The next two weeks are going to be busy for the local port.
About 10 ships are expected to come in over that time to load grain and coal. With three wintering in Thunder Bay, the others have to be out by Jan. 13 in order to get through the Soo Locks, which close on Jan. 15.
Thunder Bay Port Authority engineering director and harbour master Guy Jarvis said the past two warmer months have helped everything from loading times to ship maintenance.
"Basically the port has been ice free," he said.
"Warmer weather is much appreciated at this time of year."
But with Monday lows below -20, the port has seen a lot of ice growth in the past 24 hours. The CCGS Samuel Risley icebreaker is heading to Thunder Bay from Parry Sound at the end of the month, where it will stay until the shipping season closes.
"We'll be busy for the next two weeks," Jarvis said.
