High Wind Warnings Keep Badger At Dock; Chi-Cheemaun May Not Sail

For the safety and comfort of passengers, based the marine weather forecast, Lake Michigan Carferry has cancelled the Badger’s September 5, Ludington, MI (9:00 am EST) and the Manitowoc (2:00 pm CST) crossings.

The Lake Michigan weather forecast is predicting gale force wind conditions with waves building from 12 – 16 feet and occasionally to 21.

The Owen Sound Transportation Co. posted the following on its web site Thursday: POTENTIAL CHI-CHEEMAUN TRAVEL DISRUPTION ON FRI SEPT 5: Due to unfavorable weather conditions, there’s a risk of cancellation for September 5, 2025. Customers looking to reschedule their sailing should email info@ontarioferries.com, and changes or refunds will be issued as a result of this potential storm. The captain will determine whether it is safe to sail, closer to the departure time. If a cancellation occurs, notice will be provided.

Heemskerkgracht Grounding Report Released

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has released its investigation report (M24C0217) into the 2024 grounding of the general cargo vessel Heemskerkgracht in the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway off Kahnawake, Quebec.
   On August 22, 2024, the general cargo vessel Heemskerkgracht ran aground after the main engine shut down due to the activation of a false alarm on the oil mist detector (OMD). The vessel was anchored while awaiting assistance and was later refloated and towed to the Port of Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Quebec. There were no injuries or pollution reported. The vessel sustained minor damage to its hull.
   OMDs are used to measure the presence of oil mist in an engine crankcase and, in medium-speed engines like the one in the Heemskerkgracht, shut down the engine when oil mist is detected. These detectors cannot differentiate between oil mist, water vapour, or smoke, which can trigger false alarms. To reduce this risk, the vessel’s OMD was fitted with a heater to prevent vapour buildup.
   In March 2023, as part of scheduled maintenance, the Heemskerkgracht’s OMD measuring head was identified for a replacement, and a purchase order was made. However, the vessel received a different model which required an external source of power for the heater, unlike the previous unit, which had a power source built into the head. As a result, the heater was left unpowered, leaving the measuring head vulnerable to false alarms caused by water vapour.
   The investigation found that during the occurrence voyage, water vapour built up in the OMD measuring head and caused a false alarm that then triggered an automatic shutdown of the main engine. As a result, the vessel lost propulsion and ran aground in the canal.
   Following the occurrence, the vessel operator replaced the OMD measuring head with a unit matching the original model. The measuring head was confirmed to have been installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and was calibrated and tested.

Ship Junkies – Lakes, Locks & Rivers (LL&R)

Lakes Limestone Trade Down in August

CLEVELAND — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.6 million tons in August, a decrease of 3 percent from 2024.  Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year average by 4.4 percent.
   Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 2.95 million tons, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to a year ago.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 647,403 tons, representing a 20 percent decrease.
   Year-to-date the Lakes limestone trade stands at 16.3 million tons, a 4.6 percent decrease compared to last year.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries total 13.4 million tons, a decrease of 2.1 percent.  Shipments from Ontario quarries total 2.9 million tons, a 14.3 percent decrease
Lake Carriers Association
[See charts in gallery below]

Fincantieri Adds 600 Shipyard Workers as U.S. Shipbuilding Renaissance Gains Steam

Mike Schuler
September 3, 2025

Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) has added more than 600 workers to its U.S. shipyards since February 2025 amid what company officials describe as a revival of American shipbuilding capabilities. The hiring surge puts the company on track to reach 2,700 employees in the United States by year-end.
   The workforce expansion includes approximately 400 new employees at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin and 200 at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, supporting the company’s efforts to meet production milestones at its four U.S. shipyards, three in Wisconsin and one in Florida.
   “Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate our people whose skills and dedication are the true foundation of our company,” said George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “Their commitment not only drives our success but also forges the path to a U.S. shipbuilding renaissance. We are proud to invest in our people, expand our workforce, and create quality jobs that benefit our communities and our nation for years to come.”
   The Italian-owned shipbuilding group currently employs over 2,300 skilled workers across its U.S. operations while supporting thousands of additional jobs through its domestic supply chain. The company has invested more than $800 million in the U.S. industrial base, with over half specifically allocated to upgrading and expanding the Marinette yard in Wisconsin.
   Fincantieri has introduced advanced technologies to enhance safety and efficiency, including wearable exo-skeletons, air-purifying welding helmets, collaborative robotics, and digital production tools. The company also highlights its partnerships with local suppliers, educational institutions, and communities as part of its growth strategy.
   The workforce expansion follows the April 9, 2025 executive order signed by President Trump titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” aimed at reviving domestic shipbuilding and reducing China’s grip on the global shipping industry. With mounting geopolitical pressures and increasing Arctic activity, policymakers have been sounding alarms over the fragile state of U.S. shipbuilding capabilities.
   Fincantieri’s U.S. operations are currently at the center of Navy modernization efforts, building the lead ships of the Constellation-class frigates, considered crucial for distributed maritime operations. However, the program has faced significant challenges. The first ship, USS Constellation (FFG-62), originally scheduled for delivery in April 2026, is now expected in April 2029 – a 36-month delay.
   Moutafis, who was appointed CEO effective July 1, 2025, brings over 25 years of executive experience, including previous roles within FMG supporting U.S. Navy platforms.
   Fincantieri’s U.S. portfolio includes construction of the Navy’s Constellation Class Frigates, Littoral Combat Ships, and various vessels for the U.S. Coast Guard including icebreakers, buoy tenders, and response vessels. The company has built more than 1,500 vessels since its founding in 1942 in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Annual Maritime Career Day Seeking Partners

TOLEDO, OHIO – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is calling on maritime and Great Lakes–related industries to take part in its second annual Maritime Career Day on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Designed to connect students and the public with career opportunities across the region, the event provides a unique platform for companies, higher education institutions, and tradespeople to connect with future talent and gain valuable exposure.
   Last year’s inaugural event drew over 300 students and more than 30 career partners, including leaders from various fields such as shipping, environmental science, engineering, the military, and culinary arts. This year, in addition to students, the museum is expanding its reach by inviting the broader community to take part, offering career partners an even wider audience to share their work and opportunities.
   “Maritime Career Day is about building connections and inspiring the next generation of Great Lakes professionals,” said Sara Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “With the addition of a community session this year, partners will not only meet eager students but also connect with adults exploring career opportunities or seeking new paths within our region’s vital industries.”

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• Student Session: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Grades 7–12)
• Community Session: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Open to the public)
• Location: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH

Career partners will host booths inside the museum and aboard its Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, offering attendees a chance to interact directly with professionals from diverse fields.

Sponsors of the 2025 Maritime Career Day include:

• Presenting Sponsor: World Group Foundation – the philanthropic arm of The World Group, dedicated to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities where its people live and work.
• Community Sponsors: The Andersons and International Ship Masters Association Toledo Lodge 9

Organizations interested in participating as a career partner are encouraged to contact Sara Smith at sara.smith@nmgl.org. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.For more information, visit nmgl.org/careerday.

Cleveland Boatnerd Gathering Planned Sept. 6

Cleveland’s first annual Boatnerd get together will be at the Whiskey Island Still & Eatery in Cleveland on September 6 at noon. Join us for an informal gathering of food, fellowship and hopefully some boat watching as well. Meet your fellow area boat fans! Food will be ordered off the menu and table service provided by the staff of the restaurant, which is located adjacent to the historic C&P Dock, where the 1,000 footers unload.

Directions and info for the restaurant: https://www.whiskeyislandstillandeatery.net/

Bill Kloss

See “Captain Bob” September 11th

See “Captain Bob” former Captain of the Paul R Tregurtha, in Cheboygan next month for his speaking engagement, GREAT NEWS!! Due to his first show SELLING OUT in record time, they are adding a SECOND SHOW!! Same day but at 5:30pm so if you’re interested, head to the website shown at the bottom of the image (Open it up to see it full size) and grab tickets!! They are only $10 each!! Hurry before this show sells out as well!!
See Photo Gallery below

2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle Includes Ship Trips

Your raffle ticket purchase supports the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes whose mission is to preserve, share, and celebrate the past, present, and future of the Great Lakes story.
Details here:
https://nmgl.org/2025lolraffle/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMDBTFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZUGV4UFMxNFFGYUpPbTZ2AR5OikAHiWMuo30CZrAqM9nuK93_xmmqYBsoAerabXJ3sBlZWNxpz7mZwoLuFw_aem_1pxrUONQfReTGS4dlnAgzg

Know Your Ships EXTRA Magazine 2025 Released

When Patrick Devine found out, in the summer of 1975, that he was being moved over to the Edmund Fitzgerald as a relief deckhand he was on top on the world. He had gone from one of the oldest boats in the fleet to one of the newest and best. He was devastated when union rules forced him off that September. He had lost his dream job. Then came the sinking and its horrific aftermath. He hasn’t talked about his experience until recently, and he gave Know Your Ships an exclusive interview for the 2025 Know Your Ships EXTRA midsummer magazine, now on sale.

The magazine also includes an interview with Great Lakes top cook Sissy Payment. Find out her recipe for success and learn something surprising about her in the story.

EXTRA 2025 remembers the loss 50 years ago of the EDMUND FITZGERALD with four stories.

• EXCLUSIVE! Meet Patrick Devine, who thought he had found his dream job when he signed on to the Fitz as a relief deckhand in June 1975.
• Explore the Fitzgerald’s influence in popular culture: Music, art, literature and – yes – souvenirs.
• Did you know there were two vessels named Fitzgerald on the Great Lakes, and both were lost in November storms? And yes, their namesakes were related.
• Consider what might have been if the Fitz had not gone down.ALSOCheck out the Great Lakes Lore Museum at Rogers City, MI, where sailors are in the spotlight.

• Read about the William G. Mather, the ‘Ship That Built Cleveland,’ which turns 100 this year.
• Litton on the Lakes: Find out how a group of California upstarts turned the Great Lakes shipping industry upside down in the 1970s with their fancy ideas about 1,000-footers.
• Catch up with the latest Great Lakes/Seaway news.
• Enjoy even more images from readers in the ongoing series FAN-TASTIC PHOTOS.

This is the third year for the Know Your Ships EXTRA Magazine, which offers even more ship, sailor and industry stories, recent shipping news and many more of the stunning photos – current and historic – for which Know Your Ships has become known for the past 66 years. Please note that the Extra, which is a feature magazine, does not duplicate the vessel and fleet listings found in the regular Know Your Ships book.

Order at www.knowyourships.com