St. Lawrence seaway season underway

In this provided photo, the Algoma Niagara was the opening ship marking the start of the St. Lawrence Seaway's 60th navigation season on Thursday, March 29, 2018 near St. Catharines, Ont. (Kevin Hotte via Newswatch Group)

CORNWALL – Ships are moving through the seaway during their first week of operation.

The 60th season of the St. Lawrence Seaway got underway Thursday and also marks the 20th year for the corporation.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation recognized the opening on Thursday (March 29) as the revamped ship, Algoma Niagara, headed through Lock 3 on the Welland Canal.

The corporation says it’s put over $1 billion into upgrading infrastructure, which includes completing its hands-free mooring system and repairing tie-up walls along the Welland Canal.

“Our steadfast commitment to maintenance and asset renewal enables the St. Lawrence Seaway to uphold its excellent record of system reliability, consistently registering above 99% year-after-year,” CEO Terence Bowles said.

An economic study shows the seaway system supports over 227,000 jobs and pumps $35 billion into the economy.