DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – The 2026 shipping season is officially underway.
This weekend, part of the seaway opened up to ships.
With that, lake freighters have started to depart the Twin Ports and begin their first voyages of this year.
Related: Great Lakes shipping season ends capping a challenging year
The James Oberstar made its way through the harbor earlier on Monday. The Oberstar is empty and headed to Marquette to load up with iron ore.
Port leaders are hopeful this is season is better, after a difficult year last year.
Jayson Hron of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority said, “Last year was a little bit of a down season. There were a lot of challenges, a lot of headwinds in the world of supply chains and shipping. So definitely hoping for a little bit of a bounce back this season.“
Port leaders said they’re tracking steel production numbers, and the Great Lakes district is tracking about 6% ahead of last year at this time.
They’re also hopeful for another good season of big bulk cargoes.
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