The largest U.S. grain shipment in Great Lakes history was loaded in the Port of Duluth-Superior in May 1996 by the Canadian laker Paterson. The vessel owned by N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited, Thunder Bay, departed Harvest States Cooperative on May 5 with 28,941.6 metric ons of soybeans destined for Three Rivers , Quebec. The fact that the cargo was a U.S. lakes record-breaker didn't come to light until researchers began reviewing data this past winter. Later in 1996 another record was set for the largest export shipment of soybeans through a St. Lawrence River port. The Greekflag Finix sailed from the grain terminal of Les Silos Port Cartier, Quebec, on October 22 with 110,623 metric tons of U.S. soybeans. Destined for Rotterdam, the soybeans originated from Duluth and Toledo. They were carried though the Seaway to Port Cartier on lakers operated by Seaway Bulk Carriers.

In the picture, the Canadian laker Paterson left Duluth-Superior last May with the largest U.S. grain shipment in Great Lakes history.(Photo Franz VonRiedel)