2024 Tonnage Trends Continue Showing Greater Grain Transport Through September

The fall season is also the busiest time of year for marine shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, and agricultural commodities and steel continue to drive activity in 2024. 

As noted in a release recently issued by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, there has been:

• Approximately 6.2 million metric tons (mt) of Canadian and U.S. grain traffic, which is up by 251,000 mt or 4.24% year over year;
• Approximately 1.15 million mt of Potash traffic, representing an increase of 200,000 mt or 21% year over year; and
• 1.5 million mt of iron and steel traffic, which is up by 313,000 mt or 26.3% over last year.

One Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) member is playing a huge role in the successful movement of much of this grain – The Port of Thunder Bay.  The port is dedicated to providing access to European markets for Western Canadian grain producers through the longest grain supply chain in the world.  The Port is focused on playing a lead role in Canada’s export success for years to come, as evidenced by its 5-Year Capital Plan in strategic investments. This includes the expansion and reconfiguration of the general cargo terminal to capitalize on future cargo growth opportunities.

“September’s year-to-date potash tally set a new standard for the Port of Thunder Bay. The continued upward trend in potash throughput exemplifies port efficiency and reinforces Thunder Bay’s ever-important role in the agricultural sector as a vital gateway between Western Canada and the world. An emerging opportunity is the movement of phosphate imports west via Thunder Bay’s Keefer Terminal. The port is investing in strategic infrastructure, including a significant rail upgrade project, to ensure supply chain fluidity for its growing customer base,” stated Chris Heikkinen, CEO of the Port of Thunder Bay. “Thunder Bay also saw a variety of inbound general cargo shipments in September, including steel pipe and rail, and mining equipment. With a significant supply of grain and potash available for backhaul shipments, shippers are wise to look at Thunder Bay as an inbound gateway for commodities moving into Northern Ontario and Western Canada.”

“The Port of Thunder Bay is the pulse of the Canadian grain industry, and a leader in maintaining Canada’s international reputation as a reliable trading partner,” noted Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “It’s commitment to continuous development and improvement is another example of how seriously CMC members take their responsibilities with respect to maintaining strong supply chains, driving the success of shippers throughout North America, and transporting key commodities that support the quality of life of people throughout the world.”