The 2025 Shipping Season is Almost Here!

DULUTH, Minn — Dust off the binoculars Ship Nerds, the 2025 shipping season is around the corner.

Lake Superior is sitting at about 9% ice coverage, most of that being in whitefish bay.

We are still likely a couple weeks away according to the port authority, but excitement is still building for those keen to see the ships moving.

As for the ports and docks, they are ready to see some action.

 “It’s always hard to predict this time of year what the full shipping season is going to be, because there are so many factors at play throughout the course of the season. But what we’re hearing initially is that there’s strong demand for iron ore, so that should make for a good start to the shipping season.” said Jayson Hron, Director of Communication and Marketing for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, “So definitely some reason for optimism. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited about it. Hopefully it ends up being a strong season in the port of Duluth Superior, and we get back over 30 million short tons.”

The Port Authority and Visit Duluth also held their Annual First Ship contest.

Most guesses were the first ocean going vessel or salty would come in March 29th

The Port Authority thinks that might be a bit early but we will just have to wait and see.