Ice Disrupts St. Lawrence Seaway Closure Plans
CAPE VINCENT — The St. Lawrence Seaway, a vital shipping route, is facing unexpected delays in its seasonal closure due to ice formation. The official closure was scheduled for Monday, but as of now, several vessels remain anchored, complicating the process. Michael J. Folsom, a Seaway expert and founder of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipwatchers Facebook page, indicated that the current pace of movement suggests the Seaway may remain open well beyond the planned closure date.
As of Friday morning, seven ships were reported off Carleton Island, with additional vessels near Ogdensburg and Johnstown, Ontario. The situation is further complicated by ice buildup, which has restricted navigation to one-way traffic in certain areas. Folsom noted that ice near U.S. locks and in the South Shore Canal has significantly limited vessel movement, resulting in minimal traffic over the past few days.
Challenges for Ships and Ice-Breaking Efforts
The ice conditions have created a challenging environment for ships attempting to depart the anchorage. Folsom mentioned that the nearest ice-breaking vessel is at least half a day away, which could prolong the wait for the stranded ships. On Thursday, ice accumulation at the Beauharnois Lock caused the bulk carrier Alicia G to become stuck, necessitating extensive efforts to free the vessel.
In addition to the ice issues, an incident involving the Algoma Guardian, a Canadian-flagged bulk carrier, occurred earlier in the week. The ship experienced a blackout while navigating through the Brockville Narrows, veering off course and nearly colliding with the waterfront. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported, and the vessel was able to proceed to anchorage once traffic allowed.
Cargo Ship Runs Aground On St. Lawrence Seaway Near Montreal Blocking Maritime Traffic
As the shipping season winds down, the situation remains fluid. The Great Lakes Seaway Development Corporation has not provided updates regarding the closure, leaving many in the shipping industry anxious about the next steps. With the combination of ice and vessel delays, the St. Lawrence Seaway’s closure may take longer than anticipated, impacting shipping schedules and operations in the region.
