As the 2026 commercial navigation season advances to its last few months, the St. Lawrence Seaway is continuing its moderate cargo growth trajectory while also recording increased vessel transits, according to statistics released by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.
Total cumulative volume at the end of October of 29.4 million tonnes was up 2.9% versus a year earlier, with strong dry bulk shipments offsetting declines in other commodities.
Dry bulk at 10.6 million tonnes was 17.3% up from a year ago. Grain at 8.9 million tonnes was down 3.7%, iron ore down 2% at 4.1 million tonnes, coal down 6.4% at 1 million tonnes, and general cargo down 12% at 1.5 million tonnes – reflecting in part the impact of the Trump trade war on steel shipments.
Liquid bulk was virtually stable at 3.1 million tonnes.
Vessel transits totalling 3,152 were up 3.86% during the period from end March to end October.
(Photo of Canada Steamships Line vessel)