Cargo & Commodities
Each year, millions of tons of materials are shipped efficiently through the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. This section covers the various bulk cargo, from iron ore and petroleum to stone and cement, being transported along the system.
Winding Down
As the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System approaches its seasonal closure, the rhythm of maritime commerce slows. The Montreal–Lake Ontario section will cease transits after December 24, with all ships required to clear... Read More
Algoma Steel to Lay Off 1,000 Workers, Close Blast Furnace
Algoma Steel plans to lay off about 1,000 workers and close its blast furnace and coke making operations in early 2026. Algoma cites the high tariffs imposed by U.S. President... Read More
Limestone and Iron Ore Trade Down on the Great Lakes in November
The Lake Carriers’ Association reports that shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 2.4 million tons in November, a decrease of 18.1% compared to 2024. Limestone cargos were also... Read More
Great Lakes Iron Ore and Limestone Trade Down in October
The Lake Carriers’ Association reports shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4.4 million tons in October, a decrease of 1.3% compared to 2024. Shipments were 8% below... Read More
Great Lakes Limestone and Iron Ore Trade Down in September
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.3 million tons in September, a decrease of 11.5% compared to 2024, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association. Limestone cargos were also... Read More
Great Lakes Limestone and Iron Ore Trade Down in August
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.6 million tons in August, a decrease of 3% from 2024. Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year average by 4.4%.... Read More
Great Lakes Iron Ore and Limestone Trade Down in July
Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.1 million tons in July, a decrease of 10.9% compared to 2024, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association. Shipments were below... Read More
Two Decades of Wind Energy Cargo at Duluth’s Clure Terminal
In August 2025, the Asian Spirit arrived at Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal, delivering 39 wind turbine blades destined for North Dakota. This shipment marked the culmination of a six-voyage... Read More
Great Lakes Limestone Trade Up 6.5% in June
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.5 million tons in June, an increase of 6.5% from 2024, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association. This June’s loadings were below... Read More
67th Navigation Season Well Underway on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway
Despite facing increased economic uncertainty and unpredictability, the 67th navigation season is well underway on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. According to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), the... Read More
International Agriculture Terminal to Reopen at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor
Ports of Indiana has selected Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to operate the grain export facility at its Lake Michigan port. LDC reported net sales of $50.6 billion in 2024. Over... Read More