Coast Guard to Reopen Southern Green Bay to Commercial Traffic

The move comes after a temporary closure to allow for icebreaking operations.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:50pm

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The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it will reopen the southern waters of Green Bay, Wisconsin to commercial vessel traffic starting on Monday, March 16. The Captain of the Port of Green Bay, part of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, is lifting the temporary closure that had been in place to allow for icebreaking operations in the area.

Why it matters

The reopening of the southern Green Bay waters to commercial traffic is an important step for businesses that rely on shipping and transportation through the bay. It will allow normal commercial operations to resume after a temporary closure for necessary icebreaking work.

The details

According to the Coast Guard's announcement, commercial vessels and icebreaking operations will be permitted to resume south of Peshtigo Reef Light and Sherwood Point in the Bay of Green Bay starting at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16. No other details were provided about the reasons for or duration of the temporary closure.

  • The southern Green Bay waters will reopen to commercial traffic on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

The players

United States Coast Guard

The U.S. federal maritime security organization responsible for enforcing laws, protecting natural resources, and ensuring safe navigation on U.S. waterways.

Captain of the Port of Green Bay

The Coast Guard officer in charge of overseeing maritime operations and enforcing regulations in the Green Bay area.

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The takeaway

The reopening of the southern Green Bay waters to commercial traffic is an important development for businesses that rely on shipping and transportation through the bay. It signals a return to normal operations after a temporary closure for necessary icebreaking work by the Coast Guard.