How does the Port of Thunder Bay serve Ontario’s mining sector?

The Port of Thunder Bay is the furthest inland port in Canada, located in the heart of northwestern Ontario on the northwest shore of Lake Superior, around 3,700 km from the Atlantic. It was originally developed to connect Western Canada with international markets, meaning historically it has acted as an export port for commodities such as grain and potash, before more recently evolving to inbound breakbulk and dimensional cargo. Our location in Northern Ontario positions us close to exploration and mining activity in the region. Due to the expansion that we foresee taking place in Ontario’s mining industry, it is important we demonstrate our abilities and commitment to supporting the critical mineral and mining industries. Over the last decade we have used our general cargo terminal to enable the import of large dimensional equipment and infrastructure for mines in Ontario. We have seen a number of these projects pass through this terminal. The port is well equipped to handle export minerals as demand increases for these commodities, strengthening our connection with major players in the region.  

How will recent funding from Transport Canada and your 5-year strategic capital plan impact the level of service you offer?

We received C$6.7 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing asset offerings and services. The first of the projects we are undertaking is a rail renewal plan. We are also expanding our lay-down area, investing in several additional acres of exterior storage and staging areas for cargo. This is an area of high interest to the mining industry as it provides flexibility for companies importing equipment and infrastructure, allowing them to be held in the Port of Thunder Bay until they are needed at the mine site. With the rest of the funding, we are looking at a wharf renewal investment and rail-crossing upgrades which enables us to handle heavy infrastructure more safely and efficiently.

What reasons do you think are behind an increase in demand for rail services?

We have recently seen an increase in demand in general for our services, which has naturally led to higher rail traffic and increased rail-track demand through the Port. We are handling increasing inbound cargo, and our direct rail connections to both CN and CPKC are critical links to furthering the cargo to market. As the conversation around environmental impact continues to shift towards sustainable transportation, ports are well-positioned to benefit as maritime and rail shipping remain the most environmentally friendly ways to transport large equipment and infrastructure. 

Can you discuss some of the challenges faced by Canadian inland ports in recent years and how you have overcome them?

Ports are defined more than anything else by their geography. Inland ports are route-specific with catchment areas that can be constrained when compared to ocean ports. Our port is a gateway to a certain geographic area with specific opportunities. Additionally, shipping inland can incur extra costs when compared to coastal ports. Many supply chains have faced disruption owing to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and landslides. In Thunder Bay our position as an inland port has meant we have mostly avoided this issue which has led to greater interest as well as shippers diversifying their routes to and from Ontario. 

What advantages does using an inland port provide for the mining industry?

Environmental advantages cannot be overlooked, particularly regarding oversized cargo. Bringing shipments as far inland as possible is more efficient and more environmentally friendly and it reduces rail and road traffic. Furthermore, the Port of Thunder Bay has minimal congestion owing to its underutilized capacity, which increases the efficiency of our turnaround for marine cargo.

Do you have a final message for our audience? 

We are dedicated to working with our clients to develop solutions, using our refreshing service model as a seamless intermodal hub for shipments in Ontario and other markets. The port has significant available capacity for the bulk handling of goods and several terminals, along with land that can help with the development of future operations. Locally, there has been interest in constructing ore processing facilities, which is something we are watching intently.