The Canadian Coast Guard says it will send ice-breaking ships to help clear unusually heavy ice and allow ships to travel through the Great Lakes in the heart of North America, along the St. Lawrence Seaway and through to the Atlantic Ocean. An unusually cold winter in Canada has created ice conditions not seen in 20 years.
Ships normally carry grain, iron ore, petroleum products and other commodities though this route. Last fall, there was an especially big grain harvest and farmers are having great difficulties moving it to market.
Icebreakers like the Griffon have sturdier hulls and are designed to ride up on the ice and then come down to break it. They carry heavy blocks which they shift around the ship should they need to rock the vessel if it becomes stuck.
It’s hoped the ice breakers will be able to help move ships along the route in convoys.
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