The strong overseas demand for Canadian grain due to the global pandemic factored into another busy month for the Port of Thunder Bay.
The western Lake Superior port recorded another strong month for wheat and canola shipments in May, tabulating more than 1.1 million tonnes, up from more than 901,000 tonnes moved in May 2019.
A June 4 port authority news release said global grain supply has also been impacted by drought in Australia and export restrictions in Russia. Many countries are stockpiling grain amidst the pandemic, increasing demand.
Australia, Russia, and Canada are among the top exporters of wheat globally.
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The port authority said there's also significant carryover stock from the 2019 crop, which was the second largest on record.
Twenty-four saltwater vessels were in port during May, compared to 16 during the same period last year.
Diminished movement of major railway commodities, like oil and gas, has freed up railway capacity. Both CN and CP railways have reported grain movement records in recent weeks.
Strong grain volume is anticipated to continue through the summer.
On the general cargo side in June, Keefer Terminal will receive the first of several windmill component shipments expected this season.
