Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System announces closures for 2001 navigation season

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System has announced closing procedures for the end of the 2001 navigation season.

The Montreal-Lake Ontario Section’s clearance date has been set for 2400 hours, December 20.

Vessel demand, weather and ice conditions will dictate the final closing date. In early December, a further announcement will be made regarding whether vessels will be subject to operational surcharges on December 21, 22 and 23. The surcharges will not however be waived for December 24.

In the Welland Canal, vessels will be accepted to transit upbound at CIP15 and downbound at CIP16 up to 0800 hours December 24. The Welland Canal may be kept open beyond this date depending on vessel demand and operating conditions. However, vessel transits after 0800 hours December 24, if permitted, will be subject to agents/owners signing a written agreement with the SLSMC.

The official closing date for the Sault Ste. Marie locks (U.S.A) is 2400 hours January 15, 2002.

Should severe climatic conditions occur during the closing period, there is a chance that these dates may not be met, warns the Seaway. Final closing dates for both sections will be confirmed when better information is available.