St. Lawrence Seaway Opening Date Pushed Back

Tthe opening date for the St. Lawrence Seaway 2015 navigation season has been delayed following review and consideration of factors and conditions affecting safe navigation and effective system transit.

The new opening date is scheduled for:

• Montreal / Lake Ontario: April 2,2015-0800 hours(D.S.T.)
• Welland Canal: April 2, 2015 -0800 hours (D.S.T.) Vessel transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions.

Transit restrictions may apply until lighted navigation aids have been installed.

Allowable Draft In the Montreal / Lake Ontario Section, the draft will be 80.0 dm (26'3") until the South Shore Canal is ice-free or April 23rd,whichever occurs first, at which time, if water levels aref avorable, the draft will be increased to 80.8 dm (26'6") for all vessels.

In addition, there will be zero tolerance for ship's draft in excess of 80.8 dm (26' 6"). Mariners are reminded that for ships loaded to a draft greater than 80.0 dm (26' 3"), speeds will be monitored carefully between St. Lambert Lock and St. Nicolas Island.

In the Welland Canal, a maximum allowable draft of 80.8 dm (26'6") will be in effect from the start of the navigation season for all vessels.

In addition, there will be zero tolerance for vessel drafts in excess of 80.8 dm (26' 6'').

For vessels loaded to a draft greater than 80.0 dm (26'3"), speeds will be monitored between the upper entrance to Lock 7 and former Bridge 12 to reduce bank erosion in this area.