Dry bulk shipments drive increased total St. Lawrence Seaway traffic to the end of August

As the 2026 navigation season on the St. Lawrence Seaway passed the mid-way point, the latest cargo figures show a 2.6% increase in cumulative traffic to 20.7 million tonnes – with dry bulk shipments leading the way.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation reported dry bulk volume surging by 17% to 7.4 million tonnes during the period to end-August. All grain declined by 3.2% to 6.1 million tonnes, while iron ore declined: by 5% to 2.9%.

Coal and general cargo also posted declines. And liquid bulk virtually matched the year-earlier level of 2.3 million tonnes.

(Photo from SLSMC)