The St. Lawrence Seaway is "reporting strong growth" in November cargo volumes that is expected to carry through the final weeks of the 2018 season, according to a news release.

Overall cargo volumes through the Seaway from March 29 to November 30 topped 36 million metric tons, up 5.3 per cent over the same period in 2017.

“It’s been a really positive year for St. Lawrence Seaway shipping and for several Great Lakes ports, particularly considering the unpredictable trade environment of the past year,” Bruce Burrows, president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, said in a prepared statement. “We expect the busy momentum from November to carry through to the end of December. All indications are that overall cargo volumes through the St. Lawrence Seaway will meet forecasts to top 40 million tons in 2018. When you consider Seaway shipping was up 9 percent in 2017, this year’s continued growth underlines the importance of this trade corridor to the success of the many industries we serve in the region.”

Grain exports and road salt were highlights of activity in November. Seaway salt shipments are ahead of last year’s volumes, totaling 2.2 million metric tons up to the end of November.

Year-to-date U.S. grain volumes via the Seaway have surpassed 2.1 million metric tons, up 33 percent compared to the same period in 2017.