Seaway cargo up 14% over last year’s traffic

Marine shipping is contributing to overall economic growth in the country, says St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp., which has released its latest figures on cargo shipments.

Compared to figures from this time last year, seaway cargo shipment tonnage is ahead by 14 per cent. Between March 20 and Sept. 30, cargo tonnage reached 24.3 million tonnes, which is over last year’s number by three million tonnes.

“Our results point to the strength of the Canadian and U.S. economies,” said seaway corporation president and CEO Terence Bowles in a media release sent out by the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

He said the export of mined products, including iron ore and dry bulk, via the seaway has “grown dramatically.” In addition, he said the Great Lakes-Seaway shipping system is attracting more high-value cargo shipments such as steel, machinery and other goods involved in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

The release said this increase in shipping is contributing to and playing a “vital role” in Canadian economic growth. The influx and its effects were slated for discussion during Marine Day on Parliament Hill Tuesday. The meeting was between marine commerce executives, their customers and representatives from the Canadian federal government. It was hosted by the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

“Marine Day on the Hill is about sending the message to our political leaders that inland and coastal shipping is an important Canadian strategic asset that has tremendous potential to grow,” said Bruce Burrows, Marine Chamber of Commerce president, in the release.

Burrows said the government should be looking at the benefits shipping has both environmentally and economically when considering transportation planning and policy creation.