The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Maritime Transportation System
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime transportation system is vital to the economies of the United States and Canada. The system moves 160 million tons of freight each year, generates 227,000 jobs and $35 billion (USD) in business revenue¹, and supports industries such as manufacturing, steel production, agriculture and power generation.
The maritime industry continues to modernize its vessels, investing more than $4 billion to upgrade their fleets with cutting-edge technology to reduce emissions and improve navigation and crew safety and comfort. With growing demand for jobs both aboard ships and on shore, and a projected shortage in qualified personnel, the maritime industry offers attractive career opportunities in both Canada and the United States.
¹ Combined U.S. and Canadian impacts of all marine cargo moving to and from the Great Lakes-Seaway system, including domestic cargo moving between ports. Source: The Economic Impacts of the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System, Martin Associates, 2011.
Learn About Different Maritime Careers
Job Opportunities Await
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River maritime industry employs a variety of workers, ranging from ship captains, officers and other staff who operate vessels; dockers and crane operators who handle cargo; accountants, mechanics, marketing and logistics personnel; and design personnel such as naval architects and marine engineers.
This website provides information on how to become a mariner and shares current job opportunities in the maritime industry for shipboard positions.
