MASSENA -- Shipments of iron ore continue to lead the way as the St. Lawrence Seaway’s 2017 shipping season moves into the final months of the year.

More than 6.6 million metric tons of iron ore has been shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway this year, nearly 44 percent more than in 2016.

The increase in iron ore shipments is one of the main factors behind the near 10 percent increase in total cargo shipments when compared to the same period last year, according to the Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation.

Overall cargo shipments from the start of the shipping season on March 20 through October 31 totaled 28.7 million metric tons, up 2.5 million metric tons over the same period last year.

The only negative cargo categories are grain, down 11 percent, and liquid bulk down 2 percent, from 2016 year-to-date figures.

“This year, cargo volumes have improved in everything from mined products like iron ore and salt to construction materials and general cargo,” said Chamber of Marine Commerce President Bruce Burrows. “The next couple of months are traditionally the busiest of the year with customers stockpiling raw materials for winter production. We’re optimistic 2017 will end on a positive note.”

St. Lawrence Seaway shipping totals are also up from last year for general cargo, up 34 percent over 2016, salt, up 22 percent, and dry bulk, up nearly 12 percent, with many of these cargoes moving in and out of U.S. ports.