by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

Based on the latest updates from the Canadian Coast Guard, water levels in the St. Lawrence Ship Channel in Canada are forecasted to decline gradually over the coming days.

While the Coast Guards expect a level of stabilisation in subsequent weeks, they noted that affected parties from the maritime industry should remain vigilant and "maintain a sufficient safety margin."

Minimum water levels at stations such as Montreal, Sorel, Lake Saint Pierre, and Trois-Rivières are all projected to decrease, dipping as low as 0.04 metres in some locations.

These forecasts, derived from hydrometeorological modelling and historical error analysis, serve as a planning guide for commercial mariners.

Container carriers, such as Hapag-Lloyd, reported on the issue in June and imposed a Low Water Surcharge until conditions improve.