Seaway administration unveils its first annual sustainability report

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) published its very first annual sustainability report in July, highlighting its progress in environmental, social responsibility, and governance (ESG) matters. Based on the last navigation season’s data (March 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025), the report details the efforts made in support of eight United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where the Seaway can affect change.

Several areas of focus are identified for the Seaway’s development. They include further reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, modernizing key facilities, adapting to global economic shifts, and protecting both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. Other priorities include attracting and retaining skilled labour and increasing the integration of technological innovations.

Key environmental highlights include:

• A 68% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the 2005 baseline level.
• An overall average 4.3 level in the Green Marine program.
• 100% of ships bound for the Great Lakes from outside the Exclusive Economic Zone had their ballast water examined in 2024.

The report showcases the real impact of SLSMC’s initiatives, including food drives supporting local food security, the creation of turtle passages and birdhouses to safeguard biodiversity, and notable upgrades to community infrastructure such as the Iroquois Lock. Driven by a strong social commitment and solid partnerships, the organization is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and aspires to make the St. Lawrence Seaway a model of sustainability in North American maritime transportation.

Click here to read the full report.