St. Lawrence Seaway cargo shipments between March 22 and October 31 totaled 28.5 million metric tons, up 1.9% from the same period last year, according to the latest results published by the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

General cargo (up 65%) led the way in October with steel imports expected to continue to hold strong through the balance of the year. Dry bulk shipments were up 8% due to cross-border trade of building materials. Iron ore shipments were up 20%, with Quebec mines supplying Canadian steel manufacturing, along with pellet exports from northern Minnesota ports headed to Quebec, which are then shipped to Europe.

Following a record year in 2020, Canadian grain shipments were down 17%, but in line with the five-year average. Ontario grain shipments are expected to remain steady through years' end and Prairie grain volumes are projected to be in line with average figures following a smaller harvest.

Another return to normalcy can be seen in the liquid bulk category as more businesses return to the office and travelers take to the skies for leisure travel. Liquid bulk shipments (including jet fuel and petroleum) are slowly improving; down 5% through October.

"We anticipate a strong finish to the shipping season as Canadian domestic fleets are booked with a variety of cargoes and ocean vessels are coming into the system to deliver steel and export grain," said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. "This year proves the resiliency of shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. With uninterrupted navigation, our transportation corridor helps the Canadian and U.S. economies regain their footing and North American businesses continue day-to-day operations despite the global supply chain crisis."

Source: Chamber of Marine Commerce

 

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