Latest News
Ice Conditions Renew Calls for Additional U.S. Icebreaker on Great Lakes
Commercial shipping on the Great Lakes has slowed sharply just a few days into the 2026 navigation season, as ice conditions in the St. Marys River and Whitefish Bay halted vessel traffic and renewed... Read More
Maritime Administration Announces $488.6 Million in Port Infrastructure Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $488.6 million in funding through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) to support upgrades at ports across the country. The... Read More
Dirk S. VanEnkevort & Michigan Trader is First Vessel to Transit Soo Locks for 2026 Season
The Michigan Trader is the first vessel to transit the Soo Locks to open the 2026 navigation season. Together with tug Dirk S. VanEnkevort, the pair represents the most modern... Read More
2026 Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Season Officially Underway
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, opened the Poe Lock at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on... Read More
Ports of Indiana Establishes First European Trade Office in Ireland
Ports of Indiana has expanded its international presence with the opening of its first European trade office in Ireland, a strategic move aimed at increasing cargo shipments and supporting the... Read More
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy receives 2026 Champion of the Great Lakes Award in Washington
The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) named U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY), as the 2026 recipient of its Champion of the Great Lakes Award during the Great Lakes Day Congressional... Read More
Revised Ship Inspection Fees for 2026 Navigation Season
There will be a 2.5% increase of ship inspection fees for the upcoming 2026 navigation season. Fees will be as follows: Inland/ocean ship inspection inside the normal area: During normal... Read More
St. Lawrence Seaway Cargo Traffic Holds Steady During 2025 Navigation Season
Cargo traffic through the St. Lawrence Seaway remained largely unchanged during the 2025 navigation season, with increases in grain shipments offsetting declines in several other cargo categories. The system handled 36.9 million metric tons of... Read More
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Launches Initiative to Streamline and Accelerate Projects
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works has announced a new initiative aimed at streamlining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) Civil Works program and accelerating delivery of... Read More
Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Nearly Matches January 2025
Iron Ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 2 million tons in January. According to the Lake Carriers’ Association, this total is a near match to 2025. Loadings were below... Read More