Manitoulin damaged in grounding near Cardinal, ON

Multiple sources have confirmed that the bulk carrier Manitoulin grounded earlier today above Cardinal, ON, and suffered damage to the hull which has resulted in the vessel taking on water. The ship proceeded to Iroquois Lock where it was able to be safely moored along the upper approach wall for further assessment. Vessel traffic was continuing Thursday evening without delay.

St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network, Ron Beaupre

Burger Boat makes a leadership team transition

Written by Marine Log Staff

   Manitowoc, Wis.-based shipbuilder Burger Boat Company has made a leadership team transition that sees Nick Siler become president and CEO, succeeding Jim Rufulo, who becomes chairman of the company after over three decades of hands-on leadership and will now focus on long-term strategic oversight and governance. 
   Siler comes to his new role with extensive leadership experience from senior and executive roles at Modine Manufacturing Company, Bradley Corporation, and, most recently, Enercon Industries Corporation. In his new role, he will report directly to the board and lead the executive team. His focus will be on strengthening company strategy, enhancing organizational culture, driving performance, and advancing continuous improvement and sustainable growth across the business.
   In other moves, Rich Thompson assumes the new role of chief sales and marketing officer. In this role, he leads business development across all segments—including yachts, commercial vessels, military vessels, and repair/refit services. He will also lead brand development, marketing, and product management. Together, he and Nick will co-lead strategic planning for the organization. Thompson has held senior and executive roles at Illinois Tool Works, DuPont, and Newell Rubbermaid.
   David Villar, as the company’s chief operating officer, is responsible for the company’s shipyard and joinery operations, including engineering, construction, supply chain, program management, and quality/continuous improvement teams. He will focus on expanding operational capability and capacity, and comes to Burger with operational expertise from senior and executive roles at GE Healthcare, GE Power & Water, Bradley Corporation, and most recently, Perlick Corporation.
   Tom Connor, a more than twenty-year Burger Boat veteran, will continue in his current role of chief financial officer in this new team structure, with leadership responsibilities for the finance, human resource, information technology, and legal functional areas of the company.
   Founded in 1863, Burger Boat Company, specializes in fully custom yachts, commercial vessels, military craft, and comprehensive refit and repair services.

Lakes Limestone Trade Down in September

CLEVELAND — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.3 million tons in September, a decrease of 11.5 percent compared to 2024.  Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year average by 6 percent.
   Loadings from U.S. quarries decreased 13.5 percent from last year to 2.7 million tons.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 663,144 tons, a decrease of 2.3 percent.
   Year-to-date, the limestone trade stands at 19.6 million tons, a decrease of 5.8 percent compared to 2024.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries decreased 4.2 percent to 16 million tons; while shipments from Ontario quarries decreased by 12.3 percent to 3.6 million tons.
   U.S. ports: Calcite, MI; Cedarville, MI; Drummond Island, MI; Marblehead, OH; Port Inland, MI; and

Presque Isle, MI.  Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on), and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).

[Charts in gallery below]

[Lake Carriers Association]

American Cruise lis Trip Includes Sheboygan Wisconsin in 2026

Hey folks! Looks like our neighbor port to the south, Sheboygan will be a commercial port again next season as American Cruise Lines is bringing cruise ships to the Great Lakes, and Sheboygan will be a port of Call! This is the 1st and only solely USA Based and Operated Cruise company (going from port to port) to operate on the Lakes since Blount Small Ship Adventure Left in 2020 due to Pandemic.

[See Chart of trip in Galery below]