Lakes Begin Their Seasonal Rise
Precipitation across the Great Lakes basin was above average during April.
All lakes levels rose, which is consistent with the expected pattern of seasonal rise. The monthly mean water level on Lake Erie rose 9 inches from March to April, remaining about 3 inches above its long-term average. Lake St. Clair was also above its long-term average for April, while water levels on Lakes Superior, Michigan-Huron, and Ontario were below their LTAs.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
Steady Start to Seaway Shipping Season
Cornwall, Ontario (May 7, 2025) – Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, early St. Lawrence Seaway activity highlights the stable movement of goods supporting North American trade.
The Seaway’s 2025 navigation season is off to a good start, with traffic reaching 4.5 million tonnes at the end of April, a 3.7% increase compared to 2024. Strong movements of grain, dry and liquid bulk cargoes offset a slower start in iron ore and coal movements.
“We’re seeing steady performance, which is encouraging given today’s economic climate,” said Jim Athanasiou, President and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. “With tariffs and other pressures still unfolding, it’s too early to know the full extent of what lies ahead. But the results to date suggest that the Seaway corridor continues to do its job, reliably and efficiently.”
New Fednav Vessel Headed to Milwaukee
Federal William Paul (IMO 9975454), Fednav’s newest vessel, is on its maiden voyage on the Great Lakes, headed for Milwaukee. She is sailing under the flag of Marshall Islands.
Video Spotlight: Know Your Ships and its long-time editor
Author and documentarian Wes Oleszewski chats with Know Your Ships book Editor and Publisher Roger LeLievre. Listen here:
Registration Now Open for Annual Soo Boatnerd Cruise
Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Freighter Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River!
- When: Friday, June 27, 6-9 pm, rain or shine
- Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)
- Limit: 100 passengers
- Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage
- General Adult Admission:
-Early Bird Adult $35.00 each (through May 31)
-Regular Adult $40.00 each (June 1-June 20)
-Procrastinator Adult $45 each (after June 20)
- Youth Admission, age 5-17: $15 flat rate
- Youth Admission, age 4 and under: FREE
- Students (age 18+) with a current, valid i.d. get a $5 discount off an adult ticket. The student must present their student i.d. when boarding.
This year’s St. Mary’s River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 27. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters.
Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (you cannot bring alcohol).
Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Mailed checks must be received no later than Friday, June 20.
If the cruise is not sold out by June 20, we will take online or cash (US funds only) reservations at the Procrastinator Price of $45.00 per General Admission ticket. Youth ticket rates stay the same as listed above.
Click link below to buy your ticket(s) online.
Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or to request any refunds. No refunds will be issued after June 19.
