Seaway Navigation Season to Close to Shipping on January 3rd!

Montreal – The Seaway Corporations have announced the closing dates for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

In a statement released on Friday, November 10th they said, “With navigation approaching the end of season 2023-24, the Seaway Corporations continue to take measures to maximize the movement of vessels carrying essential cargo along the Seaway. In line with maintaining a dependable Great-Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway trade corridor, the following cut-off dates for the closing of the navigation season for the respective sections have been set.”

“While preserving the sustainability of the navigation season is very important, we are mindful of navigation safety and careful of unanticipated environmental conditions that may occur during the closing period. Should this happen, the dates outlined below for the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section or the Welland Canal may be advanced.”

Closing Dates:

Montreal-Lake Ontario Section:

• The Corporations have decided to waive the operational surcharges on December 21, 22, 23 and 24.
• Any transit of the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section of the Seaway after 23:59 hours, December 24, if permitted, will be subject to a prior written agreement. Arrangements are to be made at the St. Lambert office.
• Ships must be clear of the MLO Section by the following closing dates:
  • Downbound clear of CIP 2 by 10:00 January 5, 2024; and
  • Upbound clear of Cape Vincent by 06:00 January 5, 2024.

• In order to clear the MLO Section by the above dates, the following cutoff times for accepting ships have been established:
  • downbound at Cape Vincent: 18:00 January 3, 2024
  • upbound at CIP2: 14:00 January 3, 2024