Ice Disrupts Seasonal Closure of St. Lawrence Seaway
CAPE VINCENT — The St. Lawrence Seaway, a vital shipping route, is facing unexpected delays in its seasonal closure due to ice buildup. Originally scheduled to close on Monday, the Seaway may remain open longer than anticipated as vessels struggle to navigate the icy waters. Michael J. Folsom, a noted expert on the Seaway and founder of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipwatchers Facebook page, indicated that the current pace of movement suggests the Seaway will not close as planned.
As of Friday morning, seven ships were anchored near Carleton Island, with additional vessels positioned near Ogdensburg and the Port of Johnstown, Ontario. Folsom noted that the ice has complicated the situation, restricting travel to one-way traffic in certain areas. The nearest icebreaker is reportedly over half a day away, further complicating efforts to clear the route.
Challenges Faced by Vessels
The ice conditions have created significant challenges for ships attempting to depart from their anchorage. Folsom reported that ice formed off Carleton Island on Thursday night, which could hinder the movement of vessels. The Alicia G, a bulk carrier flagged in Portugal, became stuck at the Beauharnois Lock due to ice buildup on the lock walls, causing delays in transit.
Marine Shipping on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway remains consistent and
In addition to the ice issues, an incident involving the Algoma Guardian, a Canadian-flagged bulk carrier, added to the drama on the Seaway. The vessel experienced a blackout while navigating through the Brockville Narrows, veering dangerously close to the waterfront before regaining control. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported, and the ship is prepared to move once traffic allows.
As the shipping season winds down, the situation remains fluid. Officials from the Great Lakes Seaway Development Corporation have not provided updates regarding the closure. The ongoing ice conditions and vessel incidents underscore the challenges faced by maritime operations in the region as winter approaches.
