Icebreaking

The Newfoundland and Labrador Region has the longest ice season with the harshest conditions, second in severity of weather to the Canadian Arctic.

The Icebreaking Program supports economic activity by facilitating the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic through ice-covered waters.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) monitors traffic movement through ice-covered waters in the Arctic during the summer months and in southern waters, including Newfoundland and Labrador, during the winter months.

Icebreaking is particularly important in Newfoundland and Labrador as 90 per cent of the coastline is ice-covered during the winter months. Through its Icebreaking Program, CCG monitors ice conditions and provides information to mariners on the best routes available through ice-covered waters.

CCG icebreakers will escort vessels through the ice, and, where appropriate, CCG will organize convoys of vessels that require assistance to transit ice-covered waters. In addition, CCG icebreakers will clear ice from, or 'break-out', wharf faces of port terminals and other facilities and approaches to harbours.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Region has the longest ice season with the harshest conditions, second in severity of weather to the Canadian Arctic. Outside the Arctic, Newfoundland and Labrador is the only region where ice is a year-round hazard to navigation.

For Ice Information Assistance (24-hours)
(709) 772-2078
(709) 772-5369 Fax