Vessels loading at Thunder Bay

The 2025 shipping season has begun in the Port of Thunder Bay. Algoma Guardian was loading at Richardson International Terminal (Current River) on March 25, 2025. Federal Yoshino (2001 Marshall Islands) was in dry dock at Ontario Shipyards. Capt. Henry Jackman was loading wheat for Baie Comeau at Richardson International Terminal (Main).

Micheal Hull

Cleveland-Cliffs to lay off 600 at Dearborn Works plant

Detroit, MI – Cleveland-Cliffs confirmed Tuesday it will lay off 600 workers at its Dearborn Works plant as part of plans to temporarily idle parts of the facility, a decision the steel producer says was driven by weak automotive production in the United States.

As part of an effort to adjust to the market, the company says it will halt operations at the blast furnace, BOF steel shop and continuous casting facilities in Dearborn. The company said it has issued WARN notices and that the layoffs will begin July 15.

Ore for the blast furnace is brought in by lake freighter, potentially bad news for the Great Lakes shipping industry.

The finishing facilities will remain in operation at Dearborn Works, including the pickling line tandem cold mill and continuous galvanizing line. These facilities will continue to employ 550 employees.

“These actions will allow the company to operate more efficiently and in a more cost competitive way for the current market environment,” the company said in a statement. “We believe that, once President Trump’s policies take full effect and automotive production is re-shored, we should be able to resume steel production at Dearborn Works.”

The idling in Dearborn will come as the company expects to resume full operation at its Cleveland Works’ C6 blast furnace, which was idled last year.

The Detroit News

A New Season Begins: St. Lawrence Seaway Opens for 2025

ST. CATHARINES (March 25, 2025) – The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC)
officially launched its 67th navigation season today with a ceremony held at the St. Catharines
Museum and Welland Canals Centre. This marks the first Opening Ceremony led by Jim Athanasiou,
who assumed the role of President and CEO in July 2024. He was joined by elected officials,
industry leaders, community members, and partners, including the Great Lakes St. Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation.

The ATB Everlast and Norman McLeod, operated by McAsphalt Marine Transportation Limited, had
the honour of serving as the ceremonial opening vessel, symbolizing the start of the 2025
navigation season.

In his address, Mr. Athanasiou highlighted the Seaway’s enduring strength and resilience, stating:
“While today is a moment to reflect on the history, partnerships, and people who built this system,
it’s also about momentum, about where we go next.”

During the previous navigation season, the Seaway moved nearly 37 million tonnes of cargo,
including essential commodities such as grain, potash, iron and steel. The 2024 season was also the
longest on record, reinforcing the Seaway’s commitment to adaptability and meeting the evolving
needs of its users.

“The Seaway is open and has the capacity today to move more cargo, strengthen supply chains,
and support trade across North America. We’re here to help businesses grow and move goods
efficiently – now and into the future.”
As the 67th navigation season begins, the SLSMC remains committed to innovation, collaboration,
and sustainable development within this shared waterway, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to
the Great Lakes and supports economic activity across North America.
About the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation