The Port of Thunder Bay continued to show positive momentum through the heart of the shipping season, handling more than 1.32 million metric tonnes of cargo in July across a diverse mix of commodities moving through the port’s terminals. The month included 56 vessel calls, consisting of 35 domestic, 1 American, and 20 foreign vessels.
July’s results were led by grain, which remained the Port’s top cargo category for the month at 959,414 metric tonnes. Potash continued to contribute significantly, with 264,920 metric tonnes handled in July.
The Port’s performance in July compares favourably with both recent and historical results. The 1.32 million metric tonnes of cargo handled is the highest tally recorded during the month of July in the past 30 seasons. It also represents an increase of approximately 16 per cent over June 2026 and roughly 8 per cent over July 2025. While grain remained the Port’s largest commodity, strong potash shipments helped drive overall cargo growth, with potash volumes nearly doubling compared to the same month last year. The Port had healthy movement of breakbulk cargo during July, including shipments of wind turbine components and steel pipe.
With more than 5.3 million tonnes of cargo already handled this season and July posting the year’s highest monthly throughput, the Port of Thunder Bay remains on a strong trajectory heading into the traditionally busy late-summer and fall shipping period. Continued demand for grain exports and bulk commodity movements positions the Port to build on its momentum as the 2026 navigation season progresses.
(Port of Thunder Bay photo)