The Canadian Coast Guard continues to wait for the ice to soften up in Georgian Bay to allow icebreaking ships to move in.
As of Friday, one icebreaking ship is in Thunder Bay working to break-up the ice there and get ships moving in the region. Once they are done, they will make their way south to Georgian Bay.
This news comes just weeks after the Canadian Shipowners Association asked for more icebreakers to open up the frozen Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway for shipments of Canadian grain and other commodities.
Association president Robert Lewis-Manning says the worst winter in 20 years has clogged the important trade route with a broad cover of thick ice that is suppressing freighter traffic."
Concerns over ice conditions and the ability of the Canadian Coast Guard to provide sufficient icebreaking has delayed the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway past opening dates achieved in recent years," said Lewis-Manning.
The association represents six companies that control a fleet of 83 freight vessels.
