The Soo Locks closed on Tuesday morning after the Philip R. Clarke made it through.

She was the last downbound vessel, and was carrying iron ore from the Northland.

“We are never eager to see the ships stop moving. But it was a successful season,” shared Jayson Hron, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

Now the locks will undergo key maintenance until they reopen in March.

A total of eight vessels will winter in the Twin Ports. Five are still on their way, so boat lovers can expect a few more arrivals.

They’ll all get work at Fraser Shipyards in Superior.

Hron added, “With those eight ships in port for winter layup, that brings lots of work for the skilled tradespeople throughout the region. About 110 to 140 skilled tradespeople will be employed doing the work on these eight ships that are wintering here this off season.”

The Lee A. Tregurtha and Manitoulin are at Fraser now. The Baie Comeau is at the Clure Public Marine Terminal.

To check where the five remaining vessels are: www.marinetraffi.com

Tonnage totals for the whole season are still being calculated.