Similar to every year in the summer, low water levels on the St. Lawrence River are again prompting carrier action on services moving to and via Montreal, Canada.

Recent carrier announcements point to adjustments linked directly to reduced water levels and forecasts for further decline.

MSC has stated that lower water levels are significantly reducing the tonnage deployed on trades from the West Mediterranean, Adriatic, Israel, North Europe, the UK and the Scan Baltic to or via Montreal. 

Hapag-Lloyd has also announced similar procedures for shipments from North Europe to or via Montreal. The measure applies to all cargo with a tariffing date on or after 16 July 2026 and covers all container types moving westbound on its AT1 and AT2 services.

The carriers linked the adjustment to current low water levels on the St. Lawrence River, as well as the latest forecasts showing further reductions.

Current information on the St. Lawrence Ship Channel points to an expected gradual decline in water levels at different locations during the months of July and Augsut.

For more information about your shipment, please contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.