A more technolically advanced Welland Canal opens 44th shipping season

Captain Hugh Pink of the Lower Lakes towing vessel M/V Mississagi was presented with the ceremonial top hat this week when the St. Lawrence Seaway officially reopened for its 44th consecutive shipping season.

The towing vessel was the first to pass through the locks this year.

The Seaway opens the new season with its Automatic Vessel Identification (AIS) system in place. Guy Veronneau, President of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., says the system will be tested this season and be made mandatory next year.

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards are working to implement AIS in their jurisdictions by 2004/2005.

The Seaway is also expecting an increase in the use of its Web site, which was launched last year and was receiving more than 50,000 hits a month. This year it is offering e-business services and an e-mail broadcasting feature so that Seaway users will be able to receive information electronically.