Welland Canal re-opens after power outage halted marine traffic

Marine traffic has resumed as the Welland Canal re-opens Tuesday after a power outage left it blocked since early Sunday evening.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. says the outage that happened around 5:50 p.m. resulted in damages to hands-free-mooring equipment in locks one and seven.

A statement from the corporation says it took immediate steps to ensure the safety of the public, personnel, vessels, infrastructure and environment.

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At the time of closure on Sunday night, the corporation says that at least 17 ships were stranded between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

According to last year’s seaway traffic report, it is estimated that the Welland Canal saw over 25 million tons of major commodities transported through the waterway bringing nearly 40 million dollars in total revenue.

The seaway says no injuries have been reported at this time.

The cost of damage has not yet been determined.

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