The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) reported Friday that cargo volumes on the St. Lawrence Seaway system were ahead of the pace seen at the same time a year ago.
Total cargo shipments on the Seaway for the period ended October 31, 2010 amounted to27.1 million metric tons (mt) representing a 17.5 percent increase over the same period last year.
An increase in Canadian exports of grains out of Ontario and Quebec, along with demand for construction materials and general cargo shipments boosted October's numbers. Iron ore shipments were up 52.6 percent over last year, while coal shipments increased 22 percent compared to the same period last year.
US ports also benefited from the Seaway's upward trend. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority reported overall tonnage was up 20 percent at the Port of Toledo, Ohio over the same period a year ago.