Maritime Magazine

Some 2.72 million tonnes of iron ore from Baffinland Iron Mines were transported to northern Europe during the second shipping season from Milne Inlet on the north coast of Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic. This compares with 917,000 tonnes in 2015. A total of 38 voyages were conducted, versus 13 in 2015, between July 25 and October 13.

"Fednav managed all port operations and shipping operations (on site and home office personnel)," Michael Cooper, Manager, Capital Projects, Shipowning, Arctic and Projects, told Maritime Magazine. "All vessels were manned with qualified ice advisors contracted by Fednav."

Scandinavian operators Nordic Bulk Carriers and Golden Ocean carried out 36 Panamax voyages while ESL Shipping of Helsinki carried out two Supramax voyages with loads of iron ore from the rich Mary River deposits. Main destinations included Rotterdam, Dunkirk and Hamburg.

Steel giant ArcelorMittal has a 50% stake in the vast Arctic mining enterprise.

Throughout the shipping season, two Svitzer tugs on site assisted in operations.