Seaway opens for 65th season

The 65th season of the St. Lawrence Seaway kicked off this week with the passage of the Captain Henry Jackman through St. Lambert lock, near Montreal, this season.

The Captain Henry Jackman, an Algoma Corporation Seawaymax bulk carrier built in 2021, is the first vessel to pass through St. Lambert lock this season

“The St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital link in the North American supply chain, supporting industries, creating jobs and assisting with sustainable development”, said Terence Bowles, president and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC).

“With its advanced technology, the Seaway provides a reliable transportation route for ships transiting the system carrying a wide range of commodities required by citizens on a daily basis. A few examples are grains for breads and pasta; iron ore and coal for steel used in vehicles and appliances; and cement for bridges and roads. We look forward to greater use of this marine corridor, and are optimistic about a strong start to the navigation season.”

The Captain Henry Jackman is a Seawaymax bulk carrier built in 2021. It is Algoma Central’s newest Equinox Class vessel, and loaded with iron ore, is transiting from St. Lambert to Hamilton.

“Algoma’s fleet is prepared for another busy year. Our focus is to meet the marine transportation needs of today and of future generations by reducing our carbon footprint and delivering materials to support local and global economic activity. This would not be possible without our seafarers, and I wish our crews a safe season, fair winds and following seas,” said Gregg Ruhl, president and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation.

The SLSMC and GLS are part of the marine industry’s joint undertaking to establish a green shipping corridor, as announced by the Canadian and U.S. governments at the United Nations 27th conference on climate change (COP 27).

An important part of the project is the Voyage Information System (VIS), a digital tool that will use data to help ship transits on the Seaway be more energy-efficient. In addition, the Seaway will continue to support partners’ efforts to test and develop new fuels and technologies and build on its own substantial greenhouse gas reductions initiatives, including Hands-Free Mooring (HFM), hydro-electric generation and more electric-powered equipment.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system extends 3,700 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Shipping through the Seaway supports over 329,000 jobs and $59 billion in economic activity in Canada and the United States.