The Great Lakes – St Lawrence Seaway System published its opening of the 2019 navigation season and maximum allowable drafts. The 2019 opening of the navigation will take place in Welland Canal, on March 22, 0800 hours (DST) and in Montreal, Lake Ontario Section, March 26, 0800 hours (DST).
Specifically, St Lawrence Seaway highlights that the vessel voyages will be based on the weather conditions and ice conditions.
Moreover, there’s a possibility of restrictions being applied in some areas, until lighted navigation aids have been installed.
The opening of the Sault Ste. Marie Locks (U.S.A.) is scheduled for March 25, 2019.
- Allowable Draft
In the Montreal, Lake Ontario Section, the maximum allowable draft will be 80.0 dm (26′ 3″) until the South Shore Canal is ice-free or April 15th, whichever occurs first, at which time, if water levels are favourable, the maximum draft will be increased to 80.8 dm (26′ 6″) for all vessels.
Mariners are reminded that for vessels 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.
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For vessels loaded to a draft greater than 80.0 dm (26′ 3″), speeds will be monitored carefully between the upper entrance to Lock 7 and former Bridge 12 in order to decrease bank erosion in this area.
Vessels equipped with an approved and operational draft information system will be permitted to transit at a draft of up to 7cm above the maximum allowable draft.
The St Lawrence seaway alerts that there will be zero tolerance for vessels to transit at drafts in excess of those specified in this Notice.
