Wind, low water delays vessels at the Soo

   A combination of wind and low water brought traffic to a halt on the St. Marys River Wednesday evening. The National Weather Service was forecasting wind gusts up to 35 knots from the northwest and highest waves around 11 feet.
   Downbound Lee A. Tregurtha dropped anchor above DeTour due to the weather. Her fleetmate Kaye E. Barker did the same in Goulais Bay on the Canadian side above the locks. After blustery winds lowered the water level in the Rock Cut to unsafe levels, American Spirit dropped the hook in the Hay Lake (Nine Mile) Anchorage. She was followed by the Stewart J. Cort, which tucked into the anchorage behind the Spirit.
   In addition, USCG Bristol Bay, Biscayne Bay and Mackinaw were stopped at and near Lime Island.

The Great Lakes Towing Company and Great Lakes Shipyard make leadership promotions

Written by Marine Log Staff
   The Cleveland, Ohio-based Great Lakes Group has announced the promotions of two long-time leaders. Gregg Thauvette has been promoted from executive vice president to president at The Great Lakes Towing Company, where he will continue to oversee all harbor towing and fleet operations across more than 40 U.S. ports throughout the Great Lakes. Thomas Rigolo has been promoted from executive vice president to president at Great Lakes Shipyard, where he will continue to oversee all aspects of shipyard operations, including vessel construction, repair,and maintenance.
   Great Lakes Group says that, with decades of maritime experience, Thauvette has been a driving force behind the Towing Company’s continued success and growth. He has spearheaded key initiatives such as the fleet renewal program, significantly enhancing the safety, sustainability, and reliability of the Company’s operations. He is also known for fostering strong, long-term customer relationships; working closely with vessel owners, operators, and industry partners to ensure exceptional service and responsiveness across all ports.
   Rigolo has been instrumental in the shipyard’s continued modernization and expansion, managing complex commercial and government projects while enhancing the shipyard’s service capabilities to meet the needs of Great Lakes operators. Under his leadership, Great Lakes Shipyard has strengthened its reputation as a trusted, full-service repair and construction facility known for quality, efficiency, and craftsmanship.
   “With Gregg leading the Towing division and Tom heading the Shipyard, both companies are well- positioned to continue their long-standing legacy of service, innovation, and leadership throughout the Great Lakes maritime industry,” says the Great Lakes Group.

Algoma Central Corporation

Our 2025 third quarter financial results are now available.

   “This quarter marked a milestone for Algoma with the delivery of the Algoma Legacy, the first of three next-generation, methanol-ready self-unloading vessels,” said Gregg Ruhl, President and CEO of Algoma Central Corporation. “The Algoma Legacy underscores our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence and is a symbolic marker as our 100th vessel in our expanding global fleet. We also approved investments in two newbuild 9,500-deadweight mini-bulkers in our global short sea joint venture, NASC, with delivery expected in late 2027. With 100 vessels plus ten now under construction, we are growing our fleet and shaping the next chapter of Algoma’s legacy.”

Visit  https://www.algonet.com/investor-relations/ to view our full interim results and www.algonet.com/news-and-media/  to view our press release

ABB books Azipod order for Canada’s first Polar Max icebreaker

Written by Nick Blenkey

   ABB has secured a contract with Finland’s Helsinki Shipyard to supply a complete electric power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max icebreaker that is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard by 2030.
   As we reported earlier, construction of the icebreaker is now underway at the Finnish shipyard and will be completed by its parent, Davie, at its Lévis, Quebec, shipyard, which is currently undergoing a CAD 840 million upgrade.
   In addition to icebreaking, the 22,800-tonne, 138.5-meter vessel will also function as a research vessel, while supporting oil spill response operations and emergency towing, responding to maritime emergencies, and supporting northern resupply missions year-round.
   “For decades, the Azipod propulsion has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in harsh ice conditions, proving its reliability and performance in the world’s most demanding maritime environments,” said Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports. “It is an honor to contribute to a project that is not only vital for polar operations but also strengthens the shipbuilding industry cooperation between Finland and Canada.”
   Importantly, the Polar Max project aligns with the aims of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral partnership between Canada, Finland and the United States to coordinate expertise and strengthen the three countries’ abilities to design, build and market best-in-class Arctic and polar vessels.
   ABB will integrate the complete power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max, consisting of Azipod electric propulsion units, shaftline propulsion motor, drives, transformers, generators, switchboards, shore connection, LTO batteries, and a power and energy management system. In addition, the vessel will feature ABB’s innovative AX Bridge solution, enabling better situational overview and simplifying the ship maneuvering experience for the bridge crew.
   “The Polar Max project is an important milestone in expanding production and design in Helsinki,” said Kim Salmi, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard. “The project is an excellent example of Helsinki Shipyard’s leading Arctic shipbuilding expertise, which is in significant demand internationally. We look forward to collaborating with ABB on this new build.”
   “Fostering shipbuilding collaborations with trusted partners is essential to advancing shared goals,” said James Davies, CEO, Davie Shipbuilding. “This contract consolidates the longstanding relationship between ABB and Davie and reflects our mutual commitment to excellence in polar shipbuilding.”
   ABB has extensive expertise in systems for vessels navigating ice conditions, with Azipod propulsion systems installed on approximately 100 ice-capable or icebreaking ships. Notable references include the first U.S, Polar Security Cutter Polar Sentinel, under construction at Bollinger Mississippi, and the Finnish icebreaker Polaris constructed at Helsinki Shipyard.

Coast Guard Launches Dual-Track RFIs to Modernize Domestic Icebreaker Fleet

Mike Schuler

    Coast Guard Issues Dual RFI for Rapid-Build Domestic Icebreakers
   The U.S. Coast Guard has issued two parallel Requests for Information targeting a comprehensive modernization of its aging domestic icebreaking fleet, seeking vessel designs from U.S. and allied ship shipbuilders that can be built and launched within just 24 months of contract award.
   The initiative, split between medium and light icebreaker programs, aims to replace the Coast Guard’s aging 140-foot and 65-foot icebreakers with new Homeland Security Cutters designed to keep America’s waterways “open, safe, and secure” while facilitating $5.4 trillion annually in maritime commerce.

Medium Icebreakers for Great Lakes Operations
   The Homeland Security Cutter – Medium Icebreakers program seeks to recapitalize the existing 140-foot WTGB fleet, which facilitates safe navigation and commerce on the Great Lakes and in the Northeast. The RFI specifies vessels up to 140 feet in length with a draft of 14 feet or less, capable of independently breaking freshwater ice at least 22 inches thick at a continuous speed of three knots.
   These vessels must maintain seven days of unreplenished icebreaking operations with 19 crew members, including fuel, potable water, sewage, greywater, and food.

Light Icebreakers for ATON Support
   The companion program targets the 65-foot WYTL fleet replacement, designed specifically to support aids to navigation missions in the Northeast. These smaller vessels, measuring 70 feet or less with a 7-foot draft, must break through 12 inches of freshwater ice at three knots while maintaining three days of endurance with six crewmembers.
   Critically, the light icebreakers must also be capable of retrieving, deploying, stowing, transporting, and servicing at least three 5×11-foot buoys with moorings and associated equipment, supported by a crane with 4,500-pound lifting capacity.

Aggressive Timeline, Domestic Focus
   The Coast Guard’s RFI emphasizes “recently proven execution and build strategies” while seeking insight into the “capability, capacity, and availability of domestic shipyards” to support construction and launch within 24 months. With potential contract awards targeted for mid-2026, the timeline reflects the urgency of replacing these critical assets.
   The initiative extends to both U.S. and allied nation maritime industrial bases, seeking existing or production-ready icebreaking vessel designs.

Broader Arctic Strategy Context
   The domestic icebreaker modernization comes amid a broader Coast Guard push to expand Arctic capabilities. Last month, President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing construction of up to four Arctic Security Cutters in Finland and seven at domestic shipyards, addressing urgent national security needs in the increasingly contested Arctic region.
   That agreement, which invokes presidential authority to permit foreign construction as a national security necessity, includes nearly $9 billion in funding under Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” for building a series of heavy, medium, and light Arctic Security Cutters.
   The Act committed $816 million for light and medium Icebreaking Cutters, along with $4.3 billion for Polar Security Cutters and $3.5 billion for three Arctic Security Cutters.
   “We need icebreakers in the U.S. And if we can get some inexpensively, I’d like to do that,” President Trump said.
   The domestic icebreaker programs were previously consolidated under the Domestic Icebreakers Program but have now been separated into distinct medium and light icebreaker initiatives.

Whitefish Point area prepares for emotional tributes to Edmund Fitzgerald crew

As Nov. 10 marks five decades since the tragic loss of all hands aboard the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, communities near Whitefish Point are preparing heartfelt tributes
   According to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS), leading up to the Nov. 10, 7 p.m. private remembrance service for the 50th Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, there will be other special events in the Paradise/Whitefish Point area that the public is invited to.

Friday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Township Community Center at 7052 M-123 in Paradise.
   The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (GLSM) will host an Edmund Fitzgerald speaker panel. Panelists will range from historians and surviving Fitzgerald family members to Shipwreck Society staff and a former engineer on the Fitzgerald. This is a free event, and seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will last approximately ninety minutes. 

Saturday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Township Community Center put on by the Paradise community.
   A round table discussion will take place. We will hear the accounts of the then-teenagers that were in Paradise and at Whitefish Point, the evening of Nov. 10, 1975. They will undoubtedly reminisce about their parent’s stories handed down over the years as well. We are also asking if you were blessed to be a “Bell Ringer” in the past, please come if you can, if you have a pin please wear it proudly once more.
Seating limited to 200, first come first basis. Public is welcome.

Sunday, Nov. 9 from 1-3 p.m. at Whitefish Point.
   The GLSHS will release the second edition of its popular Edmund Fitzgerald publication, The Legend Lives On.
   With an additional 48-pages of content, this richly illustrated book features historic imagery and artwork of “Big Fitz” during its working life and of this ship’s ongoing story across the years since Nov. 10, 1975. Authors Bruce Lynn and Christopher Winters will be signing copies of the book at this time. 

Monday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. at Whitefish Point.
   The GLSHS will hold an outdoor public remembrance service for the 50th Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial. The public event will last around 90 minutes. We will ring a replica bell 30 times and have different speakers, and play The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald live. This event is going to be emotional, touching and memorable. No tickets are needed to attend.
   Please note:  the parking area at Whitefish Point needs to be vacated by 4:30 p.m. to make room for the Fitzgerald family’s private evening event at 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at Whitefish Point inside the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.
   A ceremony for family members only will take place at 7 p.m., which will be live-streamed for the public. Under no circumstances will the evening ceremony for the family members of the Edmund Fitzgerald be  open to the public. The live-stream link of the evening ceremony will be made available prior to the ceremony via the website and social media channels.

Monday, Nov. 10, 5:30-9 p.m. at the Whitefish Township Community Center put on by the Paradise community.
   The Community of Paradise will host the live-stream of the evening Memorial Service at Whitefish Point (which is closed to the public). Seating is limited to 200, first come first-served basis.
[Jim Lehocky] 
[Sooleader]

For more information, please call: 800-635-1742, or head to the GLSM website by clicking here.
https://shipwreckmuseum.com/?utm_source=sooleader.com&utm_campaign=sooleader.com%3A%20outbound&utm_medium=referral

Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Offers 2
Special Edmund Fitzgerald Events

   WHITEFISH POINT, MI – Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has two special events happening before the Fitzgerald memorial on November 10th. One on November 7th and one on the 9th. All our events this fall are free to the public…please read below.
NOVEMBER 7th
   The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum will host an Edmund Fitzgerald speaker panel to take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 (6:30pm) at the Whitefish Township Community Center in Paradise, MI. Panelists will range from historians and surviving Fitzgerald family members…to Shipwreck Society staff and a former engineer on the Fitzgerald. This is a free event and seating will be on a first-come, first serve basis. The event will last approximately 1.5 hours. The Whitefish Township Community Center is located at: 7052 M-123, Paradise, MI 49768.
ON NOVEMBER 9th
   The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society will soon release the second edition of its popular Edmund Fitzgerald publication, The Legend Lives On. With an additional 48-pages of content, this richly illustrated book features historic imagery and artwork of “Big Fitz” during its working life and of this ship’s ongoing story across the years since November 10, 1975.  The GLSHS official release and book signing of The Legend Lives On will take place at the Shipwreck Coast Museum Store on the Shipwreck Museum campus (Whitefish Point) on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 1pm-3pm. Authors Bruce Lynn and Christopher Winters will be signing copies of the book at this time

Gales of November Conference Honors Fitzgerald 50th

   DULUTH, MN – Lake Superior Marine Museum Association presents Gales of November 2025, a two-day conference Nov 7-8 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. This special event brings together maritime historians, lighthouse preservationists, and Great Lakes experts for a weekend of reflection, education, and storytelling
   Attendees can look forward to in-depth presentations on shipwreck research, lighthouse restoration, and the evolution of theories surrounding the Fitzgerald disaster. The conference also includes updates from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, buffet luncheons and a silent auction.
   Gales of November offers an opportunity to honor the men lost aboard the Fitzgerald and celebrate those who continue to preserve the legacy of Great Lakes shipping and maritime history.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER AT: destinationduluth.co/GalesOfNovConf

Great Lakes Maritime Institute Marks Fitzgerald Anniversary

https://glmi.org/

Mark 50 years since Edmund Fitzgerald sinking with historic cuisine, wreath laying

Split Rock lighthouse on Lake Superior to shine 
beacon for Edmund Fitzgerald memorial ceremony

   TWO HARBORS, MN – One of the most famous lighthouses on the Great Lakes will again be hosting an Edmund Fitzgerald memorial service this year, and the gathering marking the 50th anniversary of the freighter’s tragic loss is expected to draw thousands to the clifftop site.
   Split Rock Lighthouse will host its annual event on Nov. 10, a half-century after the Fitzgerald sank in a violent storm off Whitefish Point at the southern end of Lake Superior.
   At the service, all 29 names will be read aloud to the tolling of a bell. Then Split Rock’s beacon will be lit in tribute to those lost.
   The Minnesota Historical Society will be hosting the event. The lighthouse, perched atop a high, rocky cliff, sits more than 130 feet above Lake Superior. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
   “We’re just trying to provide a little place for memory and for remembrance and to really put into perspective the power of the lake,” site manager Hayes Scriven told Minnesota Public Radio recently. “So that’s why we think it’s very important for us to keep doing this.”
   The Split Rock Lighthouse event is one of many taking place across the Great Lakes to honor the memory of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s crew. In Michigan, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point will be holding a public remembrance event on Nov. 10, as well as a private ceremony for the relatives of the Fitzgerald’s crew.
   The Mariners’ Church of Detroit also has memorial events planned for November. You can see the lineup here: https://marinerschurchofdetroit.org/edmund-fitzgerald/

[M Live]

Fitzgerald Memorial Plans Announced By
Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society

   The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society will hold an outdoor public remembrance service for the 50th Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial at Whitefish Point on Monday, November 10th, 2025 at 2 p.m.

PLAN AHEAD – WHAT TO EXPECT:
   Outdoor Shelter: NO tent or seating will be setup for the outdoor public ceremony, as November can have volatile weather that would cause more harm than good. Check the weather forecast prior to traveling to Whitefish Point, and know your limits.
    *(Seating will be provided for speakers and individuals ringing the bell.) 
   Parking: LIMITED parking is available at Whitefish Point. No RVs, Campers, or trailers will be allowed to park in the PAVED parking areas. Once paved parking areas are filled, be prepared to park along the shoulder of the road prior to reaching Whitefish Point.
   No Shuttle Services: Be prepared to walk the distance from where you parked to get to Whitefish Point. Know your limits!
   Museum Closed: The Museum will be closed to the public. Restrooms will be open.
   Grounds Cleared: In order to make room (and parking available) for Fitzgerald families driving-in for the evening ceremony, daytime visitors will be asked to leave the grounds by 5PM.
   A ceremony for family members only will take place at 7:00 PM, which will be livestreamed for the public. Under no circumstances will the evening ceremony for the family members of the Edmund Fitzgerald be open to the public.
   The live stream link of the evening ceremony will be made available prior to the ceremony via our website and social media channels.

[Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society]