In 2024, more than 142 million metric tonnes of cargo moved through the GLSLW shipping corridor, according to a special report – the only data source of its kind – compiled by the Chamber of Marine Commerce.
The Canadian fleet moved approximately 60 million metric tonnes, accounting for 42 percent of all tonnage, while the U.S. fleet ships handled the largest share of tonnage at nearly 71 million metric tonnes, representing 49 percent of total cargo volumes.
Tonnage volumes across the GLSLW system increased by 1.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by an increase in tonnage handled by foreign fleets operating through the St. Lawrence Seaway, reaching 12.4 million metric tonnes. an increase of 12.8% over the prior year. In contrast, both Canadian (-1.8%) and U.S. fleet (-3.9%) shipments saw a decrease in their total tonnage.
Of the total 142 million metric tonnes moved through the entire system, 37 million metric tonnes (26%) transited the St. Lawrence Seaway, with approximately 24.6 million metric tonnes (67%) handled by Canadian vessels and 12.4 million metric tonnes (33%) shipped by foreign carriers.
Canadian carriers handled abut 60 million tonnes in 2024
Grain movements advanced by 1 million metric tonnes, up 15%, capitalizing on robust prairie yields and advantageous export timing, while petroleum products increased by 2 million metric tonnes beyond 2023 levels as refineries maintained consistent output and regional fuel distribution held firm throughout the year. Shipments coal, stone and general cargo saw more modest gains in 2024 versus volumes in 2023. However, iron-ore and steel loadings retreated by 1 million and 160,000 metric tonnes, respectively, reflecting softer demand.
Weather-dependent commodities also pulled back with road-salt shipments decreasing by close to 2 million metric tonnes following another unseasonably mild winter. Other dry bulk and cement volumes dropped by 1 million metric tonnes and 551,000 metric tonnes, respectively, in 2024 versus 2023 levels.
US fleet handled 71 million tonnes
Iron ore drove much of the year’s activity, rising to 39.8 million metric tonnes, a 1.4 million metric tonnes gain over 2023, an increase linked to a longer ice-free start and steadier blast-furnace scheduling. Conversely, coal volumes declined to 6.7 million metric tonnes, a 0.9 million metric tonnes drop from the prior year. Limestone shipments fell sharply to 19.1 million metric tonnes, down 3.2 million metric tonnes year-over-year, while cement shipments eased to 3.2 million metric tonnes, down 0.2 million metric tonnes. Among smaller flows, salt reached 1.1 million metric tonnes, up slightly from 2023, supported by early-winter highway restocking. Grain volumes held steady at 0.3 million metric tonnes while sand shipments rose to 0.8 million metric tonnes, a gain of 15% over the previous year.
(SLSMC photo of Welland Canal shipping and Dreamstime photo of US-flag vessel approaching Soo Locks)