Soo Locks Announce Start of Shipping Season

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Soo Locks have announced when they will be opening up for traffic, marking the beginning of the 2024 Great Lakes Shipping Season.

The Locks will open March 22 at 6pm which coincides with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. During the 10-week closure which started on January 16, critical repairs and maintenance have been performed, particularly on the Poe Lock which was originally built in 1896.

Last season ended with the seaway strike and strong windstorms with led to undelivered cargo. In the past, the Soo Locks have typically opened on March 25, but at the request of the shipping industry and major steel producers, the shipping season will begin a few days early this year.

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority released the following statement on the news of the shipping season beginning soon:

“At this time of year, Great Lakes steelmaking facilities are especially hungry for iron ore. Even a day or two can make a big difference in keeping blast furnaces operating at full capacity. That demand, along with a lack of ice cover, was the catalyst for the industry’s request to open the Soo Locks early. Fortunately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was able to complete its Poe Lock maintenance ahead of schedule, which made it possible to move the opening date up to March 22, instead of the traditional March 25 opening. We’re looking forward to that early start and added commerce on the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System.”