The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
30 vessels still in Seaway system
The reality of the situation is that, with around 30 ships still in the system, from Cape Vincent, NY to Sorel, QC, there is no possible way the Seaway can close tomorrow Monday.
They got Polsteam Dabie through both Beauharnois Locks late in the night. She’s now approaching Cote Ste. Catherine Lock. BBC Zarate entered Beauharnois Lock 4 around 7 a.m. Sunday.
Tugs and icebreakers and others have been working tirelessly to keep the ships moving.
[Seaway News, Pat English]
Northern Great Lakes Sunday traffic report
As of 1 p.m. – Upbound in the Neebish passage: Kaye E. Barker, Hon. James L. Oberstar, Algoma Innovator and Paul R. Tregurtha. Near Lime Island: Evans Spirit. Headed for DeTour: Mark W. Barker, H. Lee White
Downbounders Joseph L. Block, Edgar B. Speer, Victory/Maumee, Dirk S. VanEnkevort/Michigan Trader have successfully exited the river system. Mesabi Miner (in locks), Kathy McKeil.
USCG Biscayne Bay breaking ice above DeTour. USCG Katmai Bay departed the Soo CG base at 11 a.m. after refueling and resupply.
Elsewhere: John J. Boland is stopped west of the Mackinaw Bridge, with USCG icebreaker Mackinaw headed her way. James R. Barker on Lake Michigan headed for winter layup at Sturgeon Bay. Sam Laud loading sand at Brevort for Buffalo. Herbert C. Jackson is anchored off Brevort. Erika Kobasic breaking ice off Brevort for the Laud’s departure and Jackson’s arrival. Wilfred Sykes and Joyce L. VanEnkevort are loading at Marquette, with Lee A. Tregurtha departing. Stewart J. Cort is loading at Superior after and order change that diverted her from Silver Bay.
[Know Your Ships]
Some delays at the Soo Saturday but traffic moving
Saturday at the Soo brought more snow, but at least the wind died down a bit. Ice caused some delays at the locks, with the downbound Edgar B. Speer having problems making it into the Poe Lock due to ice buildup on the lock walls. She backed out and let the smaller Joseph L. Block and American Mariner lock through, then was able to lock down herself. Other traffic included Ashtabula/Defiance, Indiana Harbor and Burns Harbor upbound. USCG Katmai Bay and Biscayne Bay were busy assisting traffic and maintaining lanes in the lower St. Marys River.
[Know Your Ships]
