The Chamber of Marine Commerce reports that shipping on the Canadian Great Lakes-Seaway corridor continues to show resilience and consistency in a year that began with economic uncertainty and ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain.

In August, the year-to-date cargo traffic within the Seaway System reached 19.9 million tonnes, which is consistent with the 19.8 million tonnes transported during the same period in 2022. As cargo movements pick up, shippers are finding efficiencies by moving greater volumes per Seaway transit, which has economic and environmental benefits.

"Marine shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway continues to be the most reliable, efficient and sustainable mode for transporting goods," noted Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC). "Canadian grain shipments are showing positive trends and we are optimistic that increased activity within our Western Canadian supply chain will amount to good volumes through the close of the season."

There has been tremendous demand for western Canadian grain as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. To date, approximately 4.6 million tonnes of Canadian grain has travelled the Seaway, representing a 28.27% increase over the prior year - marking its fourth best year-to-date result since 2003.

Key construction commodities also showed year over year gains in August. Almost 1.2 million tonnes of cement and clinkers having traveled the system this year (a year over year increase of 205,000 tonnes, or 20.65%). Stone also saw increased annual traffic, with 158,000 tonnes transiting the system (a year over year increase of 73,000 tonnes, or 86.43%.)

Source: Chamber of Marine Commerce

 

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