ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY BEGINS NAVIGATION SEASON

GLS 01-21 
Monday, March 22, 2021 
Contact:  Nancy.Alcalde@dot.gov
202-366-6114

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation
(GLS) joined with its binational partner, the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management
Corporation (SLSMC), to mark the opening of the Seaway’s 63rd navigation season.
“Moving goods by water through the Seaway ensures trade is flowing freely between the U.S.
and Canada while also reducing emissions,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
“After 62 years of operation, the binational Seaway System remains a model of international
cooperation and partnership and showcases how we can work together to address the challenges
of climate change.”

The virtual opening ceremony of the binational waterway took place at St. Lambert Lock in
Montreal Canada today. DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Canadian Transport Minister Omar
Alghabra, GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook, and SLSMC President/CEO
Terence Bowles all addressed the gathering remotely and welcomed the transit of the first
commercial vessel of the season.

“Commercial navigation on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is an economic
foundation of the U.S. and Canadian economies,” said GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H.
Middlebrook.  “More than 237,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity in the U.S. and
Canada are annually supported by movement of various cargoes on the Great Lakes St.
Lawrence Seaway System.”

A ship transiting the Seaway’s 15 locks from Montreal to Lake Erie crosses the international
border 27 times, and DOT and Transport Canada work closely together to ensure that this transit
experience is as safe and seamless as possible.

Great Lakes Seaway maritime commerce is an efficient way of moving cargo that creates highquality jobs and helps us address our climate goals.The Baie St. Paul was the first ship to pass through the St. Lambert Lock, officially marking the start of the 63rd navigation season of the St. Lawrence Seaway.