Advocating for the interests of commercial ports in the Great Lakes region AGLPA works to promote public policies that foster maritime commerce and related employment. Learn More Become a Member Industry Overview Learn more about the Great Lakes Seaway shipping industry. The Great Lakes Seaway Navigation System The five Great Lakes, their connecting channels, and the St. Lawrence River form one of the longest deep draft navigation systems in the world. Learn More Great Lakes Seaway Ports Commercial shipping serves more than 100 individual ports in the eight Great Lakes states and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Learn More Great Lakes Seaway Ships The largest Great Lakes freighters are massive and can carry more than 70,000 tons of cargo in a single voyage. Learn More Great Lakes Seaway Cargoes While all types of cargo are transported on the Great Lakes-Seaway system, bulk cargo dominates commercial shipping in the region. Learn More Issues & Advocacy Take a look at AGLPA’s legislative agenda and learn about key issues. Distribute Port Infrastructure Grants Equitably Improve Great Lakes Icebreaking Complete the Soo Lock Project Fund Great Lakes Harbor Dredging Learn More Recent News View More News Featured New Video Series Highlights Great Lakes Supply Chains Learn more about Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway shipping! These short videos have been created to demonstrate three key … Read More 2024 Policy Agenda Released On March 18, the American Great Lakes Ports Association released a policy agenda for 2024. ... Read More Great Lakes Ports Storm Capitol Hill On March 7th & 8th, members of the American Great Lakes Ports Association stormed Capitol ... Read More New Economic Impact Study Released On July 21, 2023, a binational public-private coalition of Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway ... Read More