Spring icebreaking at the port of Thunder Bay Ontario

Montreal, Quebec – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents of Thunder Bay Ontario on Lake Superior that spring icebreaking operations will start as early as March 13 2018. The date is subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone in the area of the ship’s operations.

The purpose of this annual operation is to break up the ice in order to allow commercial vessels safe and efficient movement into and out of the Port of Thunder Bay.

Coast guard icebreaking service on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered in close co-operation between the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard.

By working together the two Coast Guards ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and into and out of community harbours.   For the port of Thunder Bay spring breakout, the USCGC Alder is assigned to provide this service.

Details of the Canadian/U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking partnership can be viewed, here. 

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