St. Lawrence Seaway Kicks Off Its 67th Year of Navigational Opportunities

The Grate Lakes St. lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and its Canadian partner, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), kicked off the 67th navigation season on March 25, 2025. The event was marked by the transit of the articulated Tug and Barge (ATB) Everlast and Norman McLeod, symbolizing the ongoing meaning of this vital waterway that links the Atlantic Ocean with North America’s Great Lakes.

Last year was a standout for the Seaway, moving around 37 million tonnes of cargo—a remarkable feat! Key segments saw remarkable growth: grain shipments rose by 12%, potash increased by 14%, liquid bulk climbed by 10%, and general cargo surged by another 14%. “Today isn’t just about celebrating our past; it’s about looking ahead,” said Jim Athanasiou, who took over as President and CEO of SLSMC in July last year.

The previous navigation season set a record as well—it lasted an astounding 295 days from March to January—making it officially the longest planned season ever for this waterway. The economic benefits are hard to ignore too; approximately 150,000 jobs in the U.S. rely on this corridor, contributing $26 billion to economic activity along with $19 billion in business revenue each year.

“Thanks to our strong reliability record and ongoing investments in infrastructure and tech upgrades, we’re boosting efficiency while ensuring safety,” noted Anthony fisher from GLS. Athanasiou echoed these sentiments: “The Seaway is primed for more cargo movement than ever before—ready to bolster supply chains and enhance trade across North America.”

In essence, as we celebrate these achievements today, it’s clear that both organizations are committed not only to maintaining but also expanding this crucial maritime route’s capabilities for future generations.