Building on the Regional Maritime Strategy, the Blue Accounting maritime transportation work group established the following high-level goals for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River maritime transportation system:
Goal 1: Increase maritime traffic and trade
Goal 2: Increase the system’s efficiency and performance
Goal 3: Continue improving the environmental performance of the system
Download the Maritime Transportation Fact sheet here.
Tracking Progress
The Blue Accounting maritime transportation work group has identified metrics to track progress toward each goal.
Goal 1: Increase maritime trade and traffic
While there are many metrics by which maritime trade and traffic can be measure, the Blue Accounting maritime transportation work group will focus on the following:
- Cargo Tonnage Carried on the System
- Value of Cargo Carried on the System
- Tons of Cargo Carried on Containers
- Growth in Cruise Tourism
Goal 2: Increase the system's efficiency and performance
The maritime transportation work group will focus on measuring the performance of navigation locks, which are key chokepoints in the system.
- Reliability of navigation locks.
Goal 3: Continue improving the environmental performance of the system
- Participation in the Green Marine Environmental Performance Certification Program
Our Metrics
Cargo Volume And Value
Cargo Volume And Value
Tonnage Carried
In 2017, an estimated 194 million metric tonnes worth about $73 billion USD ($95 billion CAD) were carried on the Maritime Transportation System. Bulk cargoes such as iron ore, stone, grain, and coal make up the majority of the tonnage of goods moving on the MTS. However, containers carried on the MTS make up the largest share of value.
Cargo Value
Cargo Value
In 2017, approximately $73 billion USD ($95 billion CAD) were carried on the Maritime Transportation System.
Cruise Traffic
Cruise Traffic
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region’s globally unique freshwater system features vibrant coastal communities, culture, and history that make the Maritime Transportation System increasingly attractive for cruise tourism. Tourism can generate substantial economic benefits through cruise package spending, port calls, associated excursions and the purchase of support services.
Container Traffic
Container Traffic
Over the past ten years, the tonnage of containerized cargo handled at Maritime Transportation System (MTS) ports has grown by 29%. In 2018, about 14.6 million metric tonnes of containerized cargo was handled at MTS ports.
Lock Efficiency
Lock Availability
The reliable and efficient operation of the locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway and at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (Soo Locks) is critically important to the movement of cargo on the Maritime Transportation System (MTS).
Green Marine
Green Marine Performance
Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry which is endorsed by a wide range of environmental groups and governments. Blue Accounting is tracking participation and performance by Great Lakes and St. Lawrence companies participating in Green Marine.