CHICAGO — The Great Lakes shipping season has begun, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association of Rocky River, Ohio.

Over the next several weeks, 52 U.S.-flag lakers will return to service, ultimately spending more than 10 months hauling iron ore, limestone and coal.

The St. Lawrence Seaway System will open at the Montreal-Lake Ontario section and the Welland Canal March 22, and the Sault Ste. Marie locks and canals will open March 25, Canadian and U.S. seaway agency officials said in their first 2013 notice to mariners.

Vessel transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions and restrictions may apply in some areas until navigation aids have been installed, the officials said.