The 2023 navigation season on the St. Lawrence Seaway is now underway. On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Terence Bowles, president and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), and Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), kicked off the 65th navigation season on the St. Lawrence Seaway. 

They were joined by Transport Canada Associate Deputy Minister Dominic Rochon, Christopher Coes, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy. Also in attendance was Gregg Ruhl, president and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation, owner of the Captain Henry Jackman, a Seawaymax bulk carrier built in 2021 and the first vessel to pass through St. Lambert lock this season.

“The St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital link in the North American supply chain, supporting industries, creating jobs and assisting with sustainable development”, said Bowles. “With its advanced technology, the Seaway provides a reliable transportation route for ships transiting the system carrying a wide range of commodities required by citizens on a daily basis. A few examples are grains for breads and pasta; iron ore and coal for steel used in vehicles and appliances; and cement for bridges and roads. We look forward to greater use of this marine corridor, and are optimistic about a strong start to the navigation season.” 

“As the binational waterway turns 65, it is resilient and ready for the future. New technologies, an exceptional reliability record and significant investments in infrastructure are enhancing efficiencies and keeping the Seaway safe and competitive. We look forward to robust international and domestic trade throughout the shipping season,” added Tindall-Schlicht.

Algoma’s Captain Henry Jackman is loaded with iron ore and will travel from St. Lambert to Hamilton.

The SLSMC and GLS are proud to be part of the marine industry’s joint undertaking to establish a green shipping corridor as announced by the Canadian and U.S. governments at the United Nations 27th conference on climate change (COP 27). 

“An important contribution to this effort is the Voyage Information System (VIS), a digital tool that will leverage data to help ship transits on the Seaway be more energy-efficient. In addition, the Seaway will continue to support partners’ efforts to test and develop new fuels and technologies and build on its own substantial greenhouse gas reductions initiatives, including Hands-Free Mooring (HFM), hydro-electric generation and more electric-powered equipment,” said Bowles. “We are excited about the new economic and environmental opportunities that the Green Shipping Corridor will bring.”