Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) 85-tonne Niagara Queen II icebreaker has been at work throughout the colder months, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of OPG’s Sir Adam Beck I and II hydroelectric stations – vital sources of renewable energy for Ontario.
The movement of water is critical for hydroelectric power generation, and a frozen river can cause major disruptions, from flooding to reduced energy output. That’s why the Niagara Queen II plays a crucial role, breaking apart ice to maintain a steady flow. Together, the Beck I and II stations generate over 2,000MW of power – enough to provide electricity to nearly two million homes. With so much at stake, keeping the river clear is a top priority.
This season, ice-breaking operations officially began on January 16, following the declaration of first ice on the river. Throughout an average winter, the icebreaker logs between 300 and 400 hours of service, cutting through ice as thick as six feet to protect power production. Its twin 1,720-horsepower engines give it the strength to power through even the most stubborn floes.
A cross-border effort
In extreme cold conditions, ice buildup can become too much for one vessel to handle. That’s when OPG partners with the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) William H. Latham icebreaker, a 69-tonne vessel with a spoon-shaped bow that rides atop ice fields to break them apart. The Niagara Queen II, by contrast, features a knife-edged bow designed for slicing through ice near hydro intake points. Together, they ensure that the river remains navigable and power generation continues uninterrupted.
Both icebreakers take their cues from OPG’s International Niagara Control Works, which monitors water flow and ice accumulation in the Chippawa-Grass Island Pool. When ice poses a risk to hydroelectric intakes, the control team deploys the Niagara Queen II and its three-person crew – a captain, engineer, and deckhand – to clear the way.
A legacy of icebreaking
Icebreaking on the Niagara River is nothing new. OPG’s predecessor, Ontario Hydro, introduced the first Niagara Queen in the early 1960s, a modified tugboat designed for ice-breaking operations. Today, the Niagara Queen II continues that tradition with regular maintenance and inspections by Transport Canada every five years to ensure it remains in peak condition.
All information courtesy of Ontario Power Generation
