Two domestic “Lakers” 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. It 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 crew is led by Captain Adam Barnes and Chief Engineer Ralph Reeves. Due to weather and other factors, a Top Hat ceremony was not held. (Photgo TBPA)