Dear Members,
We wish to advise you of the following operational measures implemented by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Corporation des pilotes du Saint-Laurent Central in response to exceptionally high water levels in the St. Lawrence system, per the attached official communications.
Upper St. Lawrence River – Voluntary Speed Reduction
Due to elevated water levels on the Upper St. Lawrence River, mariners are requested to voluntarily reduce speed in order to minimize wake and the associated impact on shoreline properties in the following areas:
- Morrisburg (Broder Island to Mariatown)
- Brockville Narrows (Skelton Island to Fernbank)
- American Narrows (Alexandria Bay to Fineview)
Montreal-Quebec Section – Temporary Departure Restrictions
Further to high water levels between Montreal and Quebec City, the following temporary restriction is in effect:
- Effective: April 17, 2026 at 20:00
- Applicability: Vessels located upstream of Pointe-des-Ormes anchorage with a draft of 10.5 metres or greater
- Restriction: Departures limited to daytime hours between 05:00 and 15:00
These measures are intended to ensure safe navigation and to mitigate impacts on shoreline communities and infrastructure.
Members are invited to take note of the above and to plan vessel operations accordingly.
Sincerely,
Nathan Phillips
Operations Analyst