Navigation Season Begins with Arrival of Two Vessels

Two domestic “Laker” vessels arrived in the early morning hours Wednesday, March 30, marking the official opening of the navigation season in the Port of Thunder Bay.

MV Michipicoten came abeam of the light marking the Mission Bay entrance to the Port at 04:31 a.m. local time. MV Captain Henry Jackman crossed the North entrance at 05:04 a.m.

The Michipicoten, namesake of the river that empties into Lake Superior near Wawa, Ontario, achieved the honour of being the Port’s Top Hat recipient for 2022. A seasoned vessel on the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway, this is the first time Michipicoten has received Thunder Bay’s Top Hat. Michipicoten is owned and operated by Lower Lakes Towing, subsidiary of Rand Logistics. Both vessels are taking on grain shipments. Michipicoten is currently receiving 9,000 metric tonnes of oats at Superior Elevator and will depart overnight for Toledo, Ohio.

The Michipicoten crew is led by Captain Adam Barnes and Chief Engineer Ralph Reeves.

Due to weather and other factors, a ceremony was not held.

A winner has been declared in the Port of Thunder Bay’s Top Hats 2022 Laker Contest. With a guess of March 30 at 04:30 a.m., Michael Hull was the closest to the actual date and time of the first vessel’s arrival. The contest for guessing the first Saltie remains open. Details are available on the Port of Thunder Bay Facebook page and at portofthunderbay.ca/tophatscontest

Quotes

“In an inland port city, the first ship into port brings with it a feeling of spring and revitalization after a cold winter. We thank Captain Barnes, Chief Engineer Reeves and the entire crew of the Michipicoten for their safe arrival, offering a glimpse of spring even on this snowy day.” Tim Heney, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Thunder Bay