WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cargo shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway were up 25.1 million metric tons through the end of September.

“Cargo tonnage on the Seaway System remained relatively steady for the month of September,” said Rebecca Spruill, director of trade development for the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. “These tonnage numbers reflect historical trading patterns for the month of September, with the noteworthy increase in shipments of windmill components.”

The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor handled a significant increase in the shipments of steel, coke, fertilizer, grain and minerals during the first nine months of the year.

“Throughout the first three quarters of 2012, we have seen a nearly 25 percent increase in steel shipments driven by increased demand in the manufacturing sector,” said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. “Having direct access to international shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the inland river system is a major competitive advantage for port companies. Three new steel-related businesses have already opened facilities at our port in 2012 and we expect to see additional increases in shipments as those operations come online.”