ST. LAMBERT, Quebec – The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. has announced the opening of the seaway’s 55th navigation season with the transit of Canada Steamship Lines’ newly built Baie St. Paul through the St. Lambert lock.
Marking the first of a series of new vessels being constructed specifically for use in the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Baie St. Paul ushers in a new era in domestic shipping.
“Canada Steamship Lines ranks prominently among a number of Canadian ship owners who are committing hundreds of millions of dollars to build new vessels, testifying to the confidence these firms have in the future of the Great Lakes-Seaway System,” said Terence Bowles, president and CEO of the Seaway Management Corp.
The Baie St. Paul is the first Trillium Class of vessels which are 15 percent more fuel efficient and previous ships. They will save 750 tons of fuel a year, reducing carbon emissions by 2,400 tons.
In 2013, the St. Lawrence Seaway is expected to surpass 40 million tons of cargo.
More than 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity are supported by the shipment of cargo in and through the Great Lakes.
