Polsteam sells another former lakes visitor
The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) Szczecin, Poland, has sold another of its former lakes visitors. Iryda (IMO 9180384), built in 1999 and which last visited in the 2024 shipping season, now sails as the AK Carl of Sierre Leone registration.
This makes 4 out of 5 Polsteam vessels that Polsteam has sold from their I-series vessels that were built from 1999 to 2000. Thus far the only one of the series that has yet to be sold and renamed is the Irma (IMO 9180396) which was built in 2000 and last visited during the 2024 shipping season.
Already sold and renamed are Isolda (IMO 9180360), now the Hismir Reis of Tuvalu flag; Isadora (IMO 9180372) is now the Tomkar of Panamanian flag; the Isa (IMO 9180358), now the Selvana also of Panamanian flag. It is unknown if any of these vessels will return inland.
Denny Dushane
City of Mackinac Island to countersue ferry companies
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Days after Shepler’s Inc. and Mackinac Island Ferry Company filed a joint lawsuit against the city of Mackinac Island, Mayor Margaret Doud has announced the city will file a countersuit.
According to the Mackinac Island Town Crier, Doud made a public announcement following a special city council meeting Wednesday afternoon.
The ferry companies filed their lawsuit in federal court on Monday. They argue that the city is overstepping its authority set in their franchise agreements by refusing their proposed fare increases to help cover rising costs and a $6 million investment to upgrade MIFC’s aging fleet.
The city, likewise, has argued that what traditionally was a small but open industry has turned into a monopoly. Historically, at least three ferry companies have provided service to the island: Arnold Transit Company, Star Line Ferry and Shepler’s. Star Line bought Arnold in 2016 and rebranded to the MIFC. Now, since the Hoffmann Family bought Shepler’s in 2022 and MIFC in 2024, they are owned by one corporation.
The City Council sought out a legal opinion and published the response to the city website. Representatives from Detroit law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone believe the ferry companies could be challenged under antitrust laws.
“A parent corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries are, except in very rare circumstances, treated as a single entity under the antitrust laws,” the letter states. “As a single entity, Shepler’s and Arnold have market power and would be considered a monopoly in the relevant market. If Shepler’s and Arnold were actually independent companies (or were seriously held out as such), they could be found liable for fixing prices and dividing markets.”
As part of the franchise agreement between the city and the companies, both ferry services must submit their proposed fares for the upcoming season. Citing the tumultuous 2024 season and other economic factors, the two companies proposed a “slight increase” for ticket rates in 2025.
The City Council rejected the proposed rates, accusing the Hoffmanns of trying to “monopolize” the market and raise prices. Lawyers representing Shepler’s and MIFC reject that claim and say financial stresses must be addressed.
Read more here: https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/city-of-mackinac-island-to-countersue-ferry-companies/
WOOD TV
2025 “Know Your Ships” launches
The new shipping season is at hand, and so is the release of the 2025 edition of Know Your Ships, the popular annual field guide to boats and boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway, now in its 66th year.
Preorders are now being taken. As usual, standard and spiral bindings are available. Preorders will be the first to mail out when the book arrives from the printer around March 23.
New this year is the ability to preorder the midsummer EXTRA magazine, which will feature a 50th anniversary tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew, when you preorder the book.
To mark the opening of the Soo Locks, Editor & Publisher Roger LeLievre will be at the Soo Locks Visitor Center Saturday, March 26, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to sign copies of the new edition. Buy them right from him, or from Das Gift Haus and Island Books and Crafts in the Soo, bring them to the Visitor Center and he will sign them.
Preorder at this link: www.knowyourships.com
Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest
Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in.
To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.
Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/
Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer
The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com
