Advocates for increased cargo movement on the Great Lakes are proposing a shift from highways to waterways to alleviate truck congestion and reduce emissions. However, this transition would require substantial investments from both governments and industries.
During the annual meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative in Hamilton, municipal leaders from Canada and the United States discussed the potential benefits of marine shipping on the Great Lakes.
Jonathan Altenberg, the president and CEO of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, emphasized that the St. Lawrence River currently operates at less than 50% of its capacity.
Mayor Andrea Horwath highlighted Hamilton’s role in the “Fresh Coast Economic Corridor,” one of the world’s largest economic regions, generating $9 trillion USD in economic activity. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with stakeholders to alleviate highway congestion in the region, such as on the QEW and Highway 403.
Horwath pointed out that shifting cargo from trucks to ships could increase road capacity by reducing truck traffic, ultimately benefiting the transportation system.
Elkafi Hassini, associate dean of research at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, affirmed that marine transport, particularly for bulk goods like steel and grain, offers significant advantages. A single vessel can transport the equivalent of hundreds of truckloads, potentially alleviating significant freight traffic from highways while reducing costs and emissions.
However, Hassini cautioned that the transition to more marine shipping would not be immediate and faces practical challenges. Despite its environmental benefits, marine shipping may be slower and less predictable compared to road transport, which could impact businesses with tight delivery schedules.
Hamilton’s strategic location and existing infrastructure, including its port, airport, and highway connections, position it as a potential logistics hub for marine shipping. Hassini suggested a model where cargo arriving at the Hamilton airport overnight could be distributed via barges around Lake Ontario, reducing reliance on trucks on major highways.
While the potential shift to marine freight presents environmental benefits and could reduce noise pollution from truck traffic, it also raises concerns about the impact on the Great Lakes, a vital water source for millions of people. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a key consideration for stakeholders.
Both Hassini and Borsuk emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among governments, ports, and private companies to facilitate a long-term shift towards more sustainable transportation methods. Addressing growing congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area requires exploring competitive alternatives that benefit both the economy and the environment.