Europe.