Washington, D.C. (November 6 , 2014) – The St. Lawrence Seaway reported that year-to-date cargo shipments of 29.5 million metric tons moved through the system for the period March 28 to October 31. Total cargo volume is up 4.5 percent compared to the same period last year, due mainly to the robust tonnage of grain and steel moving through the system. Year-to-date, 8.4 million metric tons of grain were handled – an increase of 49.9 percent compared to 2013. This increase has been more than offset by a 26.5 percent decrease in iron ore volume through the system, and an 11 percent decrease in coal tonnage.