The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System's 65th navigation season officially opened March 22.
This international waterway is an essential link in the supply network that serves North America, according to a March 23 news release. It facilitates the movement of tens of millions of tons of goods on an annual basis, helps to maintain hundreds of thousands of jobs and fights against climate change.
"At a time when we are working to strengthen our nation's supply chains, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System plays a central role, helping us move tens of millions of tons of goods each year, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and combating climate change," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release.
The opening ceremony took place at St. Lambert Lock in Montreal, Canada, according to the release. The Capt. Henry Jackman, a Seawaymax Equinox bulk carrier, was the first ship to travel through the lock for the season. The ship, owned by Algoma Central Corporation, was constructed in 2021.
"As we open the Seaway System's 65th season, it remains a model of international cooperation and a cornerstone of America's trade with the rest of the world," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in the release.
The 15 locks that make up the Seaway System facilitate dependable and effective movement of cargo, the release reported. As a result, they are responsible for the maintenance of high-quality employment opportunities in both the United States and Canada.
Additionally, the Seaway System is responsible for the yearly generation of $35 billion in economic activity, according to the release.
