The Director of Marine Operations, SFC, led the meeting which is aimed to ensure safe and efficient marine operations during the upcoming winter months in various regions.  The meeting featured presentations from various federal agencies, discussions on winter navigation rules, and a season weather forecast, with a focus on ice coverage and icebreaking services.

Links to the presentations are listed below as per the Agenda:

  Topic and Presenters
1. Canadian Coast Guard (CCG): Central Region Navigational Programs Update

Mathieu Lebel – Regional Director, Navigational Programs, Central Region
CCG Central Region presented on icebreaking program, highlighting the 4-season buoy expansion program, which is ongoing and planned to procure around 200 new buoys. The 200 buoys would be procured for the Great Lakes, with deployment starting upstream.  Presenters discussed the waterways management program, which involves monitoring and maintenance services for shipping channels, and the e-navigation program
2. Ice Operations Centres: Operational Plans for Winter 2023/2024

  • Guillame Paradis – Superintendent Icebreaking, Central and Arctic Region
  • Michael Pope  – Operations Officer, Atlantic Region
Presentations referred to the operational details of their respective offices, including staffing, communication methods, and contact information. The presenters reviewed the ice coverage and icebreaking services for the previous winter season, noting a significant drop in ice coverage and a decrease in the number of icebreaking services. An overview was presented of the upcoming winter season, detailing the deployment of various ships and their respective areas of operation.  It was explained that the last season was unusually warm, leading to a slower start and quicker end to the ice season.  It was pointed out that the ice that did form was thinner than usual and therefore disappeared rapidly.
3. Environment and Climate Change Canada – Seasonal Forecast 2024/2025

George Karaganis – Senior Meteorologist, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
The presentation displayed a forecast for ice conditions in Labrador and Newfoundland, predicting a slow start to the ice season due to warmer temperatures. It was noted that the ice that will arrive from the Labrador coast will be thicker than last year, leading to a slightly below-normal ice coverage. In the Gulf, warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures was predicted, which could lead to a late start to ice formation and thinner ice. He also mentioned the possibility of more stormy weather in late January and February.
4. Transport Canada Ship Safety Winter Operations

Agnes Tomsic – Marine Safety Inspector
The presentation discussed the winter navigation program, highlighting that it’s a year-round effort due to vessels installing seawater cooling systems. It was noted that the program’s dates are not fixed and can vary depending on water temperature. The program has been recognized as a program within TC (Transport Canada) for the last several years, and will be featured in the annual Notices to Mariners in 2025. The importance of proper clothing for crew members in cold weather conditions was emphasized. Lastly, the presenter expressed support for the pilots’ actions regarding bypassing the load limiter and derating engines.
5. Laurentian Pilotage Authority – Winter Navigation Rules

Mohammed Beldi
LPA presented the winter conditions and their impact on navigation, including ice formation, ice flow, and weather conditions. It was noted that the official winter period runs from January 1st to March 15th, with potential pre-winter and post-winter periods depending on ice conditions.  The Authority monitors various factors to determine when to implement winter pilotage requirements. The impact of weather conditions on navigation was discussed, such as the shutdown of communication due to snowfall and the unusual ice drift. LPA is working on sending out notices regarding the pre-winter and post-winter periods, and that they trust the shipping industry to self-report their compliance with power limitations.
6. St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation – Seaway Closing

Jean Aubry-Morin – Vice President, External Relations
The Seaway provided an update on the 2024 navigation season.

Key points were:

  • transits and cargo volumes are consistent with the previous year;
  • efforts to improve logistics and scheduling have reduced delays;
  • the system’s availability remains high at over 99.5% despite some breakdowns;
  • ballast water inspections continue with no new invasive species detected;
  • more ocean vessels are using the Draft Information System.

For the 2024-2028 seasons, the targeted closing dates are January 5th for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section and January 10th for the Welland Canal, contingent on favorable conditions. Water levels are forecasted to be in the average range, and temperatures are expected to be above average but not as extreme as it was in 2023. While a completely year-round season is unlikely due to required maintenance, the navigation season may be extended further in the coming decade.