USCG Sequoia heads to Sturgeon Bay for repairs

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Sequoia, based at Port Huron, MI, departed under to tow of the tug Nickelena, bound for Fincatieri Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI. The cutter, which replaced the USCG Hollyhock at Port Huron in 2024, will undergo unspecified mechanical repairs.

Soo Locks water flow study delays vessels

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Soo Locks were closed between 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m. Wednesday for a planned study involving water flow and how it could affect the movement of ice. Traffic tied up above and below the locks or went to anchor until the locks reopened.

Major project cargo a win for Port of Monroe and partners

MONROE, MI – In April 2025, the Port of Monroe handled project cargo bound for a Midwest location. Our Port and DRM Terminal Management team worked closely with a diverse network of partners to ensure this opportunity was executed efficiently and safely.

The cargo was loaded at Antwerp, Belgium—an established consolidation point for Great Lakes breakbulk—and laden onto Spliethoff’s M/V Hudsongracht as part of the carrier’s scheduled Great Lakes service. At Monroe, the heavy-lift and breakbulk pieces were offloaded, staged, and transloaded for last mile delivery.

Port and DRM leadership have worked to position Monroe as a destination for international cargo, and this is proof positive that Monroe can be a solution for any cargo operation. Successful execution of this complex, high-value breakbulk operation builds credibility and momentum needed to advance Monroe’s next-generation infrastructure.

“This cargo marks the first page in the next chapter of our port’s history,” said Port Director Capt. Paul C. LaMarre III. After nearly a decade of advocacy and planning, the Port of Monroe is one step closer to establishing itself as Michigan’s premier intermodal marine terminal.”

The Port has secured funding for $30 million in improvements, headlined by Michigan’s Maritime Gateway, the State of Michigan’s first cargo inspection facility capable of screening international maritime containers. Michigan’s Maritime Gateway will provide a new supply chain solution for containerized and breakbulk cargo throughout the region.

The Lake Erie Renewable Energy Resilience Project funded by the USDOT Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) will rehabilitate existing infrastructure and construct new facilities to enhance cargo operations. A Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Dock Extension funded by the Michigan Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program within the Michigan Department of Transportation will streamline the handling of oversized, wheeled, and modular cargo.

Partners on this cargo evolution included Spliethoff, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, Transatlantic USA, World Shipping, Bay Crane – Midwest, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, Triple R Transport, and International Industrial Contracting Corp.

Port of Monroe

Rape suspect arrested on freighter tied up at Soo Locks

ALPENA, MI – Michigan State Police went on board a freighter Wednesday to arrest an Alpena man wanted for rape. The man, 34, was taken into custody while working aboard the freighter M/V Kaye E. Barker which was tied up in the Soo Locks.

State Police say an investigation started last year from the Alpena Post with allegations of criminal sexual conduct. The investigation led to the Alpena County Prosecutor issuing felony charges.

Investigators had information the suspect was on the freighter and coordinated with the ship’s captain and staff from the Soo Locks. As the freighter was tied up, troopers boarded, contacted the suspect, and placed him under arrest.

The man was taken to the Alpena County jail.

WWJ

NMGL to debut new exhibits at expansion
ribbon cutting ceremony

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will hold a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of its expansion later this month.

On Saturday, June 27, NMGL will celebrate the completion of the museum’s “Second Wave” expansion, which, according a press release, is a 5,000 square foot facility called the Larry and Karen Bettcher Wing.