SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The U.S. Coast Guard says its ice-breaking operations on local waterways are now "on ice" until next season.
Commander, Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes concluded its domestic ice breaking operation, also known as Operation TACONITE, on March 26, the Coast Guard said in a release.
The Great Lakes ice cover peaked on Feb. 4 at 23.35%, according to the Coast Guard, however total Great Lakes ice coverage as of March 22 was .87%.
In the 76 days of the domestic icebreaking season, six U.S. ice breakers combined to deliver nearly 720 hours of icebreaking assistance to the benefit of 52 vessel transits.
A total of 18 of these movements required direct icebreaking assistance to ensure commercial vessel safety.
"The icebreakers also conducted icebreaking operations to establish and maintain tracks in the ice-hampered waterways of western Lake Superior, the St Marys River, Green Bay, and the Straits of Mackinac," the release notes.
The Coast Guard said it is estimated more than half a million tons of dry bulk and 20 million gallons of liquid cargoes were assisted during the 76-day period.
This translates to roughly US$67-million in cargo "critical to power generation, industrial productivity, and public safety."
