While most Saskatchewan farmers’ attention to grain movement at port is focused on the West Coast, Thunder Bay grain shipments are headed for one of the best years in decades.
The Thunder Bay port authority notes grain volume has increased 27 per cent this year with a projected 10 million tonnes expected by year end.
That’s the largest grain volume since 1997.
Pandemic-related changes to global supply sources have boosted demand for Canadian grain. A large 2019 harvest has also increased throughput.
Vessel loading times and rail car cycles at the port have improved, allowing more shipment volume.
Eighty-nine foreign-flagged vessels called into the port during August compared with 60 in that month last year.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
