OGDENSBURG – The port at Ogdensburg is one of eight ports on the St. Lawrence Seaway being honored by the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation for increasing their international business.

The Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award is being given for registering increases in international cargo tonnage shipped during the 2012 navigation season compared to the previous year.

“The continued increases in the amount of cargo moving through U.S ports is another strong indicator of our growing economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “In his first State of the Union address, President Obama called on us to double our exports by 2015, and our nation’s ports will play a large role in meeting that goal. As today’s award winners demonstrate, we’re making good progress.”

Other honorees include the Port of Oswego.

In addition to steel and iron ore, a wide variety of commodities passed through the Seaway ports, including wind energy components, grain and aluminum.

“The Pacesetter Award clearly demonstrates the economic relevance of the Port of Ogdensburg as part of the national transportation system. As recipients in 2012, 2010, and 2005, the Port of Ogdensburg has and will continue to contribute to the economic vitality of the region. The Port of Ogdensburg is very grateful for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation’s recognition of the efforts of our hard-working men and women to increase tonnage through the port,” said Wade A. Davis, executive director at the Ogdensburg port.

“The resurgence of manufacturing in North America is fueling demand for both traditional and new Seaway cargoes, with positive implications for Great Lakes shipping,” said SLSDC Acting Administrator Craig Middlebrook. “We are pleased to recognize the exceptional performance of these ports, all of which have been Pacesetter Award winners in previous years.”