The CN Railroad Ore Dock in Escanaba, Michigan will close by the end of April, according to local news reports, adding that it is the only iron ore port on Lake Michigan.
A CN spokesman reportedly told Escanaba City Manager Jim O’Toole that activity at the dock has been “very slow” following the closure last year of Cliffs Natural Resources’ Empire Mine. According to the Lakes Carriers’ Association, about 3.5 million tons of iron ore was shipped out of the Escanaba port in 2015.
The closure will affect 12 union employees, who will be able to transfer to other CN locations. The company is also working on a redevelopment or reuse plan for the property, which has been used to ship iron ore since 1852.
One of the advantages of the Escanaba port, according to reports, was that it allowed ore to be shipped earlier and later in the shipping seasons when the Soo Locks remained closed. The port also served as a vital alternative for iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes if the locks at Sault Ste. Marie were damaged or shutdown.