Thunder Bay Terminal Removes Dock Trestle to Accept Wind Turbines

Midcontinent Terminal and a Thunder Bay company have completed the partial removal of an 80-year-old ^[1] iron ore dock trestle on the city's waterfront.

This infrastructure change is critical because it removes a physical barrier that previously prevented the port from receiving oversized shipments. By clearing the trestle, the terminal can now accommodate the handling of large cargo, specifically wind turbines, which are essential for regional energy projects.

The project involved the strategic dismantling of a portion of the historic dock structure ^[1]. This specific section of the trestle had remained in place for eight decades, serving the needs of the iron ore industry. However, the shift toward renewable energy infrastructure required a more flexible waterfront layout to allow ocean-going vessels to dock and unload massive components.

With the removal complete, Midcontinent Terminal has welcomed its first ocean-going vessel since the modification ^[1]. The ability to import wind turbines directly via the waterfront reduces the logistical complexity, and cost, associated with transporting such large equipment over land. The company focused on a partial removal to maintain the utility of the remaining dock while opening the necessary corridor for new cargo types.

The transition marks a shift in the industrial use of the Thunder Bay waterfront. While the region has a long history of ore shipment, the current modifications align the port's capabilities with modern industrial demands. The removal of the 80-year-old ^[1] structure allows the terminal to diversify its operations beyond traditional minerals, facilitating the arrival of green technology components.