Cargo & Commodities

Each year, millions of tons of materials are shipped efficiently through the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. This section covers the various bulk cargo, from iron ore and petroleum to stone and cement, being transported along the system.

Iron Ore and Limestone Trade Down in October

Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4.5 million tons in October, a decrease of 12.3 percent compared to a year ago.  Shipments were 10.1 percent below the... Read More

First Ocean Freight from Vietnam Arrives at Port of Montreal

On August 25, the Azoresborg docked at the Port of Montreal’s Viau Terminal from the Port of Haiphong, carrying 198 containers of high-value energy storage units. On arrival, the vessel was unloaded... Read More

St. Lawrence Seaway Remains a Key Supply Chain

The St. Lawrence Seaway is releasing new figures on its performance. As of the end of August, 19.5 million metric tons of cargo have been shipped on the St. Lawrence... Read More

CSL Leads in Sustainable Marine Solutions

The CSL Group is investing in decarbonization efforts and hiring more women as part of its goal to set positive trends for the entire Great Lakes shipping industry.  Based in... Read More

Burns Harbor Opens New Dock to Serve Ocean Vessels

Local officials and port workers are celebrating the opening of a new $6 million dock that will serve ocean vessels at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. Partially funded by a U.S.... Read More

Great Lakes Limestone Trade Down in August

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.7 million tons in August, a decrease of 7.7 percent from one year ago. Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year... Read More

Rand Logistics Acquires Andrie

Rand Logistics, Inc. has acquired Andrie, LLC, a leading marine transporter of liquid bulk commodity goods, from Auxo Investment Partners. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Based in Muskegon,... Read More

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down in June

Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.4 million tons in June, a decrease of 5.4 percent from 2023, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association. Year-to-date the iron... Read More

CSL to Build New Transhipment Vessel for BCI Minerals

The CSL Group (CSL) has announced a 21-year strategic partnership with BCI Minerals Limited (“BCI”) to build and operate an innovative transhipment vessel to support the Mardie Salt and Potash Project... Read More

Great Lakes ports show steady growth at the start of 2024 shipping season

Proving its worth Movement of cargo on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System is booming thanks to an early start to the shipping season. The 66th navigation season began March... Read More

Great Lakes Towing Launches Caribbean Breakbulk Service

The Great Lakes Towing Company (GLT) has acquired the barge Crimson Glover from Crimson Shipping Company in Chickasaw, Alabama. GLT purchased the 270×80-foot, fully enclosed deck barge, or warehouse barge,... Read More