The governments of Canada and Manitoba welcome new research confirming the feasibility of year-round shipping from the Port of Churchill using existing ice-class vessels, while changing sea-ice conditions are expected to make marine access increasingly favourable over the coming decades, Premier Wab Kinew and federal Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced today.
“These studies are clear: year-round shipping out of the Port of Churchill is achievable today,” said Kinew. “This breakthrough means we can stop asking if year-round shipping from Churchill is possible and start building the infrastructure and attracting the investment we need to get it done. Now is the time for industry, investors and governments in Canada and around the world to invest in Churchill so we can build new trading partnerships that are fair and mutually beneficial, while we decrease our reliance on the United States.”
Two studies completed by researchers at the University of Manitoba and Fednav Limited, as well as the preliminary findings from the feasibility study by the Arctic Research Foundation (ARF), show that existing marine technology and Arctic operating experience make year-round navigation through the broader Churchill shipping corridor possible now using modern ice-capable vessels. The research also shows that declining sea ice is extending the navigable season in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait, with further gains projected throughout this century.
“Feasibility studies on ice conditions and shipping will help better inform our understanding of the infrastructure, operational, technical, and economic considerations involved in the Port of Churchill, and support continued discussions with Manitoba, northern communities and other partners about the future of Churchill as a gateway to the North,” said Chartrand.
The ARF study’s preliminary results identified significant opportunities for northern supply chains, resource exports, community resupply, Indigenous economic participation and Canadian Arctic sovereignty.
“Strong transportation networks help connect communities, support trade and contribute to economic growth,” said federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. “These studies add to our understanding of the opportunities along the Churchill corridor and contribute to ongoing discussions about transportation infrastructure in the North.”
The University of Manitoba study found that the shipping season serving the Port of Churchill has expanded significantly over the past several decades and is projected to continue lengthening throughout this century.
Fednav’s analysis combined a 10-year review of Canadian ice charts, satellite imagery and regulatory requirements to show that existing ice-class vessel designs can support year-round shipping without icebreaker support.
“This year is already showing what is possible through Churchill,” said Mike Spence, board chair, Arctic Gateway Group. “With the return of grain, shipments of zinc and potash, and continued northern resupply, we are seeing the most diversified shipping season in the port’s history. The opportunity now is to build on that momentum. With the right investments in the port, a modern industrial-weight Hudson Bay Railway connected more strongly to Canada’s Class I network and year-round marine access, Churchill can become a truly year-round multimodal trade corridor connecting Northern and Western Canada to global markets.”
Currently, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia operate major commercial ports at latitudes similar to or significantly farther north than the Port of Churchill, the premier noted, including ports that maintain trade operations in waters subject to seasonal ice cover.
The University of Manitoba report was co-funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba, and the Arctic Gateway Group. The ARF study is co-funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba. The Fednav Limited study was commissioned by the Arctic Gateway Group.
To view the University of Manitoba study, visit: https://egusphere.copernicus.org/preprints/2026/egusphere-2026-4196/.
To view the Fednav Limited study, visit, https://www.arcticgateway.com/documents-and-resources.
To view the Arctic Research Foundation feasibility study, visit: https://www.arcticresearchfoundation.ca/icebreaker-feasibility-study/arf-port-churchill-preliminary-findings/.
