SAULT STE. MARIE, MI (WGHN) – Icebreaking operations are still underway on the upper Great Lakes as part of Operation Taconite.
Crews with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard are working together to keep shipping lanes open along the St. Mary’s River and surrounding waterways.
Since the Soo Locks opened, crews have helped more than 20 commercial vessels move through the system.
Multiple Coast Guard cutters are involved, logging about 500 hours on the water so far.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Mackinaw (WLBB 30), SPAR (WLB 206), Neah Bay (WTGB 105), Katmai Bay (WTGB 101), Biscayne Bay (WTGB 104), Mobile Bay (WTGB 103) and Bristol
Bay (WTGB 102) are assigned to the ice-breaking operations for Operation Taconite.
These U.S. Coast Guard cutters are working in conjunction with the Canadian Coast Guard Ships Vincent Massey and Judy LaMarsh to keep waterways open and navigable. Officials say colder-than-average temperatures and heavier snowfall have made this year’s spring breakout more challenging.
Operation Taconite is the largest icebreaking effort in the country. Shipping by water remains the only practical way to move large quantities of iron ore from the mines at the Head of the Lakes to meet the needs of steel mills along Lakes Erie and Michigan.
This operation plays a critical role in ensuring that these shipments continue safely and efficiently despite the severe winter conditions of the upper Great Lakes.
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