The Future of Shipping Through Churchill and Hudson Bay
Arctic Gateway Group, the Province of Manitoba, the federal government and independent researchers are studying what expanded and eventually year-round shipping through the Port of Churchill could look like. Three recent studies, by Fednav Limited, the University of Manitoba and the Arctic Research Foundation, have provided important new information.
The studies show that modern ice-capable vessels can operate through the Churchill shipping corridor for much longer periods than they have historically, including year-round.
But that does not mean year-round shipping or regular icebreaking is starting now. There is still significant work to do to understand how future operations would be carried out safely and responsibly, and in a way that respects the Rights Holders, communities, wildlife and environment of Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait.
Here are some common questions about where we are at today and the work ahead:
So what did the studies actually find?
The three studies looked at different parts of the question.
Fednav studied ice conditions, vessel capabilities and the practical requirements of navigating to Churchill. It found that modern ice-class vessels can operate through the corridor throughout the year.
The University of Manitoba studied how sea-ice conditions have changed and are expected to change in the future. It found that Churchill's navigable season has already grown significantly and will continue to lengthen.
The Arctic Research Foundation also found that extended-season and year-round shipping is technically achievable with modern ice-capable vessels and examined possible future icebreaking options and costs.
Together, the studies give us greater confidence that year-round shipping is possible. They also identify important work that still needs to be completed.
Does this mean year-round shipping and icebreaking is starting this year?
No. These studies tell us more about what is technically possible.
More work is required before that could happen, including environmental review, regulatory approvals, infrastructure planning, consultation and engagement with Indigenous Rights Holders and northern communities, and eventually test voyages.
What about polar bears, belugas and other wildlife?
Protecting wildlife and understanding potential impacts is critical work.
The studies completed so far were intended to determine whether all-year shipping is possible. They do not answer questions about potential effects on polar bears, belugas, seals, fish, birds or other wildlife.
Those questions will require additional environmental study, Indigenous Knowledge, community input and, where required, formal environmental assessment. Future operating plans would need to consider wildlife movements, sensitive areas and important seasonal periods.
Could winter shipping affect hunting, harvesting or travel on the ice?
It could create impacts that need to be understood and mitigated.
People throughout Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait use the marine environment and sea ice for travel, harvesting and cultural activities. That is why future planning cannot be based only on engineering and vessel technology. It must also include the experience and knowledge of the people who live around Hudson Bay, including in Manitoba, Nunavut, Quebec and Labrador.
No final routes, schedules or winter operating practices will be established without this work.
Will Rights Holders, businesses and communities be consulted before decisions are made?
Yes. Consultation and engagement with Indigenous Rights Holders and northern communities and businesses will be an important part of determining what future operations could look like.
There will also need to be environmental, regulatory and technical processes before specific year-round operating plans could move forward.
Arctic Gateway Group and the Province of Manitoba are committed to sharing information as the work progresses and creating opportunities for communities to ask questions, raise concerns and contribute knowledge.
What about the final approach into the Port of Churchill?
Fednav identified the final approach through the Churchill River estuary as an area requiring more work.
Ships must navigate a specific channel and operate within local water, tide and ice conditions. Fednav recommended additional simulation, testing and validation to determine the safest operating procedures and whether additional measures would be required.
We’re committed to doing that work.
How will Indigenous Knowledge be included?
Indigenous Knowledge will be important to understanding the marine environment and making good decisions.
People who live around Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait have generations of knowledge about sea ice, currents, wildlife, harvesting areas, travel routes and changing conditions.
That knowledge is essential to inform environmental studies, operational planning and decisions about how future shipping could be carried out safely and responsibly.
What is the Western Hudson Bay Roundtable?
Plans are underway to reconvene the Western Hudson Bay Roundtable, a forum that has previously brought together provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, Rights Holders and northern partners to discuss shared interests and economic development around Hudson Bay.
The Roundtable will provide one place to share information, discuss the findings of these studies and talk about future opportunities and concerns.
It will not replace direct engagement, consultation or regulatory processes, especially as it relates to First Nations, Inuit and Metis rights across Hudson Bay and Hudson Straight.
Why explore year-round shipping at all?
Churchill has the potential to provide Canada with a new, stronger northern trade and transportation corridor.
A longer shipping season would support northern resupply, as well as moving Canadian critical minerals, energy, grain and other products to international markets, creating major new economic opportunities in the North and strengthen Canada's presence in the Arctic.
What happens next?
The work ahead will include:
Engagement with Indigenous Rights Holders and northern communities;
Further navigation simulation, testing and operational planning;
Environmental and wildlife research;
Consideration of impacts on sea-ice travel and harvesting;
Regulatory and environmental review;
Planning for future Port and railway infrastructure; and
Continued discussions with governments, the Coast Guard, industry and marine operators.