The St. Lawrence Seaway is crucial for linking the Great Lakes to global shipping routes.

The primary advantage of the St. Lawrence Seaway for U.S. shipping is that it allows large ocean-going vessels to access the Great Lakes. This waterway system, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes through a series of locks and canals, enables ships to transport bulk commodities, including coal, iron ore, grain, and petroleum, from U.S. ports in the Midwest to international markets. This access to ocean-going vessels boosts trade, reduces shipping costs, and enhances the economic competitiveness of U.S. ports located on the Great Lakes, facilitating both domestic and global commerce.