Navigation: Green Bay

Green Bay Shipping channels to remain open at least through January 2017

The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct icebreaking operations at the Port of Green Bay in January to keep the shipping channel open for safe navigation and the transport of economically significant commercial shipments. In particular, it will allow the continued delivery of petroleum products during the shutdown of the only fuel pipeline between Milwaukee and Green Bay. The pipeline was closed indefinitely this past spring because of repair and reconstruction issues.

"The port’s ability to handle petroleum products throughout the winter months is a key piece in the current supply chain as well as an important factor in keeping the Northeast Wisconsin’s economy strong," explained Dean Haen, director of Brown County Port & Resource Recovery. Prior to the pipeline closure, the port was exporting petroleum products to Canada and the U.S. East Coast.

The Coast Guard will establish and maintain tracks through the ice from Rock Island Passage to the Fox River. The tracks through the ice will extend to Escanaba, Marinette-Menominee, Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay.

As many as three tanker transits destined for the Port of Green Bay are planned for December and two to three for January. Depending on local need, there could also be a transit or two in February.