Grain shipments through Thunder Bay port make for strongest September in decades

The Port of Thunder Bay experienced its strongest September in two decades, the Thunder Bay Port Authority announced, with 1.2 million metric tonnes of cargo coming through the port during the month.

The last time cargo volumes reached this level in September was back in 1997, port officials said in a press release issued Monday.

Most of the gains came from the shipments of grain from the prairies, which were 33 per cent above average. Year-to-date grain volumes are also three per cent higher than the five-year average, port officials said.

The Port Authority added that it expects strong shipments of grain for the remainder of the shipping season.

Grain wasn't the only commodity that had a strong showing at the port this September. Coal shipments were also flagged as being well above the year-to-date five-year average, according to the port.

It's now moved 575,000 metric tonnes, which puts it above final 2015 shipping season levels.

More ocean freighters

The port was also called upon by 17 foreign ocean freighters or 'salties' during September, the most since 2000, port officials said.

Several of those ships delivered project cargo at the port's Keefer Terminal. That cargo included transformers, heavy machinery and containers.