The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at; https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
Rand Logistics gets a rebrand; now called Mainstay Maritime
The following statement was posted New Years Eve on the internet web site LinkedIn for Mainstay Marine:
“We are excited to announce that Rand Logistics has been rebranded to Mainstay Maritime.
Along with a new name, we are introducing a clear mission, vision, and set of values that reflect who we are today and how we operate—grounded in reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement. We’ll be sharing more details in the weeks ahead.
The name Mainstay comes from maritime tradition. On a sailing ship, the mainstay provides the critical support that stabilizes the mast and enables propulsion. In the same way, Mainstay Maritime provides the strength, reliability, and forward momentum that support our customers’ supply chains.
Our new logo has five sides, representing the five Great Lakes we operate on. Its form also evokes the bow of a ship cutting forward and an upward arrow—symbolizing progress, resilience, and our direction as a company.
As Mainstay Maritime, we operate as a meritocracy—where the best ideas, best practices, and best people rise and drive continuous improvement across our fleet.
Proud of our legacy. Focused on the future. One Fleet. One Future
Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime, Inc. Together with our Canadian sister company, Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., we are one of the largest marine transportation service providers operating on the Great Lakes today with a combined fleet of 15 bulk freight vessel is service to over 50 customers across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.”
Visit Mainstay Maritime here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/randlogisticsinc./
Weather again slows St. Marys River traffic
Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Blustery conditions have again sent vessels to anchor on the St. Marys River. In addition, ice is beginning to make its presence felt.
On Thursday evening, the American Spirit and Stewart J. Cort were anchored in Goulais Bay above the locks. Thunder Bay was on the hook off Bay Mills. Wilfred Sykes joined the other two in Goulais Bay Friday morning..
USCG Katmai Bay and Biscayne Bay are working to maintain ice tracks in the lower St. Marys River.
[Know Your Ships]
Veteran tug G-tug Hawaii sinks at Erie
Word from the Erie waterfront is the 1911-vintage Great Lakes Towing tug Hawaii sank at her dock sometime during past week after being battered by high winds and waves. She is barely visible above the surface. Hawaii is the former Indiana, renamed in 2011 to free up the name for a new tug. Salvage plans have not been announced.
Ice stalls Seaway traffic as closing date nears
The saltwater vessel Alicia G spent the first day of 2026 stuck in the ice at Beauharnois Lock 4 on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Tug Ocean Serge Genois arrived and moored at the lower end of the Beauharnois Lock, and a de-icing unit arrived on the scene Thursday night trying to get the Alicia G free. They were successful around 6 p.m., and the vessel was moving ahead to the next lock.
There are 25 ships upstream including one in Lake Huron and one in Lake Erie and four downstream still to transit the Seaway.
[Pat English]
