The Army Corps of Engineers is extending the shipping season on the Great Lakes by three days due to an increase in demand for iron ore and coal products. Instead of closing the locks at Sault St. Marie, Michigan, on January 15 at midnight, the closing will be extended until midnight January 18.
According to the Lake Carriers' Association, steel companies want to stock up on iron ore and coal to make sure they get through the winter months without being short-supplied, and so ice breakers have been working diligently on the Lakes to clear the way for cargo ships.