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Seaway navigation season scheduled to begin March 22

Posted 2/16/11

The opening of the 2011 navigation season on the St. Lawrence Seaway is scheduled for March 22, according to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (U.S.A.) and the St. Lawrence Seaway …

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Seaway navigation season scheduled to begin March 22

Posted

The opening of the 2011 navigation season on the St. Lawrence Seaway is scheduled for March 22, according to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (U.S.A.) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (Canada).

TheShipwatcher.com notes that the opening date is three days earlier than last year, and nine days earlier than in 2009.

Seaway authorities say both the Montreal / Lake Ontario section and the Welland Canal will open to traffic on March 22, with transits subject to weather and ice conditions. Restrictions may apply in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been reset, Seaway authorities said.

As for specific lock starts, Sault Ste. Marie Locks and Canals United States Soo Locks will open March 25.

Allowable draft In the Montreal / Lake Ontario Section is set at 80.0 dm (26' 3") until the South Shore Canal is ice‐free or April 15, whichever comes first, when allowable draft rises to 80.8 dm (26' 6") for all vessels. There will be zero tolerance for ship's draft in excess of 80.8 dm (26' 6"), authorities said.