St. Lawrence Seaway Opens for 2026 Navigation Season

Cornwall Ontario – The St. Lawrence Seaway officially launched its 68th navigation season this week at the St. Lambert Lock in Montreal.

The event brought together Canada’s Minister of Transport, representatives of the United States Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, industry, community and government leaders.

For nearly 70 years, Canada and the United States have jointly operated the Seaway as a binational system. As part of the larger Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway trade corridor, it serves six Canadian provinces and eight U.S. states, providing an essential domestic and international trade route connecting Canada and the Great Lakes to the world. Each year, the Seaway moves a wide range of cargoes that support communities and industry, including grain, energy, and project cargo, underscoring its role as a vital link in North America’s supply chain.

“Canada and the United States have built something exceptional in the St. Lawrence Seaway,” said Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. “Our tonnage has remained relatively consistent year-over-year, demonstrating steady performance. As we open this season, we are continuing with initiatives to responsibly grow this vital trade corridor, support industry, economic development and communities in both countries.”

The Seaway has incrementally extended its navigation season in a responsible and consistent manner, providing greater flexibility for shippers while maintaining its commitment to safety and operational excellence. These measured extensions reflect strong coordination between Canadian and U.S. partners, and reinforce the long-term strength of this trade corridor.

“With supply chains facing new pressures, reliable marine corridors like the St. Lawrence Seaway are essential to our economic resilience,” said the Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon. “The Government of Canada will continue to support the Seaway’s critical role in our transportation system, ensuring it remains reliable and efficient for the years ahead.”

Quick Facts

• The Great Lakes St. Lawrence River System is a “marine highway” that extends some 3,700 km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.
• Over 200 million tonnes of cargo travels over the System on an annual basis, supporting over 329,000 jobs and $59 billion in economic activity in Canada and the United States.
• The binational St. Lawrence Seaway serves as the linchpin within the broader waterway, connecting the lower St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes.
• Beginning in Montreal and extending to points west, the Seaway’s 15 locks (13 Canadian and 2 U.S.) enable ships to climb a total of 168 metres from “sea level” up to Lake Erie.
• More info on the Seaway can be found here.

About the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

Headquartered in Cornwall Ontario, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) is a not-for-profit corporation that manages and operates the Canadian assets of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Established in 1998, the SLSMC works under a long-term agreement with Transport Canada to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods through one of North America’s most important trade corridors. The Seaway plays a key role in connecting global markets, supporting economic growth, and advancing innovation in marine transportation. For more information, visit www.seaway.ca.

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