The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System delivers several key benefits including cost-competitiveness, reliability of service and strategic location. Highway H₂O is a sustainable transportation solution, reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency.

Cost Competitive

Why The Great Lakes Seaway System delivers on cost:

• It is the most direct access to the heartland of North America, bringing cargo closer to its final destination and saving shippers time and money.


• From origin to destination, the Seaway delivers competitive transportation rates.


• For some commodities the savings represents the difference between breaking even and profitability.


• According to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System offers shippers an average savings of $14.80/ton in transportation and handling charges compared to the all-land transportation alternative (Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Study).


• Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System stakeholders are working together to remove costs from the System by introducing new services and new technologies, and by adding flexibility to lessen the barriers of entry for foreign vessels.


• Intermodal facilities and infrastructure connect the ports to major North American markets; lending ease and efficiency.


• The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation has introduced a series of toll incentive programs designed to save customers transportation dollars.