THUNDER BAY — The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel Risley is expected to arrive in Thunder Bay this weekend to prepare the port for the opening of navigation.
Despite the absence of ice across Lake Superior this winter, the Risley is still needed to clear channels close to shore to allow ships to leave port and incoming vessels to dock.
Thunder Bay Port Authority CEO Chris Heikkinen said "Even though it's been such good weather, there is still some very thin ice, but enough to keep the ships in place until the icebreaker gets to town."
In an interview Monday, Heikkinen said the Risley will most likely arrive on Saturday.
Navigation can start early this year because the locks on the St. Mary's River at Sault Ste. Marie will open on March 22, three days ahead of the usual opening date.
The first incoming cargo vessel at Thunder Bay is expected to arrive sometime on the weekend.
The 2023 shipping season ended on Jan. 11, 2024.
