The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Unexpected CO2 discharge on tug Undaunted
claims life of Traverse City leader’s husband

LUDINGTON, MI – The husband of a Traverse City leader was killed Monday morning after a CO2 fire suppression system unexpectedly discharged aboard a tugboat docked in Ludington.
   The incident occurred at approximately 11:27 a.m. on March 2, 2026, while the vessel was undergoing maintenance.
   The tugboat Undaunted, owned by Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc., was docked for the winter at the time of the accident. Emergency responders from the Ludington Police Department, Ludington Fire Department and LIFE EMS arrived to find that staff members from Interlake Logistics had already begun performing life-saving measures on Mark Allen.
   Maintenance was being performed on the vessel’s CO2 fire suppression system when the equipment discharged. Following initial first aid on the scene, Allen was transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital where he passed away.
   Officials in Traverse City addressed the tragedy involving Mark Allen, the husband of Deputy City Manager Deb Allen. City Manager Benjamin Marentette spoke regarding the impact on city staff.
   “On behalf of the City of Traverse City, I will confirm that Deputy City Manager Deb Allen has experienced a family tragedy,” Marentette said. “Mine — and the entire team’s hearts — are broken for Deb. We will not be confirming any details or providing information regarding the tragedy out of respect for her privacy.”
   The Ludington Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances of the discharge. Investigators are working in coordination with Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. to determine what caused the suppression system to activate unexpectedly. Ludington Police Chief Christopher Jones and Captain Michael Haveman oversaw the initial department response to the scene.
   The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jake Miller at 231-843-2435 or via email at miller209@ci.ludington.mi.us.

[9-10 News]

Winter Layup: The 60-day winter rush at Port Milwaukee
to get cargo ships ready to sail the Great Lakes

MILWAUKEE — Over the past two months, you may have seen some rather large boats docked at Port Milwaukee. If you are extra observant, you’ll recognize that this happens every year around this time. There is a very important reason, and it helps keep a multi-billion-dollar shipping industry afloat.
   Every winter for about two months, large cargo vessels are docked at Port Milwaukee receiving crucial maintenance. The work ranges from upgrading electrical wiring to installing new communication systems to repairing worn-out steel.
   “These vessels are pretty old. They’ve had some past lives in different areas of the world,” Amelia Harrison, a port engineer with Andrie, a maritime logistics company, said.
   These barges transport goods like cement, aggregate, food, and anything else that keeps people and businesses moving in the Great Lakes region.
   “I like the big engines. I like that we push ourselves around the Great Lakes. I love that we support the infrastructure of America,” Harrison said.
   During the winter layup, these boats aren’t moving cargo, which means they’re not making money. Work has to be done fast during this time to ensure economic success for the shipping companies, the ports, and all the businesses that receive the goods.
   A specialized labor force is needed to make sure all that works gets done – especially since they are cramming months of maintenance into just 60 days. To stay on schedule, there are groups of about five crew members that rotate 28 days on and 28 days off. Their daily shifts are 12 hours long, and they live on board. Additionally, there can be anywhere from 15-20 contractors on the boat at anytime. The contractors do not live aboard the vessel.
   “This gets in your blood. It’s, you know, just being on the boat, you have to run. It’s high paced,” Dan Rankin, the owner of Hi-Tec Fab, a fabrication company, said.
   One of the boats in Port Milwaukee is the Integrity, which is owned by Amrize. The company produces and ships cement throughout the United States.
   “The carrying capacity for this vessel is 12 to 14,000 tons, depending on water levels, and for the season, this vessel will probably haul 600,000 plus tons of cement,” John Tomshack, the marine model manager for the Great Lakes for Amrize, said.
   That’s a lot of product that needs to reach ports and eventually be used by companies all across the region. Amrize chooses Milwaukee because of its skilled labor force.
   “The city of Milwaukee is a great place for us to have access to skilled trades, steel workers, electricians, things like that,” Tomshack said.
   Each boat has a different departure date. The Integrity is scheduled to begin navigating the Great Lakes on March 15th.

[WTMJ]
    View the full story and images here: https://www.tmj4.com/news/milwaukee-tonight/winter-layup-the-60-day-winter-rush-at-port-milwaukee-to-get-massive-cargo-ships-ready-to-sail-the-great-lakes?fbclid=IwY2xjawQWe95leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEew-Jgz7mbojjlRR5UFTTtoQeRHKHW5PTMJxt1CbpHTUs-O4IBO0zKTC7hxNQ_aem_GnddSP1tLPTFqO3ilZ2xdg

 Tug Seaway Jennifer heads to lakes this spring

Seaway Marine Group LLC owners Jake and Jennifer Van Reenen have announced that the Clayton, NY-based marine business has purchased a tug, formerly known as Herbert P. Brake. The newest fleet member will bear Jennifer’s name and be known as Seaway Jennifer. The tug will become the largest commercial U.S.-based tug on the Seaway from Lake Ontario to Massena. A spring transit of the NYS barge canal from the East Coast (CT) is expected in order to reach its new home.
   Built in 1992, Empire Harbor Marine Inc. of Thomson, NY, as the Herbert P. Brake for Empire Harbor Marine Inc. of Albany, New York. In 2005, the company became the Port Albany Ventures Co. of Albany, New York, where the tug retained her name.
   In 2009, Port Albany Ventures was acquired by the DonJon Marine Co. Inc. of Hillside, NJ. Again the tug retained her name. In 2014, DonJon renamed the tug Rebecca Ann. In 2022, the tug was acquired by D. Brake Marine LLC. of Madison, CT, which renamed her Herbert P. Brake.
   Powered by two Cummins VT 1710 diesel engines, she is a twin screw, modified bow towboat, rated at 1,400 horsepower.
   [Michael Folsom – St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network and tugboatinformation.com]

Two Desgagnes ships in conflict zone

   Rosaire A. Desgagnes and Miena Desgagnes are in the Persian Gulf as the conflict intensifies. Miena is in the Al Jubail Anchorage (eastern province of Saudi Arabia), while Rosaire is in the Mugharraq Anchorage (Abu Dhabi).

[Michael James Folsom – St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network]

Chamber of Marine Commerce Awards 2026 Champion
of the Great Lakes Award to Cong. Nick Langworthy

March 5, 2026 — On Thursday, the 2026 Great Lakes Day Congressional Breakfast Reception is being celebrated in Washington D.C. at the Cannon House Office Building, creating the perfect opportunity for

    WASHINGTON D.C. – The Chamber of Marine Commerce has announced that Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) is the recipient of the 2026 Champion of the Great Lakes Award.
   This award honors United States elected officials who demonstrate a special commitment to enhancing economic growth and supply chain strength by supporting marine shipping on the Great Lakes. Representing the 23rd District of New York, Congressman Langworthy has played a key role in protecting and promoting the role that Great Lakes shipping plays in supporting economic prosperity, good jobs, and national industrial strength. He has galvanized considerable support for Great Lakes issues among his elected peers.
   The membership of the CMC represents every link in the marine supply chain, including ships, ports, terminals, and shippers of key commodities, and the Congressman’s work has supported each of these links to the benefit of American citizens and communities. This includes recognition that Great Lakes shipping is a critical conduit for everyday affordability.
   “On behalf of more than 100 member organizations that comprise the membership of the Chamber of Marine Commerce across North America, including a number within the state of New York, I want to thank Rep. Langworthy and his team for the accessibility, responsiveness, and support they have shown regarding Great Lakes marine shipping issues over the past year,” said Joshua Juel, President and CEO of the CMC.
   “He understands that our industry is the cornerstone of dependable supply chain that grows the North American economy and helps build appreciation of our contributions among others. For that we are deeply grateful.”

 [Chamber of Marine Commerce]

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.