Engineering that Keeps the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Moving
The article “Locks, Docks and Beyond” written by Richard Mueller for the Great Lakes/Seaway Review magazine explores the complex engineering behind the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway System, a vital waterway for North American trade. The article highlights the collaborative effort between Canada and the United States to open the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, connecting the Atlantic to North America’s interior.
Key points include the role of locks in navigating the 3,700-kilometer watercourse, overcoming elevation changes with energy-efficient designs. Historical and modern advancements are discussed, from early wooden locks to today’s adaptive lock gates featuring renewable energy sources and electric propulsion.
The article also covers the evolution of port design and logistics along the Seaway, incorporating advanced docking facilities, smart technologies, and AI to meet modern shipping demands. The piece concludes by celebrating the engineers who made this feat possible, emphasizing the Seaway’s ongoing importance in global trade and economic resilience.
For a deeper understanding of this engineering marvel and its future, read the full article at https://netsco.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GLSR_52-4_NavalArch.pdf.
