Governments of Canada, Manitoba and the Arctic Gateway Group Welcome New Research Confirming Feasibility of Year-Round Shipping from Churchill

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Date: August 21, 2026
Categories: Press release

Current Vessel Technology can Navigate Corridor, While Changing Ice Conditions Expand Long-Term Opportunity: Kinew, Chartrand

August 21, 2026 - The governments of Canada and Manitoba alongside the Arctic Gateway Group 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. 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."
Premier Wab Kinew, Manitoba

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,”
Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

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. These studies add to our understanding of the opportunities along the Churchill corridor and contribute to ongoing discussions about transportation infrastructure in the North.”
Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport of Canada

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. 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.”
Mike Spence, Board Chair, Arctic Gateway Group

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/.

For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: [email protected] or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: [email protected].
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: [email protected].