Canadian grain shipments were up over last year. Ottawa—Shipping in the St. Lawrence Seaway for April and May was about 10 per cent lower than for the same period of 2019 but the result is considered good in light of the impact the pandemic and high-water levels had on cargo volumes and ship operations.The Seaway didn't fully open until April 1 instead of mid March as the industry hoped for to enable the International Joint Commission to drain as much water out of the Upper Lakes as possible. Still 7.7 million tonnes of freight passed through the Seaway by the end of May.Canadian grain exports totalled 2.1 million metric tonnes, up 3 per cent over the same period of 2019. Less American grain moved meaning the total of 2.3 million tonnes handled was 0.6 per cent below last year.Movements of road salt and project cargoes such as wind turbine components were strong while deliveries of steel-related materials, construction materials and petroleum declined as automotive plants and work sites closed and people stayed home during COVID-19-related emergency measures.The Windsor Port Authority's grain shipments for the two months ahead of last year although the port's overall traffic was down nearly 11 per cent. “The decrease in aggregate totals is due to COVID-19 and the impact left on the construction industry and the Provincial Emergency Order in Ontario,” said Steve Salmons, Windsor Port Authority President and CEO. “Overall projections for 2020 still remain favourable to meet or exceed the prior year tonnage.”The Port of Thunder Bay recorded another strong month for grain shipments in May, as more than 1.1 million metric tons of Canadian grain passed through its terminals to feed worldwide demand for food staples like pasta and bread. Several factors have led to robust movement of Prairie wheat and canola through the port since the shipping season opened in March.Many countries are stockpiling amidst the pandemic, increasing demand. Global grain supply has also been impacted by drought in Australia and export restrictions in Russia. Australia, Russia, and Canada are among the top exporters of wheat globally.“Canadian grain supplies are holding strong as there is significant carryover stock from the 2019 crop, which was the second largest on record,” said Tim Heney, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Thunder Bay. “We anticipate strong grain shipments to continue through the summer.”Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the Canadian Seaway Management Corp., said, "Our state-of-the-art Hands Free Mooring system, which has eliminated the need for ships' crews and Seaway personnel to manually tie-up ships at locks, has greatly facilitated safe lock operations and enabled social distancing.“In addition, an emergency plan that we developed after the SARS outbreak in 2003, and the H1N1 crisis in 2009, enabled us to pivot quickly when COVID-19 began to spread and ensure that we can continue supporting the myriad of shippers that depend upon the Seaway.“The teamwork and cooperation shown by all the marine related stakeholders has been exceptional and, no doubt, is the key to our continued response to the virus. From grain destined for overseas markets, to iron ore, road salt and project cargo, we continue to get the job done, enabling our economy to rebound from the adversity encountered this year.”Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.