Press Releases

March 26, 2008
50th Season Opening of the Montreal Lake Ontario Section

St. Lambert Lock, Quebec - Thank you very much, Dick (Richard Corfe, President and Chief Executive Officer of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation)

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen – Good Morning

It is both an honour and a pleasure for me to represent Canada Steamship Lines today, at this the 50th season opening celebration for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway.  I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and recognize both, Dick Corfe and Terry Johnson as well as their respective teams. 

Today’s celebration is a credit to both their organizations and in particular their leadership.  What they have been able to accomplish both individually and as a team is simply remarkable and because of their combined efforts the greatest highway in North America has a bright future.  The entire marine community, especially Canada Steamship Lines is grateful for their endless efforts in the areas of modernization, efficiency and vision as well as getting their respective governments to recognize the value of the St Lawrence Seaway and Marine Transportation.

The new tariff structure is a great example of proactive thinking.  By adopting this new innovative approach, they have taken the necessary steps to attract more cargo and offer a competitive fee structure to shippers and carriers.  This is a concrete way to support Shortsea shipping in our system and an appropriate manner to compete with other modes.

When it comes to the subject of the value of the St Lawrence Seaway and Marine Transportation, I am simply astonished that the most environmentally friendly Highway in the world today is utilized at only about 60 %.  In today’s world where Green, the environment and sustainability is on the tip of everyone’s tongue and at the forefront of most discussions why is it that the St Lawrence Seaway and Marine Transportation is still yet to be recognized as the ultimate solution.

Statistics have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that marine transportation is the most efficient mode of transportation when it comes to Greenhouse gas and emissions as well as its exemplary safety record.  And yet all we see in the media on both sides of the border are articles and initiatives that are hell bent on shutting down the Welland Canal or making marine transportation so cost prohibitive that it will eventually disappear. 

All due respect to the various environmental groups; however, they have forgotten a very important element when it comes to the environment in which change must be sustainable.  It is much too easy to criticize without offering alternative solutions or making claims that have not been thoroughly scientifically researched.  Over the years, marine transportation has been an easy target, as we did not make enough of an effort to defend ourselves but rather felt that the truth would eventually surface.      

An example of this is in the lobby towards switching marine to Diesel or Distillate fuels in order to decrease sulphur emissions.  One would assume that prior to making this recommendation an analysis would be done in order to evaluate the impact of such a change and its long-term effects.  CSL has done the analysis and the results are shocking.

Such a change would increase our fuel cost by 28.8 million dollars/year, which we would inevitably charge back to our customers and as we all know would eventually come out of the consumer’s pocket.  Such a change would create a modal shift in that cargo that currently travels on a ship would switch to either rail or truck. 

Here are the facts:  If 10% of shipments were to switch from marine it would most likely be absorbed 10% by truck and 90% by rail which would result in

Sulphur emissions being decreased by 1,759 tonnes / year

Nitrogen, Greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions would increase by 40,989-tonnes/ year

A non-sustainable change as the alternative is dramatically worse but the damage would be done.
I could go on for hours with example after example of other non-sustainable changes being flaunted by various organizations.

Call me crazy but how about this idea.  Rather than trying to shut down shipping, which is already recognized as the most environmentally efficient mode of transportation, maybe we could work together to make it even better.  Why not join the shipping industry in its efforts to have the Canadian federal government remove the archaic and punitive 25% import duty on new ships imported into Canada from shipyards in Asia.  This would allow Canadian shipping companies to rebuild their ageing fleets with the newest state of art ships currently being designed.  This would not only substantially reduce our emissions and environmental footprints but also provide jobs for Canadians in the years to come.

Same problem – reduce emissions
Different solution – new construction
Different result - sustainable

The good news is that the Marine Industry is now fighting back.  In October 2007 we launched in Quebec City GREEN MARINE, which is the Saint Lawrence and Great Lakes voluntary Environmental Policy for the marine Industry.  Both Terry Johnson and I as well as Lawrence Pathy from Fednav are Co-Presidents of Green Marine. 

This policy is inspired by the highest standards and is unique as it applies not only to ships but, to ports and terminal facilities as well, which constitutes a first in North America. 

What is essential and key is that this policy receives the unanimous support of all the various associations representing more than 500 companies operating in the St-Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. 

The success of this Environmental Policy lies in the fact that it demands a mobilization and a co-operation at all levels.  With the determination of the management and employees acting in the maritime sector, with the collaboration of the unions, the support of our Government leaders and policy makers and the critical analysis and expertise of environmental groups, our policy, we are convinced, will make a difference and will allow us to further reduce the environmental footprint of the Maritime industry for the well being of next generations. 

I am very proud to be able to say today that since the launch last October, 40 companies have already joined and that represents more than 50% of the marine activities in the Saint Lawrence/ Great Lakes Corridor.  We have an environmental plan; we are in the process of establishing our environmental footprint and have already put into place best practices and a framework for continuous improvement. 

Our goals for 2008 are as follows:

Strengthen our performance by completing our footprints and subject ourselves to external audit

Build strong relations by increasing our membership

Heighten understanding of the industry’s activities and environmental benefits       

A responsible and innovative maritime industry which is conscious of the challenges, will without a doubt be an integral part of the solution which is to protect one of our continents most valuable assets the St Lawrence/Great lakes corridor.

So here is to another fantastic season for the St Lawrence Seaway and our best wishes for a safe and successful year to each and every ship that transits the system.