Seaway to open next Friday, March 22

MASSENA, NY – Ships will soon be on the St. Lawrence River.

The Great Lakes- St. Lawrence Seaway’s 2024 navigation season will officially begin on, according to a press release from the Seaway system.

The Montreal, Lake Ontario and Welland Canal will all open at 8 a.m. on opening day, the Seaway confirmed.

All ship transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Restrictions may apply in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed, Seaway officials said in the press release.

In the Montreal and Lake Ontario Section, the maximum allowable draft will be 26’3″. The maximum draft will be increased to 26’6″ when the South Shore Canal is ice-free. The maximum draft in the Welland Canal will be 26’6″ from the start of the navigation season.

The international waterway previously closed following its 2023 season on January 5.

WWTI