Seaway administration highlights progress in new sustainability report

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) has released its second annual sustainability report, outlining its progress in environmental, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) matters. Drawing on data from the 67th navigation season (March 22, 2025, to January 13, 2026), the report details the efforts undertaken to maintain a safe, dependable, and increasingly sustainable transportation network while supporting the communities that rely on it.

The report aligns with the SLSMC’s new strategic plan which is focused on three action-oriented priorities, namely to:

1. Deliver a safe, reliable and efficient system while integrating environmental and social considerations into daily operations.
2. Grow the Seaway’s value and impact by strengthening its role in sustainable supply chains.
3. Lead through responsible decision-making, sound governance, and tangible actions.

On the environmental front, key highlights from the report include:

• A 39% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the 2005 baseline level.
• An overall average 2 level in the Green Marine environmental certification program.
• Full (100%) inspection of ballast water from vessels arriving from outside the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Looking back on the past year’s achievements, the report highlights how the SLSMC has delivered on its commitments through concrete actions. It outlines progress in GHG emissions reduction, infrastructure modernization, biodiversity protection, employee well-being, and collaboration with communities, governments, and maritime stakeholders. Notable initiatives include planting 3,000 trees in the Niagara watershed, commissioning four permanent electric compressors in the Montreal–Lake Ontario corridor, as well as developing habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

In its report, the SLSMC sets out a vision that makes sustainability integral to its daily operations, harnessing modernization, innovation, and collaboration to achieve a greener, more resilient corridor.

Click here to read the full report.

_{Photo: St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, LinkedIn}