Media Release

March 21, 2017 Optimistic Ports Outlook for 2017 Great Lakes-Seaway Season

NEWS RELEASE – While the first-half of 2016 was tough for many due to global economic conditions, a strong fourth quarter has spurred optimism as the 2017 shipping season gets underway with this week’s opening of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway system.

Chamber of Marine Commerce President Bruce Burrows said: “Certainly there was a big improvement in the last quarter of 2016 with the resurgence of iron ore pellet exports out of the U.S. and a strong grain season.  We expect that positive momentum to continue with overall cargo volumes increasing this year.”

March 7, 2017 Canadian fleets and Seaway invest $160M to prepare for new season

Economic, jobs boost for local communities

Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian shipowners and the St. Lawrence Seaway have spent an estimated $160 million on repair and infrastructure projects this winter, boosting the economic fortunes of communities throughout the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence and east coast.

January 23, 2017 Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Shipping Vital to Growth, Trade & Jobs

Increased Canada/U.S. Infrastructure Investment would boost growth opportunity

NEWS RELEASE – In a speech today in Toronto, new Chamber of Marine Commerce President Bruce Burrows called the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway a vital engine of sustainable growth that would benefit from increased infrastructure spending in Canada and the U.S.

December 15, 2016 NA grain shipments flowing as Seaway shipping hits final stretch

The St. Lawrence Seaway is expecting a strong finish to the shipping season as freighters deliver critical raw materials and exports for North America’s industrial and agricultural sectors before the waterway closes December 31.

December 15, 2016 Final Seaway surge expected before shipping season ends

Grain and project cargo “best in class” in 2016

Ottawa, Ontario – The St. Lawrence Seaway is expecting a strong finish to the shipping season as freighters deliver critical raw materials and exports for North America’s industrial and agricultural sectors before the waterway closes December 31.

According to The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, total cargo shipments reached 30.3 million metric tons for the period from March 21 to November 30. In December, dozens of ships were still in the navigation system.

November 30, 2016 Chamber of Marine Commerce appoints Vice President, Operations

Ottawa, Ontario — The Chamber of Marine Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Turner as Vice President, Operations effective January 3, 2017. 

Mr. Turner has extensive experience both aboard ships and in federal government regulatory development and policy-making, which will be invaluable to his role managing the Chamber’s activities related to compliance with the many environmental, safety, human resource, and operational regulations and policies that govern all aspects of the marine transportation industry.

November 15, 2016 Chamber of Marine Commerce appoints new president

Ottawa, Ontario — The board of directors of the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce R. Burrows as President, effective December 1st, 2016.

Burrows joins the Chamber as the bi-national industry association enters a new chapter, having recently completed a merger with the Canadian Shipowners Association in September.

November 14, 2016 Grain and iron ore lead the way for October shipping: Latest figures

North American grain and iron ore exports have kept Great Lakes-Seaway shipping on course in October, according to the latest statistics.

“US grain traffic continues to increase through the Seaway having grown 30 percent since 2014,” said Raymond Johnston, President of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “A surge of U.S. iron ore pellet exports to Japan and China is also keeping the St. Lawrence Seaway bustling in the critical months before the shipping season winds down.”

November 14, 2016 Iron ore exports keep St. Lawrence Seaway shipping on course

Ottawa, Ontario – A surge of North American iron ore exports to Japan and China is keeping the St. Lawrence Seaway bustling in the critical months before the shipping season winds down.

Ships will deliver over a million metric tons of iron ore pellets for export via the inland waterway by the end of the shipping season.

October 13, 2016 Great Lakes-Seaway shipping season comeback continues: Latest figures

News Release

North American grain and iron ore exports in September have accelerated a rebound in shipping on the St. Lawrence Seaway.

“While overall tonnage is about 5 percent behind last year, the resurgence in shipping activity that started in August continued last month,” said Raymond Johnston, President of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “U.S. grain exports are up and we’re seeing a resumption of iron ore exports from ports in the Upper Great Lakes such as Duluth-Superior due to improved world pricing.”