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THE GREAT LAKES: LIVING UP TO THE NAME
REGIONAL REPORT The Great Lakes: living up to the name
essential transportation corridor to move cargo — and grow the economy
The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System is a deep draught waterway extending 3,700km (2,340 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean to the head of the Great Lakes, in the heart of North America. The St. Lawrence Seaway portion of the System extends from Montreal to mid-Lake Erie. Ranked as one of the outstanding engineering feats of the twentieth century, the St. Lawrence Seaway includes 13 Canadian and two US locks.
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River have been major North American trade arteries since long before the US or Canada achieved nationhood. Today, this integrated navigation system serves miners, farmers, factory workers and commercial interests from the western prairies to the eastern seaboard.
With economic output estimated at $6 trillion, the provinces and states bordering the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System account for 30% of combined Canadian and US economic activity and employment.
The region would rank as the third largest economy in the world if it were a country. Positioned at the core of this economic powerhouse, the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway System serves as a vital supply chain.
The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway was built as a binational partnership between the US and Canada, and continues to operate as such. Administration of the system is shared by two entities, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) in the US, a federal agency within the US Department of Transportation, and The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation in Canada, a not-for-profit corporation (ownership of the Canadian portion of the Seaway remains with the Canadian federal government.)
QUICK FACTS v Cargo shipments on the Great Lakes-
Seaway system generate $45 billion of economic activity and 238,000 jobs in
Canada and the US. v The binational St. Lawrence Seaway serves as the linchpin within the broader waterway, connecting the lower
St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes.
Beginning in Montreal and extending to points west, the Seaway’s 15 locks (13
Canadian and 2 U.S.) enable ships to climb a total of 168 metres from sea level up to Lake Erie.
Louise Dodds-Ely
SLSMC: ready to help reinvigorate trade and ensure a stable supply chain
ABOUT THE ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), the successor to the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority, was established in 1998 as a not-for-profit corporation by the Government of Canada, Seaway users and other key stakeholders. In accordance with provisions of the Canada Marine Act, the Corporation manages and operates the Canadian assets of the St. Lawrence Seaway, which remain the property of the Government of Canada, under an agreement with Transport Canada.
The Canada Steamship Lines’ Trillium Class bulk carrier CSL Welland was the first ship to transit through the Welland Canal in the 64th navigation system.
SEASON OPENING On 24 March this year, the SLSMC marked the opening of the Seaway’s 64th navigation season. The Canada Steamship Lines’ Trillium Class bulk carrier CSL Welland was the first ship to transit through the Welland Canal.
Over the past decade, with investments to modernize and optimize operations, the Seaway has firmed up its position as an essential transportation corridor, helping move products to markets and grow the economy. Its vital contribution was highlighted by dignitaries participating in the opening ceremony, including The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Jim Bradley, Niagara Regional Chair and Louis Martel, President and CEO, CSL Group.
“Our government’s top priority is keeping our supply chains moving. The St. Lawrence Seaway is critical to Canada’s economy, supporting over 92,000 jobs and moving $17 billion in trade activity each year,” said The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport. “With the end of the winter season, we look forward to once again welcoming ships from around the world back to Canadian waters” he added. As we enter a phase of recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, we are committed to keeping our economy strong and will continue investing in projects along this essential transportation corridor. To everyone working on the Seaway, we wish you a successful season” he concluded.
“As the world navigates towards a postpandemic reality, the SLSMC is ready to do its part to help reinvigorate trade, rebuild Canadian and American industries and create a resilient and more stable supply chain,” said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC.
In 2021, some 38mt (million tonnes) of cargo transited the St. Lawrence Seaway. The SLSMC and the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) are optimistic that the economy will continue to improve. However, the Seaway is ready to adapt to fluctuations in cargo movements which could results from the uncertainty created by how the pandemic, consumer habits and the conflict in Ukraine will evolve in the coming months.
“Our performance continues to highlight the resiliency of the Great Lakes Seaway maritime supply chain,” said GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook. “We look forward to building on last year’s accomplishments.”
STRONG ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICE The SLSMC contributes to ‘green transportation’ by fostering an increased use of vessels versus other less environmentally efficient modes of transport. “We are also actively working to help further drive sustainability through such activities as producing hydroelectric power and modernizing Seaway equipment,” said Bowles. “As a result of these efforts, the SLSMC has reduced its Green House Gas Emission levels, well ahead of the targets set by the Federal Government for the year 2030. We will continue to support investments and collaborate with the maritime industry to help further reduce Green House Gas emissions,” he added.
INNOVATION Moving forward, a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient maritime industry will emerge as stakeholders, within the maritime industry and from other sectors, work together to further: v Connect marine infrastructures, cargo shippers, and vessels, making maritime
Cargo of Every Flavor.
shipping even more integrated in the global supply chain. v Increase throughput and shipping of goods via waterways by promoting green marine shipping corridors. v Engage with communities and local governments, including with regard to adapting to water levels and flows affected by climate change, along with supporting industrial development and job-creation along our waterway.
As part of continuous improvement process, the SLSMC will remain aligned with Transport Canada’s 2030 strategic Transportation Plan to support economic growth and environmental resiliency.
THE SEAWAY CONFIRMS ITS POSITION AS A RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR In mid-January this year, the SLSMC announced today that more than 38mt tonnes of cargo transited the system during the 2021 navigation season which, despite another challenging year, is above last year’s results.
Iron ore, steel slabs and other steel products posted strong performances, contributing to over 10.5mt the total. This was driven by demand from both the automotive and construction industries. These results, and the fact that cargo was traded with over 50 countries, confirm the Seaway’s role as an important transportation corridor connecting North America’s largest industrial hubs to markets around the world, as well as in identifying export opportunities and contributing to the economic recovery. Petroleum products and other essential chemical products were up some 5%, and are starting to return to more normal levels.
Such varied cargoes as stone, cement, potash and aluminium were also up. Grain, at 10.6mt, is below last year’s exceptional results due to a smaller crop and drought conditions in both western Canada and the US mid-west. Canadian grain, however, was still tracking at a five5-year average.
“At the Seaway, we continue to demonstrate our resiliency and operational sustainability,” said Bowles. “In spite of the many challenges experienced by the transportation industry this past year, the Seaway was able to maintain its operations and its position as a reliable commercial transportation corridor, ensuring consistent and predictable service for its customers and supporting the Canadian and US economies during this difficult period.”
Reliability of the system is attributable in part to a robust maintenance program. Over the past navigation season and through the upcoming winter months, close to $70 million is being invested in SLSMC maintenance and repair work. Over the past decade, the SLSMC and GLS have invested CAN$925 million in modernizing the binational Seaway infrastructure assets. This economic activity supports many local jobs and enterprises in the communities adjacent to the Seaway.
Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) said, “Throughout another year of challenges to the transportation industry, the Seaway’s performance highlighted its continued resiliency as a maritime supply chain. The Seaway handled an increase in cargo tonnage over the navigation season, and did so safely, reliably, sustainably, and in an environmentally sensitive manner. Seaway users know they can rely on the waterway to meet their domestic and international cargo needs.”
For over 60 years, the Canadian and U.S. Seaway Corporations have worked closely with stakeholders to
strengthen partnerships, enhance efficiencies and drive sustainable growth.
Today, the Seaway is a world-class energy-efficient waterway, an essential transportation corridor for North American goods and services, as well as a strong environmental alternative to other modes of transportation.
The last commercial transit of the 2021 navigation season through the MontrealLake Ontario section occurred on 31 December 31. The Welland Canal had a later closing date, with the final vessel transiting on 7 January. The Seaway canals and locks traditionally re-open for shipping in mid-March, with major maintenance programs occurring during the nonnavigation season.
TOLLS SCHEDULE The SLSMC announced a toll rate increase of 2.0% for the 2022 navigation season. In addition, the New Business, Volume, Gateway and Service incentives will continue to remain in effect.
INCENTIVE INITIATIVES
The SLSMC provides a number of cargo toll incentives: v Gateway Incentive Program: offers to
shippers a percentage reduction negotiated and offered on applicable cargo tolls for shipments of a specific commodity diverted to the Seaway from a competing gateway. v Service Incentive Program: offers a rebate of 20% on applicable cargo tolls for carriers that implement a new service. The objective is to provide incentive for carriers and assist them in developing and implementing a liner or semi-liner service from the Great Lakes
ports to other global markets. This incentive is available to all carriers presently calling the Great Lakes Region and potential service providers who are looking to expand their scheduled services. v New Business Incentive Program: offers a 20% discount on cargo tolls over the course of three years for commodity/origin/destination combi nat ions approved as ‘new business’.
HARNESS THE GLOBAL POWER OF A GREAT LAKES PORT.
Regional, national and international logisticians count on Port Milwaukee for a turnkey approach to solve their transportation and supply chain needs. Strategically located in the industrial center of the U.S., Port Milwaukee provides premier access to domestic and world markets.
VISIT PORTMILWAUKEE.COM PORT@MILWAUKEE.GOV
As the 2022 Great Lakes shipping season gets underway, Hamilton and Oshawa’s ports are primed for another strong year. HOPA Ports saw a total of 11.2mt (million metric tonnes) of cargo during the 2021 shipping season, up 9% from the same time period the previous year.
Hamilton Port recorded 10.8mt this past season; surpassing 2020’s total by almost 1mt of cargo, and climbing 6% ahead of its five-year average. Though its dry bulk levels remained steady, Hamilton continues to see a steady rise in the growth of agriculture-related commodities; driven by increases in wheat, corn, crop inputs, and a whopping 91% increase in raw sugar for SucroCan sugar refinery at the port. Hamilton’s total grain cargo in 2021 once again exceeded 2.5mt, and agricultural cargoes make up one third of its total tonnages. Hamilton also saw significant gains in sand and quartz for the construction sector.
In 2021 HOPA and Hamilton Container Terminal launched a dedicated container feeder service with sailings between Hamilton and Montreal. HOPA also announced its expansion into Niagara Region with a growing Niagara Ports portfolio, centred on the Thorold Multimodal Hub located along the Welland Canal.
HOPA Ports will have $30 million in capital projects under way in 2022, spread across its Southern Ontario port network. In Oshawa, HOPA will be upgrading the port’s facilities and infrastructure to increase capacity for agricultural cargoes and the port’s allowable draught. Oshawa’s port is a key gateway to the most densely populated area of Southern Ontario and international markets through the St Lawrence Seaway.”
In Hamilton, HOPA’s engineering and design team will have many projects on the go; however, one key area of focus will be to create a dedicated agri-food cluster at Pier 10. By adding new storage space for sugar and grain and marine infrastructure, HOPA will provide 225,000 metric tonnes of additional capacity per year, while also taking thousands of trucks off the road.
“The demand for Canadian-grown grain, corn, wheat and soybeans continues, both domestically and around the world. By raising the bar and continuing to invest in critical and sustainable infrastructure, we are enabling growth in Canada’s capacity and trade potential,” said Ian Hamilton, President & CEO of HOPA Ports. “We look forward to even better outcomes in 2022.”
Burns Harbor is one of the six winners of the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for 2021 (photo: Josh Smith). REGIONAL REPORT
On 21 April, the US Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) announced that six US ports in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System received the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from GLS for registering increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through their ports during the 2021 navigation season.
“The winners honored today showcase the critical role of Great Lakes ports in moving goods through our supply chain — and reflect the skill and dedication of the port workers who literally keep our economy afloat,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The six ports earning the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for 2021 are: Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor (Ind.); Port of Chicago (Ill.); Port of Cleveland (Ohio); Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (Mich.); Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority (Pa.); and Port of Oswego Authority (N.Y.).
More than 237,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity are supported annually by movement of various cargoes on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System.
“Congratulations to the six Great Lakes ports being recognized as GLS Pacesetter Award recipients for their achievements during the 2021 Seaway navigation season,” said GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook. “The sustained level of high performance is a testament not only to the Seaway System’s importance as a maritime supply chain but also to the hard work and resiliency of the dedicated men and women throughout our Great Lakes port community.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award, which was established in 1992 to recognize the achievements of US ports whose activities result in increasing international tonnage shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway, excluding Canada, in comparison with the previous year. The Pacesetter Award name was officially changed in 2001 to posthumously honour the noteworthy career of former GLS Logistics Director Robert J. Lewis, who was instrumental in developing and implementing the GLS’s trade development programme.
ABOUT THE GLS The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) is a wholly owned government corporation created by statute 13 May 1954, to construct, operate, and maintain that part of the St. Lawrence Seaway between the Port of Montreal and Lake Erie, within the territorial limits of the United States. Trade development functions aim to enhance Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System utilization without respect to territorial or geographic limits.
The mission of the Corporation is to serve the US intermodal and international transportation system by improving the operation and maintenance of a safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible deep-draught waterway, in co-operation with its Canadian counterpart, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. The GLS also encourages the development of trade through the Great Lakes Seaway System, which contributes to the comprehensive economic and environmental development of the entire Great Lakes region.
The GLS headquarters staff offices are located in Washington, D.C. Operations are located at the two U.S. Seaway locks (Eisenhower and Snell) in Massena, N.Y.
The Ports of IndianaBurns Harbor opened the 2022 international shipping season on Wednesday 6 April with the arrival of the RESKO, a 623-foot bulk carrier coming from Europe through the St. Lawrence Seaway. To commemorate the first ocean vessel of the year, the captain was presented with the Ports of Indiana ‘Steel Stein.’
“Our port handles Lakers and river barges year-round, but the first ocean vessel is always exciting for businesses and our workforce at the port,” said port director Ryan McCoy. “We truly value the St. Lawrence Seaway’s direct connection to global markets and new business opportunities. We’re looking forward to growing the US and Indiana economies again in 2022.”
Owned and operated by Polska Zegluga Morska P.P. Polsteam, the Bahamas-flagged Laker picked up its steel coils in the Netherlands, heading to the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor. The trip took about two weeks. Dock workers unloaded more than 6,450 metric tonnes of steel coils at the port before Capt. Łukasz Pionke and his crew members continued to Milwaukee
The RESKO is the first ocean vessel of 2022 to arrive at Burns Harbor. to discharge the ship’s remaining cargo. Port director McCoy presented Captain Pionke with the ‘Steel Stein,’ which commemorates Northwest Indiana’s identity as “The Steel capital of North America.” The Ports of Indiana is recognized as one of the top steel ports in the country for inbound and outbound Port director Ryan McCoy presented shipments of steel and metal-related Captain Pionke with the ‘Steel Stein,’ products. The steel coils are being unloaded by port stevedore Federal Marine Terminals (FMT) with local workers from the International Longshoremen’s Association and the International Union of Operating Engineers. The St. Lawrence Seaway opened its locks to ocean vessels for the 64th international shipping season on 24 March after closing in late December. The Seaway closes for maintenance in the winter, but the Ports of Indiana is open year-round handling cargoes by river barges, lake vessels, trains and trucks. The port handled 3.39 million tonnes of cargo in 2021, its highest annual shipment total since it began operation in 1970. ABOUT THE PORTS OF INDIANA-BURNS HARBOR The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor opened in 1970 and is operated by Ports of Indiana, a statewide port authority managing three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, the Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system.
Commercial navigation on Lake Superior began on 25 March with the Soo Locks’ opening in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Three days earlier, a bevy of United States and Canadian Coast Guard vessels locked through to open shipping lanes in the ice, which peaked at an above-normal 80% concentration on 15 March before diminishing rapidly.
A pair of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) icebreaking assets — the cutters Hollyhock and Neah Bay — traversed the entirety of Lake Superior to its westernmost point, the Port of Duluth-Superior, arriving 23 March at North America’s furthest-inland seaport. They immediately commenced spring breakout operations in the port’s inner harbour, helping initiate the season’s first vessel movements. The thousand-foot lake freighters Burns Harbor and American Century made headlines as the port’s first outbound ships of the season, each departing Duluth-Superior on 27 March loaded with iron ore from Minnesota’s Iron Range. The season’s first inbound ships also came for iron ore, with the Arthur M. Anderson and American Mariner arriving 30 March in Duluth-Superior after a tussle with 10-to-12-foot-thick formations of wind-blown pack ice.
“The ice conditions on Lake Superior were a challenge to start the season, but the Coast Guard helped ships power through it and complete their initial sailings, and that’s all in the rear-view now, with springtime hopefully taking hold,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “So far, demand for iron ore appears to be strong, which is always a good sign for our port, and we’re also watching coal and grain with interest to see how those commodities move in response to the current global geopolitical situation. Overall, we’re forecasting another solid season in our port.”
Season’s first saltie arrives in Duluth-Superior
The first oceangoing vessel of the 2022 maritime shipping season arrived at 6.32pm local time on Wednesday 13 April in the Port of Duluth-Superior.
Resko, a 624-foot bulk carrier from the Polsteam fleet, earned 2022 First Ship honours, completing the season’s first full transit of the St. Lawrence Seaway en route to the Great Lakes’ westernmost port. By tradition, this first full transit marks the annual opening of the Duluth-Superior Harbor, although the interlake navigation season began with the Soo Locks’ opening on 25 March.
Upon arrival through the Duluth Ship Canal and under the Aerial Lift Bridge, Resko visited Superior’s Gavilon Grain Connors Point Terminal to load approximately 16,200 short tonnes of spring wheat and 5,400 short tonnes of durum wheat destined for Italy.
The ship arrived in ballast after unloading more than 5,500 short tonnes of steel skidded coils in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it was feted as that port’s first international vessel of the season. Resko’s journey originated in Ijmuiden, Netherlands, and also included a stop in Resko sailing under the iconic bridge at the Port of Duluth-Superior (photo: courtesy of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority).
Burns Harbor, Indiana (see ‘First ocean vessel of 2022 arrives at Ports of IndianaBurns Harbor,’ on p42).
“Despite winter’s lingering chill this year, arrival of the season’s first full Seaway transit is a true sign of spring and always of the prosperity these great ships help deliver to our region,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “We’re excited to see it and excited also to share its Midwestern wheat cargo with the world. It’s another example of how Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping delivers the critical goods and raw materials of everyday life.”
The Port Authority’s annual First Ship
welcoming event took place on Friday 15 April. A fixture of the celebration — the First Ship contest, co-sponsored by Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority — crowned a winner from more than 3,600 entries based on the official arrival time of Resko.
The first saltie’s arrival each season is a reminder that the Port of Duluth-Superior is truly Mid-America’s gateway to the world. Located 2,342 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Duluth-Superior is the Great Lakes’ top tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20. It links North America’s heartland to regional and overseas markets, enabling manufacturers and cargo owners to compete in the global marketplace.
ABOUT GAVILON GRAIN CONNORS POINT TERMINAL Formerly known as Peavey CompanyConnors Point, the Gavilon facility can hold more than eight million bushels of grain. Most typically, that allotment includes spring wheat, winter wheat, durum wheat and sugar beet pulp pellets. The Gavilon terminal moves approximately 15–20 million bushels of grain annually.
ABOUT POLSTEAM AND ITS VESSEL ‘RESKO’ Founded in 1951 and based in the Polish city of Szczecin, Polsteam is among Europe’s most prominent shipping companies, with 56 bulk carriers and four ferries sporting its colours.
The company’s main focus is transporting bulk cargoes on the global shipping market. Resko is sailing under the Bahamas flag and is captained by Lukasz Pionke of Poland. The ship was built in 2010. Its carrying capacity is approximately 33,000 short tonnes.
HISTORICAL NOTE The latest arrival of the port’s first saltie was 7 May 2014 (Diana). The earliest was 30 March 2013 (Federal Hunter).
ABOUT THE PORT OF DULUTH-SUPERIOR About 800 vessels and 35 million short tonnes of cargo move through the Port of Duluth-Superior each year, making it the Great Lakes’ largest tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20. The port supports nearly 8,000 jobs and contributes $1.4 billion in business revenue to the regional economy.
CSL’s new diesel-electric self-unloading ship arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on 27 March 2022, fresh from her maiden voyage. Purpose-built for Windsor Salt, Nukumi will begin servicing the Mines Seleine salt mine in late April. The ship is the first dieselelectric Laker and the first single point loader to operate in Canada.
For more details on this innovative project, please see ‘’Maiden voyage for Nukumi, first diesel-electric Laker’ on p16 of the February 2022 issue of Dry Cargo International.
Majestic mural unveiled on ‘CSL Welland’ during St. Lawrence Seaway opening ceremony captures Spirit of Canada Games
The unveiling of ‘The Runners’ created by four Canadian artists marks a new milestone for CSL’s biofuel programme and launches the countdown to the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. On 24 March, Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) marked the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season at Lock 3 of the Welland Canal, by unveiling ‘The Runners’, a spectacular work of art painted on CSL Welland, a 36,364dwt Trillium Class bulk carrier.
Inspired by Greek artistic traditions depicting sport, the colossal 16x14m mural painted on the ship’s accommodation block depicts four runners in motion, striving together towards a common goal.
CSL commissioned the mural, created by renowned Canadian artists Bryan Beyung, Emmanuel Jarus, Andrea Wan and K.C. Hall, to celebrate the spirit of the 2022 Canada Summer Games taking place throughout the Niagara Region from August 6th to the 21st.
Each artist painted a runner according to their distinct style, vision and tradition. Together, the four runners create a collective and harmonious work that reflects the broad mix of people, cultures, backgrounds and abilities in amateur sport today. “As the primary sponsor of the Canada Games torch relay, we were very excited to work with these young artists,” says Louis Martel, CSL President and CEO. “They were able to capture the spirit of athleticism, and the common values we share with the Games — collaboration, inclusion, diversity, integrity, responsibility and perseverance.”
“The original work of art will serve as a lasting legacy to the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games and the ideals they represent,” says Doug Hamilton, Board Chair of the Niagara 2022 Host Society. "We can’t wait to watch CSL Welland and this wonderful mural build energy and excitement for the Games — and we look forward to seeing a CSL ship carry the Canada Games torch for the first time in the event’s history.”
CSL selected the aptly named CSL Welland for this project to honour the communities of the Niagara Region with whom the company has close ties, and because of the vessel’s distinction as a pioneer in supporting sustainable shipping in the Great Lakes.
CSL is committed to striving for a zerocarbon future. As an active participant in CSL’s biofuel programme, CSL Welland has logged the most engine hours on B100 biodiesel of any vessel in the world. The success of using biofuel on CSL Welland and other CSL ships demonstrates the viability and practicality of this green alternative in supporting the decarbonization of marine transportation.
Since 2019, CSL ships have accumulated nearly 30,000 running hours on biodiesel, representing the world’s longest running biofuel trials. The result has seen lifecycle reductions of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 80%, compared with using marine gas oil.
“We are excited to announce we will be pursuing our B100 biofuel programme on eight ships during the 2022/23 Great
Lakes navigation season,” says Martel.
“Just like the runners depicted in the mural, CSL is committed to continuous improvement and to finding solutions to stay at the forefront of safer, greener and more responsible shipping,” he added.
“We do it for these young athletes and artists, and we do it for the future of our customers, communities, environment and industry.”
ABOUT CANADA STEAMSHIP LINES Canada Steamship Lines is a division of The CSL Group, the largest owner and operator of self-unloading ships in the world. Headquartered in Montreal with divisions operating throughout the Americas, Australia, Europe and Asia, CSL delivers millions of tonnes of cargo annually for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors.
Ramsey Greig & Co. Ltd. serves as Rio Tinto’s agent in Port Alfred in Quebec
Ramsey Greig & Co. Ltd. has been at Port Alfred for almost 20 years as Rio Tinto Agency. The company has been appointed by Rio Tinto to attend to all disbursement accounts and agency appointments, as of 1 March 2017. Port-Alfred is the largest port in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Ramsey Greig acts for and on behalf of RTA, Rio Tinto Marine Agencies. They are one and the same. Shipping companies served by Ramsey Greig include: v Angloeastern; v Westernbulk; v Cobelfret; v Fednav; v Canfornav; v Minship; v Golden Ocean; v Norden; v Wilhelmsen; v Gloryship; v Harren-bulker; v Gulfinland; and v UHL shipping.
Ramsey Greig has been a pioneer in port agency services since 1934. It offers the advantage of fast and accurate response to inquiries, regular updates and superior tailored services for all marine operational requirements.
Ramsey Greig & Co. Ltd. offers complete marine agency services to bulk carriers, cargo ships, tanker ships as well as cruise ships and mega yachts calling at various ports along the St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes and ports in Eastern Canada including Saint-Pierre & Miquelon (France). Well anchored in agency services for over 75 years, Ramsey Greig has developed strong expertise in attendance and handling of bulk carriers, general cargo ships, tanker ships, roll-on/roll-off and other specialized vessels. It has wide experience attending to diverse cargo load and discharge requirements including liquid bulk,
explosives, general cargo, project cargo, concentrates, grains and others. With a team of experienced and professional agents within its network, Ramsey Greig provides quality services to ships calling at any port along the St. Lawrence River, Great Lakes as well as Eastern Canada, including Saint-Pierre & Miquelon (France).
Services offered by Ramsey Greig include: v estimated port expenses; v port/berth/channel restrictions v port/terminal vessel line-ups v stowage plan v cargo operations v protective/advisory/supervisory
attendance; v pre-arrival requirements; v marine transportation projects; v local laws & regulations; v bunkers; v vessel delivery/redelivery; v cargo documentation; v advice on St. Lawrence Seaway restrictions; v winter navigation information; v coordinate ship spares/services; v crew member assistance; v dry dock/repairs; and v CBSA electronic reporting (ACI).
REGIONAL REPORT Calhoun Super Structure: covering bulk cargoes for 30 years
Calhoun Super Structure celebrates 30 years of service this year, offering a diverse portfolio of engineered fabric structures for various industries and applications anywhere in the world, including the dry cargo industry. The familyowned company is headquartered in Tara, Ontario, Canada, with US offices in Shakopee, MN and Terre Haute, IN. Calhoun takes pride in ownership of every building it manufactures and sells through its dealer network across North America. The company’s mission remains to diligently pursue excellence in all aspects of product design, manufacturing, and supply by focusing on the development of people, innovation, and sound engineering. The company’s vision as an industry leader is to be the safest, most reliable and durable fabric structure.
“Our family name is on every building that we produce, and you can be assured that if it isn’t strong enough to go in our own yard, we will not allow it in your yard,” Jeremy Calhoun, President, says.
Specific to the dry cargo industry, larger loaders and tipping trucks have more manoeuvrability without interference, and clear span widths up to 250 feet for maximum storage space and functionality for dry cargo operations. The naturally lit bright interiors from the high-density polyethylene fabric make handling dry
VP Series 150 x 310 fertilizer production facility.
VP Series 120 x 288 fertilizer production facility.
cargo easy and economical, and provides workers with comfortable working conditions and adequate lighting. The use of Calhoun’s engineered truss design allows customers to hang heavyweight conveyor systems for more functional use in the structure. Catwalks and stairs can also be included in any Calhoun structure for workers to fix and maintain conveyor systems.
Calhoun’s Versatile Profile (VP) Series is best for dry cargo operations and comes standard with hot-dipped galvanized steel frames and hardware, individual keder panel fabric system and its proprietary J-purlin.
The J-purlin design provides unmatched stiffness and capacity that allows Calhoun to increase bay spacings while simultaneously reducing the quantity of purlin runs in the building — resulting in a more cost-efficient structure that reduces the movement and shifting of conveyor systems. The VP Series can be installed on a variety of foundations from concrete walls or piers to helical anchors or i-Beams.
All of Calhoun’s fabric structures can be completely customized to fit the needs of any requirement related to the dry cargo industry, making the structure part of a cohesive operation rather than a simple storage building.
VP Series 180 x 288 salt storage facility.
The Canadian Coast Guard provides icebreaking support, escort, and ice management services to support the safe and efficient movement of people, ships, and goods across Canadian waters. Shipping on the Great Lakes remains active during the winter months, and the Canadian Coast Guard, in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard, supports the shipping industry to keep cargo moving. The Canadian Coast Guard has two icebreakers assigned to the Great Lakes: Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Samuel Risley and CCGS Griffon.
Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers and crews work in challenging conditions. Ice conditions are variable, and severe conditions can significantly impact navigation during winter. The Canadian Coast Guard prioritizes icebreaking service
requests in the Great Lakes as follows: 1) Distress and emergency situations, 2) Ships with vulnerable cargo (pollutants, dangerous goods and perishables), 3) Marine traffic, fishing vessels and commercial ports. When an icebreaker escort request is received, conditions are one factor that are carefully assessed. Safety is the number one priority when deciding whether a vessel can be escorted by an icebreaker through extreme and/or heavy ice conditions.
Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking service is an economic enabler and an important government service that helps the Canadian and United States economies. The Canadian Coast Guard also plays an important role in public safety, breaking ice to prevent the formation of ice jams, which can cause flooding. On the Great Lakes, icebreaking services are provided by the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard working together as one team. The Canadian and United States Coast Guards share a long history of collaboration on the Great Lakes. These inland waters are vital to both countries’ economies, with approximately 34 million people living in and around the Great Lakes basin on both sides of the border. It is common for American vessels to break out Canadian ports, and vice versa.
2020-2021 WINTER SEASON During the 2020-2021 winter season in Central Region including the Great Lakes, the Canadian Coast Guard responded to 195 requests for icebreaking. Between 21 December 2020, and 4 April 2021 (last day of icebreaking), CCGS Griffon and CCGS Samuel Risley travelled 13,740 nautical miles escorting commercial vessels through the ice, opening shipping routes and breaking out ports across the Great Lakes. The Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaking programme extends to the skies over the Great Lakes. Its helicopters allow crews to conduct ice reconnaissance missions, where information and imagery gathered from the flights assists both Coast Guards, and the shipping industry in planning their routes and schedules.
CCGS Samuel Risley escorting commercial vessel Algoma Hansa on Lake St. Clair, February 2022 (photo taken from a Coast Guard helicopter).
CCGS Griffon providing icebreaking assistance to commercial vessel Whitefish Bay near Midland, Ontario. January 2022.
CCGS Samuel Risley downbound on the St. Mary’s River, January 2022 (photo: Capt. Graham Grattan).
Imports of cement, steel, sugar and salt moving through the Port of Toronto and directly into the heart of Canada’s largest city in 2021 surpassed 2.2 million metric tonnes for the fifth consecutive year. Bypassing trade gateways disrupted by the pandemic, Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway shipping routes remained reliable and congestion free, reinforcing the Port of Toronto’s important role in the national supply chain.
Overall, 190 cargo vessels visited the Port of Toronto in 2021, delivering a range of bulk, project and general cargo products totalling 2,295,815 metric tonnes — a 4% increase over 2020.
The port had another strong year moving construction materials including steel coils and rebar, cement and aggregate. In 2021, the port recorded cement cargo and steel imports reaching 19- and 18-year highs respectively, with more than 734,000 metric tonnes of cement and 185,000 metric tonnes of steel transiting through the port to construction sites throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Aggregate tonnage more than doubled year-over-year, with 215,232 metric tonnes moving through the port to supply various land erosion projects led by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. In addition to importing 572,683 metric tonnes of sugar from Central and South America to support Toronto’s food and beverage industry, the port moved 583,425 metric tonnes of salt and saw 4,365 metric tonnes of container services tonnage — a 15% increase over 2020 for container services.
“Shipping has a major role to play in ensuring the sustained resiliency of our national supply chain. In 2021, the Port of
Toronto continued to provide a reliable trade gateway for the transportation of goods to the Greater Toronto Area, connecting Toronto to marine ports around the world while much of our transportation sector experienced delays. Further to the economic benefits to the region, shipping is a more efficient way to move goods and produces far less carbon emissions per tonne kilometre than other industries in Canada’s transportation system,” said Geoffrey Wilson, CEO of PortsToronto. “While the Port of Toronto will continue to play an essential role in our national supply chain in 2022, it will also play an important role supporting Toronto’s tourism sector as we anticipate hosting a record 40 cruise ships in 2022, including a number of new cruise ships designed for expedition cruising on the Great Lakes.”
Supporting Toronto’s tourism and hospitality sectors, the Port of Toronto expects to host a record 40 cruise ships between May and October 2022, including a number of new cruise ships designed for expedition cruising on the Great Lakes. A gateway to Canada’s largest city, the Port of Toronto is a turnaround port, allowing Toronto to host arriving and departing cruise ship passengers for several days as they enjoy the many accommodations, restaurants and attractions the city has to offer.
In 2021, the Port of Toronto saw the arrival of three bridge spans from Nova Scotia via tug/barge for Waterfront Toronto’s Villiers Island project, and was critical in providing berthing for marine equipment working on the City of Toronto Ashbridge’s Bay Sewer Treatment Plant new outfall project.
Through its mixed-use facilities, the port also plays a role in supporting Toronto’s $2 billion film industry by providing a production hub for industry players such as Cinespace and Netflix. This complementary use is facilitated in parallel with traditional port and cruise ship terminal operations, and has proven to be successful in ensuring the full utilization of PortsToronto property.
In addition to its economic impact, increased imports through the Port of Toronto has a positive impact on the environment given the 2.2 million metric tonnes of cargo delivered by ship last year took approximately 57,000, 40-tonne trucks off Toronto’s congested roads and highways.
PortsToronto celebrates 161st annual Top Hat Ceremony with the arrival of the first ship of the season
The Chestnut and Captain Dorde Perovic won the race to be the first ship to Port, bringing thousands of metric tonnes of sugar from Maceio, Brazil to Redpath Sugar.
In a sure sign that spring is here, on the morning of 28 March, PortsToronto ‘crowned’ Captain Dorde Perovic of the Chestnut with an antique top hat — first presented in the spring of 1861— at the annual Top Hat Ceremony. For the past 161 years, PortsToronto has celebrated the official opening of the commercial shipping season by crowning the captain of the first ocean-going vessel or ‘saltie’ to arrive at the port.
Appropriate precautions were taken to ensure that this longstanding tradition could safely take place given ongoing, albeit reduced,
public health restrictions. Captain Dorde Perovic participated in the ceremony from the bridge of the Chestnut while PortsToronto Assistant Manager of Harbour Operations, Helen Oel, remained on the dock wall.
“The Top Hat Ceremony is a 161-year old tradition at the Port of Toronto, marking the annual opening of a vital marine gateway that provides Canadian and international businesses with a convenient, sustainable and cost-effective way to bring goods into the heart of the city,” said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. “Traditions such as these are a reminder of the longstanding resilience of our marine shipping industry, which has maintained the delivery of goods to many key sectors in the Greater Toronto Area and will continue to do so throughout the 2022 shipping season and beyond.”
BACKGROUND The Port of Toronto’s first harbourmaster, Hugh Richardson, initiated the idea to entice ships to bring building materials into the harbour as early as possible each year, allowing Toronto — then a burgeoning city — to start its building season. The first ship was given $100 in a briefcase, and the top hat, which served as the ‘key to the city’ for a 24-hour period enabling the captain and crew to eat and drink for free.
Originally begun as a celebration of the first ship to enter the harbour each year, the annual tradition now celebrates the arrival of the first ocean-going ship of the season, also known as a ‘saltie’. This year the first ship was the Chestnut, which arrived in the Port of Toronto from Maceio, Brazil with 19,000 metric tonnes of sugar for the Redpath Refinery. The annual ceremony also celebrates the commencement of the 2022 shipping season.
ABOUT THE PORT OF TORONTO Since 1793, the Port of Toronto has served as Toronto’s gateway to the St. Lawrence Seaway and to marine ports around the world. Serving primarily as a bulk cargo destination, the port boasts a unique location minutes from Toronto’s downtown and moves goods from countries as far away as Germany, South Korea, China, Brazil, Australia, South America and the United States. In addition to managing the movement of ships through the harbour, PortsToronto is the owner and operator of Marine Terminals 51, 52 and the Cruise Ship Terminal within the Port of Toronto.
The Port of Toronto is one of Canada’s inland ports and is situated on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. Located minutes from Toronto’s downtown core, the port provides a seamless network of cost-effective intermodal links to road, rail and air transportation, serving as a unique and crucial piece of economic infrastructure. Marine cargo arriving and managed at the Port of Toronto generated $377.7 million in economic activity and 1,566 jobs in Ontario in 2017. Port also welcomes cruise ships and passengers from around the globe through the Cruise Ship Terminal.
ABOUT PORTSTORONTO For more than 100 years PortsToronto has worked with its partners at the federal, provincial and municipal levels to enhance the economic growth of the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomed approximately 2.8 million passengers in 2019; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and, Marine Terminal 52, which provides transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses at the Port of Toronto. PortsToronto is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities and has invested more than $12 million since 2009 in charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto’s waterfront and beyond. PortsToronto operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act and is guided by a board with representation from all three levels of government.
Online Learning Center offers free non-commercial conveyor operation and safety training
A renowned global supplier of conveyor accessories and bulk material handling solutions has launched a comprehensive digital educational resource for conveyor operation and safety. The online Foundations™ Learning Center draws from the collective knowledge and expertise gathered over nearly 80 years solving bulk handling challenges. Aimed at apprentice technicians and experienced engineers alike, the non-commercial information is offered at no charge and is accessible by computer, tablet, or smartphone.
An extension of the Foundations training curriculum, the Learning Center uses a mix of text, photos, videos, webinars, online events, and live experts available to answer questions. The result is a unique central hub for industry professionals of all knowledge levels to use as a resource for building a deep understanding of material flow and safe, efficient conveyor operation.
“Not everyone learns by reading a textbook or following a lecture, so we set up the Learning Center as the place to go for all things conveyor and bulk handling for all types of learners,” said Jerad Heitzler, Foundations Training Manager and curator of the Learning Center. “Technology allows us to accommodate different learning styles by offering several avenues to the same knowledge. The Center is designed in categories to provide easy access to the resources and organized so that people can find what they need quickly.”
The Learning Center is an online portal where plant operators, managers, and supervisors can send members of their teams to build their understanding of every aspect of conveyor operation and safety practices. The platform provides visitors with immediate solutions that are applicable and actionable, regardless of the equipment manufacturer. It is also a place to learn about the latest technologies, techniques, and compliance measures.
Building from its comprehensive training resources Foundations, The Practical Resource for Cleaner, Safer, More Productive Dust & Material Control and Foundations for Conveyor Safety, the Learning Center has been modelled on decades of knowledge from Martin’s highly experienced team of engineers and field technicians in every corner of the bulk materials handling industry. To start with, the creators have focused on the basics of conveyor operation and safety, with more advanced subject matter being added regularly.
The Learning Center resources supplement and enhance Martin Engineering’s extensive Foundations training programme. The in-person training programme combines the hands-on instruction and personal attention found in a classroom setting with the Learning Center technology, the textbook, and comprehension testing.
The modules of the Learning Center are split into nine categories: 1. Material carryback & belt cleaning 2. Dust management 3. Material spillage 4. Belt conveyor safety 5. Conveyor belt & component damage 6. Conveyor belt mistracking 7. Material flow problems 8. Belt conveyor system maintenance 9. Basics of belt conveyor systems
Once the category is chosen, the learner is greeted with the core issues related to the module and examples of best practices. Video overviews are immediately available to introduce the subject. The navigation bar to the right of each module page provides a detailed walkthrough of the
The Learning Center uses a mix of text, photos, videos, webinars, online events and live experts. Non-commercial information is offered at no charge and is accessible by computer, tablet, or smartphone.
