Boatnerd News Archive

December 1997

Dec 1, 1997

Callaway and Clark head for lay-up

12/31

Cason J. Callaway and Philip R. Clarke are scheduled to begin their winter layup Jan. 1 at Sturgeon Bay.

More updates on the 4th Annual Winter Lay-up page

Reported by: Al Miller Happy New Year!

Twin Ports news

12/30

Twin Ports boatwatchers got a late Christmas treat when John J. Boland arrived Dec. 28 to begin winter layup at Fraser Shipyards. The winter fleet apparently is beginning to arrive now. H. Lee White is scheduled to arrive at Hallett dock Dec. 30 for layup.

Traffic remains brisk at Midwest Energy Terminal and the DMIR and BN ore docks. Paul Tregurtha cleared the Midwest Energy dock about 7:30 a.m. Dec. 29 and Charles M. Beeghly and Canadian Enterprise appeared to be waiting for their turns to load. Walter J. McCarthy Jr. is due at the dock Dec. 29 and tentatively scheduled to load again Jan. 4. This would certainly be the longest season in recent memory (and possibly ever) for the terminal. At the DMIR dock, a late rush has developed for Oglebay Norton vessels. Oglebay Norton and Buckeye loaded there Dec. 28, Courtney Burton is due in Dec. 29 and Armco is scheduled for Dec. 30.

Reported by: Al Miller

Final Bells

12/30

Capt. Aloysius “Al” Bammel, died Dec 17 in St. Clair, Michigan at the age of 101. He started sailing at the age of 13 on lumber hookers out of Marine City. He sailed for Interlake Steamship Co. for 36 years and served his last command on the Str. Elton Hoyt II before leaving the company after a disagreement with management. Some referred to Capt. Al as one of the best skippers on the lakes. During his time as shipmaster he never had a accident.

Reported by: Keith Winn

Marine Community Day

12/28

The U. S. Coast Guard Ninth District in Cleveland, OH., is hosting their annual Great Lakes Marine Community Day on January 28, 1997. The event will be held at the Radisson Inn, in Beachwood, OH. Further details are available on the Ninth District Homepage. Visit us there, and “Come Aboard”.Keith E. Grant

Reported by: Keith E. Grant

Correction

12/28

It was reported last week that the Louis R DesMarais experienced some type of damage, this information was incorrect.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Last Salty clears Seaway

Toledo Shipyard drydockings for Winter 1998

12/24

In addition to the BUFFALO (bow repairs plus 5 year survey). Toledo Shipyard will do 5 year surveys on the FRED R. WHITE JR. and the COURTNEY BURTON. All 3 vessels will be ready to sail for the Spring opening of the shipping season. The Shipyard will also do repair work on several other vessels that are in layup at the various Dock sites around Toledo.

Reported by: J. R. Hoffman

Busy day in Saginaw

12/24

Tuesday was a busy day for the Saginaw River. The M/V Fred R. White Jr. was outbound to Stoneport, Alpena where she will load one more time for Wirt Stone Dock at Crow Island, Saginaw. Once completed Stoneport will close for the winter.

Also in the river was the Gemini at the Total Oil Dock in Bay City and the Alpena at the LaFarge Cement Dock in Saginaw.

Reported by: Dan Maus and Lon Morgan

Have a safe and happy holiday season! Smooth sailing to all, thanks for all your support over the past year.

Hamilton Transfer to be converted

12/23

Inside sources have confirmed that the aft section of the Canadian Explorer will be cut off and joined with the forward section of the Hamilton Transfer. Conversion is expected to begin in March 1998 at the Port Weller Dry Docks . She will be a self unloader but the exact configuration is unkown.

The Kaye Barker arrived in Milwaukee Dec. 19 to load wheat. She loaded at the Continental Grain elevators, making this her second grain run (see story dated 11/24).

The Barker cleared around 6:00PM for Chicago.The new procedure has been a great success. Continental Grain built a hopper at their Chicago elevator to accept the grain. They can load the Barker in 15 hours and 8 hours later have the cargo in Chicago. It then takes the Barker around 15 hours to unload. This trip they loaded 600,000 bushels of wheat. The cargo of wheat is used locally in Chicago or shipped down river by barge. The main reason for doing it this way is economics and speed. The railroads can’t come close to matching the hauling price or speed of unloading that the Barker can provide.

There is a possibility the Barker will make another run like this in January. Otherwise that’s it for grain boats this year.

Overseeing the loading procedure was Frosty the Snowman on top of the unloading tower. Also keeping an eye on things was Santa on top of the forward mast. There is a second Santa with sleigh and eight reindeer on the end of the boom. Rudolph was in the lead with his nose glowing bright red. Large lighted candles line the railings behind the pilot house as well as rows of Christmas lights on just about every remaining railing on the boat, both fore and aft.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde and Jim Zeirke

Rumors continue on the future of the Hamilton Transfer

12/20

Rumors continue to circulate about the future of the HAMILTON TRANSFER ex-CRISPIN OGLEBAY. As reported on June 24th, 1997, that ULS had placed an advertisement in the June 16th edition of Canadian Sailings, announcing she was for hire in 1998. It was widely hoped that she would return to service under her own power, after she completed her duties at Dofasco Steel. However, it now appears that ULS has other plans for her in the future. It is now rumored that the stern section of the HAMILTON TRANSFER will be removed, and be replace with the stern section of the CANADIAN EXPLORER. Apparently the cargo section of the C. EXPLORER is in pretty rough shape. The reconstruction is rumored to produce a stemwinder, but it has not been determined if the new vessel will be a straight-decker or a self-unloader. The future of her gantry crane is also uncertain. It is rumored that the engineering department at Port Weller Dry Docks is looking at the proposal, with a start date slated for later next year.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Last of the Salties to clear Twin Ports

12/20

The Twin Ports will bid farewell this weekend to their final two salties of the season. The 621-foot Praxitelis arrived at the Harvest States grain elevator about 8 a.m. Dec. 19 to load 15,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds for Veracruz, Mexico. It is expected to be the last saltie out of Duluth-Superior when it departs this weekend. The only other saltie still in port is the 730-foot Lake Ontario, loading soybeans and peas for Antwerp at the AGP elevator in Duluth. It is expected to depart late Saturday or Sunday. Whichever vessel is last to leave, it will be the second-latest departure of a saltie since the St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959. The latest departure was Dec. 23, 1984.

Laker traffic is expected to continue in the ports until mid-January. There is still little ice in the harbor, and most channels are still open water. Midwest Energy Terminal now expects to load vessels after Christmas, which could be a record for late-season operation.

Reported by: Al Miller

Louis R. Desmarais

12/20

Reports are that the Louis R DesMarais lost her rudder and is done for the season. Details are not available, please e-mail if you can provide any.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Efficiency can be bad if you are a boat watcher

12/20

As the shipping season begins to wind down, with some vessels already in winter layup, predictions of this past spring have apparently come true.

Little Port Washington, Wisconsin has experienced perhaps its most dismal boat watching season in years. Although the local electric utility received more coal than in any year in the past 15 years, the ship watching was, as predicted, very poor.

Transfer of the coal contract to Interlake Steamship Co. allowed Wisconsin Electric to receive the majority of their coal in 1000-footers. Only 18 ships called at Port Washington this year, compared with 36 in 1996. With the notable exception of a few Inland Steel boats early in the year, the bulk of the coal came in the holds of the JAMES R. BARKER, MESABI MINER, and PAUL R. TREGURTHA.

Although this was probably good news for WEPCO, it made for very dull and uninteresting boat-watching for the rest of us.

Reported by: Paul Wiening

News From Saginaw

12/20

According to the Essroc Dock- the hope is that Algocape will be outbound sometime early Saturday morning. The straight decker has been undergoing unload by crain.

Fred R White Jr. is scheduled to make two more trips into the river this year. The White was to load 12/20 for Wirt Dock- Bay City then up to Saginaw, and then go back up and do the same thing again…

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Burns Harbor unloads at Algoma

12/20

On Thursday, Dec. 18 the thousand foot long Burns Harbor paid their first visit ever to the Algoma Steel mill in Soo, Canada when they arrived with taconite from Superior, WI. Previous thousand footers to call on Algoma have been the George A. Stinson and the Indiana Harbor. She proceeded upbound at 7:30 PM.

Other odd trips include the Columbia Star unloading ore in Ashtabula, then proceeding to Taconite Harbor to load for Cleveland.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak and Andy LaBorde

U.S. Coast Guard to require I.S.M. Code status

12/20

On 15 Dec., the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it will require relevant vessels on international voyages to include their International Safety Management Code status in arrival messages sent to the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port. The interim rule was published in the U.S. Federal Register on 14 Dec. and a final rule is expected by 1 Jan. As of 1 July, the code will apply to vessels trading internationally that transport more than 12 passengers, tankers, bulk cargo ships and high-speed cargo vessels of 500 gross tons or more. The Coast Guard’s interium rule will take effect 26 Jan. but the status of a ship’s I.S.M. Code will not be required for those carrying 12 or more passengers that are less than 500 gross tons. I.S.M. Code status will be required 24 hours before ships enter a U.S. port. Comments are being accepted until 12 Dec. through written materials sent to the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 97-067), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20593.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Fire aboard Iroquois in Milwaukee

12/20

The Iroquois (U.S.-registry 18.82-meter/61.75-foot, 149-passenger motor excursion vessel built in 1946, operated by Iroquois Boat Line Co. and homeported at Milwaukee) caught fire 18 Dec. while at its mooring on the Milwaukee River, just north of the Clybourn Ave. bridge. No one was aboard at the time. Damage has been estimated at U.S.$20,000.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Christmas Spirt on the Middletown

12/20

The Middletown has Christmas lights strung around all the railings and a Christmas tree at the end of the boom. Not only that, they have a beautifully decorated 7 foot tree in the crew’s mess for all to enjoy during their meals and the galley is decorated with lights and decorations all around.

Reported by: Sharon Bouchonville

Two more vessels to the wall

12/19

Two more vessels entered winter lay-up yesterday.

The only U.S. grain boat to sail this year, the KINSMAN INDEPENDENT tied up in Buffalo.

Algoma’s ALGORAIL ended the season when she entered Port Weller Dry Docks, the shipyard will perform a major refit on the vessel over the winter. (see story dated 12/13)

Reported by: the Lake Carriers’ Association and Port Weller Drydocks

Wintering in Cleveland

12/19

Two Oglebay Norton vessels plan to lay up in Cleveland at the end of this season. The David Z Norton and the Earl W.Oglebay will tie up for the winter, no date or dock is known.

Also in the fleet, the Middletown will lay up in Superior and the Oglebay Norton will lay up in Sturgeon Bay.

Reported by: Sharon Bouchonville

November Coal

12/19

Coal loadings at U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 3,962,898 net tons in November, a slight decrease from the corresponding period last year. However, for the season, the Lakes coal trade stands at 35.5 million tons, an increase of 13.2 percent. Coal shipments from some Erie ports are expected to continue well into January, so 1997 should prove to be the best year for coal since 1990 when the float approached 38 million tons.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers’ Association

Medusa Announces Planned Fourth Quarter Charge

12/19

Medusa Corporation announced last Friday that it will take a fourth quarter pretax charge of approximately $4 million principally related to certain environmental matters at its Charlevoix, Michigan plant. As previously disclosed, the Corporation has been actively evaluating its exposure to various environmental matters and has retained outside environmental consultants to assist in this process. As a part of this evaluation, the Company has concluded that a charge to earnings is appropriate for certain of these matters at this time. Without the charge, 1997 fourth quarter results are currently expected to be slightly below a year ago ($.94 per fully diluted share), a period that benefited from unusually strong sales and low costs.

Medusa Corporation produces and sells portland and masonry cements; mines, processes, and sells aggregates, home & garden and industrial limestone products; and provides construction services for highway safety. Medusa operations are principally in the eastern half of the United States.

Reported by: James H. Neumiller

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 15

12/19

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 18th, 1997 is 0.5 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 2.9 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 0.8 degrees celsius. An ice cover has formed behind the islands in the South Shore Canal.

At midnight December 17th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 25 as compared to 31 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 16 as compared to 21 in 1996.

The thinning of non-essential aids in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section commenced December 16,1997.

The installation of the Galop ice boom is in progress. The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 609m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Canadian Explorer involved in collision

CSL self-unloader FRONTENAC discharged a cargo of cement clinker for Essroc in Essexville Saturday December 13. The FRONTENAC was a special sight to behold in all her Christmas Spirit! Multi-colored lights were ablaze from stem to stern as she waited to depart Sunday morning (for winds to subside and daylight). A snowman stood watch on her port side deck, constructed from a winter storm on her upbound passage through the canal last Wednesday. The FRONTENAC departed the Essroc dock and proceeded stern first out of the river system (12/14 7:30am). A rare caller due at the Essroc dock in Essexville Sunday evening is the Algoma straight-decker ALGOCAPE with load of clinker from Lake Ontario. This is believed to be her first visit to the Essroc dock.

Reported by: Todd L. Davidson

Saltie Traffic in Duluth

12/15

Saltie traffic in Duluth remains brisk but work is taking on added urgency as the end of the Seaway season nears. Spar Jade arrived Dec. 14 and Federal Mackenzie also was due in that day. Federal Rhine is scheduled to arrive Dec. 15, anchor inside the harbor for inspection and then go to the elevator to begin loading in the evening. Also due in Dec. 15 are Lake Ontario and Great Laker.

Duluth’s AGP grain elevator is experiencing its own last-minute vessel rush. Spar Jade is loading there Dec. 15 and scheduled to finished at 1800 hours. As soon as it clears the berth, Federal Rhine is scheduled to enter the berth and load through the evening until midnight. The plan is to finish loading Dec. 16 and clear port that evening.

Reported by: Al Miller

Montreal plans dredging

The Medusa Challenger recently spent 36 hours in Milwaukee waiting weather as well as giving anyone who passed their dock a Christmas light show. The entire after end is lined with colored lights. Two life rings are also outlined in lights. There is a Santa Claus below the stack as well as a second Santa and a Christmas tree on their unloading boom. The forward end is also decked out in lights as well.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

More on the refit of the Algorail

12/13

The November issue of the Detroit Marine Historian offers an expanded (see original story dated October ’97) report on the refit of the Algorail. Algoma Central Marine has awarded a $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of their self-unloader Algorail. Scheduled to arrive at Port Weller on December 15, Algorail will have a new, patent-pending gate, designed by Algoma in cooperation with EMS-Tech Inc. of Belleville, Ont., installed, making her the first ship in the Algoma fleet with this unique innovation. Her self-unloading boom cable-hoisting system will be replaced with a new hydraulic hoisting system, offering increased reliability and ease of maintenance. Major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, the hydraulic and electrical systems in the tunnels renewed, and a Garland roller system installed. She will also be fitted with wash water holding tanks, which offer both environmental and economical advantages. Algorail will be delivered April 3, 1998 to Coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season. This is the second modernization of this type for Algoma as part of a $85 million modernization program for its 23 vessel fleet. Last year Algoway underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

Reported by: Detroit Marine Historian

Another Banner Year for Stone trade

12/13

With shipments of 4.1 million net tons in November, the Great Lakes stone trade has again set a new post-recession record. As of the end of November, shipments of aggregate and fluxstone from U.S. and Canadian ports stand at 36,297,731 tons, the highest level achieved since the recession of the early and mid-1980s forced dramatic restructuring in the Great Lakes industrial basin.

This is the fourth year in a row that the Lakes stone trade has established a modern-day benchmark. Last year’s total was 35.1 million tons. The all-time peak for the trade was in 1974 when 43.1 million tons were shipped.

Stone will continuing shipping until approximately December 20, so the final tally should top 38 million tons. Given stone’s higher moisture content and the fact that some stone is “washed” before loading into vessels, the trade is much more sensitive to freezing temperatures and generally is the first to conclude. The iron ore and coal trades will continue well into January.

Reported by:Lake Carriers’ Association

John Wildhagen dies at 77

12/13

John H. “Jeep” Wildhagen Sr. died of a heart attack on 9 Dec. at St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee in Mequon, Wis., He was 77, according to an article by Eldon Knoche in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 12 Dec.

Wildhagen was born in Hamburg, Germany, on 1 Nov., 1920. He emigrated to the United States with his mother when he was 3 and they settled in Milwaukee where she cleaned houses and operated a rooming house. A 16-year-old student at Marquette University High School in the city when his mother died, Wildhagen moved to Port Washington, Wis., to live with a relative and finish school.

At first, he worked as a commercial fisherman from Port Washington and sold most of his catch to Smith Bros., later hauling his catch and gear in the family’s pink 1958 Cadillac. He worked aboard tugs, painted barns and ran a taxi service in the 1940s, in one case destroying a transmission while winning a bet he could not drive backwards from Saukville, Wis., to Port Washington. He also hired children to sell products door-to-door in Chicago and Milwaukee that were manufactured by local disabled residents and was known to ring doorbells at midnight selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners with the announcement that if he didn’t sell his stock, he’d be fired.

Wildhagen also sold used cars in Milwaukee and sold one lot and all its cars for U.S.$1.

Later, he operated a used appliance store near Teutonia and W. North Ave. in Milwaukee and operated a scrap business in Bay View, Wis., as Wrecker John. He also owned a semi-trailer and loaded whatever cargo he could.

On the water, Wildhagen towed boats out the St. Lawrence Seaway and in the 1960s, was hired by Erwin Uihlein, president of Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co., to be the master of his yacht, the Elena. Wildhagen will be buried 13 Dec. in the captain’s uniform Uihlein bought for him.

Wildhagen was also one of the organizers of Port Washington’s Fish Day, which now brings tens of thousands of visitors annually with music, arts and crafts, displays, food, a carnival, fireworks and a parade. Wildhagen was grand marshal in 1994.

In the 1960s, he wrote “Seagull’s Lookout,” a column in the weekly Ozaukee Press known for factured spelling and political commentary.

12/09

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports stand at 119.2 million tons through October, an increase of 7.4 percent.

Iron ore loadings have increased 9.4 percent. Coal cargos are up 15.5 percent and stone loadings have increased 12.2 percent.

The Lakes stone trade is expected to set its fourth-straight post-recession record. The current post-recession record of 35.1 million tons should have fallen in late November. Another record to fall in 1997 will be shipments of low-sulfur coal from Superior, Wisconsin. At the end of November, coal loadings out of Superior Midwest Energy Terminal were only 600,000 tons short of the 1996 record of 13.6 million tons.

Reported by:Lake Carriers’ Association

Christmas Spirit on the Frontenac

12/09

The Frontenac is heavily lit-up. It was a very pretty site as she approached Bridge 21 in Port Colborne downbound in the canal last night. The wheel house has several sets of lights strung like Christmas trees. Look at the back of the wheel house there are four levels of lights strung. On the unloading gear in the stern of the boat is written Season Greetings. I have never remembered in all my years such a display on a lake boat.

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Frantz refloated

12/08

At approximately 16:40 yesterday afternoon the tug Manitou pulled the Joseph H. Frantz off the bank and back into the channel. Manitou took a stern line and pulled for about 15 or 20 minutes before she broke free of the bank. It was about 5 minutes later that the bow slid back into the channel. Frantz dropped her port anchor, then with the Manitou pulling from the stern the Frantz used her own engine to back off the bank.

A crowd estimated between 150-200 people watched the whole process with the sun setting over the vessel.

The Joe Frantz was outbound thru Bay City at 8:30 last night. They stopped at the Consumers Power Dock to drop off 2 representatives from the US Coast Guard, and then departed heading for the lake.

Reported by: Lon Morgan and Dan Maus

Season recap – Ryerson

12/08

The Edward L. Ryerson finished their 1997 season when they arrived at Sturgeon Bay, WI for winter lay up Dec. 4. They finished the year with 50 trips, 5 to Escanaba, the balance to Marquette. The Ryerson hauled over 1.3 million tons of taconite this year. The fastest Marquette load was completed in 2:28 at winter marks with a load of 26,600 tons.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Seaway traffic Delayed

12/08

Sometime before 1025 Sunday morning, traffic was delayed in the Seaway due to an incident at the Iroquois Lock. The delay involved the Sevilla Wave and a problem with their anchor. More information as it becomes available

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Wind Point takes over lighthouse

12/08

Wind Point, Wis., has acquired a 117-year-old lighthouse in the village. Wind Point received it for free in exchange for a promise to maintain the tower as a historic site. Tours are planned, but U.S.$40,000 will be needed to install a railing on top of the tower. The lighthouse was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and after it was declared surplus by the U.S. Coast Guard, Wind Point secured it through the U.S. General Services Administration.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Clipper Returns after 27 years

12/08

The SS Milwaukee Clipper has been saved and returned to her former home port of Muskegon. She arrived at the Muskegon breakwall at precisely 3:45pm Tuesday, December 2. The sun came out when she approached the channel and a very large and enthusiastic crowd lined the channel walls the greet the legendary ship. It was the first time in 27 years that the Milwaukee Clipper entered the channel! Currently, the vessel is moored at the old GT trainferry docks in the Lakeside district of Muskegon. The Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit group that will restore and preserve the ship, primarily through the efforts of donations and volunteers. Most of the work will commence in the spring, but a “Welcome Home” fundraising party will take place within a few weeks. The ship is easily visible at numerous locations around Lakeside, but until the GLCPA has installed proper approaches and such for the public, up-close viewing of the ship is extremely limited (contact myself for further details). Once the restoration work is underway, the GLCPA will open the Clipper for tours, banquets, parties, and a bed-and-breakfast facility. She will be a first class museum ship offering a view of passenger service on the Great Lakes from 1905 to 1970.

Here’s a short description of her history: 1905-1930s: She was the SS Juniata. As a passenger and freight steamer with a quadruple expansion engine, she carried tourists and pioneers alike from Buffalo, NY to Mackinac Island, Chicago, and Duluth, MN. In 1941 her wooden superstructure was removed and replaced with an all steel (art deco) superstructure. Over a million dollars was spent on the renovation and when she became the Milwaukee Clipper, she was the first streamline luxury liner on the Great Lakes. Her main ports-of-call were Milwaukee, Muskegon, and Chicago. She ceased cross-lake operations in 1970, and was moved to Navy Pier in Chicago in 1980. The owner at that time was Jim Gillon, and he had planned to operate the ship from Chicago for excursions on Lake Michigan. That didn’t happen, but he did invest a lot in the ship and brought back the grand luster she once had. Politics changed in Chicago in 1989 and the ship was forced out. She was sold the the Hammond Port Authority in 1990 and became the centerpiece of the new Hammond Marina. In 1995, her dock space was needed for a new gambling boat and the Milwaukee Clipper was moved to a temporary sight on the nearby Calumet River in South Chicago. Unfortunately, numerous items were stolen from the ship at this dock space. Her bell was stolen, some of the stateroom doors were needlessly bashed in, and (we just discovered on her return to Muskegon) a generator had been swiped. The FBI has been notified (the ship is a National Historic Landmark and as such, is protected by the Secretary of the Interior). She was towed to Muskegon by the Andrie tug “John Purves” on December 2. A speical “thanks” to everyone who has encouraged us on to save this vital and irreplacable piece of Great Lakes history. I have some great pics (both aerial and from the channel wall) of the Clipper’s return and hope to have them linkedto the Clipper’s web page soon. If you’d like to learn more about the Milwaukee Clipper and the efforts of the GLCPA please visit our Web page.

Twin Ports grain-loading berths busy

12/02

After a brief lull, grain traffic is brisk again in the Twin Ports, with five ships anchored on Lake Superior waiting to load.

12/01

The Coast Guard Cutter BRAMBLE, a 180-foot buoy tender homeported in Port Huron, Mich., will migrate to the Caribbean at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 1, departing for OPER ATION SNOWBIRD, an international initiative aimed at developing effective, multi-mission maritime organizations throughout the Caribbean.

BRAMBLE will conduct extensive training and a number of exercises with the Caribbean organizations between December and April to prepare them for increased opportunities in combined maritime operations. BRAMBLE’s main goals are to build up operational capabilities and develop strong partnerships with the United States’ Carib bean neighbors. Throughout the winter, BRAMBLE’s crew will support the military exchange program, Visit in Support of Technical Assistance, a program designed to aid foreign maritime services in any of the Coast Guard’s missions. Training under the VISTA program will include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and damage control.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 1

12/01

This is the first radio message for the closing of the 1997 navigation season. Messages will be issued Monday through Friday. As the need arises, weekends wi ll be included. The purpose of this message is to provide Seaway users with information that may facilitate the planning of vessel transits throughout the remainder of the navigation season.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on November 28, 1997 is 1.5 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 1.6 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 2.7 degrees celsius.

At midnight November 27, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 52 as compared to 77 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 36 as compared to 52 in 1996.

At 0700 hours November 28, 1997 the total number of vessels in transit and in ports between CIP 2 (St.Lambert) and CIP16 (Lake Erie) was approximately 50.

At 0700 hours November 28th, 1997 vessel queues exist at the Well and Canal due mainly to adverse weather conditions and are as follows:
5 upbound ocean vessels queued at Port Weller .
1 upbound ocean vessels queued at Port Colborne.

The installation of the Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom is in progress. The booms will be marked with flashing buoys when they reach the navigation channel.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Collective Agreement for Seaway Workers

12/01

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority announced today that a new collective agreement has been ratified by the majority of its 525 operational and maintenance workers who operate the series of locks and bridges between Montreal and Lake Erie.

The two-year agreement, which expires on December 31, 1998, gives employees a 2% wage increase in 1997 and again in 1998. The deal also contains changes to the drug and medical administrative provisions resulting in decreased costs for employees.

The parties also agreed that the National Automobile Aerospace Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada would be consulted on the provisions of a new pension plan which will apply once a not-for-profit corporation is created. It is expected that the enabling legislation, Bill C-9, will come into force during the term of this agreement.

Both parties also agreed to embark on the development of a new employee classification plan due to new initiatives taking place at the Seaway in the areas of quality service and service teams.

“With this ratification, the Seaway will continue to operate without interruption, which is great news for our customers as the end of the navigation season approaches,” says Mr. Michel Fournier, Acting President of The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority. “This navigation season is shaping up to be as successful as the past three years.”

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

November 1997

Nov 1, 1997

Steamer Buckeye aground in upper St. Mary’s River

11/28

As of Thanksgiving morning, November 27th, the Oglebay Norton steamer Buckeye is aground off of Brimley Michigan. Its location is in t he location of buoy 27. Apparently it was on a downbound run and failed to make a necessary course change. At last check two or three “G”tugs and two other tugs from Purvis Marine were working to free her.

Reported by: Eric LaRoue

Saguenay update

11/28

A visit to the SAGUENAY on November 26 found the following; she is lisiting to starboard between 10 to 15 degrees. Draft forward is 15′- midship is 20’06” startboard side draft is about 16′. There were men working on her, cannot tell if they are loading any cargo into her.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Welland Canal celebrates 168th anniversary

11/28

Welland Canal celebrates 168th anniversary (St. Catharines, Ont.) – November 26, 1997 – William Saunderson, Toronto, Chairman, Ontario Interna tional Trade Corporation, will discuss the importance of Ontario’s water transportation system at “Merritt Day”, Friday, November 28, as the Welland Canal, Canada’s oldest continuously operated transportation facility, celebrates its 168th birthday. Rec ent surveys have indicated that the Welland Canal and marine-related services generate $200 million annually in the Niagara region.

Ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lock 3 Complex in St. Catharines will recognize an upbound ship re-enacting the schooner the Anne & Jane, the first vessel to transit the canal, doing so over a three-day period, November 27-29, in 1829. The vessel and master to be recognized will be announced by the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority at approximately 8 a.m. Friday.

Since the historic 1829 event pioneered by Canada’s Father of Transportation, William Hamilton Merritt, a series of three additional enlarged canals have been built to encourage and accommodate Canada’s economic development.

“Long before railways and hard-surface roads existed anywhere in Canada, the Welland Canal which we recognize on Merritt Day, was operating and serving Canada’s development, and this ceremony recognizes that legacy,” said Harley Smith, President, Welland Canals Foundation. Bulk cargoes ranging from ore to grain economically moved through the canal on 730-foot ships are responsible for creating thousands of jobs a cross Canada.

Progress loses Rudder

11/24

The Canadian Progress had lost one of its 2 rudders at the US Seaway locks last week. The vessel is loaded with ore for Lorain, spotters report the ship upbound in Lock 2 Welland Canal Saturday leading to the conclusion that she is still steerable. Speculation is that they are going to unload and come back to Port Weller DD for repairs.

Reported by: D. Ocean

News from the Twin Ports

11/24

Charles M. Beeghly entered Fraser Shipyards in Superior sometime overnight Nov. 21, arriving from Marquette. The vessel appeared to be undergoing repairs to its self-unloader system. It was scheduled to depart the yard Nov. 22 and load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal.

H. Lee White was due to make an unusual appearance in the Twin Ports Nov. 22/23, unloading at C. Reiss coal dock up the St. Louis River, then moving over to BN ore dock to load.

Duluth harbor was busy the morning of Nov. 21 with saltie Lake Superior loading at AGP elevator, Halifax unloading at Cargill B2 and Kinsman Independent tied up at the General Mills layby dock. The KI was idle all day, so it may be waiting for the Peavey elevator to finish loading another vessel.

Reported by: Al Miller

S.S. Badger back in Ludington

11/24

The S.S. Badger was towed back to Ludington on the morning of Friday, November 21st. According to Lake Michigan Carf erry officals, she passed her 5 year hull inspection with “flying colors” , although one propeller had to be replaced.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Update on the Barker loading corn

11/24

As reported on 11/20, the Kaye E. Barker loaded a cargo of corn in Milwaukee, this was the first time a U.S. self-unloader carried that type of cargo f rom the port since the late 80’s. To make this possible it was necessary for the vessel to undergo modifications to her cargo holds and unloading gear. The Barker headed down to Chicago with a load of ore from DM & IR, then to Milwaukee to load corn fo r Continental Grain. This was the first time vessel owner Interlake Steamship Company had loaded and unloaded grain using one of their self unloaders. Reports are that the vessel’s owners and Continental seemed to be very pleased with the results. With an exceptional grain harvest in the mid-west and transportaion by rail to Chicago being expensive, we may see more of this type of cargo being hauled by the vessel.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Milwaukee Clipper tow to Muskegon

11/24

Weather may delay the tow of the Milwaukee Clipper back to Muskegon today. Andrie Marine sent their large tug Purves and a barge from Muskegon down to the Clipper on Friday).

Reported by: Mark Howell

Labor contracts set to expire

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

New name

11/19

Hi all, I want to change the name and layout of this page. Any suggestions for a new name? I’m leaning to “Great Lakes News Channel” or “Great Lakes Shipping Channel.” When done, users of Microsoft IE 4.0 or Netscape Communicator will be able to subscribe to the page as a channel….thoughts?

Taylor loses power update

11/18

The MYRON C. TAYLOR was a couple of hours out from Detour after loading stone at Drummond Island when she lost power on Sunday. She drifted for 8 hours in upper Lake Huron before the PHILIP H. CLARKE arrived. Reports are that the CLARKE had engine parts the TAYLOR needed to make the repairs. Once completed she was able to continue to Detroit on her own.

Reported by: Randy Johnson and Scott

Barker clears Fraser

11/18

Interlake’s Kaye E. Barker departed Fraser Shipyards sometime over the weekend. Still no word on what type of work she needed.

Reported by: Al Miller

Grain Vessels at Toledo

11/17

In Toledo, Sunday the ninth of November there were three Canadian grain vessels. First there was a saltie I did not get the name of. Then the CANADIAN MINER left Andersons with ALGOWEST waiting near C.S.X. to be towed up. Finally the CANADIAN TRADER came in later that night.

Reported by: Josh McInerney

Closing of the 1997 Navigation Season

11/16

Montreal-Lake Ontario Section
The Seaway entities confirm that the closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notice No. 10 dated August 5, 1997, will be in effect at the end of the 1997 navigation season. Mariners are reminded that the clearance date for the 1997 navigation season is 2400 hours, December 20.

For the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section, vessel demand, weather and ice conditions will dictate the final closing date. It will be announced on December 3, whether or not, based upon operating conditions, vessels will be subject to operational surcharges after December 20.

Welland Canal

Vessels will be accepted to transit the Welland Canal upbound at CIP15 and downbound at CIP16 up to 0800 hours December 24, 1997. The Welland Canal may be kept open beyond this date depending on vessel demand and weather conditions. However, vessel tran sits after 0800 hours December 24, 1997 will be allowed subject to Agents/Owners signing a written agreement with the Authority.

Mariners are reminded that there is always a possibility that severe climatic conditions may occur during the closing period. Should this happen, there is a chance that the above-noted dates, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section or the Welland Canal, may not be met.

The Seaway entities will monitor weather conditions and demand, and the final closing dates for both sections will be confirmed ( via Radio Messages ) when better information is available.

Sault Ste. Marie Locks and Canal

Canada: The Canadian Sault Ste. Marie Canal is closed to navigation.

United States: The official closing date for the Sault Ste. Marie Locks (U.S.A.) is 2400 hours January 15, 1998.

Ports East of Montreal

Vessel owners and operators are advised that there are a number of ports east of the Seaway (St. Lambert Lock) on the St. Lawrence River that remain open to navigation during the winter months.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway System

Barker in Fraser Shipyards

11/15

The Kaye E. Barker has been in Fraser Shipyards since yesterday apparently undergoing work on its stern. A large crawler crane was alongside the vessel . No word on why the ship is in the yard.

Reported by: Al Miller

Court Ruling a Victory for Seaway Pilots

11/15

A federal court of appeals has told the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and its parent U.S. Transportation Department it cannot run the Seaway pilot operation and should give it back to the Coast Guard. A federal district judge in April of 1996 had agreed with the Seaway Corporation’s position but the pilots group had argued that the shift from the Coast Guard to the Seaway went beyond the Transportation Department’s authority under the law. This new ruling sends sends the case back to the U.S District Court for the District of Columbia “with instructions to vacate” the December 1995 Transportation Dept. order to transfer the pilot operation from the Coast Guard to the Seaway Corp.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Low water halts traffic in the Seaway

11/15

Lower water yesterday had about ten ships waiting in the Prescott and St. Zotique ancorage in the Seaway. The low water was in the American sector (Eisenhower Lock).

Reported by:

Great Lakes Shipping Tops 100 Million Ton Mark In September

11/14

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 17.1 million net tons in September, thus pushing the season-to-date tally over the 100 million ton mark. Through September, shipments of the leading dry-bulk commodities total 101,984,177 net tons, an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 1996.

Iron ore loadings in September totaled 8 million tons, essentially the same as a year ago. Since the resumption of iron ore loadings in early March, the trade stands at 48.2 million tons, an increase of 2.2 percent.

Transportation Secretary to Attend Seaway Events

11/11

U.S.Transportation Secretary Rodney E Slater will be in Massena, New York this week to attend ceremonies honoring the St.Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. Mr. Slater was named to President Clinton’s Cabinet in December 1996. The Arkansaw native was appointed transportation secretaty to replace Federico Pena, who left to become head of the Energy Department. Mr. Slater will arrive in Massena at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14th and go to the Seaway Corp’s maintenance facility/marine base for the dedication of the Seaway Corp’s new workboat. PERFORMANCE is a 50 foot tugboat that will be used in the spring and fall to break up ice. It replaces THE FOURTH COAST, which has been sold, according to Seaway Development Corp. spokeswoman Rhonda M. Worden who said ” this new workboat is great for our purposes. It turns on a dime, and it’s state-of-the-art. It actually is quite cute” Following the tugboat dedication, Mr. Slater will go to Eisenhower Lock for the dedication of a memorial anchor display honoring William Mitchell, a Seaway Corp. employee who drowned October 1983. Mr Mitchell, a St. Regis Mohawk, became the first and only Seaway Corp. employee to die while performing duties when he slipped and fell from an Eisenhower Lock approach wall.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Goviken visits Superior

11/11

Loading at Harvest States #2 in Superior on 11/10 was the saltie Goviken. The Goviken (ex. Omisalj) is making her first trip to the Twin Ports since her rename. She was reportedly loading soybeans.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Research of Lake Superior current to start

11/11

Researchers from six universities, including the Michigan Technical University at Houghton, the Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota at Duluth and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, are beginning a five-year project to track currents, chemistry changes and particulates in Lake Superior. The project has received U.S.$5.3 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation and will focus on a current along Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The current is thought to be one of the strongest coastal currents in the world but little is known about how it is formed or its effects. Starting at the Wisconsin border, it continues to the end of the peninsula and transports material from west to east with varying intensity, based on wind velocity.

Shortly after ice begins to break-up in spring, devices to measure current and temperature will be put in place while vessels will take water samples and collect organisms. In its first application on the North American Great Lakes, equipment that will create a moving Doppler profile of lake currents will be used. Satellites will also contribute information and eventually a computer model for predicting coastal currents will be formed.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

The lights are on and someones home

11/10

The Kinsman Enterprise may be waking from her three year sleep. The old boat had her lights ablaze the last few nights starting on the 7th. There have been cars parked at her ladder at the old Buffalo Port Terminal for the past few days as well. Reports are that she may go to Toledo for her 5 year and do a few runs before winter. The world wonders……….

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Phoenix to be commemorated

11/10

On 21 Nov. in Manitowoc, Wis., descendants of survivors of the Phoenix will begin a four-day commemoration. Events include a banquet, a bus tour of Sheboygan, Wis., and a reception with Dutch visitors from 1600 to 2000 at the public library in Oostburg, Wis. The tour, including lunch, is U.S.$30. Telephone 920-459-3023 for information. On 23 Nov., there will be another bus tour of Sheboygan County and the story of the Phoenix will be presented at the local Cedar Grove/Belgium High School at 1900. The tour is U.S.$25 including lunch. Telephone 920-452-9883 for information. The presentation is U.S.$5 for adults, U.S.$3 for those 12 to 18 and free for those under 12. The next day, a commemorative service will be held at 1600 at the Gibbsville Reformed Church at N3145 State Highway 32 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., including Dutch psalms sung by visitors from the Netherlands and a narrative of the Phoenix featuring the descendants.

On 11 Nov., 1847, the steamer Phoenix, a 302-ton, 43.9-meter/144-foot vessel built in 1845, sailed from Buffalo, N.Y., on its last voyage of the season. In addition to passengers, the ship carried coffee, hardware, molasses and sugar. The passengers were mostly Dutch immigrants, headed to the eastern and western shores of Lake Michigan as well as Iowa, where friends and relatives had settled starting the previous fall. A reform movement in the Dutch State Church had come under increasing government pressure and seeking religious freedom, many left for the United States where land was available in the Midwest. The Society of Christians for the Holland Emmigration to the United States had lead the way to what would become eastern Wisconsin, where 400 hectares/1,000 acres of land was secured. They had sailed to New York from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

After several calls along the way, the ship called at Manitowoc to replenish cordwood for its boilers, which had worked to give the ship headway in heavy seas in Lake Michigan. Ten days out of Buffalo, the ship left Manitowoc as the weather improved. At 0400 21 Nov., 24 kilometers/15 miles north of Sheboygan and eight kilometers/five miles offshore, a fire was found above a boiler with flames under the main deck. Despite firefighting efforts, the blaze raced out of control. The hull of the Phoenix came ashore 11 kilometers/seven miles north of Sheboygan where it sank 300 meters/1,000 feet offshore in 6.1 meters/20 feet of water. Some of its cargo was salvaged.

Vessels from Sheboygan rescued 46 people. Between 190 and 250 were killed. It is the worst loss of life by fire on Lake Michigan.

The survivors settled in Cedar Grove, Sheboygan and Milwaukee. Almost 8,000 descendants of the survivors have been traced from almost 20 states and the Netherlands.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Wisconsin fishing amendment partially vetoed

11/10

Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson recently vetoed part of a commercial fishing amendment attached to the state’s budget bill by Sen. Alan Lasee, R-DePere. The provision would have expanded commercial alewife and smelt fishing on Lake Michigan by allowing trawling every month except May and for the first three hours after sunrise in Green Bay during the summer. The veto kept the Green Bay portion but eliminated the Lake Michigan trawling. Currently, commercial fishing on the lake is limited to 15 Nov. to 20 April and only night trawling is allowed in Green Bay from 15 June to 30 Sept.

In response, Pete LeClair, a commercial fisherman in Two Rivers, Wis., has proposed in a letter to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that a task force be formed to study fishing management in Green Bay and Lake Michigan and make recommendations for changes. LeClair has suggested the force include biologists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, tourism officials and the fishermen.

According to LeClair, Thompson suggested the budget provision but fishermen said the provision would be challenged by the Department of Natural Resources and sport fishermen. Nonetheless, LeClair said Thompson promised to sign the measure. However, 29 assemblymen and three senators were pressured, according to LeClair, and Thompson therefore vetoed the amendment.

The Department of Natural Resources has said that since alewives and smelt are declining, what remains should be reserved for use as food by salmon and trout. A survey last year said the seasonal value of Wisconsin salmon fishing was about U.S.$86 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

County board votes to seek lighthouse

11/10

As expected, the Milwaukee County Board has voted to apply to the U.S. government for ownership of the North Point Light Station, located in a county park.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

11/07

The three most frequent callers at the Burlington Northern ore dock in Superior are arriving at nearly the same time this week. George A. Stinson was first in Nov. 6 followed by Burns Harbors, which dropped anchor out on Lake Superior to wait for its turn at the loading berth. Sometime Nov. 7, the Stewart J. Cort — the dock’s steadiest customer — will arrive to complete the visit.

Reported by: Al Miller

Lake Erie Coal

11/07

Coal shipments from Lake Erie ports totaled 2,737,335 net tons in October, an increase of 23.4 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, the coal trade from Lake Erie stands at 17 million tons, an increase of 22.5 percent compared to 1996’s end-of-October tally. All indications point to continued strong demand for Lake Erie coal for the remainder of the 1997 season.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

News from the Twin Ports

11/06

Duluth-Superior had relatively few boats on the morning of Nov. 5, but every one of them was busy as the workday began. Adam E. Cornelius was loaded and outbound under the Blatnik Bridge, Algolake was unloading salt at the Cutler-Magner dock. It is scheduled to shift to the Midwest Energy Terminal later to load coal. Clipper Spirit was completing its unloading at the port terminal; Island Gem was unloading at Harvest States elevator and Erikousa Wave was loading at the Peavey elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten planning more cruises

11/06

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten GmbH is currently planning its 1998 cruises in the North American Great Lakes with its U.S. general agent, U.S. Navigation Inc. A preliminary itinerary currently indicates two calls at Milwaukee. According to Ken Szallai, director of the Port of Milwaukee, Hapag-Lloyd is also examining cruises in 1999. The information was contained in an article by Rick Romell in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 5 Nov.

The article also noted a problem that developed shortly before the company’s C. Columbus docked in Milwaukee on 30 Sept. The ship was to dock at a pier at the end of North Harbor Drive, near the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association, but the port found out that the ship had a draft 0.76 meters/2.5 feet deeper than they had been told. As a result, the ship had to dock at a pier in the port’s outer harbor. A similar problem was noted just before the ship called in Duluth, Minn.

Szallai said the port waived docking fees. In the future, it will charge passenger ships about U.S.$500 in addition to U.S.$5 per passenger.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Former Port of Milwaukee manager dies at 75

11/06

Robert K. Jorgensen, a retired traffic manager for the Port of Milwaukee, died at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee on 1 Nov. after a stroke. He was 75. Jorgensen was born 17 July, 1922, in Milwaukee to Lester and Clara Jorgensen and graduated from the city’s Rufus King High School before working in the traffic divisions of Rexnord Corp. and later Heil Co. Inc. Jorgensen was the only member of the port’s traffic division when hired in 1953 and became the sales representative. When the division expanded, he became manager. Jorgensen, whom associates said was a tall man “always on the go,” was known as “Elbows” by other port personnel. He retired in 1982 and is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and three children, Mark, Mary Ellen Bassette and Patricia Kreil, all of Milwaukee.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes Freeze-Up Outlook

11/05

The National Weather Service has issued its first forecast of ice conditions on the Lakes this winter. Freeze-up of bays and harbors on the Lakes should be near normal on Lake Erie and the southern areas of Lakes Michigan and Huron, while it should be later than normal on Lake Superior and the northern waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron. A later than normal freeze-up is likely on the open waters of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, near normal on Lake Erie and earlier than normal on most of Lake Michigan. Surface water temperatures at the beginning of November were above normal by a few degrees except on Lake Huron where they were near normal.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

News from the Twin Ports

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Lakes Shipping into the next Century

11/03

In a story in the October 18, 1997 edition of Skillings Mining Review, W. E. Bardelmeier, Executive Vice President of Jones, Bardelmeier & Co. Ltd., Nassau, predicts that the close of the 1997 season will see the end of a 15 year period when transport capacity of the US flag Great Lakes fleet has significantly exceeded transport demand. He foresees the shortage continuing until at least the year 2000, because shipyards will not be able to respond any sooner.

His predictions are based upon a study that he has made based upon the assumption that 1998 is a “normal” 295-day shipping season for 1973/1981-built ships, and a 245-day season for Korean War era steamers. He has also based the study on a 4% annual growth in aggregate and fluxstone shipments, a 3% growth in coals and a 1% growth in ores.

His assumptions include several interesting thoughts for boatwatchers, including: in 1999, the conversion of JOHN SHERWIN to an ITB and the scraping of one “Golden Oldie” (JOSEPH H. FRANTZ, MYRON C. TAYLOR, or CALCITE II). The operation of SHERWIN in 2000 and the scrapping of a second Golden Oldie, followed by the scrapping of the third Golden Oldie in 2001. He also predicts that the RYERSON will be converted to a self-unloader or a barge in the next couple of years. His capacity estimates include the view that the owners of the three oldest 13,000-ton (Golden Oldies) will not elect to invest the substantial sums needed to pass another Special Survey interval and will scrap them by 2000.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Boatnerd turns two years old

11/03

November 1995 was when I launched the boatnerd web site. The site has continued to grow with more than 60,000 visits in the second year. My sincere thanks to all the readers and contributors, you folks make the page happen and keep me going. Lots of new material to come over the next year and an overhaul of the site, keep watching for these changes.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Badger towed to Sturgeon Bay

11/04

The S.S. Badger was towed out of Ludington last night at 9:00 PM to go to Sturgeon Bay for her 5 year hull inspection. She is expected to be in Sturgeon Bay for about 2 weeks.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

Reserve delayed by weather

11/04

11/03

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

October 1997

Oct 1, 1997

Engine room fire damages tug

10/31

At approx. 1149 on Thursday, the tug Carolyn Joe left a tow,comprising the tug Glenside and barges, to bring a crew member to Kingston. Near Snake Island, just west of Kingston, the tug developed an engine room fire. The coast guard cutter Bittern was dispatched to render assistance. The crew of the Bittern extinguished the fire. The tug was taken to the dock at the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital where Kingston Firefighters checked to see the fire was totally extinguished. The tug was still at the dock this evening . There was obvious engine room damage but no injuries.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

J.A.W. Iglehart in for repairs while Mapleglen visits Superior

10/31

J.A.W. Iglehart cleared Fraser Shipyards in Superior after a brief stay. The vessel arrived there Oct. 28 and was gone by Oct. 30. No word on the reason for the visit.

P&H’s Mapleglen paid a rare call to Superior on Oct. 30 to load at Harvest States elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

Milwaukee County may acquire lighthouse

10/31

The Parks, Energy and Environment Committee of the Milwaukee County Board has recommended that the county should take ownership of the the North Point Lighthouse, located in the county’s Lake Park along Lake Michigan. The property is available at no cost and includes the cast iron tower, residence and a storage building on 0.64 hectares/1.6 acres east of Wahl Avenue. The U.S. Coast Guard no longer operates the facility and it has been declared surplus by the federal government. Originally 12 meters/39 feet tall, the tower was built in 1855 on a bluff overlooking the lake. After the bluff began to erode, it was moved 30 meters/100 feet inland in 1879. The tower was built to 48.8 meters/160 feet in 1912 and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Two organizations, the Lake Park Friends and the Water Tower Landmark Trust, have supported the committees recommendation while Hostelling International has shown interest in converting the residence to a hostel.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Bill upholds foghorns along Lake Michigan

10/31

Yesterday’s Detroit News reported that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that includes an amendment aimed at keeping more than half of 18 foghorns along the Great Lakes in operation. The amendment, passed last week as part of the Coast Guard authorization bill, orders the secretary of transportation to “take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that foghorns in the following ports are in working order.”

The foghorns are in St. Joseph, South Haven, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Pentwater, Ludington, Marquette, Saugatuck and Frankfort in Michigan and Michigan City, Ind.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

3rd Quarter profits for Canada’s big 3 steelmakers

10/30

STELCO: Canada’s biggest steelmaker, made $41 million (35 cents a share), up from $5 million (two cents a share) last year. Sales rose to $763 million from $712 million.

DOFASCO: No. 2 steelmaker, earned $43.6 million (51 cents a share), down from $50.1 million (58 cents a share). Sales improved to $743.6 million from $732.4 million.

ALGOMA STEEL: Third largest producer, earned $14.6 million (28 cents a share), down from $17.8 million (39 cents a share). Sales revenue rose to $319.8 million from $303.6 million.

All three steelmakers have mills on the Great Lakes, and receive their raw materials in whole or in part by Great Lakes freighters. Industry experts beleive the demand for steel will continue to be strong.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

September U.S.-Flag Float Up 6.3%

10/30

The leading U.S.-Flag carriers working the Great Lakes hauled 13.8 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo in September, an increase of 6.3 percent compared to the corresponding period in 1996. For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 84.6 million tons, or more than 8 percent ahead of last year’s record-setting pace. In 1996, U.S.-Flag carriers moved more than 117 million tons of cargo on the Great Lakes, the most in any single navigation season since the recession of the early- and mid-1980s.

The U.S.-Flag ore float in September was 6.8 million tons, an increase of 5 percent. For the season, Lakes Jones Act vessels have moved 41.9 million tons of iron ore, an increase of 6.1 percent.

September coal loadings in U.S. bottoms were essentially unchanged from a year ago. Since the resumption of the coal trade in March, the U.S.-Flag float is 15.8 million tons, an increase of 15 percent.

Stone cargos for U.S.-Flag operators totaled 3.6 million tons in September, an increase of 10.2 percent. For the season, stone loadings in U.S. bottom are nearing 21 million tons, an increase of 9.5 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Salty experiences engine troubles

10/30

While upbound on Lake St. Clair last night, the salt water vessel ISLAND GEM experienced a cooling problem with her engines. It was necessary to stop the engine and perform repairs about a half mile above the St. Clair Crib Light. This was a minor inconvenience to other vessels moving across the lake and repairs were made before day light.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Algowest conversion press release

10/29

Algoma Central awards $20 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks (St. Catharines, Ont.) October 28, 1997 – Algoma Central Marine has awarded a contract valued at approximately $20 million to Port Weller Dry Docks to convert the bulk carrier M.V. Algowest to a self-unloader. The conversion of the Algowest is in addition to an $85 million fleet modernization program for the 23-vessel Algoma fleet. The Algowest will arrive at Port Weller in December, and will be delivered in June, 1998. Upon delivery, the vessel will join the Seaway Self Unloaders fleet.

“This major investment in the Algowest demonstrates our confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping,” said Tim Dool, Vice President, Algoma Central – Marine Group. “This investment is also a sign of our commitment to our more than 1200 employees,” added Dool.

“This contract, in addition to other work secured, will bring winter employment at Port Weller to more than 400,” said Charles Payne, General Manager, Port Weller Dry Docks. Earlier this month, Port Weller announced a $5 million investment in state-of-the-art technology to upgrade the production facility, including a production panel line, a robotic welding line, and a robotic stiffener line. The investment coincided with the signing of a new 5-year collective agreement with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union, Local 680. Algoma Central previously awarded to Port Weller Dry Docks a $5.5 million contract for a mid-life refit of the vessel M.V. Algorail, for delivery April, 1998, to coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season.

The conversion of the Algowest is the fourth major conversion Port Weller has carried out for Algoma Central Marine during the last ten years. Other vessels converted to self-unloaders include the M.V. Capt. Henry Jackman, the M.V. Algomarine, and the M.V. Algosteel. The 730-foot (225-meter) Algowest, with a 32,000-tonne cargo capacity, was built in 1982 at Collingwood Shipyards.

A division of Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd., Port Weller Dry Docks was established in 1946, and is the only Canadian shipyard on the Great Lakes. Established in 1899, and with offices in St. Catharines and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Algoma Central Marine owns and operates the largest Canadian fleet on the Great Lakes, and employs more than 1200, including 300 in Niagara. On completion of the Algowest, the value of Algoma Central contracts to Port Weller Dry Docks since the fall of 1995 will total $60 million.

Another Ship in Seaway is Halted Due To Lack Of Water

10/29

The third ship since Saturday has been held up because of not having enough water in the St Lawrence Seaway to permit passage. The ALGOPORT, a Canadian laker was forced to anchor at Wilson Hill near Massena at 2:30 AM, Monday, October 27th because the ship dropped below the 26-foot, 3 inch draft level that the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation uses to determine if a ship can safely pass. Again, officials blame an easterly wind for reducing the water level. Is there a possibility that the Seaway will have to have an early closing if the apparent battle between high water and low water proponents is not resolved? This is the question that seems to be on the minds of many residents and business owners along the Seaway. Truly, if it is the wind direction that determines passage, Mother Nature may not cooperate by refraining from water lowering winds.

A decision by the International St.Lawrence River Control Board to compensate for high waters in western Lake Ontario’s residential area by increasing the flow of water at the New York Power Authority’s Robert Moses-Robert H. Sanders power dam has left areas like Lake St. Lawrence and the St.Lawrence River with less and less water. Now, to permit these stranded ships passage, the water flow has to be decreased so that sufficient water is retained to allow ships to continue.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Public hearings planned for water flow

10/29

A news publication, yesterday, stated that the International Joint Commission has scheduled public hearings to guage reaction to Plan 35-p, which would require “minor adustments” to the levels and flows. This new plan would authorize regulators to INCREASE the maximum flow rate from 310,000 cubic feet per second to 350,000 cfs at the Moses-Sanders dam at Massena. Many people are interested in this plan as water levels and water flow affects the economy of the locale, fish and wildlife, water quality, recreational boating and the overall eco-system of the area. For those concerned about this increase or outflow of water, a listing of 4 of these public hearings are as follows:

10/29/97 7 to 9:30 Central Library at 130 Johnson St Kingston, Ontario {613} 549-8888
11/12/97 7 to 9:30 TBA Brockport, N.Y.
11/13/97 7 to 9:30 Heights Golf Course at 7030 Bayview dr. Sodus Pt.N.Y.{315} 483-4767
11/14/97 7 to 9:30 TBA Massena, N.Y.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Seaway Salties Sold

10/29

The Seaway-Max salties OMISALJ and MALINSKA have been sold and re-registered in the Bahamas. The well known former Croatia Line light blue hulled vessels now sport green hulls similsr to another regular Seaway visitor -UTVIKEN.

The GOLIKEN-BAH, ex Omisalj was at Eisenhower Lock Oct 27 enroute to Hamilton Ont on her fourth trip to the Lakes this season.

Reported by: John Whitehead

More on the Algowest conversion

10/28

Reports are that the Algowest will be taken to Port Weller sometime in December of this year. Her delivery is expected in June, 1998.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

News from the Twin Ports

10/28

A pair of Algoma boats showed up in unusual ports Oct. 27. Algosteel was loading taconite at Silver Bay while Algolake called in Superior to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal.

Majestic Star delivered

10/27

Atlantic Marine Inc. has delivered the Majestic Star to Barden Development Co. The 3,000-passenger vessel will be operated by Majestic Star Casino from Buffington Harbor, Ind. The 110-meter/360-foot Majestic Star has four decks and a 3,900-meter/43,300-square-foot casino with 2,100 gaming positions.

10/24

MUSKEGON, MI-The Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association (GLCPA), a Muskegon-based nonprofit organization, will be returning the SS Milwaukee Clipper to her home port of Muskegon within the next month. The Hammond Port Authority has reached an agreement with the GLCPA to sell the Milwaukee Clipper for one dollar. Empress Casinos, the gaming company that now occupies the Clipper’s former berth at the Hammond Marina, has agreed to cover the costs of the prep, tow, and tow insurance for returning the historic ship to Muskegon after an absence of 20 years. Andrie, Inc. will perform the prep and tow of the vessel. The GLCPA along with its 200+ volunteers, will work towards the restoration and preservation of the ship. Once restoration work commences, the GLCPA will use the Milwaukee Clipper as a museumship, maritime activity and learning center, entertainment complex, and bed andbreakfast facility. Donations (both financial and material) are being sought by the GLCPA for restoration work on the famous ship. The Milwaukee Clipper will be the second of only two National Historic Landmarks located in Muskegon (the other being the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine). The SS Milwaukee Clipper dates back to 1905 when she was originally built as the SS Juniata, a passenger ship which carried tourists and pioneers alike into the heartland of our nation, traversing the Great Lakes from Buffalo, New York to Chicago, Mackinac Island, and Duluth, Minnesota. In 1941 she was rebuilt into the SS Milwaukee Clipper and became the first streamline passenger ship on the Great Lakes. She operated from Muskegon to Milwaukee and Chicago until 1970. In 1980, the Clipper was moved to Navy Pier in Chicago where she was used as a banquet facility and museum ship. She was sold to the Hammond Marina in 1990 and was their centerpiece until 1996 when her dock space was needed by a new casino boat.

U.S. House passes bill for ships with safety violations

10/24

On 21 Oct., the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill affecting commercial vessels violating international safety standards. Under an amendment by Rep. Bob Clement, D-Tenn., a vessel detained by the U.S. Coast Guard for violating the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations would be barred from carrying U.S. government cargo for a year. A report by the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee states that 14 percent of the 476 vessels detained last year for safety problems had carried government cargo within the past five years and 22 owners cited had more than one vessel detained. The bill also would require the Coast Guard to continue publishing on the Internet a list of vessels registered outside the United States that have been detained within the past year.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton Reports Strong Third Quarter Operating Results

10/24

Oglebay Norton Company reported that earnings from continuing operations in the third quarter of 1997 improved to $6.5 million, or $2.72 per share, compared with $4.8 million, or $1.95 per share, in the third quarter of 1996. Sales increased from $49.7 million to $53.4 million, and income from operations improved to $10.3 million, compared with $5.9 million in the same quarter a year ago.

For the first nine months of 1997, earnings from continuing operations reached $12.4 million, or $5.19 per share, compared with $6.9 million, or $2.82 per share, for the first nine months of 1996. Sales increased from $113.3 million to $124.4 million, and income from operations increased to $18.8 million, compared to $7.5 million in the same period a year ago.

The Company’s discontinued iron ore operations, which were sold in late 1996, contributed income of $1.3 million ($.54 per share) and $3.4 million ($1.39 per share) in the third quarter and first nine months of 1996, respectively.

Revenues and operating profit for the Company’s Marine Transportation Division increased substantially in the third quarter of 1997, compared with the third quarter of 1996. Customer demand continued to be strong for the shipment of iron ore, coal and stone on the Great lakes. Aided by favorable weather conditions and high water levels, enabling vessels to carry increased tonnage, the fleet operated very efficiently. The Cleveland Bulk Terminal, which the Company began operating in the second quarter, continued to contribute modestly to Marine Transportation’s strong performance.

The Company’s Industrial Sands unit shipped 481,000 tons in the third quarter, bettering the second quarter’s record shipments by 7,000 tons. Operating results mirrored the robust shipments, with net sales and operating profit improving by 17% and 6%, respectively, over the third quarter in 1996. Much of this improvement is attributable to the acquisition earlier this year of specialty screening operations in Bakersfield, California, which serve the oil and gas well service markets, and Kurtz Sports Turf operations in Ohio, which blends sands for golf courses and other recreation facilities.

The Engineered Materials business unit operated at about break even in the third quarter of 1997, on a 3% increase in net sales, compared with the third quarter in 1996. An improvement in operating profit on metallurgical products was not sufficient to offset a substantial decline in hot top product volume and profit. A decision regarding consolidation of our hot top operations into one facility will be made by the end of the year. Selling, general and administrative expenses continue to decline, amounting to a reduction of 6% in the quarter, compared with the third quarter of 1996.

R. Thomas Green, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We expect 1997 to be a record-breaking year in several respects. Our stock price hit an all-time high of $61 per share in early October. Our Marine Transportation business unit is on course to haul a record 23 million tons, as long as weather conditions remain favorable. Our Industrial Sands business unit is on track for record revenues and operating profits, fueled in large part by the strong oil and gas well service markets; all indications point to continued strength in these markets for at least several months. These robust performances have offset lower-than-expected results from our Engineered Materials business unit, and we anticipate a record year as measured by income from operations. We have exceeded our expectations through the first nine months, and fully expect to sustain that level of performance through the remainder of the year.”

As reported earlier, the Board of Directors of Oglebay Norton Company on August 27, 1997 increased the quarterly dividend from $.35 to $.40 per share, and declared a 2-for-1 stock split payable via a 100% stock dividend to be distributed on October 3, 1997 to stockholders of record as of October 10, 1997.

Oglebay Norton is a Cleveland-based company engaged in Great Lakes marine transportation, the mining and marketing of industrial sands, and the manufacturing and marketing of metallurgical products and related materials used in steelmaking.

Reported by: James Neumiller

GATX Announces Third Quarter Earnings

10/24

The GATX Corporation announced third quarter earnings of $28.0 million or $1.12 per common share. This compares to last year’s third quarter net income of $33.4 million or $1.37 per common share.

Earnings for the first nine months of this year were $89.4 million or $3.59 per common share. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, were $83.8 million or $3.43 per common share.

Cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds was $206 million for the third quarter compared to $263 million for last year’s period. For the first nine months of 1997, cash flow was $584 million compared to $501 million for the first nine months of 1996.

Ronald H. Zech, chairman and CEO of GATX, stated, “The third quarter and year-to-date results reflect positive trends for GATX, particularly at General American Transportation and GATX Capital. General American Transportation’s earnings continue at record levels as a result of growth in the fleet and strong fleet utilization. GATX Capital’s remarketing activity for the quarter was excellent, resulting in significant gains from the sale of assets. These gains, however, were partially offset by one time expenses incurred during the quarter. On a year to date basis, GATX Capital is reporting net income 22 percent higher than last year’s levels.

American Steamship and GATX Logistics both reported earnings higher than a year ago. Strong demand for commodities carried in Great Lakes vessels and favorable operating conditions have resulted in American Steamship moving increased tonnage compared to last year’s season. GATX Logistics is benefitting from new contracts.

American Steamship Company earned $3.3 million for the 1997 third quarter compared to earnings of $2.6 million a year ago. Iron ore, coal and stone demand all remained strong, and favorable weather conditions resulted in efficient vessel performance. For the third quarter of 1997, American Steamship carried 8.8 million tons of cargo compared to 8.3 million tons for the year ago period. For the sailing season through the third quarter, there were virtually no lost sailing days.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Demand opens second berth at Harvest States

10/23

The fall grain rush apparently has prompted the Harvest States Cooperative elevator in Superior to put its second loading berth into operation for the rest of the season. Saltie Mena Cibi is loading Oct. 21-22 at the elevator’s Berth No. 2, the second vessel in the past several days to use the berth. The berth had been idle all season until recently even as ships anchored out on Lake Superior waiting for the elevator’s other loading berth.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Twin Ports

10/22

Normally quiet AGP elevator in Duluth is again hosting back-to-back salties. Alexandr Nevskiy took a quick load Oct. 20, clearing about midnight. Federal Rhine was anchored in Duluth harbor waiting its turn under the spouts at midday Oct. 21.

Kinsman Independent was set to arrive in Duluth on Oct. 21 and make an unusual call at the General Mills elevator rather than its usual stop at the Peavey elevator in Superior.

The Reiss Inland dock up the St. Louis River in Duluth is busier than usual this season. Its latest visitor is scheduled to be Charles E. Wilson on Oct. 21.

Great Lakes Fleets triplets are all in the stone trade for the next few days. Cason J. Callaway is due into Duluth with stone on Oct. 22, followed by Arthur M. Anderson on the 23 and the Philip R. Clarke shortly after that. Meanwhile, John G. Munson is scheduled to make a rare appearance in St. Ignace on Oct. 22.

GLF’s Calcite II also is due to call in Port Colborne Oct. 21 to load for Cleveland.

Reported by: Al Miller

Welland Canal Traffic busy with Fall Grain Rush

10/22

There were 13 vessels downbound on Sundayafternoon with several more ETAs for Port Colborne and Port Weller entrances.

Many of the boats were in process of hauling grain from the Lakehead to St. Lawrence River Ports.

Tuesday night for example S.S. Algoriver (x John A. France) made a routine stop at the Port Colborne fuel dock enroute back in Thunder Bay for more grain.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority makes profit

10/22

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority made a profit for the 1996-1997 fiscal year for the third consecutive year. The authority had net operating income of Canadian $7.3 million/U.S.$5.3 million and had C$5.1 million/U.S.$3.7 million more in revenues. Total toll revenue was C$88.6 million/U.S.$64.3 million, an increase from C$83.5 million/U.S.$60.6 million in 1995-1996. Total traffic was at its highest since 1988, near 50 million tons. The 1996 navigation season of 272 days saw 3,953 vessel transits, up from 3,868 the year before. While grain cargoes were less, coal, general cargo, ore and steel all increased.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Diver drowns exploring shipwreck off Milwaukee

10/21

A 34-year-old man from Downers Grove, Ill., drowned the morning of 18 Oct. while diving with 11 other people off Milwaukee. Martin G. Petik, who had three years of diving experience, was found “free floating” over an engine room skylight of the Prins Willem V and was entangled in a guy wire. He was not wearing his air tanks though they contained 810 kilograms/1,800 pounds of air, enough for about 45 minutes in those conditions. Other divers attempted to give him air and when that failed, brought him to the Lender, a 9.8-meter/32-foot boat, at 0945 from 21 meters/70 feet of water. The boat is operated by Pirate’s Cove Diving Inc. A call was sent about 1000 to the U.S. Coast Guard and Milwaukee Fire Department personnel were taken to the Lender by a Milwaukee Police Department boat. A Coast Guard 12-meter/41-foot utility boat then took Petik to shore where an ambulance and a medical evacuation helicopter were waiting. He died later that day.

The Prins Willem V, a Dutch-registry 1,567-gt steel general cargo ship, sank after colliding with a tank barge at 1916 14 Oct., 1954, about 2.5 kilometers/four miles and 92 degrees off Milwaukee’s harbor. The Prins Willem V suffered a 6.1-meter/20-foot by 2.4-meter/eight-foot hole in its starboard side that flooded the engine room. The ship sailed east three kilometers/two miles before sinking bow first at 2030. The 30 crewmembers boarded lifeboats and were rescued. The 78.6-meter/258-foot ship has a 45-degree list and is in 27 meters/90 feet of water with 12 meters/40 feet above the wreck. It carried general cargo including television tubes and was to transit the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Prins Willem V had been scuttled in the Netherlands on 10 May, 1940, to block a waterway during World War II. It was raised and returned to service in 1949 for Oranje Line.

Petik is the fourth person to be killed exploring the Prins Willem V. In 1992, Paul Yost, 35, was found deep inside the shipwreck with empty air tanks. In 1989, a man was found dead in the engine room and a 15-year-old boy died in 1985 after he was tangled in a winch cable.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Historic marker set to commemorate church

10/20

Yesterday’s Detroit News reported that Michigan’s secretary of state, Candice Miller, plans to speak today at the unveiling of a state historic marker at Mariner’s Church, downtown on Jefferson between Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center. The plaque commemorates the landmark church’s founding in 1842.

Reported by: Detroit News

Recovery of 19th century logs less than expected

10/21

Superior Water-Logged Lumber Co., which has been salvaging logs near Ashland, Wis., that sank in the 19th century, has said that this year its operations have recovered less than 100 hardwood trees of about 800 collected, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by Dave Umhoefer on 18 Oct. Varieties collected included hemlock, red oak, red pine, sugar maple, white ash and yellow birch. The company had planned on recovering up to 30,000 logs this year and estimated that U.S.$30 million worth of logs were on only a few of the 10-hectare/40-acre sites licensed. To meet orders, Superior Water-Logged Lumber has been buying from other firms such as Wassarosen Co., which found 144 hardwoods this year of 215 total.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber installed a new president, David Neitzke, in August. He said the smaller numbers were due to mismanagement, poor sites in Chequamegon Bay and a slow and confused permit process. Part of the problem may be that several firms have applied for permits after hearing of prices paid for the salvaged logs, with more than 800 permits pending. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has allocated more staff to the permits and so far has not denied any.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber started in 1992 but began its intensive operations this summer. Neitzke said that the firm has sonar images that indicate better sites are available, although a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources search found few or no logs at sites chosen by the company as top priorities.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

10/20

The western end of Lake Superior was busy this afternoon. The Edgar B. Speer and the Presque Isle were both at Two Harbors loading while fleetmate Philip R. Clarke departed Duluth. Within a few hours, the Columbia Star departed Duluth and passed the inbound Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. about eight miles from the Duluth piers. The McCarthy was headed in to wait for the Paul R. Tregurtha, which had taken its turn at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal after the Columbia Star departed. The Stewart J. Cort also departed Superior at about the same time the Columbia Star left Duluth, so 6 of the 13 1000-footers were within 30 miles of each other on Lake Superior this afternoon.

After a prolonged absence, Canadian Century is returning to the BN ore dock in Superior Oct. 19 for the second time in a week.

The grain traffic for salties remains strong in Duluth-Superior. Over the weekend of Oct. 18-19, Snow Rose and Oak were anchored on Lake Superior and expecting to come into port shortly, and Dobrush, Mini Cebi and Alexander Nevsky are expected to arrive. The Nevsky, a Russian ship, is due into the AGP elevator in Duluth, a normally quiet elevator that has hosted several vessels lately.

Reported by: Al Miller and Jody L. Aho

Group to buy Clipper

10/20

The current owners agreed to sell the former car ferry for $1. The Milwaukee Clipper, which appeared heading for certain scrap last month, soon could be sailing back to its former home port after its owners agreed to sell the former car ferry for $1.00 to a Muskegon group.

Jim Plant, President of the Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association, calls it “one step closer on a very tall ladder. We’re very cautious and don’t want to falsely raise hopes, but we certainly are encouraged”.

Bob Nelson, Director of the Hammond Marina, said “what we did is tell the Great Lakes Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Association, ‘The ship is yours. Now find a way to get it out of here.'”

The group is now working with the Hammond Port Authority and Empress Casino, on a proposal for towing the ship to Muskegon. The article also mentioned concerns from local government officials. Up to this point, the group has not sought funding because a purchase agreement had not been signed. Once the details are ironed out, the group will begin fundraising and membership drives.

Reported by: George P. Micka IV

Japanese Ships Cleared For U.S.Ports

10/20

Breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Japan headed off a brewing trade war and Japanese ships can still enter and leave U.S. ports. Although the complete agreement has not been finalized, both sides feel it is clearly in reach. U.S. Maritime Commission has rescinded its earlier ban on Japanese ships in U.S.ports and have agreed to hold off until Monday, October 20th to reassess developments. Payment of fines by Japan would still be necessary for permanent lifting of the original order. Attorneys for Japan’s three largest shipping lines said yesterday that the companies have no intention of paying the fines at that time. The United States argues that Japanese ports discriminate against non-Japanese ships and push up costs. They also require all ships to receive prior approval for even the most operational changes in handling cargo at its ports. A general overhaul of policies with alternate systems put in place would seem to be required to end this serious trade dispute.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Calcite II make rare trip up Menomonee

10/18

The Calcite II, an occasional visitor to Milwaukee this year with salt, made a rare trip up the Menomonee River today with a delivery of stone to a local concrete company. At one time the Menomonee river valley was the center of maritime traffic in Milwaukee. The valley was filed with coal companies that received coal by boat, so many deliveries that Great Lakes Towing crewed their tugs around the clock to handle the load. The last regular fleet to venture up the valley was Huron Cement. The ‘Crapo’, with it’s steam whistle blowing for the bridges, was a regular visitor until LaFarge built their new silo in the outer harbor. Today the only river traffic left consists of tug/barges that shuttle coal to the Wisconsin Electric plant and the Triton/St. Marys Cement I.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Water Control board to improve Lake St. Lawrence levels

10/18

The St Lawrence Water Control board will carry out a a one day reduction of 200 m3/s water flow on October 18 to improve low levels of Lake St. Lawrence to aid the removal of large recreational boats at several marinas.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Order Bars Japanese Ships From U.S.Ports; Trade Dispute Escalates

10/09

(St. Catharines, Ont.) – Encouraged by Port Weller Dry Docks’ employees endorsement of a new five-year labour contract, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. announced today that it would proceed with the purchase and installation of advanced technological equipment, valued at $5 million, at its Port Weller division.

On Sunday, at the Ramada Parkway Inn, Port Weller employees, members of the International Boilermakers Union, Local 680, voted 75 percent in favor of a new five-year contract valid until May 2003.

“The support of our employees assures long-term stability in our operations at Port Weller,” Charles Payne, General Manager said.

“We can now go ahead with major capital improvements in the latest state-of-the-art technology. This will enable us to confidently bid on highly competitive shipbuilding and ship repairing contracts, many of which will require several years to secure and complete. It will also provide attractive new opportunities for our metal fabrication department,” Payne added.

Major components of the new equipment to be installed over the next six to nine months include: numerically controlled plasma arc steel-cutting machine; Robotic-operated steel profile cutting and welding equipment, and semi-automated panel fabricating production line.

The five-year contract provides for wage increases for the first three years tied to the Consumer Price Index and increases in contract benefits and pension contributions. The last two years provide for full CPI protection for the employees.

A profit sharing plan will also be included during the life of the new contract.

Alan S. Thoms, President, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering, Port Weller’s parent company, described the union vote as “good news for the company, the employees and the St. Catharines-Niagara community”. Other CSE divisions include Pascol Engineering, Thunder Bay; Lansdowne Technologies, Ottawa; Canal Marine and CSE Marine Services, both of St. Catharines.

Port Weller Dry Docks is the only Canadian full-service shipyard throughout the Great Lakes system. Founded in 1946, the firm celebrated its 50th anniversary last year when at peak periods 450 employees were at work.

Summer employment this year averaged 350. At present the HMCS Athabaskan, a Canadian Navy destroyer, is undergoing a major overhaul with 325 working at various stages of the $6 million job.

Repairs Completed, Ship Leaves After A Long Wait

10/08

After an unplanned lengthy layover at Cape Vincent, the cargo ship Seba M and its crew of 22 departed Sunday, October 5th at 10:15 PM for Chicago. All of the crew had to remain on board during the 16 day wait as they were foreign nationals. Parts to repair the mechanical problems had to be obtained fron Japan and shipped here to this upstate New York village on the St. Lawrence Seaway. When repairs were completed, according to Rhonda M Worden,spokeswoman for the Seaway Development Corporation, both the United States and Canadian Seaway Authority representives and the U.S.Coast Guard went aboard to inspect the ship and the crew started the engine 16 times for the officials and they cleared it for transit.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Delphine Lives!

10/08

The following is an article that appears in the current issue of the Modoc Whistle, the news letter of the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society:

Last week it was reported on the internet Maritime History Discussion Group that, on September 26, a fine -hulled, riveted steel vessel of about 80 meters had arrived at the port of Zebrugge, Belgium, from Marseilles, France behind the Polish tug POSEJDON.

The writer was impressed by her beautiful lines and large brass whistle. She was painted bright white, had a ram bow and cruiser stern, and on her transom was the name DELPHINE. There was a question as to her identity and i suggested the possibility that she might be the 1921 former Horace Dodge yacht DELPHINE – perhaps the finest yacht ever built or sailed on the Lakes – as the description given matched the boat.

Though she had been reported scrapped as long as 25 years ago, this indeed turned out to be her. She had been languishing in French and Spanish ports for years, but is now scheduled to be rebuilt by Belgian parties as a cruise or charter vessel. She still retains her 76-year-old triple-expansion steam engine, which will also be refurbished. She was the largest private yacht ever to sail the Great Lakes. For more about her fascinating career, see Great Lakes Ships We Remember II, by the Detroit Marine Historical Society [Marine Historical Society of Detroit].

Reported by Dave Swayze

News from the Seaway

10/08

Salty visitors on a first trip to the Seaway and Great Lakes include:

Lis Weber-DAN, ’79, 1100 DWT, this small vessel wil be in Cleveland early November, perhaps the smallest salty this year.

>Snowrose-MAL, ’78 14382 grt standard bulk carrier is in the Seaway bound for Detroit

Kevser Gunes-TUR, ’94, 7289 GRT was above Sarnia on Sunday bound for Sault St Marie

In early November a series of large heavy crated reactors and reactor parts is due to leave Sarnia Ontario on a 45 day voyage to China, conditional upon delivery there by December 25/97. A suitable ship has not yet been found.

A formidable bridge structure was double barged down the Southshore Canal to Montreal and was transferred to the seagoing barge Ocean Hauler by The Port of Montreal/St Lawrence Seaway Authority 750ton capacity mobile floating crane Hercules. The tow departed Montreal for Boston USA October 05/97. The tow is by Cdn. tug Jerry Newberry.

The tug Daniel McAllister has been sold to the Port of Montreal for use as a Museum in the old Port of Montreal adjacent to the inactive lake Comeaudoc (R.Beauchamp)

The CCCG vessel Eider-Can, was broken up during the last year at Louiseville Qc. where she has lain since 1978. This ex WWII landing ship was converted to a multi-purpose vessel for Northern operations and was very active in the CDN Arctic from the late 50’s. (R.Beauchamp)

The 156,000 ton tanker Romea Champion-LIB now in Quebec City will not be entering the Seaway this trip. Amongst other things she exceeds the bridge heights.

The pusher tug Dixie Commander-USA and barge DXE 1640 05 (9.946 GRT) entered the St Lawrence Gulf via the Cabot Straits, Newfoundland and are now at the Ultramar berth in Montreal East

Reported by: John Whitehead and R.Beauchamp

ULS Marbulk to convert ships

10/08

ULS Marbulk Inc., a subsidiary of Upper Lakes Group Inc., will convert two bulk carriers to self-unloading vessels. The two are likely the Richmond Hill and the Thornhill, 37,939-dwt, 193.8-meter/635.8-foot motor bulk carriers built in 1981.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

October 1 Vessel Report

10/08

On October 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 63 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. This total represents a decrease of one ship compared to a year ago. As of the survey date, a 635-foot-long self-unloader was in the shipyard for minor repairs and a liquid-bulk barge and a self-propelled tanker were in short-term lay-up.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement. The CRAPO was recently disenrolled from LCA.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Lloyd’s Register of Shipping reaches milestone

10/08

Lloyd’s Register of Shipping has become the first non-U.S. classification society authorized to survey and plan approvals for ships on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard. The society will be an alternative to the American Bureau of Shipping.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Challenger damaged by water spout

10/07

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 5 while passing White Shoal Light on their way to Charleviox, the Medusa Challenger found itself in the middle of a water spout. As the skies turned black and the crest of the waves were being blown in a horizontal direction, it began to hail violently. A spotlight on the pilothouse bridge wing lifted out of its support and crews bikes stored on deck began to rise vertically. At the same time the 1906 built boat was vibrating in an unusual manner. It was all over in 10 minutes. The Challenger’s anemometer was of no use in measuring the wind as it “pegged” itself in both directions. Another boat in the area reported wind gusts of almost 100 mph in the brief storm. That same day the eastern UP was hit with a violet storm that blew down trees a foot in diameter.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

10/07

Five members of Greenpeace prevented a ship from unloading coal 6 Oct. at a storage area of Lakeview Thermal Generating Station in Mississauga, Ontario. The five, wearing a banner that read “Coal Kills, Go Solar,” chained themselves to a hopper used in handling coal. The action was taken in protest of plans by Ontario Hydro to increase its use of coal to compensate for the closure of seven nuclear generating facilities. The coal originated in Pennsylvania and was loaded in Ohio.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Update on the Saguenay and c. Columbus

10/06

The Saguenay tow entered the St. Mary’s River yesterday (5th) just after 14:00 and made very slow progress. The Scott Purvis assisted the tow through the river. The Saguenay tow is just now entering the locks. (09:20EST ) Avenger IV on bow with Scott Purvis on stern. The tow must have stopped overnight.

C. Columbus is presently moored at the Bondar Dock in Sault, Ontario.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

Canadian seaway legislation introduced

10/06

On 2 Oct., Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette introduced legislation to commercialize Canadian operaton of the St. Lawrence Seaway and reform Canadian ports. The bill is essentially identical to a December 1995 version that died in April when an election was held. Under the bill, the seaway would be commercialized through agreements between the government and non-profit user groups. Management of Canada’s major ports would by handled by a board of directors.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Michigan law on photographs takes effect

10/06

As of 1 Oct., it is a felony to take photographs of human remains in Michigan waters without written permission of relatives. Violating the law is punishable by up to two years in prison and a U.S.$5,000 fine. Exceptions are allowed for court orders, law enforcement actions, or for archaeological, medical or scientific purposes. Sponsored by Rep. Pat Gagliardi, the bill was passed after a 1994 expedition to the Edmund Fitzgerald that located a body. A U.S.-registry bulk carrier owned and operated by Oglebay Norton Co.’s Columbia Transportation Division, the Edmund Fitzgerald, loaded with iron ore, broke in half and sank 10 Nov., 1975, about 24 kilometers/15 miles off Whitefish Point, Mich. All 29 crewmembers were killed. The 222.28-meter/729.25-foot ship was sailing from Superior, Wis., to Detroit and was built in 1958 by Great Lakes Engineering Works at River Rouge, Mich. Fred Shannon, who led the expedition, included brief images of the remains in a videotape released last year. The body was not identifiable. A group of relatives of the ship’s crew requested the legislation in response. Critics have said that the bill might have broader effects than intended.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Engine part for vessel anchored at Cape Vincent is due

10/05

The cargo ship, Seba M, that has been stranded off the shoreline of Cape Vincent, New York for the past 16 days with air compressor problems is finally expected to receive the part needed for repair. This foreign-made part was apparently not accessible in either the United States or Canada and had to be ordered from Japan. While the St Lawrence Seaway Authority had originally predicted that the ship would be able to resume its journey to Chicago within 2 days after its breakdown September 18th, the difficulty in obtaining parts has meant a prolonged stay for this ocean-going ship. Some Cape Vincent residents have expressed interest in the fact that ships using United States waters and experiencing mechanical problems are so dependent on other countries for parts and that they are not obtainable in our country. After this length of time, Cape residents are becoming use to seeing the massive hulk of the Seba M anchored near their village break-wall. When it is finally able to depart, the sight of this shabby old craft will probably be missed by some.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Saguenay tow making progress

10/04

CSL’s Saguenay passed St. Clair, Michigan upbound on Friday evening at dusk (7:30 pm) with the tug Avenger IV on the bow and the Patricia Hoey (I believe) along her port side. I’m not sure if there was a third tug involved on the starboard side. She is head to Thunder Bay to aid in the clean up effort of the harbor (see story dated 10/1). The tow appeared to be making approximately 4 or 5 mph. It’s a little hard to believe that a 1964-built, diesel self-unloader is done sailing for her intended purpose.

Reported by: J. Luke and Andrew Severson

Ship damages dock in Windsor

10/04

The Nea Doxa (Greek-registry 17,882-gt, 30,820-dwt, 188.14-meter/617.25-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1984, operated by Fafalios Shipping S.A.) collided with a dock at Morterm Ltd. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on 1 Oct. The ship sustained a small dent to its starboard side but the dock has considerable damage.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

C. Columbus arrives in Duluth

10/04

At 7:30 this morning, the German passenger vessel C. Columbus arrived at the Duluth Aerial Bridge. It made a nearly 180 degree turn around the traffic buoy near Cargill Elevator to position herself to tie up behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

A possible problem with the vessel’s docking was solved after some quick last-minute planning yesterday. After manual soundings were taken of the area behind the DECC, it was discovered that the water depth at the dock edge was not enough for the C. Columbus’ 18’6″ draft. However, a few feet out from the dock edge, the water depth was sufficient. It seems local authorities were told the ship’s draft is 16.5 feet, the discrepancy may have been in the difference between the ship’s draft in saltwater versus fresh water. DECC officials were able to obtain several large tires from the D. M & I. R. Railway in Two Harbors and had them trucked down to Duluth, where a crane was put in place along Harbor Drive to lower them to be fastened to the dock. Workers did not finish making the last minute modifications to the dock until 1:30 this morning, just hours before the C. Columbus arrived. The vessel docked with no problems.

Reported by: Al Miller and Jody L. Aho

Algorail visits Holland

10/04

Holland saw a small change in routine 10/2, as the Algorail tied up at Verplank’s to deliver salt at 2130. Of the twenty deliveries this season, she is the first vessel other than an Ogelbay Norton ship to unload in this port.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

Elmglen damaged in allision near Quebec

10/03

The Vekua (Maltese-registry 10,948-gt, 16,231-dwt, 151.31-meter/496.42-foot motor tanker built in 1987, operated by Anglo-Georgian Shipping Co. Ltd.) collided with the Elmglen (13,884-gt, 207-meter/678-foot barge built in 1952 by Port Weller Dry Docks Ltd. at St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; operated by Groupe Ocean Inc.) on 1 Oct. near Quebec at 46 degrees 49 minutes north, 71 degrees 12 minutes west. The Vekua sustained slight damage to its upper bow and has sailed for Tampa, Fla. The Elmglen, formerly a bulk carrier, suffered a 0.6-meter/two-foot gash about 6.1 meters/20 feet above the waterline and a 3.0-meter/10-foot dent.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Fednav International has two options

10/03

As part of its order for four 34,000-dwt geared bulk carriers from Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Fednav International Ltd. also has options for two more ships. It signed a contract with Sumitomo Corp. in Tokyo on 18 Sept. worth 12 billion Japanese yen/U.S.$98 million. The four will be built at Nagasaki, Japan, for delivery in the latter half of 1999 and the first half of 2000. In addition to acting as Fednav International’s contractor, Sumitomo will be a partner with Fednav International in owning the vessels. Each ship will have six cargo holds and three 30-ton cranes. The bulk carriers will be built for navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

City of Midland 41 update

10/02

The tugs “Mary Page Hannah” and the “Bonnie G. Selvich” arrived Ludington at 2:15 PM. They hooked on to the City of Midland and began pulling her out at around 3:15. The Midland was flying the centennial flag that the Badger flew on her maiden voyage this year on her foremast.

The Midland cleared the harbor at 3:38 PM, and the onlookers in their cars started honking their horns in salute. The tug “Mary Page Hannah” was pulling, and the tug “Bonnie G. Selvich” was pushing.

10/01

In the first known case of its kind, a foreign merchant mariner has pled guilty in Federal court in Albany, NY for operating a vessel while intoxicated in U.S. waters. The third mate of the 644 ft Croatian bulk carrier M/V HERCIGOVINA was sentenced to 13 days in jail and fined $10,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Hartunian reflected the U.S. Coast Guard’s firm stance that they will not tolerate operation of any vessel by intoxicated crewmembers when he asked the court to assess a severe penalty.

The third mate was in control of the propulsion of the vessel when U.S. Coast Guard boarding officers from Marine Safety Detachment Massena conducted a boarding on September 17th in conjunction with Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. personnel in Massena NY. Alert Coast Guard personnel detected evidence of alcohol consumption and took immediate action.

Further interviews with the crew and results of field sobriety tests revealed that crewmembers-including the master-had been drinking alcohol. The results of sobriety tests administered later by the New York State Police confirmed that the third mate’s blood alcohol content (BAC) significantly exceeded the U.S. regulatory limit of .04 for commercial mariners. The master’s BAC was very near the legal limit; he was released but still faces possible civil penalty action. The third mate was arrested by Coast Guard personnel.

The condition of the crew came to light during a routine Coast Guard boarding aimed at preventing the introduction of non-indigenous aquatic species into the Great Lakes through foreign ballast water. This boarding is one of the various types of safety inspections conducted by the U.S. and Canadian agencies to keep waterways and the surrounding community safe and protect the environment.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Algoma rumors

10/01

Rumor mill has the Algowest being converted to self-unloader in the near future, Algowood receiving new engine blocks, and an unidentified boat getting new Pielstick engines.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

News from the Twin Ports

10/01

Canadian vessel traffic into Silver Bay continues. Algomarine and Canadian Transport were scheduled to arrive there Sept. 30. Kaye E. Barker also was scheduled to arrive that day.

Grain traffic remains heavy in Duluth. Canadian Leader and Canadian Miner were loading Sept. 30. At anchor waiting to load are salties Verily, Florentia and Captain Christos. Canadian Venture and Ocean Pretty were expected to arrive Sept. 30 for grain.

Reported by: Al Miller

Cargo Vessel Still Sitting Off Cape Vincent Shore

10/01

The Seba M spent its 10th day yesterday waiting as workers continued to make repairs to the ship’s engine. The 424 foot ship and its 22 crew members are bound for Chicago with 10,000 metric tons of steel but due to mechanical problems was forced to lay anchor at this small waterfront village at the east end of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. The Watertown, N.Y. Daily Times reports that the spokeswoman for the Seaway Authority, Rhonda M. Worden has said that shuttling the broken engine parts between Cape Vincent and Montreal has meant a prolonged stay for the ocean-going vessel. Ms Worden said “the problems center on the ship’s faulty air compressor but the ship is safe and the crew is OK.” Different engine problems delayed it for several days a few miles up river from the Eisenhower lock at Massena, N.Y. earlier this month. SAVE THE RIVER, a non-profit environmental organization with about 1000 members, seek to protect the water and shoreline of the St. Lawrence River through educational and promotional events, has been in touch with Ms Worden and the U.S. Coast Guard and was told that the parts needed to repair the ship’s engine “were pretty scarce.” Based on the information the Clayton-based organization hs been given, Ms.Grimes,executive director said, “SAVE THE RIVER” has identified no major threats to the River but we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Passenger ship adrift in Gulf of St. Lawrence

10/01

The Dreamward (Norwegian-registry 39,000-gt, 5,589-dwt, 190-meter/623-foot passenger ship built in 1992, owned operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.) was adrift in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on 30 Sept. with 1,567 people aboard, after an electrical short-circuit disabled propulsion and steering. The ship was sailing from Quebec to Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, and was last reported slowly drifting northeast about 59 kilometers/37 miles northeast of the Magdalen Islands of Quebec, Canada. Winds were reported to be brisk with seas of 3.0 meters/9.8 feet. The ship left Montreal on 27 Sept. with 1,053 passengers and 514 crew on a cruise chartered by a French firm. It was to call at Boston and Newport, R.I., before sailing to New York.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

September 1997

Sep 1, 1997

City of Midland 41 update

09/30

The City of Midland 41 was scheduled to be towed from Ludington today, but rough weather has postponed the tow until Wednesday Morning.

The former carferry is going to be converted to a barge (see original story dated 9/24).

Reported by: Max Hanley

Barge PATHFINDER Named For Previous Steamer

09/30

A story in the September 20, 1997 issue of “Skilling Mining Review” indicates that the name PATHFINDER, that is being given to the barge being made out of the str. J. L. MAUTHE, to honor another Interlake Steamship Company steamer named PATHFINDER that was scrapped in 1985 at Port Maitland, Ontario.

The earlier PATHFINDER was built in1906 at River Rouge for Pickands, Mather & Co. as SAMUEL MATHER ((1). She was sold to Interlake in 1913 and renamed PATHFINDER.In 1964, she was sold to ULS who named her GODERICH. She became SOO RIVER TRADER in 1980 when purchased by the Soo River Company. She spent her last two years un the P & H flag as PINEGLEN, and was sold for scrap in 1984.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Cuyahoga loses power

09/30

According to news reports, at 1100 yesterday, the Cuyahoga lost power off the port of Oswego , N.Y. There was fear that she would run aground but at 1600,she regained some power and went into Oswego harbour for repairs.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Rare Hungarian Visitor to the Great Lakes

09/30

A Hungarian ship that has been docked in Toledo for two weeks is only the second vessel from that country to visit the Great Lakes since World War II, Toledo Sister Cities International announced.

The Balaton Arrived in Toldeo Sept. 12 and since then has been unloading 76,000 bags of Mexican sugar at the Toledo World Industries Dock at the foot of Front Street. During the port call, the captain and 16-member crew have had the opportunity to visit Hungarian landmarks in Toledo, including Tony Packo’s Cafe (of MASH fame).

Reported by: Jim Flury

More on the Hercegovina

09/30

Just after midnight 18 Sept., U.S. Coast Guard personnel boarded the Hercegovina (Croatian-registry 30,882-dwt, 197-meter/645-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1977, operated by Atlantska Plovidba dd Dubrovnik) at the Eisenhower Locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Three licensed officers aboard were found to be legally intoxicated. The third mate, who was operating the ship’s throttles as it neared the locks, was arrested. The Croatian citizen was taken to the jail in Malone, N.Y., and arraigned before a U.S. magistrate. The ship then moved to the Wilson Hill Anchorage and was released on 19 Sept. It was sailing from Venezuela to Toledo, Ohio, to load soybeans.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

More on I.M.O. regulations

09/30

The International Maritime Organization adopted new regulations to reduce air pollution by ships on 25 Sept. The new rules set limits on nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide from vessel exhausts and prohibit deliberate release of substances that deplete ozone. The sulphur content of bunker fuel will be reduced to 4.5 percent though the present average is 3 percent. In the Baltic Sea, the sulphur content must be no more than 1.5percent. The fuel regulation will come into effect in 2003 if the new regulations are ratified by 15 countries. The 15 must have merchant fleets that account for more than 50 percent of the gross tonnage of world ships. Also, diesel engines of 130 kilowatts or more for ships built in 2000 and after will be affected by new restrictions on nitrogen oxides. Emissions will have to be no more than 0.34 ounces/9.8 grams per kilowatt for high-speed engines operating for more than an hour with revolutions per minute of 2,000 or more. There will be a compulsory review of the new regulations unless they take effect within five years. The regulations, which have been worked on for six years, will become Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973 as amended in 1978.

09/29

Medusa Cements barge MEDUSA CONQUEST was seen on September 27 docked at Marysville, Michigan’s Detroit Edison Power Plant dock. With the barge was it’s tug the SUSAN W. HANNAH. As of late Sunday, September 28, this tug-barge combination was still at this location. Late word had it that another Hannah tug was to dock directly behind the SUSAN W. HANNAH sometime Sunday night. Although Marysville has several calls every year by cement carries, namely the ILT vessels, this I believe is the first time that the MEDUSA CONQUEST has arrived at this location.

Reported by: Ray Bawal Jr.

The Majestic Star passes Harsens Island

09/29

The new gambling vessel Majestic Star USA passed Harsens Island around 10:30 Sunday morning after departing from Detroit.The ship has a delivery crew of 15 aboard along with twenty others along for the ride. She spent Saturday docked in Detroit’s Hart Plaza so residents could get a look at what gambling could be like if the vessels owner is granted one of the three Detroit gaming licenses. She was travelling at a speed of eight and a half knots on the St Clair River on the way to replace the temporary riverboat in Gary, Ind.

Reported by: James Hile

New warehouse for Port of Milwaukee

09/29

In his budget address on 26 Sept., Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist said that the city has budgeted U.S.$3 million to build a new warehouse at the Port of Milwaukee. It will be built on one the port’s piers for use by Federal Marine Terminals Inc. Federal Marine Terminals recently closed a facility in Chicago and will use the Milwaukee location to handle metal cargoes for the domestic market. Increased revenues from Federal Marine Terminals and other businesses are expected to pay back all principal and interest for the project in about 13 years.

In related port news, Milwaukee has asked the Milwaukee County Stadium Board to demand that Mitsubishi International ship about 10,000 tons of steel through the port. The board is overseeing construction of Miller Park, a new stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. Mitsubishi International has been contracted to supply and install a retractable roof for the stadium. According to the city, Mitsubishi International is planning to buy steel in a foreign country, ship it to the western or Gulf coast of the United States and then bring it to Milwaukee by rail. The long lengths of steel required are reportedly no longer produced in the United States. Businesses involved in constructing the stadium are given incentives for using local subcontractors, so it is hoped that Mitsubishi International will find using the port economical. Roof construction will begin in the summer and HCH Joint Venture, which is the main contractor for the stadium, will meet with Mitsubishi International in Chicago next week to discuss the steel situation.

The last pile for the stadium’s foundation was driven 26 Sept.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Port of Thunder Bay figures for August

09/27

The amount of cargo hanlded by the Port of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, was 1.314 million metric tons, down from 1.554 million metric tons in July. However, in August 1996, 919,123 metric tons were handled. For 1997, the port has handled 7.024 million metric tons, compared to 5.185 million metric tons in 1996. Most of the increase is due to grain shipments.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

I.M.O. adopts new air pollution regulations

09/27

The International Maritime Organization adopted new regulations to reduce air pollution by ships on 25 Sept. The new rules set limits on nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide from vessel exhausts and prohibit deliberate release of substances that deplete ozone. The regulations, which have been worked on four six years, will become Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973 as amended in 1978.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton to try ECPINS

09/26

Oglebay Norton Co. has bought an ECPINS system from Offshore Systems International Ltd. for operational evaluation, with an eye towards ordering systems for the balance of its ships. ECPINS continuously displays, in real-time, a vessel’s actual position relative to land, charted objects, aids to navigation and other items.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Algoma Central in acquisition

09/26

Algoma Central Corp said on Thursday that it agreed in principle to acquire a 50 percent stake in Upper Lakes Group Inc’s Marbulk Canada Inc unit through the C$33 million purchase of treasury shares.

Algoma Central said the transaction was subject to due diligence and approval by the respective boards and was scheduled to close by October 31.

Marbulk Canada and its Marbulk Shipping Inc subsidiary, which is based in Salem, Mass., own and operate four ocean vessels that trade on the eastern seaboard and South America. Marbulk Shipping will soon take delivery of a fifth vessel with a carrying capacity of 70,000 tonnes

Reported by: James Neumiller

Parade of Algoma boats

09/25

The parade of Algoma boats continues at the Harvest States grain elevator in Superior. Several Algoma boats have loaded there in recent weeks. Algowest presently in the loading berth and Algoville is anchored on Lake Superior waiting its turn. Also in port for grain is Algoriver, which is loading at the Peavey elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

City of Midland 41 to be converted to a barge

09/24

The City of Midland 41 is being readied to be towed to either Muskegon or most likely Holland, where she will be converted to a barge. According to James Anderson, executive vice-president at Lake Michigan Carferry, she will be leaving as early as next Tuesday. Crews have been hard at work removing interior items of all types.

09/22

Thorswave-CYP, which departed Montreal for Sea Sept 12 on her first voyage for Christensen Cdn African Line, is psg w at Quebec City , returning to Montreal.

Cruising Ships currently in the St Lawrence include Silver Cloud-BAH, Royal Princess-BR, Regal Empress-BAH, Seabourn Pride-NOR and Astor-BAH. Above Montreal the Grande Caribe -USA 1997, is at Oswego since 0912 and the Canadian Empress-CDN was at Cornwallis Isl. today for Kingston Ont. The c.Columbus was on passage west at SE Shoal at noon bound for Windsor Ont.

The new /replacement gambling casino Majestic Star-USA departed Montreal anchorage at 2pm to transit the Seaway en route to Gary IND.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Flu outbreak on cruise from Montreal

09/22

The Westerdam (Dutch-registry 5,340-dwt passenger ship built in 1986, operated by Holland America Line Westours Inc.) was sanitized at a dock in New York on 20 Sept. after a flu outbreak during a cruise from Montreal. At least 96 passengers and crew had symptoms of Influenza A during the voyage, which began 11 Sept. Epidemiologists from the Canadian national health service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention boarded the vessel in Nova Scotia, Canada, in an attempt to treat the disease. All 2,100 people aboard (roughly 1,400 passengers and 600 crew) were given vaccinations and Romantadine, meant to keep the virus from spreading. However, 53 passengers and 43 crewmembers reported aches, pains, fevers and coughs. Influenza A is spread by personal contact, so new passengers do not face an undue risk. It is believed the virus was brought aboard by a group of Australian citizens on the ship’s previous voyage from New York to Montreal. On that cruise, some 40 passengers and 40 crewmembers reported flu symptoms and six were hospitalized in Montreal. Passengers on the cruise to New York have been offered a refund.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

300 Million tons of taconite reserves

09/20

A newly approved plan opens up 300 million tons of taconite reserves in northern Minnesota to Hibbing Taconite and USX’s Minntac.

The agreement approved by the State Executive Council divides up an ore reserve near the center of the Mesabi Range. It allows Hibbing Taconite to move east as it mines taconite from the Buhl-Kinney area. Minntac gains easier access to taconite adjacent to its existing West Pit near Mountain Iron.

The deal enabled the two companies — the two largest producers of taconite pellets in Minnesota — to swap land so they could mine ore closer to their processing plants.

Minntac gains an estimated 16-year supply of taconite based on current production rates. Minntac already has begun stripping operations on the land in preparation for mining it.

Hibbing Taconite isn’t expected to begin mining its newly acquired land for about four years.

Minntac ships its taconite pellets through Two Harbors. Hibbing Taconite’s pellets go to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Duluth-Superior trade up

09/20

Cargo handled by the Ports of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., increased 5.4 percent for the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year. Some 16.1 million metric tons were handled, compared to the five-year average of 17.1 million metric tons. Both domestic and foreign cargoes increased 10 percent.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

09/20

Several unusual callers are expected on Lake Superior Sept. 20. After a prolonged absence, J.A.W. Iglehart is scheduled to make its second call in about a week to Duluth-Superior. John B. Aird is due into Silver Bay and Buckeye is expected to load at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth.

Fred R. White Jr. made a rare appearance in Duluth on Sept. 19 when it pulled in the DMIR ore dock (‘west of 6 Missabe’, in local parlance) to load.

The recent parade of Canadian ships through the Midwest Energy Terminal continues. There have been several in the past few weeks. The latest was Algolake, which pulled in to load Sept. 18.

Reported by: Al Miller

Raymond Luzar dies at 66

09/20

Raymond W. Luzar, who some considered the “dean” of shipping agents at the Port of Cleveland, died 8 Sept. of cancer. He was 66. A native of Cleveland, Luzar was a state roller-skating champion and a boxer in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending a local business college. He joined Pulp & Paper Co. before becoming an agent at what is now Norton Lilly International Inc. in 1956. Luzar founded the Ohio Foreign Commerce Association in 1971 and helped start the Cleveland World Trade Week. He advised on trade education for Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College and John Carroll University. He was also a member of the board of the northeastern Ohio chapter of Christians and Jews. Luzar is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cory, and three sons, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New gambling vessel enters system

09/19

The newly built gambling vessel MAJESTIC STAR-USA traversed the Cabot Strait Sept 17 on a delivery voyage to Gary Indiana.

Reported by: John Whitehead

U.S. Coast Guard seeking private lighthouse operators

09/19

Fednav International Ltd. signed a contract with Sumitomo Corp. in Tokyo on 18 Sept. for four bulk carriers. They will be built by Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at Oshima, Japan, for delivery in 1999 and 2000. In addition to acting as Fednav International’s contractor, Sumitomo will be a partner with Fednav International in owning the vessels. Each ship will have six cargo holds and three 30-ton cranes. The bulk carriers are designed for navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Seaway

09/18

Two of the three lakers laid up in Montreal are to get under way. The Algoriver is scheduled to depart September 18th and Algogulf on Sept 20th. The Comeaudoc appears unmoved by it all and remains berthed in the vicinity of the passenger ship c.Columbus-BAH, which arrived Montreal Sept 17th at 8am and was re-fueled by the oiler Horizon Montreal in preparation for her departure last night for the Great Lakes.

The container ship Maersk Montreal-CYP, 21,584 GRTons will arrive Montreal section 67 tonight to open a new combined service to Northern Europe.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Update on the Mauthe Conversion

09/17

At Bay-Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, WI, work is progressing on conversion of the JL MAUTHE to a self-unloading barge. Her pilot house has been removed and cabin interiors gutted. Simultaneous work is underway on removing machinery and steel from the stern, cargo hold modification, and boom fabrication. Completion is scheduled for December 19, 1997, and she will be renamed PATHFINDER. A new 8000 HP tug to push the PATHFINDER has been designed by Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering of Boston, MA. The 124′ x 44′ tug will have 14 individual staterooms and be powered by twin Z-drives, making her the largest and most powerful Z-drive tug ever built in North America. She will be suitable for ocean service. Eight shipyards – four on the lakes, four in the Gulf area – have bid on construction.

Reported by: Rod Burdick

More on the C. Columbus

09/17

For the first time since 1975, a foreign flag will fly over a passenger liner passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 472 foot German-owned passenger liner, the C.Columbus will pass through the Eisenhower and Snell locks at Massena on Thursday, September 19th. It is on a maiden voyage on a nine day cruise from Montreal to Chicago with stops along the Seaway and through the Great Lakes. It is the first modern passenger vessel to be built to Seaway size specifications and will have about 420 passengers and 169 crew on this trip. It was built this year at the Mathisa-Werft Wismer shipyard in Wisma,Germany for the Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Ship Management Co. It has been fitted with state-of-the-art navigational technology and has numerous passenger amenities such as a swimming pool, spacious passenger accommodations, a lounge for receptions, shows and other entertainment. The C.Columbus is scheduled to make two 0ther Great Lakes cruises while on the Seaway system this year

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

August Float Is Post-Recession Record

09/17

U.S.-Flag vessel operators carried 14,569,883 net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in August, the most cargo to move on the nation’s “Fourth Seacoast” in any single month since the recession of the early- and mid-1980s. A total of 66 U.S.-Flag ships and tug/barge units were required to move that tonnage.

For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 70,855,525 tons, an increase of 8.7 percent compared to last year’s end-of-August total. The 1996 “float” for U.S.-Flag lakers, 117 million tons, is the current top season for the industry since the recession, but that record could well be toppled if the current pace continues.

George J. Ryan, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, congratulated the entire Great Lakes maritime community on this accomplishment. “Although ships are the most visible component of our industry, achieving peak efficiency requires the contributions of many others besides the American mariners onboard U.S.-Flag lakers. The dockworkers who load the vessels, the shipyard workers who perform repairs quickly when needed, the U.S. Coast Guard who maintains the Aids to Navigation, the Corps of Engineers who operate the Soo Locks and dredge the channels… all played a major role in this new benchmark for Great Lakes shipping.”

Ryan further noted that this new tonnage record is good news for the entire Great Lakes industrial basin. “Waterborne commerce is not a speculative business. The U.S.-Flag Lakes fleet moved those cargos because our steel mills, power plants and other industrial complexes continue to operate at very high levels of productivity and employment. That’s good news for America.”

Shipments of iron ore for the steel industry in U.S. bottoms totaled 6,866,511 net tons in August, an increase of 4 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Since the resumption of the iron ore trade out of Escanaba, Michigan, on March 8, shipments in U.S.-Flag lakers stand at 35.1 million tons, an increase of 6.3 percent compared to last year’s end-of-August total.

Coal loadings in U.S.-Flag vessels topped 2.8 million tons in August, an increase of 7.4 percent. For the season, the U.S.-Flag coal float totals 13.4 million tons, an increase of 18.3 percent.

Stone, the third pillar in domestic waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes, approached 4 million tons in August, and for the season, stands at 17.3 million tons, an increase of 9.3 percent.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

U.S. Coast Guard seeking private lighthouse operators

09/17

During the summer of 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard sought public comments on plans to disestablish (stop operating) eight lighthouses on the U.S. Great Lakes. Following a review, the Coast Guard has announced that the Fort Gratiot Light has been taken off the closure list, while action regarding the seven others has been indefinitely delayed. Instead, the Coast Guard has decided to seek local organizations to aid in finding private operators for the lights. Operators have been found for the St. Helena Light on the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan and the Thirty Mile Light on Lake Ontario in New York. The five remaining are Forty Mile Light, Point Aux Barques, Point Sanilac, and Sturgeon Point in Michigan on Lake Huron and Dunkirk in New York on Lake Erie. Capt. Tim Sullivan and Lt. Cmdr. Bob Desh of the Coast Guard’s Ninth District Aids to Navigation will be at the Second Annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Vessel in Alpena, Mich., on 11 Oct. to discuss the issue. Desh will also make a presentation on the lighthouses at 1900 11 Oct. For information, contact Desh at 216-902-6065 or Lt. J.G. Henige at 216-902-6066.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain rush in full swing

09/16

09/14

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

HMCS Shawinigan tied up in Thunder Bay

09/14

One of Canada’s newest warships, the HMCS Shawinigan has been in the Port of Thunder Bay since Thursday, September 11. While in port, it will provide training exercises for local sea cadets. On Saturday, September 13, the ship will be open for public tours and will also host a private reception. The Shawinigan is tentatively scheduled to ship out on Monday, September 15.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Toledo

09/12

The Great Lakes Maririme Academy will have a representative in Toledo on Saturday September 13. If you have an interest in attending the Academy or are just curious about their program please stop by the S.S. Willis B Boyer “Maritime Market” from 10am to 5pm.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

S.T. Crapo tow making progress

09/11

The S.T.CRAPO tow was due at lake St.Clair crib light at 7:10 yesterday morning. The tow was running about one hour slower than regular traffic. According to Sarnia Traffic it was taking 3 1/2 hrs from Grassy Island to the crib light.

Later in the day it was a somber moment in Marysville, as about a dozen boat watchers watched the tow of the CRAPO go by. The group preceded to follow it under the Blue Water Bridge. Sort of a mini funeral prosection.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Sloan working Lake Erie ports

09/11

George A. Sloan is on the Lake Erie run for the next few days. It’s scheduled to call in Buffalo Sept. 11 before proceeding to Port Colborne and then to Cleveland.

Reported by: Al Miller

August Coal Shipments From Lake Erie

09/11

The Lake Erie ports of Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut shipped 2,767,135 net tons of coal in August, the highest monthly total since the 1991 navigation season. Compared to a year ago, August loadings were up 22.4 percent.

For the season, coal loadings at Ohio’s Lake Erie ports stand at 12,031,507 net tons, an increase of 27.1 percent compared to last year.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Seaway Bulk Carriers Gearing Up For Grain Rush

09/10

With the re-activation of ACM’s ALGOISLE on September 8, and ULS’s CANADIAN MARINER this past weekend, Seaway Bulk Carriers is gearing up for the autumn grain rush.

Seaway Bulk Carriers operate 24 straight deck bulk carriers. On Tuesday, September 9, nineteen were in service, leaving the following 5 in inactive:

MONTREALAIS Port Weller Dry Docks
SEAWAY QUEEN Toronto
ALGOGULF Montreal
ALGORIVER Montreal
ALGOSOUND Thunder Bay

ALGOGULF, ALGORIVER, and SEAWAY QUEEN have yet to operate this year, while both ALGOSOUND and MONTREALAIS were used briefly during the summer.

Incidently, the reports on the Canadian side indicate that the 1997 grain harvests in Canada are far better than last year’s. The bean crops should begin being harvested in October, or late September at the earliest, and they too appear to be headed for a banner year.

Last year, all 24 vessels operated by S.B.C. saw at least some work, so it is hopeful that the remaining 5 inactive ships will operate in 1997.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

U.S. Stone Ports Up 2.6% In August

09/10

U.S. Stone Ports Up 2.6% In August The eight U.S. stone shipping ports on the Great Lakes loaded 4,359,141 net tons in August, an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, stone shipments from U.S. ports stand at 19.6 million tons, an increase of 9.8 percent.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

M.V. ALGOISLE Departs Layup

09/10

After being inactive since December 25, 1996, the M.V. ALGOISLE has finally departed her winter layup berth at Pier 10 in Hamilton.

The bunkering vessel HAMILTON ENERGY fueled the vessel on Monday, September 8, and ALGOISLE departed shortly after.

She was upbound the Welland Canal early on Tuesday Sept. 9 in ballast. Her E.T.A. for Thunder Bay, Ontario is 0800 on September 12, to load for a St. Lawrence port.

ALGOISLE is the ex- SILVER ISLE that was built in 1963 at Verlome Cork Shipyards Ltd. in Cork, Ireland. She was owned by Mohawk Navigation from 1963 to 1980, and Pioneer Shipping from 1980 to 1991. She was added to the vessel pool of Great Lakes Bulk Carriers, and operated for that company until the end of the 1993 shipping season. Algoma Central Marine purchased and renamed the vessel in 1994.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

News from around the lakes

09/09

The Wolf River, built in 1956 as Tecumseh and which later sailed as the New York News and Stella Desgagnes, was towed deadship up through the Soo August 31 by the tug Peninsula. After a brief stop for fuel at Government Dock in Soo, Canada, the two locked upbound around midnight, destination Thunder Bay. The pair are owned by Gravel and Lake Services of Thunder Bay. The Wolf River has a fairly fresh coat of black hull paint, her cabin and stack are plain white. Reports indicate the pair may be used in some cross-lake cargo service.

A visit to the LaFarge dock in Saginaw Sept. 4 found the E.M. Ford with a fresh coat of paint on the majority of her starboard side. Evidence of other cosmetic work could also be seen, leanding some credit to rumors she may come out to celebrate her centennial.

A report from the Sturgeon Bay area indicates the J.L. Mauthe’s barge conversion may not be ready for service until spring. Predictions earlier this year indicated the job woud be done by fall.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

S.T. Crapo ready for tow

09/09

The S. T. Crapo tow is ready to depart Cleveland. Her tow to Green Bay was to take place either yesterday afternoon or this morning. Reports yesterday had her moving down river to unload her storage cargo and then returning to her collision bend berth. A large air-compressor was on her deck. There were also some workers checking the operation of her mast and running lights.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde and Bob Martel

ULS Canadian Mariner underway

09/09

Upper Lakes Group Canadian Mariner was upbound in the Welland enroute to Thunder Bay, on Sat. 6 Sept. This marks the first trip since going aground in June in the American Narrows. (1000 Island section.) (That trip marked the 1st since coming out of Port Weller and her 5 year inspection.)

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Rare salty call in Duluth

09/09

Regina Oldendorff arrived in Duluth on Sept. 7 and proceeded to the port terminal, where Sept. 8 it was unloading steel coils. The Oldendorff is one of the few salties to call at the terminal this year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway East News

09/09

First information on the new Joint Nedlloyd-PO-Sealand-Maersk weekly Container Service to Montreal can be found on the Maersk website at http//www.maersk.com. Vessels for this weekly year round service include Maersk Montreal, Maersk Toronto and a third TBA. The first vessel departs Rotterdam on Sept 10 and is scheduled to arrive Montreal Sept 18.

The Elan Vital-CYP ’93-16,075 grt is in Montreal at Section 50 preparing for service with Christensen Canadian African Line. Although already renamed THORSRIVER, this name will not be used by reporting agencies until she makes her first movement, currently scheduled for Sept 12. Under a former name of KOVROV-RUS she was arrested after arrival in Tahiti May09/96 and sold under auction within 2 weeks. She is listed in LLoyds index as a roll on/roll off vessel and is equipped with a stern quarter lifting ramp and side doors.

After a quiet summer with little news on her activites in the Lakes the hospital ship CARIBBEAN MERCY-PAN will transit the Eastern Seaway tomorrow on her way to Sea

Reported by: John Whitehead

Vessel assignments for new service

09/09

Maersk Line, P&O; Nedlloyd Container Line Ltd. and Sea-Land Service Inc., which will begin a container service between northern Europe and Canada this month, have announced vessel assignments. The weekly container service will use three ice-class containerships with 1,000-TEU capacity. Two will be operated by Maersk Line and one will be operated by Sea-Land Service with P&O; Nedlloyd Container Line purchasing slots. Calls will be made at Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Bremerhaven, Germany; Felixstowe, England; and Montreal.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

U.S. Coast Guard orders four more tenders

09/08

The U.S. Coast Guard announced 5 Sept. that Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis., has received a U.S.$50 million contract to build four more Ida Lewis-class Coastal Buoy Tenders. Under the contract for the lead ship awarded 22 June, 1993, 13 options were included. The order announced 5 Sept. are the last four of these options, for a class of 14 ships. Construction of the last four will begin this year for delivery between 2000 and 2002.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Rare Appearance in Duluth

09/08

J.A.W. Iglehart made a rare appearance in Duluth on Sept. 6 when it was seen unloading at the Lafarge Cement Terminal. Once a regular on the Duluth-Superior run, the ship has been rarely seen up here for the past two seasons. The Alpena has been handling most of the duty along with a few visits from the tug/barge Integrity and Jacklyn M.

Reported by: Al Miller

Oglebay Norton Increases Quarterly Dividend

09/08

Directors of Oglebay Norton Company at a meeting held August 27, 1997, approved a $0.05 (14.3%) per share dividend increase by declaring a cash dividend of $.40 per share of common stock to be paid September 26, 1997 to stockholders of record on September 9, 1997.

Separately, the directors of Oglebay Norton Company authorized a 2-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock, which will be effected through a 100% stock dividend at the rate of one share of common stock for each current share of common stock held. The stock dividend will be made on October 30, 1997 to stockholders of record on October 10, 1997.

According to R. Thomas Green, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oglebay Norton Company, “The strong operating results posted by the Company to date, along with the increase in the price of the Company’s common stock warrants the increase in the cash dividend. That increase, along with the 2-for-1 stock split declared today, is a result of the Company’s continued drive to increase returns and liquidity for its investors.”

Reported by: James Neumiller

Medusa Acquires White Stone Company

09/08

Medusa Corporation announced Aug. 28 that it had acquired White Stone Company of Southwest Virginia (“White Stone”), a privately owned industrial limestone and aggregates producer based in Castlewood, Virginia. White Stone also operates a limestone pelletizing plant in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Terms of the cash transaction were not disclosed.

White Stone is a leading producer of home and garden products and other industrial limestone products in certain Mid-Atlantic markets and the Southeast. White Stone is also a leading producer of construction aggregates in Southwest Virginia. White Stone home & garden products include the White’s Pelletized Limestone, White’s Pulverized Limestone, White’s Pelletized Gypsum, White’s Micro-pellet Limestone and White’s Micro-pellet Gypsum brands.

The combination of White Stone with Medusa operations in Thomasville, Pennsylvania, and Sparta, New Jersey will give Medusa significant added presence in lawn & garden and industrial limestone products in the Eastern half of the country. The White Stone acquisition represents another step in Medusa’s strategy to grow in these market segments. As previously announced, Lime Crest Corporation, based in Sparta, New Jersey was acquired in January 1997. Medusa anticipates that its expanded geographic presence will provide customers of both Medusa and White Stone with a broader range of products at a higher level of service.

Medusa Corporation produces and sells portland and masonry cements; mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, lawn & garden and industrial limestone products; and provides construction services for highway safety. Medusa operations are principally in the eastern half of the United States with strong market positions in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Carey reappointed to commission

09/08

William C. Carey, a former aide to the late Henry Maier, a longtime mayor of Milwaukee, has been reappointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson as the state’s representative to the Great Lakes Compact Commission. The appointment is for four years. Carey was initially appointed in 1992. The commission promotes development, use and conservation of the water of the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New seaway toll postponed

09/06

Canada has decided to delay a planned toll increase for ships using the St. Lawrence Seaway. Instead, it will work to complete negotiations with an industry group seeking to control the Canadian operations of the seaway. A toll increase of 2.5 percent was to have been put in place 1 Aug. Rates have been frozen since 1994.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Passenger liner Season Opens and Canadian Navy visits

09/06

The 1997 Montreal Passenger ship Season opened with a visit from the 56,000 ton dutch vessel Westerdam . Other vessels scheduled to make one or more visits this year are: Crystal Symphony, Royal Princess, Silver Cloud, Seabourn Pride, Astor, Dreamward, Astra 11, and the new vessel Columbus which is currently scheduled to arrive and depart Montreal 0900 & 2400 on September 17th, and 0800 & 2200 October 21th. In between these dates she will be making several Great Lakes cruises.

Canadian Navy Visits
The new ship HMCS Shawinigan entered the St Lawrence Seaway yesterday evening for points west.She is the seventh Canadian naval vessel to enter the Seaway and Great Lakes this year.

Reported by: John Whitehead

New contract for Canada Steamship Lines

09/06

Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced Thursday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Iron Dynamics, Inc. (IDI) has finalized and executed several major contracts related to its project to build a scrap substitute production facility at Butler, Indiana. For IDI’s first reduced iron module at Butler, Indiana, IDI has finalized long term contracts with Quebec Cartier Mining Company to supply iron ore concentrate from the Mt Wright and Port Cartier operations in Quebec; U.S. Steel Mining Company, LLC to supply coal from the Pinnacle Coal Mine in West Virginia; Canada Steamship Lines Inc. of Montreal to provide self-unloader vessel transportation of iron ore concentrates from Port Cartier, Quebec to Lake Erie ports; and Norfolk Southern Railway Company to provide rail transportation of iron ore concentrate and coal to IDI’s facility at Butler, Indiana.

Reported by: James Neumiller

New grain terminal at Hamilton

09/06

James Richardson International will build an 18,000-ton capacity grain terminal at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The terminal will handle maize, soybeans and wheat grown in Ontario.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain rush in theTwin Ports

09/05

t’s becoming difficult to tell the players without a scorecard as the fall grain rush begins in the Twin Ports. Canadian Provider and Algonorth departed with grain Sept. 3. Meanwhile, Kinsman Independent arrived to load at Harvest States 1, LT Argosy is loading at Peavey Connors Point and Wartanes is loading at Cargill. Anchored on Lake Superior waiting for a grain berth are Algoville (waiting for Harvest States), Yuriy Dolgurukiy (waiting for Harvest States) and Canadian Miner.

Reported by: Al Miller

Expansion of Wisconsin spoils dump denied

09/05

New uses are being sought for Wisconsin’s Renard Isle dump, a 22-hectare/55-acre site containing spoils from dredging, after an adminstrative law judge denied an application for a water quality permit as part of an expansion plan. Suggestions have included a golf course or a public park. The dump, off Bay Beach Park in Green Bay, Wis., contains toxic spoils from the nearby Fox River and lower Green Bay channels. The Brown County (Wis.) Harbor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had proposed expanding the site to 70.4 hectares/176 acres at a cost of U.S.$20 million. The water quality permit was part of the clearances necessary for the project. Due to the lack of places to dump spoils, dredging in Brown County has decreased from 357,000 cubic meters/470,000 cubic yards annually to less than 114,000 cubic meters/150,000 cubic yards.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

U.S. Coast Guard tender transferred to Estonia

09/05

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Balsam-class Seagoing Buoy Tender Bittersweet (WLB 389), which was decommissioned 18 Aug., will be transferred to Estonia during a ceremony 1300 5 Sept. at Woods Hole, Mass. Renamed the Valvas, the ship will sail Estonian territorial waters undertaking border patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue and icebreaking. The Estonian crew has been undergoing training and familiarlization since the ship was decommissioned. The tender was laid down 16 Sept., 1943, and launched 11 Nov., 1943, at Duluth Iron & Shipbuilding Co. in Duluth, Minn. It was commissioned 11 May, 1944.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Crapo to Greenbay

09/04

Weather permiting, the Great Lakes Towing tug Ohio is scheduled to tow the S.T. Crapo out of Cleveland Thursday and take it to Green Bay. The Crapo has been layed up in Cleveland ever since the ILM officers walked off the LaFarge boats in early September1996. The Crapo will be used for cement storage in Green Bay.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

News from the Seaway

09/04

Coastal Shipping:

The Algoport and Nanticoke arrived in Montreal today and are discharging. They are both classified by the Port of Montreal as “coastal” (appropriately) versus the usual “inland” category given to Lakers

The Isle of Man registered ex German Tanker Weserstern, 5480grt,is discharging at Ultramar in Montreal East after arriving from overseas. Similar in style to Canadian coasters Jade, Emerald and Diamond Star but smaller, this vessel is to become Canadian registered, with a “star” name and be active in the coastal trade soon, along with a larger sister Isarstern.

Ocean Shipping:

The Elan Vital-CYP, 16075 grt, arrived in Montreal yesterday and was renamed Thorsriver-GRK. This appears to be a replacement vessel for Christensens’ Canadian African service. She may make a Seaway voyage before departing for sea on Sept 12.

The Markborg-NED, 1996, is expected to depart Montreal Sept 04 and enter the Seaway for the first time.The Misty-WIN, and Admiral Ushakov-RUS, are also expected to make a Seaway trip. in the next few days The Wana Maree-THAI, is due at Montreal anchorage for Seaway clearance on Sep 05. The Captain Christos-PAN, is departing for the Seaway from Sorel momentarily.

In response to an e-mail sent to the submarine HMCS Okanagan, on behalf of the Montreal Boat Paparazzi re her itinery for the trip from Toronto to Montreal, they have replied she will be between Iroquois lock and Montreal from 0600 to 2200 Sep 04.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Algoma Awards C$5.5 Million For Refit of M/V ALGORAIL

09/04

Algoma Central Marine, St. Catharines, Ontario, has awarded a C$5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of the self-unloader M/V ALGORAIL. Improvements to the ALGORAIL are part of Algoma’s C$85 million modernization program for its 23-vessel fleet. In addition to the Port Weller refit, other improvements to the ALGORAIL during the winter works program will bring the total investment this year in the ship to C$7.2 million.

Tim Dool, vice president, marine group, said that the investment in the ALGORAIL demonstrates the company’s confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping. He said that this investment will ensure the ALGORAIL will serve Algoma’s customers well for the next 20 years. This is the second modernization of this type for the Algoma fleet. Last year, the mv. ALGOWAY underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

The ALGORAIL will arrive at Port Weller December 3. A new patent-pending gate, designed by Algoma in cooperation with EMS-Tech, Inc., Belleville. On will be installed, making ALGORAIL the first ship in the Algoma fleet with this unique innovation. The self-unloading boom cable-hoisting system will be replaced with a new hydraulic hoisting system, offering increased reliability and ease of maintenance. major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, the hydraulic and electrical systems in the tunnels renewed, and a Garland roller system installed.

ALGORAIL will also be fitted with wash water holding tanks, which offer both environmental and economical advantages. The ship will be delivered April 3, 1998 to coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Big Ten in Ludington

09/04

It was a “Big Ten” day in Ludington this Labor Day. In port at the same time were the Badger, Spartan and Wolverine.

Reported by: Jim Bearman

Western Coal Trade Continues To Outpace Last Year

09/04

Coal shipments from Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, totaled 1,750,855 net tons in August, an increase of 3.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, coal loadings at SMET stand at 8.3 million tons, an increase of 10.5 percent

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Update on The E.M. Ford

09/03

It was reported last month that the E.M. Ford would sail this year, as we head into fall this does not look like it will happen. However, if demand warrents, she’ll run next year for at least a few months in honor of 100th birthday.

Reported by: D. Ocean

Oakglen and Mapleglen in the News

09/03

P + H ‘s Oakglen was anchored off Port Colborne Monday from 07:00- 17:00 hours waiting for the Port Colborne Fuel Dock. The Thelassa Desgagnas was unloading fuel at the Shell dock.

The Mapleglen which has been in drydock since the first week of August at Port Weller was slated to come out yesterday and pull up above Lock 1 and take on Ballast. She is slated to go to the Thunder Bay for Grain. It is believed that the Mapleglen will resume running from Thunderbay to St Lawrence Ports and The Oakglen will resume the shorter run from Thunder Bay to Owen Sound or Goderich.

Mapleglen ex Algocape and Carol Lake 1960
Oakglen ex T.R. McLagen 1954 (Last boat built at Midland, ON)

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Twin Ports Reports

09/03

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior saw a string of unusual callers over the past several days. Armco was loading at the terminal Sept. 2 with coal bound for the power plant at Taconite Harbor. Algolake loaded at the terminal Sept. 1 and Canadian Enterprise is due in Sept. 3.

Arthur M. Anderson unloaded coal at Ashland, Wis., over the weekend then made a rare trip to Silver Bay on Sept. 2 to load.

Reported by: Al Miller

Nanticoke returns to St. Lawrence

09/03

With the ballasting finished, of the Hibernia oil rig off Newfoundland (see story in News Archive dated 6/10/97), the Canada Steamship Lines NANTICOKE is returning to Montreal. She reported being in the St Lawrence Gulf on passage west for Montreal and expected to arrive at Escoumains Pilot 0903/0015

Reported by: John Whitehead

September 1 Vessel Report

09/03

On September 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 64 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. This total represents a decrease of two ships compared to a year ago. As of the survey date, a 1,000-foot-long vessel is in the shipyard for repairs {BURNS HARBOR in the yard for a stern tube seal} and a cement carrier {PAUL H. TOWNSEND} is in short-term lay-up.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships can be activated if demand warrants. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Dry-Bulk Trades top 17 Million Tons In July

09/03

A record month for stone shipments and a strong coal float pushed the major Great Lakes dry-bulk trades to nearly 17.3 million tons in July, the highest monthly total recorded yet this season and an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Stone shipments from U.S. and Canadian ports totaled 4,980,154 net tons in July, the highest monthly total for the stone trade since LCA began its survey last decade. Spurred by strong demand from the construction industry, through July, the stone trade stands at 17.5 million tons, an increase of 13.3 percent compared to 1996’s end-of-July tally.

Aug 1, 1997

News from the Twin Ports

08/30

Kaye E. Barker has been a rare caller in the Twin Ports this season. The ship loaded at DMIR ore dock in Duluth on Aug. 28

Grain traffic seems to be picking up in Duluth and Superior. On Aug. 29 Federal Rhine was loading at General Mills, Canadian Provider was at Cargill B1 and Algocape was at Peavey. Two more Canadians are due into Harvest States today.

Ashland, Wis., gets one of its occasional callers Aug. 31 when Arthur M. Anderson is due to arrive with coal.

Reported by: Al Miller

U.S.-Flag Float Tops 14 Million Tons In July

08/28

U.S.-Flag lakers moved more than 14 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargos in July, the highest monthly total recorded yet this season, and an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Iron ore cargos in U.S. bottoms increased 4.7 percent to 6.6 million tons. For the season, the U.S.-Flag ore “float” stands at 28,250,670 tons, an increase of 6.9 percent.

The July coal trade in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 4.3 percent. Strong demand from utilities has pushed the season-to-date total up 21.6 percent to 10.5 million tons.

The U.S.-Flag stone float in July was 3.9 million tons, one of the highest monthly totals on record, and an increase of 6 percent compared to last July. For the season, stone loadings in U.S. bottoms stand at 13,355,852 tons, an increase of 11.9 percent.

With the June 13 sailing of the CALCITE II (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.), all boom-type self-unloaders are in service. The only U.S.-Flag ships yet to sail this year are the small cement carriers E. M. FORD and S. T. CRAPO (both of which are currently holding storage cargos of cement) and the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

HMCS OKANAGAN

08/28

The Canadian submarine HMCS OKANAGAN is preparing to embark on a voyage into central Canada. The last time a Canadian submarine visited the interior of Canada was in 1990 when OKANAGAN made several stops in Ontario and Quebec.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Seaway Notice No. 11 Outflows from Lake Ontario

08/28

Mariners are advised that Seaway Notice No. 7 of 1997, dated May 21, 1997 dealing with Outflows from Lake Ontario is hereby cancelled. Flows in the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section have returned to normal values for this time of the year.

Reported by: The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Ship Spills Jet Fuel Into Snell Lock

08/27

About 150 people were forced to evacuate Barnhart Island Sunday morning 8/24 after the Maltese tanker Vekua suffered a 4 inch fracture on one of its starboard tanks while entering the Lock. About 300 gallons of jet fuel spilled into the lock. Although a cleanup was not considered necessary according to St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.spokeswoman Rhonda Worden because jet fuel evaporates very quickly in warm weather, several fire departments, police agencies, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Red Cross were prepared for the worst. The ship, 151 meters long with a fuel capacity of 17,000 metric tons is 75 feet wide and the lock is 80 feet wide. The timber fenders in the lock allow the ships to enter smoothly but there are currents and occasionally ships will shift some. The US Coast Guard is investigating why the fracture occurred and should issue a report within 30 days

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

News from the Twin Ports

08/27

Reported by: Al Miller

Algoma central Corp. Reports 2nd Quarter Net Income

08/15

The Wednesday, August 13, 1997 edition of the Toronto Star reported that Algoma Central Corp. of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario reported a June 30th second-quarter net income of $7.2 million, or $1.84 a share, up from $2.7 million, or 69 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenues were $54.8 million, a slight increase from $54.1 million.

Algoma Central Corporation is the parent company of Algoma Central Marine Group which owns and operates the largest fleet of vessels on the Great Lakes. As of August 14, all ACM self-unloaders are active, and all but four bulk-carriers are active. ALGOGULF, ALGOISLE, and ALGORIVER have yet to see service in 1997, and ALGOSOUND apparently has returned to layup, after brief use in June and July.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Sarnia Natutical flea market and crafts show

08/15

Seaway Notice No. 10 1997 closing

08/14

Welland Canal

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority will carry out a number of major structure restoration projects in the Welland Canal during the 1997-98 non-navigation season. Because of the volume of work, and in order not to delay the opening of the 1998 season, it is necessary that these projects start as early as possible.

Mariners are advised that the closing of the Welland Canal will be scheduled to take place near the end of December. The final date will depend largely on vessel demand and weather conditions.

Confirmation regarding the above will be provided in a timely manner.

Closing Procedures, Montreal-Lake Ontario Section

For the 1997 navigation season, the Seaway entities have agreed to apply the closing procedures outlined below. In these procedures the following definitions are used:

The closing period: the period beginning December 1 and continuing until the last vessel has completed its transit; the clearance date: 2400 hours, December 20. During the closing period, the following procedures will be in effect:

Reporting:

Commencing at 0001 hours, December 1 and for the duration of the closing period, each upbound vessel entering the Seaway at CIP 2 or departing upbound from a port, dock, wharf or anchorage in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must declare the furthermost destination of its voyage.

Commencing at 0001 hours, December 17 and for the duration of the closing period, each downbound vessel entering traffic control Sector 4 at mid-Lake Ontario must declare the furthermost St. Lawrence River destination of its voyage, along with all intermediate destinations.

Regarding a) and b), each vessel must advise the nearest traffic control centre of any changes in these destinations.

Upbound Vessels with Destinations above Port Colborne:

A vessel which enters the Seaway system upbound at CIP 2 after 2400 hours on December 9 and transits above Port Colborne shall be designated a ‘wintering vessel’.

A ‘wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be granted downbound transit privileges only if, in the opinion of the Authority and the Corporation, such transit can be accomplished safely and without interfering with the orderly and timely transit of any vessel not designated as a ‘wintering vessel’ or without otherwise disrupting the system.

A ‘Wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must give notification of such intent to the Authority or Corporation at least 48 hours prior to arriving at CIP 16 (Port Colborne). If a ‘wintering vessel’ is granted downbound transit privileges through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section, it will be subject to the following:

A ‘wintering vessel’ will yield, whenever required to do so by the Authority or the Corporation, its downbound order of turn at Port Colborne (CIP 16) and in the area from Cape Vincent to Prescott anchorage in favour of vessels which are not designated as ‘wintering vessel’.

The application of sub-paragraph (i) above shall not excuse a ‘wintering vessel’ from liability for the post-clearance-date operational surcharges as specified in the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls.

A ‘wintering vessel’ will be required to accept and acknowledge that a downbound transit is not assured, and that the Authority and the Corporation make no representation whatsoever as to their ability to successfully transit the vessel downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section.

Acceptance for Transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section

Upbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at Cap St. Michel up to 2400 hours, December 20.

Downbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at calling-in point Cape Vincent up to 2400 hours, December 20.

Vessels which have complied with these clearance date call-in procedures will be cleared through the system, operating conditions permitting. ‘Operating conditions’ means all conditions which affect or may affect the operation and maintenance of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway as determined by the Seaway entities.

Vessels which report at the designated call-in points at Cap St. Michel and Cape Vincent after 2400 hours, December 20, will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit. Such transit will be subject to the provisions of Paragraph 4 below.

Vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf in the Cap St. Michel-Cape Vincent section of the Seaway and which report for transit after the clearance date will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit.

Such transits will be subject to the surcharges as outlined in Paragraph 4 below, with the exception that, for vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf within the St. Lambert-Iroquois Lock segment, the application of the surcharges will commence after 2400 hours, December 21, i.e. $20,000 on December 22, $40,000 on December 23 and $60,000 on December 24.

For vessels included in the foregoing paragraph, the time and date that the vessel reports to be ready in all respects to transit will be taken as the criteria for the establishment of the amount of surcharge.

In no event will any vessel be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway after 2400 hours, December 24, unless it has reached a prior written agreement as to approval of such transit with both the Authority and the Corporation.

Post-Clearance-Date Transit
Vessels which report at a designated call-in point after 2400 hours on December 20, and which are permitted by the entities to transit may be subject to the operational surcharge specified as follows:

For vessels reporting on December 21 – $20,000
For vessels reporting on December 22 – $40,000
For vessels reporting on December 23 – $60,000
For vessels reporting on December 24 – $80,000

It will be announced no later than December 15 whether or not, based upon operating conditions, vessels will be subject to the aforementioned operational surcharges on December 21. Should the surcharge for this date not be applied, then at 24-hour intervals, similar reviews will be made for subsequent days, until such date as the applicable surcharge is to be applied. However, in no event will such a review be made after December 18.

In the event there is a postponement of the application of surcharges, the applicable daily amounts will be based on the vessel’s call-in time at Cap St. Michel or Cape Vincent. Appendix 1 to this Notice provides the details on this.

Assessed operational surcharges will be prorated on a per lock basis. Surcharges representing transit through U.S. locks will be for the account of the Corporation and payable in U.S. funds and surcharges representing transit through Canadian locks will be for the account of the Authority and payable in Canadian funds.

Regardless of conditions, no vessel will be accepted for either upbound or downbound post-clearance-date transit of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway until it has furnished the applicable operational surcharge. In cases where it appears as if it may be necessary to request post-clearance-date transit, vessels are urged to deposit security in the amount of $80,000 to cover the potential operational surcharge. Failure to have sufficient funds on deposit will cause delay which could result in additional surcharge cost, or denial of transit, to vessels unable to furnish the applicable operational surcharge immediately upon reaching the designated call-in point.

Transit Restrictions (Draft and Power to Length Ratio)

Unique ice conditions are encountered in the St. Lambert-Iroquois segment. To reduce the problem of lengthy delays caused by vessels operating in ice, the following restrictions will apply during the closing period.

After 0001 hours on December 7, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:

Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 20:1 (kW/metre);

Vessels with a forward draft of less than 40 dm. Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 20 dm.

After 0001 hours on December 12, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:

Upbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 24:1 (kW/metre) Vessels with a forward draft of less than 50 dm.

Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 25 dm.

In all cases, the draft is to be sufficient to have the propeller fully submerged. The draft limitations referred to in a) and b) do not apply to tugs. Subject to approval, vessel operators may utilize a tug of a minimum of 3000 HP to augment the power of a vessel not meeting the requirements as specified above. In calculating the vessel’s power to length ratio, 50% of the tug’s horsepower can be added to the vessel’s power. For determining the power to length ratio, the information contained in the Lloyd’s Register will be used. Vessel operators should note that compliance with the above restrictions does not assure transit and that the Seaway entities may increase or decrease the restrictions as ice or other conditions dictate. These changes will be announced as early as practical, but in no case later than 24 hours before they go into effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

News from the Twin Ports

08/13

The fuel boat Reiss Marine, which served the Twin Ports until going out of business last winter, reportedly has been sold Mexican and a Mexican crew is in town preparing the boat for the transit south. Two companies are now using trucks to provide fueling services to ships in Duluth.

Demolition work is proceeding on Duluth’s former Cargill C and D elevators, which stood empty for about 20 years. The company doing the demolition reportedly has hauled three large truckloads of bird dung out of the elevators and still has a long ways to go before cleanup work is finished.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Twin Ports

08/13

Reported by: Al Miller

Record Month For Lakes Stone Trade

08/12

Shipments of limestone and gypsum from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4,980,154 net tons in July, the highest monthly total since LCA began its survey of the trade. The previous record was 4,879,662 net tons, loaded in August of last year.

For the season, stone loadings stand at 17.5 million tons, an increase of 13.4 percent compared to last year’s end-of-July total.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

M/V Algoway helps save 5 people

08/11

At about 10:00 A.M. Sunday morning the U. S. Coast Guard, Saginaw River Station,received a distress call from the 43′ pleasure craft “Sole Pleasure” , near Gravelley Shoals, in the Saginaw Bay, that there was a fire aboard. The fire was extinguished without harm to the occupants, but the vessel was now dead in the water. The Coast Guard was aware that the M/V Algoway was inbound and requested the Captain to see if he could spot the “Sole Pleasure” and he was able to. The Captain of the Algoway went out of his way , took a line and towed the crippled vessel in to the Mouth of the Saginaw and the vessel was taken in for repairs. Big thanks to the Captain and crew of the M/V Algoway and the joint efforts of the U S. Coast Guard Saginaw River Station.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Carferry bolts down stateroom beds

08/11

“All the stateroom beds on the S.S. Badger have been secured in an open position so that passengers cannot raise or lower them.

‘We did this voluntarily,’ said Thom Hawley, director of public information for Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc. ‘We realize this may cause some inconvenience for our passengers, but we felt it was a measure we should take.’

Hawley said the fold-down beds in all 42 staterooms on the Badger have been fastened in the down position so that they cannot be raised or lowered by passengers.

The modification followed the death of a passenger last month who apparently suffocated when a pull-down bed raised up, trapping her.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

08/11

60 or so vintage Oldsmobiles will be crossing the lake from Manitowoc on August 20 on the S.S. Badger, to be a part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Oldmobile in Lansing. They are scheduled to arrive at Ludington at 5:30 PM on Aug 20, and will be available for public viewing for about an hour after they are off-loaded.

The caravan will be given some Lake Michigan water to take to Lansing as part of the Pacific Ocean-Lake Michigan connection. The water is to be used to sprinkle the cars coming from San Francisco which have been have already been sprinkled with Pacific Ocean water.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

New Montreal to South Africa service

08/11

Christensen Canadian African Lines will operate three ships every 21 days from Montreal to the Ports of Cape Town and Durban in South Africa. The Thorl (ro/ro), the Thorscape (Singaporean-registry 20,321-dwt ro/ro built in 1977, operated by Jaya Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd.) and the Thorsriver (ro/ro) will work on the service.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Canada Maritime Services changes

08/11

Canada Maritime Services Ltd. has placed the Canmar Valour (1,000-TEU capacity containership) in service on Route B of its container service from North America to the Mediterranean, which it operates with Orient Overseas Container Line. Canada Maritime Services bought the ship from O.O.C.L. to replace the Canmar Spirit (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services) and the Canmar Venture (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services). The ships had sailed Route 3 of Canada Maritime’s northern service, which includes the St. Lawrence Seaway. In October, the Canmar Valour will be drydocked for a new radar installation, a new electronic chart system and a new fuel treatment plant.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tug VENTURE sinks Again

08/08

The tug VENTURE which sank at the compensating gates in the St. Mary’s River on May 20 (see news archive) suffered a similar fate on Tuesday, August 5 as the tug lost power and was again pinned to the gate by the strong current. Attempts to free the tug will be made today. (August 7). Three crew members escaped serious injury although the Captain apparently suffered an injury to his jaw.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

Big Month for Lake Erie Coal

08/07

Coal shipments from the Lake Erie ports of Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut totaled 2,545,025 net tons, an increase of 44 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, Lake Erie coal loadings total 9,264,372 net tons, an increase of 28.6 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

71 members of the House of Representatives have signed to support Jones Act

08/08

When Congress recessed on August 1, 214 members of the House of Representatives had signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Lakes legislators was Sabo (MN). In total, 71 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution to date and this group represents virtually every lakefront district. More members of Congress are expected to sign the Resolution when the House returns in September.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Canadian Mariner departs Port Weller Drydocks

08/07

At 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 5th, the tugs Glenevis, Glenside and Argue Martin pulled the Canadian Mariner out of Port Weller’s deep drydock and proceeded downbound through lock 1 of the Welland Canal. The four vessels entered Lake Ontario at about noon and shortly thereafter Argue Martin, which had been assisting at Mariner’s stern, left the tow and returned to the canal.

Glenevis and Glenside took Canadian Mariner across the lake to Toronto where it seems the bulker will spend a short time in mid-summer layup.

Argue Martin returned to Port Weller Drydocks at 15:30.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Something smells fishy in Port Stanley

08/07

Port Stanley is very congested with commercial fishing vessels, boats from Port Colborne, Port Dover, Port Maitland, Kingsville and Wheatley are trolling for smelt and gill netting for perch and pickerel. There are 35 or more boats fishing out of Port Stanley, the harbor is recieving 300,000 pounds of fish per day.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Algolake makes unusual call

08/07

Algolake made an unusual call Aug. 6 at the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. Not far away, Algontario wass unloading cement at St. Lawrence Cement.

Reported by: Al Miller

American Merchant Mariners Tell Congress The Truth About Jones Act “Reform”

08/07

The crew of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA has written Congress a letter in support of the Jones Act.

July 24, 1997

Dear Representative:

We are the officers and crew members of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the largest U.S.-Flag vessel on the Great Lakes. We carry Jones Act cargo, primarily Montana coal from Superior, Wisconsin, to a power plant on the St. Clair River in Michigan. Every 5 1/2 to 6 days, we deliver the equivalent of 6 100-car unit train loads of coal. Last year alone, we carried over 3,000,000 tons of this coal. We did it safely, swiftly, and in a manner which did not degrade our environment. We work hard, under all sorts of conditions – from the ice in spring, into the summer, through the gales of November, and back into the ice of winter.

We have given up a lot for this job, counting among the hardships absence from our families for long periods of time. We make a good living, with good benefits for us and our families. We are able to educate our children and pay our mortgages. We are productive members of society. We are all tax-paying American citizens. And we are angry. The movement afoot to “reform” (read: “abolish”) the Jones Act would put us out of our jobs. The so-called Jones Act Reform Coalition twists facts, invents others, and generally insults us and our profession.

They claim their bill will create jobs for the American mariner, but this is not true – our jobs will go to foreigners because of a loophole in the law wider than Lake Superior. The provision allows foreign flag ships to move cargo between U.S. ports WITHOUT employing American sailors, WITHOUT paying taxes and WITHOUT compliance with U.S. safety and environmental laws. There is no way this ship and its owner, The Interlake Steamship Company, could ever compete under those circumstances. “Reform” of the Jones Act will simply be the end of the U.S. Flag fleet.

There is a resolution in the House in support of the Jones Act (H. Con. Res 65). As of today, 187 members of the House have signed this resolution. (note: As of the August 5 recess, 214 members have signed.) I urge you to join with your fellow legislators and voice your support for our nation’s Cabotage laws. If you have already signed, thank you for your support. We think we earn it every day by safely and efficiently delivering cargo on the Great Lakes, and will do so as long as there is shipping on the Lakes, provided the Jones Act remains the foundation of U.S. maritime policy.

Sincerely,

Officers and Crew Members of M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA

Captain Mitchell B. Hallin, Phoenix, AZ
Michael E. LaCombe, First Mate, Marine City, MI
Karl G. Hardesty, Second Mate, Plainwell, MI
Dennis S. Badaczewski II, Third Mate, Marquette, MI
Douglas R. Paulson, Wheelsman, Calumet, MI
Polly A. Sales, Wheelsman, Superior, WI
Bill M. Sales, Jr., Wheelsman, Superior, WI
William B. Bosley, Watchman, Beaver, WV
Bob A. Moss, Watchman, Duluth, MN
Jason K. Law, Watchman, Springville, NY
Dave A. Myklejord, AB Maintenance Man, Fosston, MN
Matthew J. Dunham, Deckhand, Marquette, MI
Brian K. Olson, Superior, WI
Kymberli King, Deck Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Robert Liimatta, Chief Engineer, Hawthorne, WI
Henry R. Taylor, Jr., 1st Asst. Engineer, Taylor, MI
Brian O. Berghefer, 2nd Asst. Engineer, Laurium, MI
Stephen J. Kowalski, Jr., 2nd Asst. Engineer, Staten Island, NY
Gary A. Heagerty, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Stockton, CA
Glen M. Lahti, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Brule, WI
Bill F. Jurey, QMED), Fort Meyers, FL
Randy Johnson, QMED, Barnes, WI
Carmen J. Tucker, QMED, Cleveland, OH
Brian D. Gallop, Conveyorman, Grand Rapids, MN
Joe R. Evans, Gateman, Vermillion, OH
Kenneth Barnett, Engine Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Donna Dresp, Chief Cook, Stuart, FL
Andy Jaworski, Second Cook, Beulah, MI
Sandy L. Vantassel, Porter, Walbridge, OH

Note: QMED = Qualified Member of the Engine Department

I salute the crew aboard the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, you can help their effort by writing your own Representative.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Ore tonnage from Superior up

08/06

Iron ore shipments from three Lake Superior ports were ahead of last year’s pace through June even though ore consumption is slowing, the American Iron Ore Association reported.

Ore tonnage from Superior was up 10 percent over last year; Duluth was up 9 percent; and Two Harbors 29 percent.

Shipments were down 17 percent in Silver Bay and 11 percent in Taconite Harbor.

The statistics for Two Harbors and Taconite Harbor likely were affected by the train wreck last winter that slowed shipments through Taconite Harbor and prompted some tonnage to be routed through Two Harbors.

In May, iron ore consumption was 8 percent below last year’s pace.

Reported by: Al Miller

Victor L. Schlager heading for refit

08/06

The tug Ohio towed the tug Victor L. Schlager dead ship down the St. Clair and Detroit River on Saturday, August 2. Another vessel inquired, and the Ohio said it was going for a complete refit, but didn’t give the destination. The Schlager, a fire tug (engine # 58) for the Chicago fire department, was built at Christy Corporation in 1950.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Dock worker hurt in Toldeo

08/06

Arthur Woodward, a Toledo World Terminal dock worker was severely injured Sunday, August 3. A bundle of Aluminum fell on him while he was in the hold of a ship. He was flown by Life Flight to Mercy Hospital in Toledo where his leg was amputated. Unloading of the vessel was delayed for several hours.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Ore Boat article in Lake Superior Magazine

08/06

There is a nice cover article in the July, 1997 issue of Lake Superior Magazine about life aboard the ore boats.It features the second mate on the COURTNEY BURTON and goes into a bit of detail about the various superstitions as well as the working conditions. It is nicely illustrated, too. It was written by Donn Larson and photographed by Paul L. Hayden. If you can’t find it in your store, visit the web site.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

News from the Seaway

08/05

The ice strengthened Dutch built S.L.I.L -BR reg., ex J.A.Z. Desgagnes made stops at Gaspe and Newfoundland before departing from Cdn shores. She has since passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is in the Mediterranean bound for the Suez Canal and will take the Red Sea route to Madagascar off the East Coast of Africa. She is reportsd to have Chinese owners and will trade to the Mediterranean from Madagascar.

The well known Cdn tanker A R Farquaharson is underway again after layup in Halifax NS, since Oct 1996. The ex Texaco Chief, and owned in 1996 by Imperial Oil is in Quebec City and due to depart for the Great Lakes. Her master is currently acting as the vessel’s agent

The CSL laker Jean Parisien while eastbound in the Seaway gave a destination of SEA.. causing speculation that she may be joining the 3 CSL Lakers engaged in the HIBERNIA rig ballasting. However she passed Latittude 66 West today at 0105, eastbound, ordered for Belledune, New Brunswick

The Jacques Desgagnes and Cecilia Desgagnes are west bound in the Strait of Belle Isle, returning from another successful Arctic voyage. The Arctic Viking will berth at Cote St Catherine tonight, to load for another sea-lift trip

The tanker Emerald Star will depart Quebec City this evening bound for Goose Bay on the Coast of Labrador.

The Maltese vessel SEDOY departed Montreal this evening on a first visit to the Great Lakes. The russian tanker Vlasimir Vysotski tentered the St Lambert Lock at 1052 on a first time visit, destination Sarnia. The Swiss tanker RHONE with a cargo of European wine in bulk will not proceed west of Montreal

Reported by: John Whitehead

Ferry, U.S. Coast Guard vessel damaged in explosion

08/05

A fireworks explosion on the city pier in Charlevoix, Mich., on 26 July killed one person and injured 17 others, with shrapnel spread within a 300-meter/1,000-foot radius of the explosion. A local ferry was holed above the waterline and half its windows were destroyed. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Balsam-class Seagoing Buoy Tender U.S.C.G.C. Acacia (WLB 406), homeported at the pier, suffered minor scrapes and dents to its hull and flying bridge.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Confirmed Mapleglen is at Port Weller for 5 year

08/05

P + H MAPLEGLEN x Algocape, x Carol Lake 1960 is at Port Weller Dry Dock for her 5 year inspection.

Reports are that she is expected to be there for about one month.

The Mapleglen runs mainly from The Lakehead (Thunder Bay) to down below (St Lawrence River Ports) The Oakglen x T.R. Mc Lagen her fleet mate does the same but often runs the shorter trip to Goderich from the Lake head.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Former Mackinaw Island Ferry working in Maine

08/05

While on vaction in Bar Harbor Maine I came across the 1923 built CHIPPEWA (X-MARY MARGRET). She used to be a Mackinwaw Island ferry. She was purchased by the Downeast Windjammer Cruises in 1994 and brought to Maine where they restored her. She is now used for sightseeing tours of the waters around Bar Harbor Maine.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Montrealais and Mapleglen arrive at Port Weller Drydocks

08/04

At 08:54 on August 2nd, the tugs Glenevis, Argue Martin and James E. McGrath assisted the P&H; bulker Mapleglen into the facility’s shallow dock. Once she was secured the HMCS Athabaskan was moved northward along Port Weller’s long fitout wall until her stern was adjacent to Mapleglen’s stern. This was done so that there would be room for Montrealais to secure forward of her.

Montrealais departed wharf 1, below lock 1 where she had been since 11:35 on July 31st, and arrived at the drydocks at 14:02. The three tugs then assisted her to the fitout wall.

Both Mapleglen and Montrealais are apparently in for 5-year inspections and minor general reparis.

See the Welland Canal section of Vessel Transits for a complete record of daily ship movements through the canal.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Rare trip to Silver Bay

08/04

John B. Aird paid a rare call Aug. 3 to Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

August U.S. Vessel Report

08/02

On August 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 65 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. These vessels represent nearly 97 percent of available carrying capacity.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Lakes Virtually Ringed With Jones Act Supporters

08/02

As of August 1, 212 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Carson (Indiana); Coyne (Pennsylvania); and McHale (Pennsylvania). In total, 70 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution and this group represents virtually every lakefront district.

Equally important, the Resolution now needs just 6 more co-signers to reach a majority of the House of Representatives.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Armco calls in St. Clair

08/01

Oglebay Norton’s, ARMCO, unloaded a cargo of coal in St. Clair yesterday, July 30. Her destination was not the Edison Power Plant but the small Azco Salt Dock in downtown St. Clair. This visit might have been her first to that dock?

Reported by: Rod Burdick

Twin Ports news

08/01

Kinsman Independent was finishing its load July 31 at Harvest States elevator in Superior, another location it’s visited rarely in the past year.

American Mariner was busy on Lake Superior July 30-31. The vessel arrived at the Reiss Inland dock in Duluth to unload July 30, then came back down river to load at Midwest Energy Terminal with a cargo of coal for Taconite Harbor.

St. Clair paid one of its occasional visits July 30 to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

News on the Hermine

08/01

The vessel La Grande Hermine was towed to Jordan Harbour,to the Marina at the Beacon Inn. The Macassa Bay is still the Macassa Bay, she was towed back from Hibernia where her and the Garden City had been used as ferries carrying workers back and forth between the GBS structure and the shore-side construction facilities. The Garden City should be returning under her own power.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

July 1997

Jul 1, 1997

Duluth Activity

07/31

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees must still approve the $2 million for preliminary design of a new heavy icebreaker. It is estimated that the new vessel may not be in commission until the year 2006, so the MACKINAW will be fully maintained until replaced.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Fred R. White Jr. enters Fraser shipyards

07/30

After unloading stone at the Northland Constructors dock in Duluth, Fred R. White Jr. proceeded to Fraser Shipyards in Superior, where July 29 it is docked and ballasted down by the bow. No word yet on the reason for the visit. This may be the White’s first call ever at Fraser.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Seaway

07/30

Small vessel activity in Seaway East – The Danish registered EMILIE K, built 1982, and of 1510 dwt is one of the smallest salties to visit the Lakes this year. She arrived in Montreal June 29th with destination Cleveland.

The psuedo sailing vessel GRANDE HERMINE was a tourist attraction in Montreal until withdrawn in 1996 and berthed on Lake St Francis. She departed June 26th for Grassy Island ONT under tow of the Cdn tug GLENSIDE and assisted by tug CAROLYN JO

The 1984 built accomodation vessel MACASSA BAY (210 tons) owned by McKeil Marine Departed the Seaway in 1994 for Cheticamp NS. She returned to the Seaway July 24 this year bound for Valleyfield under the tow of JERRY NEWBERRY. The towed vessel showed no visible names on entering the Seaway. The tug is returning to the Gulf of St Lawrence

The large tugs ATLANTIC CEDAR and ATLANTIC OAK departed the Montreal area for the CDN Arctic and passed Lat 66w passage east at 2017 and 2018 respectively July 27th. Large long boom crane fitted barges have been used in the Arctic sealift in previous years

HMCS ATHABASCAN has entered the Seaway for a Lakes port

HMCS CORMORANT which visited Lakes ports early this year has been paid off in Halifax NS

Reported by: John Whitehead

Jones Act Resolution Steaming Toward A Majority

07/30

As of July 29, 197 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Rivers (Michigan) and from New York – McCarthy, McNulty and Schumer.

Algoma awards $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks

07/29

(St. Catharines, Ont.) July 25, 1997 – Algoma Central Marine has awarded a $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of the self-unloader M.V. Algorail. Improvements to the Algorail are part of Algoma’s $85 million modernization program for its 23-vessel fleet. In addition to the Port Weller refit, other improvements to the Algorail during the winter works program will bring total investment this year in the ship to $7.2 million.

“This significant investment in the Algorail demonstrates our confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping,” said Tim Dool, Vice President, Marine Group. “We’re confident that this investment will ensure the Algorail will serve our customers well for the next 20 years,” added Dool. This is the second modernization of this type for the Algoma fleet. Last year, the M.V. Algoway underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

Both the Algorail and the Algoway are part of St. Catharines-based Seaway Self Unloaders’ fleet of 19 vessels. “These ships serve an important niche in Great Lakes shipping, and can reach docks that larger, full seaway-sized vessels cannot,” said Wayne Smith, Vice President and General Manager of Seaway Self Unloaders, a partnership of Algoma Central Corporation that commercially manages Algoma’s self-unloading vessels.

The Algorail will arrive at Port Weller December 3. Major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, and the ship’s self-unloading equipment will be modernized. The ship will be delivered April 3, 1998 to coincide with the beginning of the shipping season. The 640-foot M.V. Algorail , a self-unloading bulk carrier with a 20,828-tonne cargo capacity, was built in 1968 at Collingwood Shipyards. Established in 1899, and with offices in St. Catharines and Sault Sainte Marie, Ont., Algoma Central Marine owns and operates the largest Canadian fleet on the Great Lakes. On completion of the Algorail, the value of Algoma Central contracts to Port Weller Dry Docks since the fall of 1995 will total $40 million.

Rare call in Duluth

07/29

Fred R. White Jr. paid a rare call July 28 to the Northland Constructors dock in Duluth to unload stone.

Reported by: Al Miller

Imperial St. Lawrence stops for repairs

07/29

Imperial St Lawrence spent the weekend in Port Colborne for repairs. (Warf 16) unconfirmed reports say her pumps are down. This tanker is flying the ESSO flag. She is x Le Brave and x Texaco Brave. Unknown how long she will be in Port for repairs.

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

GATX Corporation Announces Second Quarter and First Half Earnings

EPS Increases 15 Percent Over 2nd Quarter 1996

General American Transportation and GATX Capital Show Continued Strength

CHICAGO, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — GATX Corporation {parent company of American Steamship} (NYSE:GMT) today announced that second quarter earnings were $30.2 million or $1.21 per common share, fully diluted. This compares to 1996 second quarter earnings of $25.7 million or $1.05 per share, fully diluted.

Earnings for the first six months of 1997 were $61.4 million or $2.47 per share, fully diluted. Earnings for the first six months of 1996 were $50.4 million or $2.06 per share, fully diluted.

Cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds was $159.3 million for the second quarter compared to $111.1 million a year ago. For the six months ended June 30, 1997, cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds reached $377.6 million compared to $238.0 a year ago.

American Steamship Benefits from Favorable Weather

American Steamship, GATX’s Great Lakes shipping operation, achieved net income of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 1997 compared to $1.3 million a year ago. The second quarter of 1997 includes a $1.3 million after-tax gain related to a transaction in which American Steamship partnered with GATX Capital in a third-party vessel financing and remarketing. Excluding this gain, American Steamship achieved net income of $2.0 million. Favorable weather conditions in the Great Lakes region resulted in a more normalized shipping season during the second quarter this year compared to the difficult conditions experienced in 1996. Demand for iron ore, coal, and limestone, American Steamship’s primary cargoes, remains strong as customers continue to replenish inventories.

Reported by: GATX home page

Integrity visits Duluth

07/28

Tug-barge Jacklyn M. and Integrity paid another call to the LaFarge Cement terminal in Duluth on July 26. J.A.W. Iglehart, which once carried the bulk of LaFarge’s Cement to the Twin Ports, has been seldom seen this year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Vessels arrive for Coast Guard festival

07/28

The cutter Biscayne Bay was scheduled to arrive at Grand Haven’s Escanaba Park, next to Coast Guard Station Grand Haven, at 7 a.m. Saturday.

07/26

07/24

A woman was found dead about 0130 22 July aboard the Badger (U.S.-registry 4,244-gt, 2,033-nt, 125-meter/410-foot ferry built in 1953 by Christy Corp. at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., operated by Lake Michigan Carferry Service Inc.) 90 minutes after it sailed from Manitowoc, Wis., for Ludington, Mich. The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department is investigating, but criminal activity is not suspected. The woman is believed to be in her 80s and from Washington state.

{This report comes from a passenger on board during the trip} A passenger’s sudden and severe illness forced the car ferry Badger to return to Manitowoc approximately an hour after departing on the overnight Manitowoc-to-Ludington run on July 22. As a result, the car ferry was running about 2 1/2 hours behind schedule when it arrive in Ludington July 22. By limiting the Ludington turnaround to just an hour, the Badger was able to make up much of the time lost, arriving in Manitowoc just an hour behind schedule on the next trip.

They did a creditable job of trying to get back on schedule. They had every one just drive their own vehicles (big trucks, mostly) right off the car ferry. Then the kids literally ran as they loaded the inbound cars.

Reported by: Steve Schultz and Al Miller

Pride of Baltimore II to visit Milwaukee

07/24

The Pride of Baltimore II will visit the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association in Milwaukee during the first weekend of August. The Pride of Baltimore II will be open for public tours at a cost of $5 per person from 1100 to 1800 3 Aug. The association, which is building a schooner, is at 500 N. Harbor Dr., between the festival grounds and the Milwaukee Art Museum/War Memorial. Telephone 414-276-7700 for more information.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Hibbing Taconite to lay off employees

07/24

Hibbing Taconite will lay off about 70 hourly employees over the next year as it reduces pellet production for the remainder of this year and cuts production by 10 percent in 1998.

Company officials said the production cuts reflect reduced needs by the three steelmakers that own the taconite mine and mill near Hibbing, Minn. The open market for pellets is also glutted right now.

07/23

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 16.9 million net tons in June, the highest monthly total recorded this season, and an increase of 6.8 percent compared to last year.

Iron ore loadings at Great Lakes ports totaled 7.6 million tons, essentially unchanged from a year ago.

Coal shipments totaled 4.6 million tons, an increase of 13.8 percent. Stone loadings at U.S. and Canadian ports neared 4.7 million tons, an increase of 13.7 percent.

For the season, shipments of iron ore, coal and stone stand at 49.4 million tons, an increase of 11.2 percent. All three trades are experiencing significant increases compared to 1996’s end-of-June tally.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee events

07/23

“Annual Meeting, Sleepover, Other Events Planned for Labor Day Weekend”

“The SPCM will be hosting a variety of events during Labor Day weekend. Members and guests are invited to bring a sleeping bag and spend part of the weekend aboard our historic carferry (no charge SPCM members, $5.00 non-members). The ship will be open from noon Saturday, August 30th until noon Monday, September 1st.

Saturday will be “Railroad Day”, with members from various groups throughout the state invited. Those attending are invited to bring their own slides and carousel trays (Kodak carousel projector and screen will be available). This event will run from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, the SPCM will host its annual meeting. Highlights of the meeting will be the SPCM’s status at Elberta, election of at least 3 board positions, and status of the ships restoration projects. The meeting portion will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Tours of the ship will be available Saturday and Sunday, immediately after the meetings. Various restoration projects will take place during the weekend, and members are encouraged (but not required) to lend a hand. There is no working plumbing aboard the ship, but we do have a port-a-john nearby and arrangements for showering facilities. All parties boarding must agree to and have a representative sign the SPCM’s liability waiver.

Cost to attend any of the events is $5.00 for non-members, and no charge for members. SPCM memberships begin at only $10.00 per year (individual) and $25.00 per year (family). Food and refreshments will be available during the meetings (donation). SPCM carferry souvenirs will also be available.

Chi-Cheemaun suffers engine troubles

07/21

The car ferry “Chi-Cheemaun” has suffered its second major breakdown in less than a year. The vessel was on a return trip to Tobermory when the engines apparantly failed again. This is the second time they have failed, and sources say that the ship is due to be replaced next year for the 1998 season, by a slightly smaller vessel. Last October, the vessel was taken out of service for the remainder of the 1996 sailing season because of major mechanical failure. There are also unconfirmed reports that Ontario Northland is in financial difficulties, and questions surrounding its future are uncertain. However, Ontario Northland said that all sailings for Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 19, were cancelled, and normal service will resume on Saturday, July 19, barring any other failure aboard the vessel. This is from BBS news broadcast which aired Thursday, July 17.

Reported by: Brad Gagner

Four dive rescue personnel injured in training

07/20

Four personnel of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Dive Rescue Team were injured 18 July during a training exercise in Lake Michigan. Three men and one woman were diving from the department’s Boston Whaler fireboat, the Phoenix, to a shipwreck 12 meters/40 feet to 21 meters/70 feet down, just east of U.S. Coast Guard Station Milwaukee. The four were injured between the surface and the top of the wreck about 2130. They were taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee and treated in a hyperbaric chamber for “dive-related injuries.”

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes Delegation Lining Up Behind Jones Act

07/19

As of July 17, 187 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Levin (Michigan) and Vento (Minnesota).

The Jones Act is one of several U.S. “Cabotage” laws and reserves the movement of cargo between U.S. ports to ships which are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. Although the Jones Act dates from 1920, the United States has had Cabotage laws since 1789 and these laws have fostered a domestic fleet second to none. The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes is the largest assemblage of self-unloading vessels in the world. For information on how the Jones Act benefits other regions of the country, please visit the homepage of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, the national organization promoting the U.S. Cabotage laws.

Legislation to largely repeal the Jones Act was introduced in the House by Michigan Congressman Nick Smith, but the bill (H. R. 1991) has a mere 11 co-sponsors and no hearings are scheduled.

Salty Dog in Manistee

07/18

On July 12th, the Salty Dog #1 and the Evans Mckeil arrived in Manistee for the Ambar plant to load calcium chloride for Thunder Bay, this is the first Canadian tank barge in to Manistee to load.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Booming Western Coal Float Leads Increases in June U.S.-Flag Float

07/18

Lead by a significant increase in western coal cargos, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleets hauled 13.5 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo in June, an increase of 2.2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Cargos of western coal loaded in U.S. bottoms in June totaled 1,765,651 tons, an increase of 27.8 percent compared to last year. For the season, the western coal trade in Jones Act lakers stands at 4.7 million tons, again an increase of 27 percent.

The June U.S.-Flag stone float totaled 3.4 million tons, an increase of 7.5 percent. There was a slight dip in iron ore loadings, but that reflects the capacity working the western coal trade.

For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 42.1 million tons, an increase of more than 4.4 million tons. Salt cargos have decreased slightly, but only because salt shipments from Cleveland did not resume until June.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Desgagnes fleet

07/17

The veteran canadian coasters J.A.Z. and Jacques Desgagnes, built in Holland in 1960 are open hatch log carriers formerly engaged in St Lawrence timber trades. Both vessels were in the Seaway at Cote St Catherine Wharf in 1996 to load for the Arctic sea lift. The Jacques Desgagnes arrived yesterday at section 52 Arctic loading site in Montreal Harbour. The J.A.Z. Desgagnes has been registered with LLoyds as the Sea Land of Panama and a delivery crew is sought for a voyage to Madagascar

Reported by: John Whitehead

Great Lakes Naval Architect/Marine Engineer

07/17

Richard Riley, a respected naval architect and marine engineer, passed away July 16 in Minneapolis MN after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a naval architect in the 60’s and 70’s for Defoe Shipbuilding in Bay City, MI where he was involved in the design of many US and Australian naval vessels as well as several oceanographic vessels. One of his vessels, the Knorr of Woods Hole Oceanographic discovered the wreck of the Titanic. In the late 70s through 1993 he was a marine engineer with USS Great Lakes Fleet in Duluth MN. He was a memeber of the international shipmaster’s association Detroit Lodge No. 7. His love for the Great Lakes and Great Lakes shipping will always be remembered.

Reported by: Robyn Riley

Algobay in for repairs

07/16

Algoma’s Algobay is at warf 16 the old R and P dock Port Colborne for repairs. She has been their since 0400 Sat July 12. An unconfirmed report she had major engine trouble with one of her engines. It is unclear how long she will be in Port Colborne.

Reported by: J.J.Van Volkenburg

Seway Queen to Toronto

07/16

The Seaway Queen will be shifting to the fit out berth at Port Weller Drydock this Friday and is planned to be towed to Toronto the following week.

Barge headed for drydock

07/16

The barge CSL Trillium, owned by Mckeil Marine may be going to Port Weller Drydock over the weekend. She will be going up for initial assessment of general condition and to see the extent of damage that was done to her when she ran aground three years ago. The incident occurred while entering St John’s Harbour under tow (not a McKeil tug) when the tugs towline parted. McKeil Marine purchased her in that condition and are keenly interested to see her bottom. She spent most of her life in the grain trade in the Gulf and was then converted to haul cement for the Hibernia Project.

Port Weller Dry Docks to work on destroyer

07/16

The Port Weller Dry Docks Division of Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, has won a contract to refit the Canadian Maritime Command Iroquois-class Destroyer H.M.C.S. Athabascan (DDH 282). The work will employ 125 people and will cost Canadian $6.4 million/U.S.$4.7 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tugs to the rescue

07/16

The tugs used in the refloating of the Canadian Navigator last weekend included the John Spence, Paul E no.1 and Lac Como as well as the hopper barge AGS 359. There were also the American tugs Malcolm and Kodiak (ex CN ferry tug). The Menasha may have also been on scene.

Delivery to Louisiana

07/16

The tug Doug Mckeil was succesfully delivered to her New Owners in Morgan City, Louisiana on Monday. It appears that she will be used in the offshore industry in the Gulf and will be based out of Mexico. There is talk that her new name will be the “Doug” but this is unconfirmed as yet. She spent most of her life in the North Sea as the “Mammoth” before being purchased by McKeil’s last year. Her time with McKeil Marine was short and consisted of working on the Fixed Link Project in PEI.

Update on the Canadian Navigator

07/15

The CANADIAN NAVIGATOR ran aground at 9:30pm pm July 10, 1997 in the St Clair River across from St Clair, Michigan. The ship was enroute to the stone dock at Courtwright, Ontario where it was to unload a partial load of stone, then continue up to the Mueller dock in Sarnia to unload the remainder.

Upon grounding the CANADIAN NAVIGATOR swung lengthwise across the river, but did not block shipping traffic, although passing traffic did check down when passing. Reason for the accident has initially been blamed on the malfunction of a bow thruster.

Throughout Friday tugs attempted to pull the vessel off of its perch, without success. The ALGORAIL made an attempt to pull along side of the CANADIAN NAVIGATOR late Friday evening to take on some of the grounded vessel

Reported by: Ray Bawal Jr

Southern Lake Michigan Report

07/14

On Sunday 7-13-97 Indiana Harbor Ship Canal will be visited by the WILFRED SYKES, the EDWARD L. RYERSON,both ships unloading their cargo’s at Inland Steel. Also on Sunday the ITB JACKLYN M/ BARGE INTEGRITY will be unloading in Lake Calumet,South Chicago.On Monday 7-14-97 the COLUMBIA STAR will be arriving at LTV STEEL at 08;00 in Indiana Harbor.This is the first of two trips schedualed for this week.The CHARLES M. BEEGHLY is due at 15:00 on Monday at ACME STEEL in the CALUMET RIVER,then shifting across the river to load coal at KCBX. This is the second trip to south Lake MI.since early SAT. morning, when they discharged cargo atLTV STEEL in IN. HRB.. Quickly looking back at Fri. 7/11/97 the MEDUSA CHALLENGER was in Lake Calumet unloading.Now quickly looking ahead this week, the region will be visited by; THE ITB JOESPH H. THOMPSON, HERBERT C. JACKSON, BURNS HARBOR, STEWART J. CORT, KAYE E. BARKER (2) and MESABI MINER.

One final note of interest; The TANKER JOS. F. BIGANE said good bye to their long time captian Richard (Dick) Symanski. He gave the company 20+ years of dedicated service. Before working for the Bigane Fueling Co., he skippered the tanker GARY until it was condemmed. Congradulations on a job well done. The new captian on the tanker JOS.F.BIGANE is William (Zeke) Zucollo formerly of Hanna Marine.

Reported by: Kevin Kelley

Canadian Navigator aground

07/12

The Canadian Navigator (Canadian-registry 18,788-gt, 31,650-dwt, 12,830-nt, 222.2-meter/729.0-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1967 by J. Readhead & Sons Ltd. at South Shields, England; operated by Upper Lakes Group Inc.’s ULS Corp.) ran aground in the St. Clair River on 10 July. The ship, carrying stone, reportedly grounded on a soft bottom.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Toronto Harbour ferry Accident

07/12

Radio reports yesterday had the Toronto Island Ferry,Thomas Rennie, crashing into the dock at about 1030. Apparently she was going too fast and could not stop in time. One crew member and several passengers were injured. The crewman and one passenger went to hospital. The Transportation Safety Board was investigating the accident.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Bluenose II in Thunder Bay

07/12

The famed schooner, Bluenose II arrived in Thunder Bay on Thursday, July 10. It will be on display at Keefer Terminal until 5:00 pm Saturday. Tours are free. Today, Friday, July 11, the schooner took a number of children for a sail around Thunder Bay harbour. The children were chosen through a contest based on their service and involvement in the community. Also on board for the excursion are a number of scouts who are in Thunder Bay for the Scouts Canada Jamboree which officially gets underway on Saturday, July 12.

Reported by: Richard Boon

U.S. Records on the Lakes

07/10

Even though the 1997 Great Lakes shipping season is just 4 months old,U.S.-Flag “lakers” have already set new cargo records for two commodities. On July 6, the 1,000-foot-long COLUMBIA STAR (Oglebay Norton Company) set a new benchmark for the Head-of-the-Lakes coal tradewhen she loaded 70,903 net tons of low-sulfur coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. The cargo was delivered to Detroit Edison’s powerplant in St. Clair, Michigan.

In April, the 767-foot-long PHILIP R. CLARKE (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.) upped the salt record to 27,621 tons when she loaded a Buffalo-bound cargo at Fairport Harbor, Ohio.

“While cargo records provide a great sense of accomplishment for the ship’s crew and operator, their true value is a measure of the ever-increasing efficiency of the Lakes Jones Act fleet,” said George J. Ryan, President of Lake Carriers’ Association. “Competition from the railroads and other modes of domestic transportation, as well as overseas suppliers of raw materials, demands that U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleets constantly raise the standard of excellence. In reviewing cargo records over the years, it becomes obvious that each time technology permitted bigger ships, the Lakes Jones Act fleet seized the opportunity to better serve its customers.”

An analysis of record cargos for the three major commodities, iron ore, coal and stone, shows that since 1940, the benchmark cargo has increased by as much as 328 percent.

“There is one story that cargo records don’t tell,” Ryan continued. “Today’s record cargos are discharged in less than 8 hours without any assistance from shoreside personnel or equipment. It would have taken days to unload 71,000 tons of coal from the straight-decker vessels which once ruled the Great Lakes.”

Ryan further noted that the current record cargos for the iron ore and coal trades represent in one trip more cargo than a ship could carry in a whole season a century ago. “According to LCA’s 1890 Annual Report, ‘one of the largest ore carriers on the Great Lakes made 30 trips, moving 66,000 tons, or an average of 2,200 per trip.’ Few industries can boast of such dramatic increases in efficiency.”

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Interlake tug Drawings

07/10

The first “SEAWAY” Class design is underway for Interlake Transportation Inc. This 126′-6″ AT/B TM tug will be used to push the new bulk barge “PATHFINDER”, currently being created from the ex-steamer “J.L. MAUTHE” at Bay Shipbuilding. The yet unnamed tug will be the most innovative tug ever created for a tug/barge unit. Designed specifically with Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway service in mind, this class of tug from Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering has a number of features designed to enhance safety, operation and efficiency.

Columbia Star sets new record for head-of-the- lakes coal trade

07/10

The 1,000-foot-long COLUMBIA STAR has set a new record for the Head-Of-The-Lakes coal trade. The vessel loaded 70,903 net tons of low-sulfur coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, on July 6 and discharged the cargo at Detroit Edison’s St. Clair, Michigan, power plant today (July 9). The previous record coal cargo for the Head-Of-The-Lakes trade (Lake Superior to lower Lakes ports) was 70,706 tons, again carried by the COLUMBIA STAR in 1986.

The COLUMBIA STAR is one of two supercarriers in the 12-ship Oglebay Norton Company fleet. In terms of vessels, Oglebay Norton is the largest U.S.-Flag carrier on the Great Lakes. Oglebay Norton’s other 1,000-footer, the OGLEBAY NORTON, holds the record for the Lakes largest stone cargo – 59,078 net tons.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

U.S. Stone Ports Heading For Big Month

07/09

Although not all docks have reported, June stone shipments from U.S. Great Lakes ports will likely top 4.1 million net tons, an increase of 14.6 percent compared to a year ago and one of the highest monthly totals on record. For the season, stone shipments from U.S. ports will approach 10.8 million tons, an increase of 15.5 percent compared to the end-of-June total in 1996.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Jones Act debate continues

07/09

Please visit the Lake Carriers Association home page for the LCA’s response to the Steel Manufacturers Association’s criticism of the Jones Act

Weekend activity at Holland

07/08

The Joseph H. Frantz paid an Independence Day visit to Holland. She arrived early enough in the day to make it to Brewer’s Dock on the far east end of Lake Macatawa, before the holiday rush of recreational boaters became too thick. She was joined in port by the tallship Madeline of Traverse City, which spent the weekend in Holland as part of the city’s ongoing sesquicentennial celebration. Beginning in the afternoon, Lake Macatawa filled with boats to watch the evening fireworks, which are launched from a barge in the middle of the lake. Thousands of people lined the shores to see them. The Frantz remained until after the show.

Also on the 5th, Project Lakewell sponsored a wooden boat gathering that drew about two dozen vessels.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

New Canadian Tanker Named

07/08

The brand new Canadian flagged/crewed tanker “KOMETIK” was named at Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea on July 3rd. The tanker was built to shuttle oil from Hibernia in the Grand Banks to the Newfoundland mainland. The tanker is double-hulled, has a length of 716′, a beam of 138′, has a deadweight tonnage of 127,000 and can carry 850,000 barrels of crude oil per trip.
KOMETIK is Inuit for “sled”.

Reported by: James Neumiller

CORRECTION II: M.V. Joseph H. Frantz grazes bridge

07/08

On June 17 it was reported that the Joseph H. Frantz dragged her stern anchor in order to keep from hitting the bridge.The stern anchor was dropped and the engines reversed, but the anchor was weighed before proceeding to Wirt Stone Dock.

Paint and the City of Milwaukee

07/07

The Society for the Preservation of the S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE would like to thank Rust-Oleum, Sherwin-Williams, and society members for their recent paint donations. The society ended it’s paint donation campaign with over 2500 gallons of paint, three times more than the society hoped to receive. The paint donations will allow the society to repaint the decks and hull of the ship, and begin interior restoration as well. The restoration schedule now depends upon obtaining the necessary volunteers and equipment to complete this project.

A portion of the paint can be used as is. For the hull color, the society will need to tint the paint. Since we will need 700 gallons to paint the hull, uniform tinting will be a challenge. Right now we are considering dumping the paint into a clean dumpster, then mixing it up to the desired tint. After tinting, the paint would then be returned to it’s 55 gallon drum containers. A barge and scaffolding will also have to be obtained. Deck painting will be completed first, since this is not as difficult as painting the hull.

Painting the ship will help our efforts to open her as a maritime museum. The village of Elberta recently purchased adjacent property, and hopes to develop it as a combination museum, condominium and business district. We have begun discussions with the village, and hope to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. In the interim, the ship is open to society members by arrangement and during special events (eg. July 4th fireworks, annual meeting, restoration work sessions, etc).

The society is currently seeking donations of the following equipment

welder, power washer, air compressor, needle guns, painting equipment, lighting, electrical supplies, and other tools. Monetary donations are also welcome (donors may specify how their donations will be used). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible in accordance with U.S. tax laws. The society also believes in working with other maritime organizations.

At this time we are entirely membership and donor supported. We have members from 17 different States and the Canadian Province of Quebec.

S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE is a 1931 triple expansion steam railroad carferry, now berthed at Elberta MI (former home port of the Ann Arbor Railroad carferry fleet).

George P. Micka IV. Volunteer Restoration Coordinator, S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE

Twin Ports report

07/07

Alpena departed Fraser Shipyards sometime over July 4th.

Ontonagon received one of its infrequent visitors July 6 when John G. Munson arrived.

Myron C. Taylor paid a rare call to Marblehead July 6 to load stone.

A pair of unusual callers at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth July 6 were Algobay and tug/barge Atlantic Hickory and Sarah Spencer.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Seaway

07/05

The American flagged replica aux. sailing vessel NINA is reported heading west in the Seaway. The 66ft long 100 ton vessel built in Brasil, arrived Sorel QC with an American and Brasilian crew where her masts were re-set after a transit of the Champlain canal from Albany and the Hudson river. She entered the Seaway for Cornwall and other exotic places on July 02/97 and is reported to have met with time delays as a result of grounding of the Laker ALGOSOUND in the Beauharnois Canal area and due to Seaway equipment mechanical delays There are no formal reports on the vessel.

The salty SPRING LAKER-PA is on her first trip to the Lakes and will visit Cleveland.

The Arctic Sea Lift for 1997 is now under way with vessels loading in Montreal and at Cote St Catherine wharf

The reported departure of laker MONTREALAIS for the gulf was in-correct . She headed down river to Elevator #4, made the turn and entered the Seaway. She is now past Detroit and headed for Thunder Bay

The St Lawrence Water Control Board report the weekly drop in Lake Ontario Water levels was 3 cm this week compared to only 1 cm last week. Maximum outflows and velocities will be maintained which do not hazard ship traffic further down river

Reported by: Rene Beauchamp and John Whitehead

Yacht launched at Burger Boat

07/05

The Evelyn-U, a 26-meter/85-foot yacht, was launched by crane recently at Burger Boat Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. It is the seventh vessel built by Burger Boat since February 1993. The firm had been declared bankrupt in 1990.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Twin Ports report

07/04

Tug Evans McKeil paid another of its rare visits to Duluth on July 2, arriving with a tank barge for the Hallett 6 dock.

Hospital ship Carribbean Mercy arrived in Duluth today and docked behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. It’s open for tours July 4-27

Several Canadian vessels have called at Midwest Energy Terminal in the past few weeks. The latest is Canadian Olympic, due in July 3 or 4.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algobay arrives Port Stanley

07/04

June 28 at 19:00 hours the “ALGOBAY” entered Port Stanley Harbor with 20,000 metric tons of coal for Lakes Terminal & Warehousing. They had engine trouble on the way in and were operating with only one engine. They were finished at 01:00 hours Sunday morning. It is the second coal shipment this year.

Reported by: Richard Hill

07/03

Superior Midwest Energy Terminal shipped 1,829,889 net tons of coal in June, an increase of 17.2 percent compared to a year earlier.

For the season, shipments of low-sulfur coal from SMET’s Superior, Wisconsin, dock total 4.7 million tons, an increase of 820,000 tons compared to the end-of-June tally in 1996.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

July 1 Vessel Report

07/02

More than 97 Percent of Jones Act Fleet In Service – July 1 Vessel Report

On July 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 66 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. These vessels represent 97.2 percent of available carrying capacity.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships could be activated if demand warranted.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Lake Guardian to hold open house

07/02

Jun 1, 1997

Montreal Activity

06/30

The American two masted auxillary sailing vessel PRIDE OF BALTIMORE looked very graceful as she arrived in Montreal this evening. After an overnight stay she will enter the Seaway in transit to Detroit, Michigan.

The Canadian Laker MONTREALAIS is out of her lay-up in Montreal and departed this evening for a St Lawrence Gulf port to load back for the Lakes

The rusty looking ex Socanav tanker Le Saule No 1 has been in-active in Sorel QC since January 07.97. Today she is being given a much needed coat of paint and now bears the name AL JOUL -Panamanian registry

The French sailing ship BELLE ESPOIR 11 is enjoying a visit to Montreal

Rumour has it that HMCS OKANAGAN, a submarine which has recently been undergoing a refit in Halifax Nova Scotia, will be entering the Seaway later in July

The 1979 built 30000ton bulker ELLIE is in the Cabot Strait off Newfoundland and is bound for the Port of Windsor ONT

Reported by: John Whitehead

U.S.S. Fahrion arrives at Port Weller

06/30

At 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th, the Oliver Hazard Perry class, Guided Missile Frigate, U.S.S. Fahrion entered the Welland Canal and shortly thereafter tied up below lock one. It was a very calm evening so docking the 445 foot ship was no trouble however the McKeil tugs Argue Martin and Lac Erie were on hand just in case. The 15 year old ship is on the annual Great Lakes tour and will be visiting numerous ports throughout the lakes during July.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

American Mariner visits Marinette

06/30

The AMERICAN MARINER arrived on Saturday at the Marinette Fuel and Dock Co. in Marinette, WI. She off loaded an unknown amount of coal at the dock and departed at 6:00 PM.

Reported by: Wood

Anderson to depart Bay Shipbuilding today

06/29

Arthur M. Anderson is scheduled to depart Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay during late afternoon today.

Reported by: Al Miller

Port Stanley receives asphalt

06/29

The first vessel carrying asphalt arrived in Port Stanley yesterday. The tanker Saturn delivered 7,000 metric tonnes of hot ashpalt cement to the McAsphalt Industries Marine Terminal.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Seaway Agencies Amend Tariff of Tolls

06/28

Seaway Agencies Amend Tariff of Tolls with a 2.5 percent cargo toll increase and the elimination of Welland Canal lockage fees.

(OTTAWA, June 25, 1997)– The leaders of the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Authority and the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation today announced that the two Seaway entities have agreed to amend the Seaway Tariff of Tolls, with a 2.5 percent cargo toll increase, which goes into effect on August 1, 1997, and the elimination of Welland Canal vessel lockage fees beginning in 1998.

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority President Glendon R. Stewart and Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation Deputy Administrator David G. Sanders noted that the 2.5 percent increase on both the Montreal/Lake Ontario and Welland Canal sections of The St. Lawrence Seaway System is the first rise in Seaway tolls since 1993. At the beginning of the 1998 navigation season, the Welland Canal lockage charge will be replaced with an increase in the Welland Canal cargo tolls and vessel charge per Gross Registered Ton (GRT).

“The Seaway toll agreement will help provide the Canadian Seaway Authority with the revenues necessary to continue offering commercial users with safe, efficient, and reliable transits through the Great Lakes Seaway System,” Stewart said. “We believe that this modest increase will help us maintain our lock facilities and navigation channels to acceptable standards of safety and reliability.”

Sanders hailed the new agreement and the elimination of the Welland Canal lockage charges beginning in 1998. “The elimination of this additional cost burden to our users achieves two important goals for our system. First, the elimination of the lockage fee will simplify the tolls process and make it easier to understand. Second, it will bring fairness to the Seaway System by placing all vessels on an even playing field.”

Both leaders acknowledged this important U.S./Canadian binational agreement as a testimony to the strong working relationship of the two Seaway agencies, their long-term commitment to improve the cost competitiveness of the waterway, and to the current Seaway toll negotiation process.

Seaway tolls are collected by the Canadian Seaway Authority for the operations and maintenance of its locks and channels along the Montreal-Lake Ontario and the Welland Canal sections of the St. Lawrence Seaway System. The U.S. Seaway Corporation no longer collects tolls and is funded through annual appropriations from the U.S. Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Bluenose II

06/28

Bluenose II the Queen of the North Atlantic entered the Welland Canal the morning of June 27 enroute for Windsor Ont.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

News from the Twin Ports

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Tankers first Seaway Transit

06/25

The 1994 built 17080 DWT tanker HAVELSTERN was in the Cabot Strait off Newfoundland at 0624/0025 and reported bound for Sarnia ONT. Part of a fleet of tankers owned by Rigel Schiffarts, the Havelstern’s registry was recently revised from Germany to “Isle of Man”. The good looking ice-reinforced blue hulled vessel will be making it’s first Seaway transit, and the first IOM vessel to do so. She has been a regular year round visitor to Montreal since 1994. Rigel Schiffarfts is related to Rigel Shipping-Canada who operate the 6000 DWT chemical tankers DIAMOND STAR, JADE STAR, and EMERALD STAR year round in the Great Lakes and Canadian coastal trades

Reported by: John Whitehead

News from the Seaway

06/25

The Bluenose will be in Toronto until Friday June 27. The HMS Bounty arrived in Toronto on June 23 and will be there until Tuesday July 1.

Germaster (spelling ?)(E) 1145 Cape Vincent stopped at 1140 due to engine problems. She had no engines for five minutes and then got underway and headed back toward the lake for repairs. She was anchored 1.5 miles SW of Tibbetts Point (44 04.29N , 76 23.97W) making repairs to a cracked #1 cylinder head. Repairs were completed and the ship got under way, at 1810 she was at Cape Vincent, 2116 for the Crossover.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Canadian Mariner aground more details

06/25

Updates and corrections to the vessels that aided in the refloating of the Mariner. The tug Wyatt McKeil was not spelled correctly. The lighter was the D.C. Everest a.k.a. Condarrel (a former canaler/package freighter) and the spud barge Henry T was utilized with a crawler crane aboard to do the clamming. The Henry T was pulled from dredging at Burlington Piers to assist in the operation and will resume dredging in Hamilton today.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Hamilton Transfer Available for Hire in 1998

06/24

An advertisement in the June 16th edition of “Canadian Sailings” report that ULS’ Hamilton Transferwill be available for hire in 1998. The Hamilton Transfer is the ex- Crispin Oglebay, which was purchased by ULS in 1995 and converted to a cargo transfer ship, stationed at Dofasco Steel in Hamilton, Ontario. The vessel was employed at Dofasco after a shore side unloader collapsed and killed its operator. A transversing gantry crane was installed on the vessel at Port Weller Dry Docks. Dofasco receives most of their raw materials from straight deck bulk carriers, where shore side unloading equipment is necessary. It has been reported in the past that while the Hamilton Transfer has been adequate in her new role, she has not lived up to expectations. Dofasco has announced that they will replace the shore based unloader, apparently by 1998.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Dredge Columbus to the rescue

06/24

The dredge Columbus assisted (actually did all the work) the Marblehead Coast Guard in putting out a boat fire Sunday. The 20′ boat was totally engulfed. The Columbus used one of its big deck guns to put the fire out.

Reported by: Brian McCune

News from the Twin Ports

06/23

Coast Guard Cutter Sundew departed Duluth over the weekend for Sturgeon Bay. No word on the reason for the trip. Meanwhile, Cutter Buckthorn is paying a rare call to the Twin Ports, docking at the Coast Guard dock until June 26.

Vessel lineups continue at Midwest Energy Terminal. Columbia Star was into the dock June 22 to load. It was just departing Monday morning while Mesabi Miner began loading coal and Oglebay Norton waited at the port terminal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Full Speed Ahead For Jones Act Lakers

06/23

U.S.-Flag carriers hauled 13.9 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo on the Lakes in May, an increase of 4.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Iron ore cargos for the steel industry totaled 7,045,225 tons, an increase of 6.5 percent. Stone loadings in U.S. bottoms rose 8.4 percent to 3.6 million tons. Coal cargos increased slightly to 2,452,422 tons.

For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 28.5 million tons, an increase of 16.4 percent. While the increase reflects continued strong demand for cargo, the industry benefitted from more normal ice conditions in March and April which allowed vessels to resume operations without the excessive delays encountered at the start of the 1996 navigation season.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Don’t Be “Buffaloed”

06/23

On June 18, Michigan Congressman Nick Smithintroduced legislation to “reform” the Jones Act. Joining Congressman Smith were nine other members of the House and a Representative from Guam. Although the list of co-sponsors is a slight increase over those who backed Smith’s failed HR 4006, it is surely a disappointment for Jones Act Reform Coaltion President Rob Quartel, seeing as he purports to represent “nearly 900,000 American … economic interests” opposed to the Jones Act. In contrast, 167 members of the House have signed House Continuing Resolution 65 in support of the Jones Act and the list continues to grow.

Lake Carriers’ Association intends to refute each and every criticism leveled at the Jones Act, and to begin with, will address Congressman Smith’s May 19, 1997 “Dear Colleague” letter in which he contends that the Jones Act forces the city of Buffalo, N.Y. “to buy Canadian salt when a domestic supply is only 60 miles away.” The letter states that “a salt mine employing (sic) 200 people with a capacity of 4 million tons a year operates (sic) only sixty miles away from Buffalo in Retsof, New York. This mine, and another mine nearby, could provide more than enough road salt to meet regional demand given access to efficient, cost-effective transportation options. Because they cannot obtain efficient waterborne transportation, Canadian salt is imported into port cities such as Buffalo, New York….”

Congressman Smith’s letter further states “no Jones Act-qualified vessels are available to carry salt from one U.S. Great Lakes port to another.”

Congressman Smith’s information on the Lakes salt trade is so wrong it’s embarrassing. First, on April 26 of this year, a U.S.-Flag laker, the PHILIP R. CLARKE, set a new record for the Lakes Jones Act salt trade by delivering 27,621 net tons of salt TO BUFFALO! Where was this cargo loaded? Fairport Harbor, Ohio, a short 146 miles away!

During the past few navigation seasons, no less than 9 U.S.-Flag lakers operated by four different carriers have hauled salt. These self-propelled vessels and tug/barge units have a combined per-trip capacity of 178,000 gross tons (200,000 net tons). U.S-Flag lakers have hauled roughly 11 million net tons of salt since 1985 (the year LCA began its survey of U.S.-Flag cargo carriage on the Great Lakes).

Concerning the Retsof Mine, it has been closed since March 1994 when a cave-in caused it to flood. Its closing had nothing to do with transportation issues. And, given that it lies 60 miles east of Buffalo, it was inaccessible to ships.

Canadian Mariner aground more details

06/22

(See original story dated 6/19) After partial unloading to barges on Thursday (6/19) night [except during passing rain/thunder storms] and Friday (6/20) all day and into the night. The CANADIAN MARINER was pulled off the shoal adjacent to Crossover Island, NY at 1015 EDT today 6/21/1997.

Tugs pressed into service for the effort were:
ROBINSON BAY S.L.S.D.C. Massena NY
CAROLYN JO McKeil Marine Ltd Hamilton Ont
EVANS MCKEIL McKeil Marine Ltd Hamilton Ont
GLENBROOK McKeil Marine Ltd Hamilton Ont
JOHN SPENCE McKeil Marine Ltd Hamilton Ont
WYATT MCKEIL McKeil Marine Ltd Hamilton Ont

Also assisting with the unloading efforts was the crane barge DC EVEREST.

Although several lines of 2.5 – 3 inches in diameter were snapped (broken) in the process of pulling the CANADIAN MARINER off the shoal there were no reported casualties or injuries.

CANADIAN MARINER was assisted to the Prescott Ont. anchorage area for inspection. She was subsiquently approved for Seaway transit provided that a SLSDC Pilot remained aboard and in command. She departed from an anchorage 1728 yesterday to continue passage eastward to Quebec City.

Reported by: David Aitcheson and John Whitehead

Ryerson loads in record time

06/22

First Mate Steve Vandercook had everything going his way Thursday June 12 when he loaded the Edward L. Ryerson with 27,067 tons of Taconite in a record time of 2 hours and 51 minutes. The load was on the dock upon arrival, the engineers were able to pump out the ballast without delay and it was a beautiful late afternoon in Marquette at the LS&Iore dock.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Oglebay Norton buys vessels

06/22

Oglebay Norton Co. said it bought the vessels DAVID Z. NORTON and WOLVERINE from GATX Capital Corp., according to a news service report in the June 21 Duluth News-Tribune. Cleveland-based Oglebay Norton has leased the ships since the 1970s, said Stuart Theis, ON vice president of marine transport. Low interest rates and expiration of the leases in 1998 and 1999, respectively, made the purchases in the company’s best interest, he said.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway Queen undergoing repairs

06/22

SEAWAY QUEEN will be at Port Weller for several weeks while workers there replace metal inside the ship’s cargo hold. According to sources the port and starboard side tanks in holds #1,2 and 5 will receive the most attention while lesser repairs will be made throughout the vessel’s cargo hold. Although specifics were not provided, a series of general repairs will be put in on machinery in the engine room as well. Externally, SEAWAY QUEEN will be entirely sandblasted and repainted.

Reported by:Jeff Cameron

Provmar Terminal II is now officially a barge

06/22

Although PROVMAR TERMINAL II has served Provmar Fuels for the last decade as a fuel storage facility, the ship has remained entirely intact in the condition she was left following her retirement. There had been hope and speculation through past years that she may once again set sail under her own power and return to active service. With her visit to Port Weller Drydocks any hope anyone may have had of seeing the former IMPERIAL SARNIA running again was put to rest. The vessel’s propeller and shaft were removed and the remaining hole was welded up. In addition all of the through hull fittings, water intakes and discharges, other than those required by the bilge pumps, were also welded shut. Any future movements will be handled by tugs.

At 9:00 a.m. on June 21st, the tugs GLENSIDE and ARGUE MARTIN pulled the PROVMAR TERMINAL II from Port Weller Drydocks and headed downbound through lock one of the Welland Canal. The tow was enroute back to Hamilton where the former tanker will resume her storage and transfer duties.

Reported by:Jeff Cameron

Other news from the Seaway

06/22

The cdn tugs Glenbrook and Wyatt Mckeil were at Iroquois lock eastbound for Montreal at 1718. The cdn tug Evans Mckeil was west bound at Cape Vincent for Oshawa ONT at 1600. The Cdn tug Carolyn Jo was also at Iroquois at 1718 east bound for Valleyfield QC. The laker Cuyahoga, after an overnight discharge in Montreal left quickly for the Seaway. She departed Prescott Ont for Hamilton at 1851.

The USS FARHION is in Quebec City and expected in Montreal on June24 for a one day visit before entering the Seaway for the Great Lakes

Reported by: John Whitehead

Canadian Mariner aground in St. Lawrence River – update

06/21

Samuel Risley in dry dock

06/20

The Canadian Coast Guard ship “Samuel Risley” entered drydock at PASCOL Engineering in Thunder Bay, Ontario on Wednesday. PASCOL was awarded the $250,000 contract to conduct the vessels mandatory 5-year inspection and refit. The work is expected to take at least three weeks to complete. It’s the first government contract for PASCOL since taking over the former Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Beauharnois Canal Section of the St Lawrence Seaway closed

06/20

Traffic on the canal was terminated at 9:15 am EDT yesterday to permit re-alignment of the pathways of the St Louis lifting bridge 180ft long road and rail span. Ship traffic was light and the Canadian Empress was the only vessel affected by the closing. Reports are that traffic resumed early afternoon

Reported by: John Whitehead

Hannah tug visits Manistee

06/20

The Mary Page Hannah/Hannah 2901 recently arrived in manistee. What is odd about this is that the Mary Hannah is only 60 feet long, the previous tugs pushing the 2901 in were 150 feet. This is the 4th Hannah barge in to Manistee. The barge switched tugs in Chicago.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Canadian Mariner aground in St. Lawrence River

06/19

The Canadian Mariner ran aground at about 1030 EDT yesterday after losing steerage. Reports are the vessel was hard aground in the St. Lawrence River at light 162 taking on water. She was fully loaded with wheat and some of the cargo was reported as wet. At noon yesterday the area was beset with fog limiting visibility to one half mile or less, traffic was suspended in the area due to the grounding.

About 2130 EDT, a SLSDC 20 ft Boston Whaler had taken 3 *company* inspectors (all Captians) from a temporary shore base at Blind Bay Marina to the Canadian Mariner. Visibility in the area was at or below 1 mile due to fog

Reported by: David Aitcheson

Companies win prestigious awards for technologial innovation and best management practices.

06/19

In May, Seaway Self Unloaders of St. Catharines, Ontario, received the “Best Transportation Solution” Award at the COMMON Conference Exposition in Boston, Massachusetts, for two new telecommunications applications. SSU’s new communications system modernizes and streamlines the scheduling process for SSU’s 18 vessel fleet. The “Best Transportation Solution” Award is presented to organizations throughout Canada and the United States that have shown “exceptional creativity in building leading-edge, cost-effective systems.”

Groupe Desgagnes of Quebec City was ranked among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Private Companies. The competition highlighed the company’s best practices, in areas such as strategic planning, use of innovative and efficient management tools, and employee morale. Groupe Desgagnes was chosen from almost 1,000 companies in this contest sponsored by The Financial Post, Canadian Airlines, Bell Canada, Arthur Andersen, and Le Groupe Mallette Maheu.

“The awards are a reflection of our members’ commitment to be attractive and efficient transportation providers,” said Capt. Rejean Lanteigne. “They show that the industry is doing its part.”

Seaway Self Unloader is responsible for the traffic and marketing functions of the combined fleet of the Upper Lakes Group and Algoma Central Corporation. Groupe Desgagnes provides shipping and passenger services.

Cartierdoc loses power in the Welland Canal

06/18

At roughly 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 15 the Cartierdoc lost power while upbound in ballast in the Welland Canal. The vessel came to rest on the mud bank between lock 2 and the Homer Street Bridge on the west side of the canal approximately 2,500 feet from the bridge. After inspection, McKiel’s tug Argue Martin was called from Port Weller to assist the vessel back to lock 2 approach wall. The vessel was towed stern first and secured above lock 2 at 7:30 p.m. After repairs the vessel departed at 0030 hours June 17 bound Thunder Bay. Canal traffic was stopped from 1400 to 2000 hours.

The Lake Superior, Regina Oldendorff and Dixie Commander were delayed for 6 hours during the incident.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Legendary boatbuilder

06/18

Reuben Hill, a legendary North Shore boatbuilder, who along with his father and brothers crafted more than 120 wooden fishing and sailboats, died Sunday at 92. Boats built by the Hill family formed the backbone of the commercial fishing industry along Minnesota’s North Shore and on Isle Royale. They built row boats, fish boats, freight boats, sloops, sailboats and even five 120-foot antisubmarine boats during World War II.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway Queen to enter dry dock today

06/18

The SEAWAY QUEEN will be moved from the fitout berth into the shelf dock about 0800 hours today.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

06/17

At approximately 1900 hours 6/16/97 contact was made on the Veterans Memorial Bridge in the Saginaw River at Bay City, Michigan. The vessel Joseph H Frantz was outbound from the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw when the incident occurred.

The bridge tender attempted to make contact with the Frantz when it was realized the bridge was not responding to the tenders attempt. A radio problem in the bridge, made it impossible for the bridge to notify the Frantz. The master of the Frantz [Capt. Gary Meilke] realized the bridge was malfunctioning and dropped the stern anchor, and reversed the engine.

The Frantz blew the whistle at least 3 times for an opening and there was broken radio communication from the bridge. The Frantz’s master informed the bridge tender that engines were reversed and that they should try to open at least one side of the span, and he’d try to go through that way.

The Frantz grazed the east span in a down position as the west span had been raised. With the stern anchor chain still in the water, she proceeded through the Liberty Bridge and tied up at Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City for inspection. According to the dock crew at Wirt, there was damage sustained to the forward starboard railings, as well as the deck boat launch. Frantz was to proceed outbound for the lake after at 30 minute stop, at which time the Saginaw River Coast Guard came alongside to assist in the visual inspection. It appears that there was no contact below the water line.

Reported by: Lon Morganand and Dan Maus

English River out of Dry Dock

06/17

English River was pulled out of Port Weller Friday Afternoon and was downbound later that night.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

High winds cause problems

06/17

Seaway East is having problems with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour which are causing minor delays and inconvenience.
At 11.48am Seaway Beauharnois (Control) advised that smoke was coming from the wooden baulks on the Cote St Catherine Lock stopping walls. The approaching west bound laker Gordon C Leitch advised she would stand by with fire hoses on passing the wall. At 12.03pm Montreal Coastguard Radio issued a “securitie-securitie” notice that a small craft warning is in effect The American sailing vessel Bounty west bound at Eisenhower Lock at 0924 this morning reports a change of destination from Rochester NY to Kingston ONT. The sailing vessel Fair Jeanne -CDN arrived at Kingston at 0610 this am after an overnight passage. Kingston is a last viable port for westbound vessels before the open waters of Lake Ontario.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Preview of May U.S.-Flag Float – 1996 Cement Total Revised

06/17

Preview of May U.S.-Flag Float

Although returns are not quite complete, U.S.-Flag carriage on the Lakes approached, if not topped, 14 million tons in May. Iron ore cargos in U.S. bottoms totaled 7,045,225 net tons, an increase of 6.5 percent compared to a year earlier. The U.S.-Flag stone float topped 3.6 million tons, an increase of 8.4 percent

1996 Cement Total Revised Upward

With publication of Canadian Shipowners Association’s 1996 Annual Report, LCA can finalize the 1996 Cement Trade totals. Shipments of cement on the Great Lakes totaled 5,155,573 net tons in 1996, an increase of 11.6 percent. LCA’s 1996 Annual Report (released in May) estimated the 1996 cement trade at 4.6 million tons.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

CSL TARANTAU & SAGUENAY, Self Unloaders

06/16

In TORONTO harbour the ships SAGUENAY & TARANTAU are laid up. The SAGUENAY has all ports welded up & appears ready for the tow to the scrappers.

The TARANTAU has been sitting in the “turning basin” since December of ’96 and is need of substantial metal work with a price tag of Cdn.$8,000,000. Normally this work would be commenced at her current location as this is significantly cheaper than repairs being performed at Port Weller, for example. But no work is proceeding. Therefore it is rumored that she also is for the scrap heap.

06/14

At 7:00 p.m. Friday, the cement barge Integrity and tug Jacklyn M. made its first trip to Duluth-Superior. The tug-barge combination went to the Superior’s Lafarge cement terminal to start the unload and will complete the unload at Duluth. The duo is expected to depart sometime Saturday afternoon.

Other unusual visitors here now include the Calcite II loading at D.M. and I.R., West side of dock #6 and the Canadian Explorer unloading cement at St. Lawrence Cement.

Reported by: Jody L. Aho

Port of Montreal Daily Ship Count

06/14

PORT OF MONTREAL – DAILY SHIP COUNT – 0611/0834

	In the Harbour	Expected
Ocean Going	10	13
Inland **	6	2
Coastal	8	1
Total	24	16

Some “Inland** ” details :- Comeaudoc, Montrealais, Algogulf and Algoriver are inactive. Algowest and Manitoulin are due at Elevator No 4 to discharge. The Iranian salty IRAN AFZAL -22,023 GRT is loading as wheat becomes available

The above counts do not include vessels in transit through Montreal Harbour, to and from the St Lawrence Seaway

Reported by: John Whitehead

Calcite II departs Fraser Shipyards

06/13

About noon today, tugs began assisting Calcite II in leaving Fraser Shipyards. The vessel is scheduled to load at the DMIR ore docks with cargo for Lorain.

Reported by: Al Miller

06/12

The laid-up Canadian tanker Enerchem Asphalt was towed from Halifax to Les Mechins QC last winter . She was sold a few days ago, re-named AFRICAN ASPHALT, -port of registry St Vincent and Grenadines, and has since left for Sea, destination unknown

The American registered HMS BOUNTY, held back by srong north- westerly head winds of the last few days reported her position at 0610/2304 as only 49.18 North and 64.17 West . This is in the Gaspe Passage south of Anticosti, prior to entering the St Lawrence River

The Cdn Schooner BLUENOSE 2 arrived Montreal 0611/1747, She has a 10 port itinerary for her visit to Great Lakes US and Cdn Ports

Reported by: John Whitehead

Containers on the Great Lakes

06/12

Christensen Canadian African Lines operate 3 versatile ships on a year round direct service from Africa to Montreal and to Lake Ontario ports in Season. The blue hulled THORSCAPE, THOR 1 and THORSWAVE are frequently seen in The St Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario with a full deck load of containers loaded 3 high. The ships sport Stulchen type heavy lift gear and have bulk and refrigerated capacity. The vessels run a regular service to Capetown, Durban and other African ports on inducement. This company deck loaded the well known Lakes pusher tugs MARGARET and PHYLLIS YORK for shipment to Nigeria recently. The Singapore registered THORSCAPE, 20005 dwt passed Grondines QC at 1700 on June08 westbound for Montreal and Lake Ontario

Reported by: John Whitehead

International Board Holds Open House for People Interested in Lake Superior Regulation

06/12

The International Lake Superior Board of Control will hold an open house to encourage dialogue with people interested in Lake Superior outflows and Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron water levels.

This open house will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will be at the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Office, 130 Conservation Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public of the Board’s current activities and to hear public comments and suggestions regarding the Board’s work. Discussion will focus on the responsibilities of the Board in matters which affect the levels and outflows of Lake Superior.

The International Lake Superior Board of Control is a binational committee reporting to and advising the International Joint Commission on matters relating to the regulation of Lake Superior outflows.

For further information, please contact Mr. Peter Yee or Mr. David Fay at Environment Canada’s office in Cornwall, Ontario, at (613) 938-5725.

Reported by: John Whitehead

May Coal Trade Up 5.6 Percent

06/12

Shipments of coal from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 3,961,930 net tons in May, an increase of 5.6 percent compared to a year ago. For the season, the Lakes coal trade stands at 8 million tons, an increase of 27 percent. While demand is strong, the increase partially reflects the more normal ice conditions which prevailed at the resumption of the coal trade in late March.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Great Lakes Delegation Lining Up Behind Jones Act Update

06/11

The latest count for the pro-Jones Act resolution being circulated among the House of Representatives is 157. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators who have signed House Continuing Resolution 65 are: Rick Lazio (NY)Susan Molinari (NY)Amo Houghton (NY)and Joseph McDade (PA)

Enerchem Trader departs on maiden voyage under new name

06/11

Enerchem Traderdeparted the North Slip in Point Edward, Ont. some time Monday. She was downbound past Detroit on Monday afternoon about 3:30 P.M. The former Le Chene No.1 was purchased from the bankrupt Socanav by Enerchem Transport Inc. She has been repainted from the red hull to dark green, and named Enerchem Trader. In addition to the new color sceme, she has an interesting new stack markingthat appears to be some type of whale.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

USS Fleet update

06/11

Roger Blough apparently spent a few days in Erie, Pa, undergoing repairs. The vessel was listed as undergoing repairs in port earlier this week. On June 10, GLF listed it as being in Erie and due out June 11.

Myron C. Taylor is scheduled to make another call in Milwaukee. She’s due there June 13 at 0300, although that’s certain to change over the next couple days.

Reported by: Al Miller

Where is the barge?

06/11

The Stephen Reinauer was spotted at 11AM on the 10th tied up pier side at the Port of Buffalo Terminal “B” without her barge section. This is very unusual since they are always seen together in one form or another. I do not know where the barge is. The world wonders……..

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Miss Libby visits Port Stanley

06/11

Miss Libby (drilling platform for PEMBINA) entered Port Stanley harbour at 24:00 hours Saturday night, escorted by the towing tug JANETTE M (Dan Minor Marine out of Port Colborne.) She docked on the east side bottle neck of the harbour, unloaded piping and equipment on the dock and left Sunday morning at 07:00 hours. She is now situated 22 miles offshore. The pilot boat INTREPED III (Nadro Marine) has been back and forth transporting people & gear twice a day.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Correction – Elton Hoyt 2nd to LTV

06/11

Last month (see story dated 05/12) it was reported that Interlake’s Elton Hoyt 2nd was 60 feet longer than any vessel to transit that far up the Cuyahoga River. New information shows that the ELTON HOYT 2nd is 38 feet longer than any other ship that has worked the Cuyahoga. We have since learned that American Steamship’s old ADAM E. CORNELIUS made the run, She was 660 feet long.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

06/10

As June 9, more than 150 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. The Jones Act is one of several U.S. “Cabotage” laws and reserves the movement of cargo between U.S. ports to ships which are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. Although the Jones Act dates from 1920, the United States has had Cabotage laws since 1789 and these laws have fostered a domestic fleet second to none.

Many Great Lakes legislators have signed H. Con. Res. 65.

Lakes Jones Act Fleet Off To Fast Start

06/10

The U.S.-Flag fleet on the Great Lakes moved 11.5 million net tons of cargo in April, an increase of 26 percent compared to a year ago. Less severe ice conditions, coupled with strong demand for cargo, enabled Jones Act carriers to quickly resume “summer sailing” schedules in April, where in 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard continued breaking ice well into May.

The U.S.-Flag iron ore float in April totaled 6.1 million tons, an increase of 11 percent compared to a year earlier. However, the most significant increases came in the coal trade. Western coal cargos loaded in Superior, Wisconsin, topped 1.2 million tons, an increase of 57 percent. Loadings of eastern coal at Lake Erie and Lake Michigan ports neared 1 million tons, or essentially twice that of a year ago.

The U.S.-Flag stone float totaled 2.4 million tons, an increase of 45 percent.

The 1997 U.S.-Flag dry-bulk shipping season began with the sailing of the DAVID Z. NORTON (Oglebay Norton Company), and through April, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 14.5 million tons, an increase of 30.8 percent compared to 1996.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Two missing despite tireless efforts

06/09

At 2345, Friday 06 June, two pleasure craft collided at buoy 45 in the Maumee River, adjacent to Coast Guard Station Toledo and the CSX Coal Docks. 9 persons were involved, as a 21′ boat with 6 people on board broad sided a 25′ vessel carrying three passengers. Rumors speculate that alcohol may have been a contributing factor. Due to the close proximity to the Station, response time to the scene was under three minutes. Nevertheless, the operator and one passenger on the 21 footer failed to remain on the surface after the collision. The Coast Guard, with the assistance of the Lucas County Sheriff Department, ODNR and volunteer boaters, scoured the area,without results, for nearly 16 hours. The search was suspended due to exhaustion and water conditions. The two young men remain missing and are presumed dead. All seven survivors were injured and were taken to local hospitals. The 21′ vessel was estimated to be traveling at nearly 40 knots at the point of collision. The Coast Guard can release no further information at this time. All parties involved are to be commended for their superior efforts and perseverance.

Reported by: Ryan Barone

Federal River class freighters

06/07

The new Federal freighter -FEDERAL MAAS, 34,500 tons DWMT, 200 meters long, Shanghai built, arrived in Montreal early this morning after an overnight passage up the St Lawrence.The first departure date and time for the St Lawrence Seaway is not yet known. Other new vessels in the class FEDERAL ST LAURENT, CALUMET, AND SAGUENAY visited Great Lakes ports in 1996. The FEDERAL RHINE visited earlier this year. A new FEDERAL SCHELDE is expected later this year

Reported by: John Whitehead

Record Month for Canadian Stone Docks

06/07

Stone shipments from Canadian stone ports totaled 880,563 net tons in May, the highest level recorded since LCA began its monthly survey of the stone trade.

For the season, stone shipments from Canadian docks total 1,138,655 net tons, an increase of 732,309 tons compared to last year.

Canadian stone docks surveyed are Manitoulin Island, Smelter Bay, Bruce Mines and Port Colbourne.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

June 1 Vessel Report

06/07

On June 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 63 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. This total represents a decrease of one self-propelled tanker and one tug/barge tanker unit compared to a year earlier. The inactive tankers are expected to return to service in June. The Lakes Jones Act fleet is expected to grow further during the month with the activation of a small self-unloader. [Calcite II]

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

St. Lawrence River Weekly Data

06/06

INTERNATIONAL ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BOARD OF CONTROL PROVISIONAL WEEKLY DATA
Week ending Wed June 4/97 Average for this time of year (c)

Lake Ontario:
Actual end of Week Level 75.33 (247.15) 75.04 (246.19)
Computed Plan 1958-D Level (a) 75.88 (248.95)

Computed Preproject Level (b) 75.94 (249.15)

Lake Ontario Weekly Mean Outflow 9570 (338000) 7860 (277600)
Lake Ontario Weekly Total Supply 8580 (303000) 7900 (279000)
Lake St. Lawrence at Long Sault Dam Weekly Mean Level 73.14 (239.96) 73.64 (241.60)
Lac St. Louis at Pointe Claire Weekly Mean Level 22.08 (72.44) 21.45 (70.37)
Montreal Harbour at Jetty #1
Weekly Mean Level 7.64 (25.07) 6.84 (22.44)
Ottawa River at Carillon
Weekly Mean Outflow 2850 (100600) 2330 (82300)
Preliminary Lake Ontario Outflow for Week Ending Friday June. 13/97 * see below 9500 (335500) 7890 (278600)

* While Lake Ontario’s level appears to have reached its peak for the year last month, the subsequent decline has been very slow. This is due mainly to the continued extremely high inflows from Lake Erie, where the levels are near record high. A Lake Ontario outflow of 8780 cubic metres per second is specified by the Lake Ontario regulation plan for the coming week. However, the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control has directed that maximum possible outflows be continued in light of the water level conditions on Lake Ontario. Hence, a flow of 9500 cubic metres per second is expected for the coming week, with some very slight reductions during the week only if Lake Ontario’s level continues to decline. This flow is the maximum possible without causing excessive velocities in the St. Lawrence River which will stop seaway navigation.

(a) Levels that would have occured with strict adherence to Regulation Plan 1958-D.
(b) Levels that would have occured had there been no Lake Ontario regulation.
(c) For comparison purposes, Lake Ontario water level data since 1918 are used to be consistent with those published in the US. and Canadian Great Lakes bulletins (http://chswww.bur.dfo.ca/danp/wlgraphs. html). Other averages here are for the period since 1960 as Lake Ontario regulation began that year.

Note: Levels are in metres and (feet) IGLD 1985.Supply and flows are in m3/s and (ft3/s). Lake Ontario Regulation began in 1960.

Information in this report is compiled by the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control from provisional data provided by Ontario Hydro, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, Hydro Quebec, the New York Power Authority, and the U.S. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration.

For more information contact the Canadian Regulation Representative of the Board PETER_YEE@PCH.GC.CA

Reported by: John Whitehead

Navigator busy, Algobay in for repairs

06/05

Port Colborne, Ontario Warf 18-2 just above the fuel dock Upper Lakes newly converted Self Unloader Canadian Navigator (x St. Lawrence avigotor) unloaded 300 tonnes of Salt at Port Colborne yesterday June 3rd at 1700 hours—it then resumed to Hamilton to unload the rest of her cargo. She has been out 5 weeks and this load marks her 7 cargo.

Algoma’s Algobay at warf 16 the old R and P Coal Dock has been in since Sat. May 30—having repairs to the unloading equiptment by Fraser Ship Repair Co.

Reported by: Joe Van Volkenburg

Twin Ports round up

06/05

Sarah Spencer and Atlantic Hickory backed into the General Mills elevator in Duluth on June 4 to discharge grain.

After loading at the Peavey elevator in Superior, Kinsman Independent docked at the Duluth port terminal June 3 and 4 for repairs. The vessel departed Duluth about 3 p.m. June 4.

Since being taken off the coal run a few years back, St. Clair has become something of a vagabond. Last week it was loading at the BN ore dock in Superior. Later this week it’s due into Taconite Harbor.

Edwin H. Gott departed Duluth June 3 on another ore run to Nanticoke. It’s due there June 6 at 2100.

Reported by: Al Miller

Paterson sets another record – Press release

06/04

N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited, Marine Division, is pleased to announce that the flag ship of the fleet, MV PATERSON, has set another record load in the Port of Thunder Bay. On May 24, 1997, MV PATERSON sailed for the Port of Windsor with a load of Number 1 Canola which totalled 26,881.588 metric tonnes.

Mr. Robert J. Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, Paterson Marine Division, commented “The PATERSON has added to her record of achievements. This vessel has set records for the carriage of wheat, barley, soybeans, and iron ore on the St. Lawrence Seaway System. Our ability to offer customers efficient transportation of all bulk commodities is consistently enhanced by this ship. By extending the overall length of the ship when we built her, additional cargo can be carried which ensures the economic viability and competitiveness of the vessel in a tough marketplace.”

The Paterson company is a recognized leader in the carriage of bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes and innovative grain elevator design and construction on the prairies. The company currently operates seven modern bulk carriers in its Marine Division and 50 grain elevators across western Canada in its Grain Division.

Other records set by the vessel are as follows:

MV PATERSON set a record load for wheat loaded at Thunder Bay, Ontario, May 18, 1994. The amount was 29,016.427 metric tonnes and was delivered to the lower St. Lawrence River for eventual export.

MV PATERSON set a record load for barley loaded at Thunder Bay, Ontario, August 17, 1987. The amount loaded was 27,960.765 metric tonnes and was delivered to the lower St. Lawrence River for eventual export.

MV PATERSON set a record load for soybeans loaded at the Port of Duluth, Minnesota, May 5th, 1996. The amount loaded was 28,941.613 metric tonnes (1,063,471.20/60 bushels). The supplier was Harvest States Cooperatives, Superior Terminal, and the destination port was Three Rivers, PQ.

MV PATERSON set a St. Lawrence Seaway record for iron ore pellets loaded at Sept Isles, Quebec, November 20, 1995 and delivered to Burns Harbour, Indiana. The amount loaded was 29,651 metric tonnes.

06/03

U.S. Coast Guard station Toledo reports water level at +80 inches over low water datum. The station was awash Sunday, as well as the adjacent marinas. As of monday night, it was back down to +65 inches, but falling slowly. The flood conditions in Toledo were caused by three days of steady rain and brisk easterly winds, which pushed lake water into the Western Lake Erie basin. no word on restrictions to commercial traffic.

Reported by: Ryan Barone

Great Lakes Maritime Academy openings

06/03

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy, located in Traverse City, Michigan, has a few openings remaining for its new class which begins in mid-August. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy offers a 3 year program to train officers for either the deck or engine departments of the large Great Lakes vessels we all know so well. Cadets of the Academy spend 270 days sailing on Great Lakes vessels as well as intensive classroom training in preparation for writing their Coast Guard licensing exam. Graduates are qualified as either 3rd assistant engineers, steam or diesel unlimited horsepower or unlimited tonnage near-coastal mates with Great Lakes pilotage. Anyone interested in finding out more should call Judi at 1-800-748-0566 extension 1200 immediately.

News on tug to push Mauthe/Pathfinder

06/02

Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering of Bellingham, MA has been contracted to design a unique and innovative tug for pushing the converted “J.L. Mauthe” (possible new name: Pathfinder). The 7,200 BHP tug is a variant of the OT&BE”Seaway” Class tug series designed specifically for Great Lakes operations. Equipped with an articulated connection system and twin Z-drives, the 126 foot long tug will have a beam of 44 feet. The pilothouse will be single one set 70 feet over the waterline of the tug. The tug will be designed such that it can push the barge or take it alongside on the hip. Reports are that a rendering of the tug will be posted soon on OT&BE;’s web site

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Reckless boater flips vessel in ship’s wake

06/02

A reckless boater flipped their vessel in the Lee A. Tregurtha’s wake yesterday evening in the St Clair River. The incident happened as the Tregurtha passed the Recour Point power station in St. Clair, where the Columbia Star was unloading. The crew on the Star first reported the vessel in trouble, summoning assistance for the people that were aboard the overturned pleasure craft. The captian of the Tregurtha reports the boater was operating in a reckless manner, traveling at a high rate of speed 6-10 FEET off the Tregurtha. It sounds like they were jumping the ship’s wake, what ever the case all persons on the small boat were rescued from the river.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Help Wanted

06/02

Isle Royale National Park is seeking an AB Seaman to fill a position on board the USNPS RANGER III. The position typically works May thru October at forty hours per week. For further information and an application contact Debbie Francis at 906-487-7144 or William Hanrahanat 906-487-7163.

Adam E. Cornelius enters Fraser Shipyards

06/02

Adam E. Cornelius was in Superior’s Fraser Shipyards on June 1. There was no sign of any work being done outside the vessel, and the employee parking lot was empty, so it didn’t appear to be an emergency.

Reported by: Al Miller

Sunken Logs

06/02

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting written comments on 33 sites in northern Wisconsin where it is believed sunken logs are located. Several firms are seeking permits to recover the logs, just as a current business has been doing near Ashland and Bayfield, Wis., since last year.

Last week, the corps held a hearing to solicit comments on the expanding retrival operations. At the hearing, several people said the corps should not let more logs be salvaged, as they provide support for organisms that fish feed upon. As a result, studies should be conducted, they say, before more are removed, thereby potentially threatening the environment of the area. In addition, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa opposes the recovery operations. Citing treaties with the federal government in 1837, 1852 and 1854, the tribe is considering recovery of the logs to be theft until a review is completed. The first business salvaging the logs, Lake Superior Water-Logged Lumber in Ashland, Wis., has offered to pay the same fee to the tribe that it pays the state. In addition, they will suspend recovery if asked.

Permits to recover the logs must be granted by the corps, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Historical Society. As owner of the logs, Wisconsin gets 30 percent of the market value of the wood. A maple log of 100 board feet of lumber is worth about U.S.$115, so the state gets about U.S.$35. Millions of birch, cherry, elm hemlock, maple and red oak logs sank when being floated to mills in the area in the late 1800s. Low oxygen levels and cold waters preserved the logs, which are now prized for industries using old-growth wood that in some cases is unavailable.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tug taking on water in the St. Clair River

06/01

The tug Adanac has holed her bow and is taking on water. She was downbound with a barge in the St. Clair River passing Seaway Island (11:10 A.M. EST) when the current pushed her aground and tore a hole in the tug’s bow. The crew then ran the tug aground when the bow compartment began flooding. She now rests aground in the South Channel on the starboard side. The crew reports no injuries or danger to the vessel at this point.

Sorry , no update. Sarnia Traffic Center will no longer release information. The radio warnings have ended so the vessel was removed.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Myron C. Taylor makes rare trip

06/01

The Myron C. Taylor made what is now a rare trip up Milwaukee’s Menomonee river early Friday morning, May 30. The Taylor delivered stone to the one remaining storage dock on the river and was assisted by the G-tug California, both in and out. There are now very few boats left that are small enough to navigate up the Menomonee river valley. At one time this area was filled with coal docks. They have now been replaced with soccer fields and an indian casino.

According to the September 1952 issue of ‘Ships and the Sea’, “Milwaukee is the largest coal receiving port on Lake Michigan and the second largest on the Great lakes. An average of 3 1/2 to 4 million tons arrives yearly in from 450 to 600 lake vessels. (!) The valley docks standing storage of more than a million tons is the world’s largest open-air concentration of coal.” In the early 50’s the average was one lake vessel per hour arriving at the port of Milwaukee. This also included the many carferries that called on Milwaukee.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Fred White makes unusual trip

06/01

The Fred R. White Jr. was upbound 5\31 for Calcite, to partially load, and then to Cedarville to finish. She will be loading for the Duluth D.M.I.R. stone dock. This trip is usually made by USS vessels, recently the John G. Munson, and the Presque Isle. Another Oglebay Norton vessel, the Armco is loading coal for St. Clair Detroit Edison. The plant usually uses western coal, but have already received 2 southern coal shipments.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Memorial Day Parade of sorts

06/01

The Memorial Day Parade past the Mud Lake (Munuscong) Junction buoy included the CORT, the KAYE E BARKER, the Canadian research vessel LIMNOS, MAPLEGLEN, ALGOWAY, the tug AVENGER IV and the barge CHIEF WAWATAM, the ST. CLAIR, the grand EDWARD L. RYERSON, ROGER BLOUGH, GEORGE A. STINSON, JOHN B. AIRD, ARTHUR M. ANDERSON, and the CANADIAN TRADER . Ships passing during the Red Wings game may not have been counted.

Reported by: Liz G Calhoun

May 1997

May 1, 1997

Grain trade picking up

05/31

The Canadian Explorer and Canadian Mariner are due out of winter layup next week. The Mariner is at Port Weller DD and the Explorer at pier 35 in Toronto.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Unusual calls by the USS fleet

05/31

Two vessels from Great Lakes Fleet will be making unusual port calls this week. Arthur M. Anderson will call in Gladstone in the first few days of June while Myron C. Taylor is due in Milwaukee May 30.

Meanwhile, Edwin H. Gott is becoming a semi-regular in Duluth. The vessel is due at the DMIR ore docks June 3, for at least its third call of the season.

Reported by: Al Miller

Kinsman Enterprise moved

05/31

The Kinsman Enterprise has been moved from the Bethlehem Ship Canal to the Old Port of Buffalo terminal “A”. She is tied up to the peir on her starbord side and is facing out to the lake. This may have been in preperation for the Aird’s arrival since Kinsman Enterprise was taking up dock space normaly used for salt or stone.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Siscowet docks in Thunder Bay

05/31

The U.S. Geological Survey research vessel Siscowet docked in Thunder Bay on Thursday night. It’s participating in a joint research project with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. On Friday, the boat will spend the day working around the bay and the Sibley Penninsula. The crew is surveying the population of forage fish like smelt and herring. Research from last year indicates both populations are in decline but not enough to be worried about yet.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Clipper group offers to buy ship for $1

05/31

A group dedicated to saving the Milwaukee Clipper and bringing it back to Muskegon has offered to purchase the former car ferry for $1. But the ship’s rapidly deteriorating condition may halt the effort.

A Muskegon-based group calling itself The Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association Inc. appeared this week before the Hammond, Ind., Port Authority in the hopes of saving the ship and bringing it back to its former home port. Under the plan presented, the group wants to purchase the ship for $1 from the authority and have it towed back to Muskegon as a maritime museum and convention center.

The port authority, which has owned the answer financial and logistical questions surrounding the plan. Port authority officials are anxious to find a new owner for the ship, which is at a temporary berth in the Calumet River south of Chicago.

Jim Plant, who heads the group that has been labeled “Clipper Huggers” by Hammond-area media, said the Muskegon offer appears to be the only one on the table designed to save the ship, which operated year-round out of Muskegon from 1941 through 1970. The only other interest is from scrap dealers.

Organizers, he said, hope to have a Hammond-based casino finance the estimated $20,000 towing fee as a contribution to help Hammond clean up its waterfront.

The group, he said, also has a verbal commitment that would allow the ship to be berthed at the West Michigan Dock & Market Corp. The proposal presented to the port authority estimates it would cost $100,000 to partially restore the vessel.

But Plant said the six-person delegation that toured the ship Tuesday was shocked by the deterioration and vandalism that has occurred since the ship was removed from the Hammond Marina 14 months ago. The 500-pound ship’s bell, dating back to the ship’s earlier career as the passenger ship Juniata, recently was stolen. Rust is attacking the hull, and interior paint is pealing badly because the ship was not heated during the past winter. Plant said the group is so concerned by the ship’s condition it may reconsider its effort to bring the ship back to Muskegon.

The group will meet Tuesday to decide whether to continue its effort to save the Clipper. “We were very disappointed when we toured the ship,” Plan said. “There has been a lot of vandalism and deterioration. As it sits today, we cannot bring it back into Muskegon’s harbor without a lot of people questioning what we are doing.”

Robert J. Nelson, director of the Hammond Marina and a staff member for the port authority, said among their concerns is the apparent lack of financial backing, a specific site to berth the ship and the absence of endorsements by local government and business leaders.

Nelson said after trying to find a new home for the Clipper for more than two years, the port authority may have no choice but to sell the ship for scrap.

“The last thing the Hammond Port Authority would like to see is the boat go up for auction and sold for scrap,” he said.

Reported by: Chuck Vincent. Edited from a story by TERRY JUDD appearing in Friday’s Muskegon Chronicle

Sea Maid

05/30

05/29

The fuel saving and shorter route through the Strait of Belle Isle (North of Newfoundland), for vessels destined to the Heart of North America is now open. The issue of ice maps for the area is being discontinued.

The American passenger vessel NANTUCKET CLIPPER, is expected inbound at Escoumains Pilot 5/29 at 4am. en route to the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway for another series of summer cruises

Reported by: John Whitehead

Cable TV on the lakes

05/29

Reports are that a few boats in the Great Lakes fleet have now been fitted with DSS marine satellite TV systems. These system are similar to the home roof top units but can track the satellite while under way. Looks like the crews wont have to be in port to catch the hockey game.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Ryerson’s always a crowd pleaser

05/28

Relief Captain Eric Treece gave the Memorial Day boat watchers at the Soo a day to remember as he brought the Edward L. Ryerson down at Mission Point Monday afternoon. The banks were lined with people waiting to see and hear the Queen of the lakes. The Ryerson let out with 2 long Masters salutes that were captured on scores of video cameras. Later most of the crowd ventured down to the Rock Cut where another salute was given to the “Ryerson fan club.”

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Unusual callers in the Twin Ports

05/28

Two vessels are scheduled to make unusual calls in the Twin Ports. American Mariner is expected to make a rare call May 27 at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. On May 28, Oglebay Norton is scheduled to load at Midwest Energy Terminal with a coal cargo bound for Silver Bay. From there it goes to Taconite Harbor to load a downbound cargo.

Reported by: Al Miller

Charles E. Wilson has close call in the Saginaw River

05/27

The CHARLES E. WILSON had a close call in the Saginaw River yesterday in what the skipper desribed as ” being dangerously close to an unopened bridge”. The Wilson had to reverse her engines and drop the stern anchor when the Lafayette Bridge (across the Saginaw River at Bay City) failed to open for the vessel.

The bridge tender reported having radio difficulty and claimed he didn’t hear the 4 radio calls, and 4 blasts of the whistle. After some waiting the bridge opened, and the WILSON proceeded to the airport turn basin, and left the system.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Tug Venture Removed from Soo Compensating Works

05/27

The tug Venture and its barge were cleared from the compensating works at the Soo on Saturday. The vessel had rolled after becoming pinned against the gates last week (see story dated 5/21). The work accomplished by the tug Rochelle Kay from Ryba Construction of Cheboygan Mi., the Venture’s owner.

Reported by: Jeffrey Smeed

Port Weller Lands C$300,000 job on MV TZINI Correction

05/27

TZINI is Greek for JEANNIE. The Greeks put the English spelling on the bow, and Greek on the stern. That’s why there is often confusion with the port of registry also.

Reported by: John Whitehead and Anil Soni

EDWIN H. GOTT arrives at Nanticoke, Ontario

05/26

The EDWIN H. GOTT arrived at Nanticoke on May 25, 1997, and unloaded her cargo of taconite pellets into Stelco’s receiving dock which juts into Lake Erie. The Taconite upon being unloaded into a hopper, is then carried up into Stelco’s storage yard, by conveyor belts. As of 4PM May 25, 1997 she was still unloading.

Reported by: Ray Bawal, Jr.

Port Weller Lands C$300,000 job on MV TZINI

05/26

The MV TZINI (Greek flag) entered Port Weller Dry Dock on Thursday, May 22, for repairs caused by a grounding recently in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The vessel proceeded to Detroit to unload a cargo of ferro manganese before coming to Port Weller. Local news reports named the ship JEANNIE with Liberian registry but this is incorrect. Port Weller recently achieved ISO 9000 certification. They credit this achievement as part of the reason for securing this contract which will take approximately 10 days and cost C$300,000. ISO certification puts the company in an excellent competitive situation. It is demanded by many governments and business, particularly in Europe.

Reported by: David Bull

Port Weller Dry Docks activity

05/24

The Canadian Mariner is in Port Weller Dry Docks and all her black paint is off the ship’s starboard side. I do not know the story on the work.

The Seaway Queen is at the wall along the canal and is pumped out completely. She is at Port Weller Dry Docks for her 5 year inspection.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

HMCS CORMORANT on Lake Ontario

05/24

The HMCS CORMORANT passed Cape Vincent ,westbound, on Tuesday, May 20, at 1830. She was bound for OSWEGO NY and is a navy ship, with deep diving submarines. The CORMORANT was part of the dive on the Edmund Fitzgerald etc.

Reported by: Ron Walsh and John Whitehead

Superior News

05/23

Algonorth is loading May 23 at Harvest States grain elevator in Superior. The ship’s agent brought by visitors interested in seeing the vessel’s ballast filtration system.

Joseph L. Block was maneuvering early May 23 in the mouth of the channel leading to Fraser Shipyards in Superior. It wasn’t clear whether the vessel was backing out of the channel after a quick overnight visit to the yard or simply making an awkward turn to back into the DMIR ore dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

Wisconsin calls for a U.S.S. Manitowoc

05/23

The Wisconsin Senate on 20 May approved a measure calling on the U.S. Secretary of the Navy to name the third Seawolf-class nuclear-powered attack submarine the U.S.S. Manitowoc. SSN 23 would thereby honor the Wisconsin city in which 28 attack submarines were built during World War II. The proposal has been forwarded to Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson, the state’s congressional delegates and the Secretary of the Navy.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Outflows from Lake Ontario

05/23

SEAWAY NOTICE No. 7 — 1997

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation have been advised by the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control, that flows higher than normal for this time of the year, will be run in the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section for an indefinite period of time.

These flows will create current velocities higher than normal in the navigation channels and variations in the normal current patterns may occur.

Mariners are advised to take these conditions into account when transiting the Montreal- Lake Ontario Section.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Aquarama moved

05/22

The Aquarama has been moved from the Union Ship Canal in Lackawanna to the old Cargil Pool Elevator pier in Buffalo Harbor. She was spun around and now has her bow toward the city instead of out to the lake. No vessel has tied up there since the elevator closed many years ago.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship COLUMBUS plans 5 lakes cruises for 1998

05/22

The 1997 Great Lakes cruising season of the new 13,950-ton Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship COLUMBUS sold out within weeks of their announcement in Germany in November 1996. As a result, Hapag-Lloyd plan to offer five Great Lakes cruises in 1998, when the COLUMBUS will arrive in early August, as opposed to late September this year. The new 420-passenger German-built cruise ship delivers to Hapag-Lloyd next month. This year also marks the 150th Anniversary of Hapag-Lloyd, a company first incorporated in Hamburg in May 1847. All of Hapag-Lloyd’s passenger and cruise activities have now been consolidated in the famous Ballindamm headquarters in Hamburg. Tickets are still available for this year’s September 10 COLUMBUS overnight mini-cruise from Port Colborne to Toledo, from The Mariport Group Ltd, in Cambridge, Ontario, on (519) 624-5513 or 1-800-319 9997. In Europe, contact Griffin Maritime Limited in London, England, on +44 (171) 723-2450.

Reported by: Kevin Griffin

Marinette Marine part of MARITECH project

05/22

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has selected nine projects for negotiation from the fiscal year 1997 MARITECH competition. Combined, the nine are expected to receive a total of $36 million in government funding matched by $39.2 of industry money. MARITECH, part of the National Shipbuilding Initiative, is an effort to develop and apply advanced technology to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

Among the nine is “Transitioning to a 21st Century Advanced Manufacturing Facility, Phase II.” The project will develop and deploy a design,manufacturing and information system, with concentration on engineering and material control. Design and manufacturing practices from the automotive and aerospace industries will be evaluated and adapted to a small shipyard. Software for materials tracking, prediction of material and resource requirements and anticipation and resolution of emerging problems will be developed and implemented. The project will also develop procedures for extended work with suppliers via electronic communication, purchasing marine equipment using “just-in-time” methods and a vendor rating system. The project involes Marinette Marine Corp. of Marinette, Wis., and Grant Thornton L.L.P. of Appleton, Wis.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tug rolls over at Soo Locks

05/21

The tug Venture rolled over yesterday while working in the area of the compensating works at the Soo Locks. The tug and barge became pinned against the gates by strong water pressure and was unable to free her self. Commercial assistance was called, but in their efforts to pull her free the tug rolled. All crew members escaped and there were no reports of injuries.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Manitoulin has trouble in the Rouge

05/21

This past Sunday the Manitoulin was inbound the Rouge River (Detroit, MI) heading for Rouge Steel escorted by the tug Pennsylvania at the bow and the Wyoming at the stern. As the Manitoulin cleared the Conrail railroad bridge the current caught it and she was heading right for the river bank. The tugs were trying their best to keep her from hitting and it nearly missed the bank by about 7 to 10 feet! She was then stuck for about 10 minutes and finally they broke free and proceeded up the river to Ford Rouge.

Reported by: Dave Marcoux, Robert Cioletti, and John Belliveau

Twin Ports round up

05/21

After laying off Duluth for about a week, the Oakglen finally entered port May 19. It’s docked at the Harvest States elevator layby berth waiting for Federal Rhine to finish loading May 20. Once again this year, Harvest States appears to be using only one of its two loading berths.

After delivering cement and then anchoring on Lake Superior for several days, Quebecois returned to Duluth May 19th to begin loading at Cargill B1 elevator.

A couple of interesting vessels – American Mariner and Joseph H. Thompson – were due in Taconite Harbor May 20 to load.

Tug Evans McKeil and barge Salty Dog paid a rare visit to Duluth over the weekend to load at Hallett 6.

Reported by: Al Miller

Busy day in Goderich

05/21

On Sunday, May 18th the AGAWA CANYON completed loading a cargo of salt and departed Goderich at 7:30 a.m. The ALGORAIL arrived off Goderich as the AGAWA CANYON departed. The ATLANTIC HICKORY with barge SARAH SPENCER was also heading to Goderich. The ALGORAIL let the ATLANTIC HICKORY proceed in first and she tied up at the elevators. The ALGORAIL tied up at the salt dock and began loading. The MANTADOC was due Goderich at 12:30 p.m. (5/20) for the elevators.

Reported by: Philip Nash

Carferry news

05/21

The carferry S. S. BADGER began the 1997 season one day late due to a broken boiler tube. She was scheduled to begin service on Friday, May 16, but the boiler tube broke during the night and delayed the Friday sailing. Passengers were offered a 20% discount to make the trip on Saturday or later. On Monday, May 19 her starboard engine blew a piece of piston ring which stuck in her exhaust valve. This caused a 2 hour and 10 minute delay in leaving Manitowoc for her return trip. The return trip was slower than usual due to only partial power being applied to the starbord engine to avoid additional problems. The trip took nearly 4-1/2 hours compared to the usual 4-hours. Docking at Ludington was a bit of a trick due to using only the port engine. Plans were to work all night Monday to pull the starboard piston and replace the broken ring.

The canvas side curtains on BADGER’s upper aft deck have been replace with steel panels and windows, making a nicer area on cold May days. This is the area where vehicles were carried when she still carried railroad cars on the main deck.

Oglebay Norton’s MIDDLETOWN was unloading coal from Ashtabula in Manitowoc when BADGER departed on Monday. The MIDDLETOWN’s skipper, Capt. Winslow Anderson, was on board the BADGER heading for vacation at his home in Michigan. The occasion called for whistle salutes between the vessels as BADGER left Maintowoc. MIDDLETOWN was due to leave Manitowoc late Monday afternoon to head for Two Harbor to load taconite.

Reported by: Dave Wobser and Max S. Hanley

Door County WI Lighthouse Tour

05/21

The Door County Wisconsin Martime Museum sponsored their 4th annual Lighthouse Walk the weekend of May 17-18. A highlight of this years tour was the availability of a landing on Plum Island. No civilians have been allowed on the island for many years. Plum Island was formerly a Lighthouse and Life Saving station. It served as a summer USCG station until about 5 years ago when the Coasties moved to Washington Island. The island houses the Plum Island Range Lights which guide boats into Green Bay and Escanaba, thru the Death’s Door Passage, from Lake Michigan. There is also the original brick duplex light keeper’s dwelling and fog signal building, on the south side of the island. On the NW side is the former U. S. Life Saving Service station. The main building is a large 2-story wooden structure with a lookout tower.

There is also a fairly current 3-stall boathouse. Local rumor is that the Wisconsin DNR has obtained control of the island and will turn it into a daytime only park. This means they would tear down the historic buildings, as is their want. The range lights will remain as an active USCG navigation aid.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Gott going to Nanticoke

05/20

The Edwin H. Gott is due the Duluth DMIR ore dock at 2130 on the 21st. She will be loading for Nanticoke Ontario, this is the second USS ship to load for the steel plant. She will arrive in Nanticoke at 0700 on the 25th.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

News from Port Colborne and the Welland Canal

05/20

The Mapleglen in slated for her 5 year inspection and will require drydocking. The survey should take several weeks because there is quite a list of things that need to be done. They are unsure if they will go to Port Weller or not.

The Seaway Queen has been at the fitout wall at Port Weller above Lock 1 for several weeks—as is the Canadian Mariner in the drydock.

Unconfirmed reports are that Paterson’s Comeaudoc x Murray Bay may never sail again.

Reported by: Joe Van Volkenburg

Algolake visits Port Stanley

05/20

The Algolake entered Port Stanley harbour on Tuesday May 13, at 0600 hours with a shipment of under 9000 tons of Potash for Lakes Terminals & Warehousing. This was the first shipment of Potash Lakes Terminals has received this year. The crew did a great delivery job and where in and out of the harbour within 3 hours.

Reported by: Richard Hill

U.S. Coast Guard contract

05/20

J.F. Brennan Co. of La Crosse, Wis., has received U.S.$56,678 from the U.S. Coast Guard in Cleveland for fender pile replacement.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Herbert C. Jackson Visits Manistee

05/19

A rare first time visit to Manistee was enjoyed by Manistee boat watchers Sunday afternoon, May 18th, when Interlakes Herbert C. Jackson came to Manistee with a load of stone for Sengs Dock. No problems were encountered by the Jackson and it was nice to see a different ship. The crew was unfamiliar with the Manistee River and compared as worse than the Cuyahoga river. Interlake now has the Slag contract along with stone so more ships will be coming.

A busy day was also enjoyed in Ludington where the Wilfred Sykes and the David Z. Norton were both unloading at the same time on Saturday, May 17th. If all is well the Wolverine will be into Manistee at 19:00 hrs to unload coal.

Reported by: Kevin Gray and Chris Franckowiak

U.S.S. Fahrion to make Great Lakes cruise

05/19

The U.S. Naval Reserve’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class Guided-Missile Frigate U.S.S. Fahrion (FFG 22) will be making the Navy’s Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes cruise this summer. The ship will depart for the cruise on 13 June. The U.S.S. Fahrion will be in Milwaukee on 1 and 2 Aug. with a ceremony at noon 1 Aug. and public tours both days from 1300 to 1900. After Milwaukee, the frigate will sail to Chicago. Other dates and locations will be announced.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain traffic in the Twin Ports

05/18

Twin Ports grain traffic remains strong this spring. On May 17, Canadian Leader was loading at Harvest States (unusual for a weekend) while Halifax was unloading at Cargill B2 and American Mariner was unloading at General Mills. Grain boats due in May 17 or 18 include Federal Rhine, Pomorze Zachodnie, Oak, Grant Carrier and possibly Oakglen.

St. Clair is becoming a regular this season at Silver Bay. She’s due there again May 18.

Reported by: Al Miller

S.S. Badger embarkes on her maiden voyage for 1997

05/17

05/15

The tug Atlantic Hickory & barge Sarah Spencer departed the Cargill elevator in Thunder Bay yesterday. An Injured crewman had to be taken off the ship when they were approximately 66 miles out into Lake Superior. The crewman was transported by a Coast Guard vessel to Silver Islet and then by ambulance to the hospital. No word on type of injuries or the condition of the crewman.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Update on the Algolake

05/15

New details on the Algolake running aground last month (see story dated 4/18) in the St. Mary’s River have been reported. The vessel was originally thought to have grounded because of a buoy anchor that was pushed into the Algoma Steel harbor channel by ice. Reports now indicate that a large unmarked bolder was the cause of the accident and the vessel never left the channel. What ever the cause, damage was extensive. A roughly 200 foot long hole was torn in the hull. It took Pascol Engineering in Thunder Bay three weeks to repair the damage and the ship is now back in service

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Twin Ports host Canadian vessels

05/15

The Twin Ports on May 14 were the destination for a wave of Canadian vessels. Canadian Ranger was loading at Harvest States elevator in Superior while Canadian Leader and Oakglen lay at anchor on Lake Superior waiting for elevator berths. Halifax was arriving for taconite pellets at BNSF in Superior while Quebecois was due in with cement for St. Lawrence Cement in Duluth. Tadoussac was loading bentonite at Hallett 6 – the westernmost dock on the St. Lawrence Seaway. The vessel reportedly is bound for Point Noire, one of the easternmost points on the Seaway.

Reported by: Al Miller

Grand Haven studies how to repair Boardwalk

05/15

Grand Haven is studying plans to fix their boardwalk, to fix damage caused by the WILFRED SYKES. Asphalt and wood boardwalks are being considered, although the entire cost of a wooden boardwalk wouldn’t be paid by the ship’s insurer.

Reported by: George Micka

S.S Badger ready for another season

05/14

With the strike of a match on May 12, the fires were lit in the boilers and the S.S. Badger car ferry is preparing for her sixth season as a passenger and auto vessel.

The Badger, which sports a new exterior paint scheme this year, will be open for public tours on the evening of May 15. Following a dockside breakfast and flag dedication ceremony the next morning, the ship will leave her home port of Ludington, Michigan bound for Manitowoc, Wisconsin on the first of more than 400 such round trips she will make between the two ports in 1997.

Upon returning to Ludington Friday evening, there will be a ceremony at the dock to unveil a marker commemorating the listing of the S.S. Badger and the Ludington dock facilities on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. Passengers will then embark for a sold-out Shoreline Party Cruise and fireworks display. The fun will continue on the west side of Lake Michigan Saturday afternoon, with a second Shoreline Cruise (which is also sold out) scheduled from Manitowoc. On Sunday, the Badger will resume her normal spring sailing schedule of one daily round triptwice-daily trips will run from June 20 – August 24.

The 410′ S.S. Badger was built in 1952, and accommodates over 600 passengers and 180 automobiles. This year, in addition to the new paint job, visitors will discover improvements to the ship’s interior that include video viewing areas with recliner airline-style seats and an expanded outdoor deck. 1997 marks 100 years of car ferry service between Ludington and Manitowoc.

Reported by: Kari Karr

Mauthe conversion news

05/14

Name choices are still anyone’s guess but Interlake is reported as considering PATHFINDER for a rename. The system to mate tug to barge is still under debate, the two would connect by either an Intercon or Blundworth articulation system.

With the conversion to a barge slowly making progress, the question of how she will be pushed remains. Possibilities include: the former Richmond Bay, a 5,800-hp tug purchased recently from Amoco Corp., the 128 foot tug Richmond Bay which is owned by Moran Towing (Moran and Interlake are owned by a partnership headed by James Barker and Paul Tregurtha), or a new tug built for that purpose. Interlake expects the barge to be ready for service by the end of summer, althought it may be well into 1998 before the tug and barge are finally working as a complete unit.
Speculation in the boatwatchers circles is that Sunday’s trip by the Hoyt up the Cuyahoga to LTV may have been a test to demonstrate that a vessel this size could negotiate the river.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Idling of tanker fleet

05/14

With the idling of the fuel tanker Reiss Marine (see story dated 05/08), vessels calling at the Twin Ports no longer can fuel while they load. James R. Barker elected to fuel at the Duluth port terminal May 13 before proceeding to its loading berth.

Reported by: Al Miller

Infrequent visitors arrive

05/14

Two mid-afternoon arrivals on Tuesday to the Twin Ports are also two boats that are infrequent visitors to the harbor. Anchored in the inner anchorage is the CANADIAN RANGER and anchored in the lake is the OAKGLEN. Both boats, along with the CANADIAN LEADER, await Harvest States gallery. The RANGER and the OAKGLEN are seen in the Twin Ports on the average of once or twice a year.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Elton Hoyt 2nd leaves Cleveland

05/13

The Elton Hoyt 2nd left the upper LTV dock around noon on 12 May and began making her way down the river assisted by the Great Lakes tug Idaho.

So now we know that a 698 foot long vessel can make it all the way up the Cuyahoga River. Perhaps we’ll begin to see other vessels that normally do not call on Cleveland.

Reported by: Robert Martel

Oak loads in Thunder Bay

05/13

The “Oak” is docked at Thunder Bay’s Keefer Terminal. It arrived Saturday and will spend the rest of the week being loaded with 7-million board feet of timber from Buchanan Forest Products. The ship will then head to Britain. At least three more similar loads of timber are expected to be shipped from Thunder Bay this season.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Twin Ports Report

05/13

Adam E. Cornelius seemed destined to battle the wind over the weekend in Duluth. In the face of stiff winds May 11, the boat made its way up the St. Louis River and into the DMIR ore docks while light. It left early May 12 in the face of gale warnings on Lake Superior.

Canadian Leader anchored off Duluth on May 12. The straightdecker is scheduled to remain there until May 15 before coming in to load.

Clary told the Alpena News that the vessel appears to have little structural damage, other than at the break.

The only survivor of the accident still alive accompanied the explorers on the expedition. Frank Mays, who is retired and lives in Florida, said the Bradley split in two before it sank.

J.A.W. Iglehart heads out

05/11

J.A.W.Iglehart’s stay at Fraser Shipyards was a short one. It departed Duluth shortly after sunrise May 10.

Reported by: Al Miller

Update on the Mauthe Conversion

05/10

It appears that a delay in the signing of the contract for the conversion of the Mauthe has pushed the completion date back to some time in November at the earliest. The only work completed over the winter was the removal of asbestos by Robinson Environmental Inc. from Green Bay, Wi.

As far as progress on the project, as of May 9th all uneeded wiring has been removed (about 65 cubic yards of waste), work has begun on the extraction of piping, the stack has been removed, boiler 50% removed, aft spar deck 50% removed, I have seen 1 to 2 semi trailers of scrap steel leave each day, the notch is scheduled to take 30 days to cut beginning on July 1st.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Repairs in the Twin Ports

05/10

Lots of coal, few boats

05/08

As the MESABI MINER docked in Port Washington, WI at 10:00 last night it was the second time this big boat has visited the dock this year. Port is getting lots of coal, nearly 150,000 tons already, but in only four dockings so far.

It looks like a banner year for coal, but not so good for boat watchers. With the expected electricity shortage this summer, the coal dock is being filled quickly. It has a storage capacity of about 400,000 tons.

Reported by: Paul Wiening

Twin Ports News

05/08

Duluth’s port terminal hosted back-to-back salties this week. Med Viareggio arrive May 5 to unload steel coils. The vessel left May 6 and, within a couple of hours, the saltie Menomonee was in the warehouse berth to unload. The Menomonee’s deck is dominated by two rather odd-looking unloading rigs that appear capable of handling containers as well as opening and closing hatches.

J.W. McGiffin was in Duluth on May 6 to unload grain at the Cargill elevator. The vessel is scheduled to shift to the BNSF ore dock in Superior for outbound cargo.

Reported by: Al Miller

Killing the Canadiana

05/08

The beautiful Canadiana is about to be lost. This very historic, 215 foot, three decked, turn-of-the-century, passenger steamship could be gone forever, by the end of summer. This would be a tragedy beyond words.

It is something that does *not* have to happen!

The S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society is ready and able, right now, to proceed with the restoration of her hull and to bring her back to Buffalo. She can sail again, for many decades to come.

The society was awarded $400,000 two years ago with the stipulation that it raise $118,000 as its portion of the total cost. When that was done, the group was to go forward with the restoration. The Money was rasied by the society.

Now, the New York State D.O.T. says it will not give the $400,000.00. It is unclear exactly why the money is not being released, but this will destroy the entire project. The D.O.T. appears to be complying with those who oppose the Canadiana.

It is explained in great detail on the Canadiana web page

Please write the Governor of New York to save this vessel:

Governor George E. Pataki
Executive Chamber
State Capital
Albany, NY 12224

Thanks very much for your help.

Floyd Baker
President of The S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society, Inc.

Seaway Queen arrives

05/07

The Seaway Queen arrived at Port Weller yesterday about 4:00 P.M. EST. She was towed across Lake Ontario and is to go to the fit-out berth. Apparently her future is still in doubt.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Elton Hoyt 2nd to Cleveland?

05/06

The Elton Hoyt 2nd is scheduled to depart Superior, WI, Thursday, May 8. The current orders have them making their first trip from Taconite Harbor to LTV Steel in Cleveland. If this does happen, she would be the largest boat to make that trip up the Cuyahoga. It should be interesting to watch! After that the plan is to resume the normal Marquette, MI, to Rouge Steel runs, plus whatever may come along.

Reported by: Jim Mihalek

News on the tug Cheteck

05/06

The ex US Navy harbor tug Cheteck was spotted at the old Port of Buffalo pier on the outer harbor on 5-6-97. She was sitting in the notch of the crane barge Mcaully. The Cheteck has been repainted from Navy grey to Army Corps colors. She will be doing some maintanace work around Buffalo Harbor for the next few weeks and will be using the port pier as a home base of sorts. This makes it easier to get her out to the harbor area than having her at the Army Corp yard down the Black Rock Canal.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

McCarthy in for repairs – Port Terminal received 1st cargo

05/06

The 37-year-old tank farm at the Duluth Port Terminal is in the final stages of dismantling. Although it saw occasional use through the years, the tank farm never lived up to the expectations set after the Seaway opened. The Seaway Port Authority of Duluth reports that the tank farm site may be redeveloped as a maritime fueling facility.

Reported by: Al Miller

Grampa Woo crew member to speak in Duluth

05/05

On May 14 at 7:00 P.M. Dana Kollars, one of two men plucked from the excursion boat Grampa Woo when it went adrift in a storm on Lake Superior last fall, will talk about his experiences at the next entertainment meeting of the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association. The meeting will be held at the Canal Park Marine Museum in Duluth.

Reported by: Lake Superior Marine Museum Association

Boland aground in Sandusky

05/03

05/02

Water lines, time, river depth and the United States Navy are all hurdles in the efforts to bring the guided missile destroyer USS Charles F. Adams to a final berth in Bay City.

The Saginaw Valley Naval ship Museum committee, in its quest to bring the ship to Bay City in 1998, Thursday discussed the proposed site for the ship. If it come to Bay City, the 437-foot ship would be the only guided missile destroyer on display in the nation.

The major concern is that a water line that crosses the Saginaw River south of Veterans Memorial Bridge would lay beneath the ship, if it’s docked at the ship committee’s first choice for a berth. The site is just south of the bridge on the east bank of the river.

The water line, owned by Consumers Energy, is buried 10 feet under the river bed. Company and city officials worry that the pipe might burst if the ship ever rests on the river bottom.

Reported by: Dan Maus. Edited from a story appearing in the Thursday Bay City times

Clarke Breaks Own Record for Jones Act Salt Trade

05/01

The PHILIP R. CLARKE has again set a new U.S.-Flag record for the Lakes salt trade. The 767-foot-long self-unloader took on 27,621 net tons of salt at Fairport Harbor, Ohio, on April 26. The Clarke broke the record she set just one month ago when she loaded 25,325 net tons.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Taylor to depart lay-up berth

05/01

Myron C. Taylor departed its winter layup berth in Sturgeon Bay on April 30 and proceed to Stoneport, where it will load on May 1 with a cargo for Saginaw. The only vessel from Great Lakes Fleet that is not active so far this season is Calcite II, which remains in the Fraser Shipyards in Superior.

Edgar B. Speer’s brief stop at the Duluth port terminal April 30 appeared to involve work on its bowthruster.

Reported by: Al Miller

Bomb threat closes Seaway update

05/01

Yesterday’s bomb threat caused major road traffic jams. Road bridges were not opened until the afternoon.Shipping was not affected much. The eastbound laker Quebecois was held at Beauharnois Lock for a couple of hours

Reported by: John Whitehead

News from Buffalo

05/01

Work has begun by New York State Power Authority tug-barges on removing the Niagara River Ice Boom in Buffalo Harbor. Now that the boom has been breeched Buffalo Harbor is clear of all remaining ice except for in some of the smaller slips. The two tug-derrick barge units are moored at the old Connecting Terminal Elevator on the Buffalo River when not in use.

Cleveland’s passenger vessel Nautica Qeen is also in town this week to promote tourism between the two cities. She is tied up just ahead of the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Little Rock in the Buffalo River entrance channel at the Visiting Ship’s dock.

04/28

Saturday’s Detroit News reports that Rouge Steel of Dearborn reported first-quarter earnings up 39 percent, boosted by improved blast furnace production and a bigger share of the automotive sheet steel market.
Net Income was $9.3 million, or 42 cents a share – up from $6.7 million, or 31 cents a share, for the first quarter of 1996

Reported by: The Detroit News

News from the Twin Ports

04/28

Two Harbors is seeing some unusual callers this year. Both Adam E. Cornelius and Joseph L. Block have made trips there in the past few weeks.

First boat of the season into Ashland, Wis., may be Arthur M. Anderson, which is due May 1 with a partial load of coal from Toledo. The first part of the cargo is due to be unloaded at the Soo.

Reported by: Al Miller

International St Lawrence River Board of Control’s Waters Report

04/28

As of April 23, 1997: The flow of the Ottawa River into the St Lawrence River near Montreal remained very high this last week. Conditions on Lake St Louis in the Montreal Area were being monitored closely, and the Lake Ontario flows adjusted accordingly, to ensure maximun Lake Ontario outflows without causing flooding.The present Lake Ontario outflow is at the maximum possible considering conditions downstream. With the Ottawa River outflow expected to increase in the next several days, the Lake Ontario outflow may need to be reduced, to prevent flooding downstream.

Reported by: John Whitehead

New Ports in the Vessel Passage section

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Reported by: Steve Vanden Bosch

More on the Coal Orders for Port Washington WEPCO plant

04/21

It was originally reported on 4/19 that the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. generating plant has already placed orders for 600,000 tons of coal, setting them on a record pace.

Paul G. Wiening adds this historical perspective:

Until the local power plant was rebuilt in the 1980s, the average season total was over 800,000 tons of coal. That was when the facility had five generating units. Now it only has four, so overall coal usage will be less.

However, when the plant was expanded to five units in 1949 and for the next two decades while it was operating at peak efficiency, Port Washington would quite often receive in excess of one million tons per year. The last time that happened was in 1970. Even into the mid 1980s tonnage would reach 800,000 on a regular basis.

04/19

Look for lots of boatwatching in Port Washington, WI this summer. The Wisconsin Electric Power Co. generating plant there has already placed orders for 600,000 tons of coal, setting them on a record pace. The previous coal record there is 700,000 tons for an entire season.

Reports are that the effort to stockpile large quantities of coal is due to an expected shortfall of generating and distribution capacity in the Upper Great lakes Region this coming summer.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

Algolake Refloated

04/19

Sault Ste. Marie radio station CHAS and the Sault Star are reporting through Broadcast News that the Algoma Central Freighter, Algolake, has been refloated. The giant laker ran agroung Thursday on Vidal Shoal as it was approaching a dock at Algoma Steel. Officials say they believe the grounding was caused by a buoy anchor that was pushed into the Algoma Steel harbor channel by ice.

Reported by: Richard Boon and Bill Kenwood

Agawa Canyon visits Twin Ports

04/18

Agawa Canyon, an occasional but welcome visitor to the Twin Ports, was in port April 18 unloading salt at the Cutler-Magner dock in Duluth.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algolake aground

04/18

Algoma Central’s ALGOLAKE has run aground in the St. Mary’s River. She was downbound with taconite for Algoma Steel and ran aground in the Canadian Channel heading into Algoma Steel. There is damage to number 1 and 2 ballast tanks, the ship is taking on water but is is no danger. A portion of the cargo is being off loaded into a Purvis Marine barge.

Reported by: Scott McLellan and Bill Kenwood

News round up

04/18

The M/V Burns Harbor was stuck hard directly under the Mackinac Bridge on Tuesday, April 8. High winds in excess of 60 mph the previous day had blown windrows of ice 15 feet high in the area. The tug Malcom finally freed the downboundBurns Harbor.

The upbound Indiana Harbor was forced to backdown at Round Island Passage due to thick ice on April 7 and use the South Channel passage south of Round Island.

The J.A.W Iglehart is in the process of fitting out, she entered a short term lay-up in Milwaukee on March 29 .

Reported by: Johnny Duchario

Update on name change

04/18

The Melvin H. Baker II will be renamed Atlantic Huron on April 23. The hull has been painted red, the new Canadian Steamship lines hull colour.

Reported by: Jim Bearman

New Ports in the Vessel Passage section

04/18

Two new ports added to the Vessel Passage section: Kingston and Thunder Bay.

Amherst Islander under tow

04/18

The Tug Atomic left Kingston on Wed. April 16, towing the disabled ferry Amherst Islander. The Amherst Islander suffered ice damage to its propeller last winter. The ship is being taken for repairs. I do not know the destination at this time but Oshawa is likely.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

U.S.-Flag Iron Ore and Coal Trades Off to Fast Start

04/17

With ice conditions much more normal, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers got off to a fast start in the iron ore and coal trades. Iron ore cargos loaded in U.S. bottoms in March totaled 2,012,484 net tons, an increase of 44 percent compared to the corresponding period in 1996. A year ago massive ice formations slowed the resumption of the dry-bulk trades.

Coal cargos in U.S.-Flag lakers in March tripled to 450,000 net tons.

U.S.-Flag carriers in the Jones Act trades also moved quantities of cement, salt and liquid-bulk products in March. A complete report on March U.S.-Flag carriage will be ready next week.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Toledo’s grain future?

04/17

The silos that line the banks of the Maumee River at the Port of Toledo are filled with tons of grain-all waiting to be shipped out by land or sea. But officials said Wednesday (4/16) the port’s future as a major grain terminal is in trouble because of a proposed Chicago Board of Trade rule change that eliminates Toledo as a delivery point for corn and soybean futures contracts.

Seven grain elevators operate in the area, employing 120 full-time workers and dozens of extra people during the grain season. Grain shipments through the port last year, via ship or train, totaled 62 million bushels, down from the 98 million bushels in 1995, but slightly above the yearly average of 59 million.

04/14

The Canadian Shipowners Association presents: Mariner’s Workshop on Navigation and Electronic Charts ’97, an event held in collaboration with the Port of Montreal on May 14 and 15, 1997. The purpose of the workshop is

1.To demonstrate the latest technology in electronic charting and navigation
2.To discuss the implications of implementing shipboard electronic navigation-related technologies with a particular emphasis on time, cost, and benefits.

Duluth-Superior News

04/12

04/11

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Ryerson underway

04/06

The Edward L. Ryerson left Bay Shipbuilding around 1400 Saturday – under the cover of rain and fog. She had been in long term lay-up since January 24,1994

Reported by:R.K. Thompson

04/06

Duluth received its first grain boat of the season April 5 when Halifax arrived to unload at Cargill and General Mills before shifting to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Holland MI harbor to be dredged

04/05

Working under a U S Army corps of Engineers contract, Andrie, Inc, a Muskegon MI marine dredging firm, plans to dredge an average of two feet from the bottom of Lake Macatawa along the 110 foot wide channel and the 400 foot wide turning basin at the Holland pier. The work is expected to continue through the month of April.

Reported by: John Noonan

Seaway Radio Message No. 4 – 1997

04/05

This is the final Radio Message for the 1997 opening period.

MONTREAL-LAKE ONTARIO SECTION

The Montreal-Lake Ontario section is generally open water except for a deteriorating ice cover with a broken ships track on eastern part of Lake St. Francis . A broken ice cover exists on the South Shore Canal, and from Snell to one mile above Eisenhower Lock.

Navigation will be restricted to daylight hours in some areas. The commissioning of lighted aids is underway. Details will be issued by the appropriate Traffic Control Centres. Mariners are warned to exercise extreme caution in the use of winter markers as the position of the markers may have been affected by ice. Ice breaker assistance will be available on Lake St. Francis if required.

It is extremely important that vessels transiting through all ice covered areas proceed at the slowest safe speed in order not to disturb the ice fields.

Progress on the removal of the Prescott-Ogdensburg and Galop booms will be provided by the Traffic Control Centre as required.

WELLAND CANAL

Both sides of the flight locks are in operation.

Ice conditions are moderate in the eastern half of Lake Erie.

Vessels intending to transit the eastern end of Lake Erie are advised to contact Seaway Long Point or Seaway Welland for current information on ice conditions. Ice breaker assistance will be available if required.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Port of Cleveland

04/04

Today at 1523 hours the Cuyahoga was leaving the Port and the American Republic was waiting to enter. The Wolverine had her engines on because the diesel fumes were exiting her funnels.

Wednesday of this week the Niagara (historic sailing vessel) was in dry dock at the slip south of Akozo Salt Co.

Reported by: CeiBob1

Holland MI harbor to be dredged

04/04

Reported by: John Noonan

First cruise ship to Duluth

04/04

The first cruise ship to visit Duluth in about 30 years is scheduled to arrive in port Oct. 3, the Seaway Port Authority of Duluth announced April 3.

The new cruise ship Columbus, owned by Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd Tours, will dock for about 12 hours at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Two Great Lakes cruises, each with 420 passengers, are sold out. Both cruises were marketed in Europe.

Twin Ports officials are hoping to persuade Hapag-Lloyd to use Duluth as the starting point for cruises starting in 1998.

Reported by: Al Miller

SMET Off To Fast Start

04/03

The “Wilfred Sykes” , the first ship of the year to enter the Grand Haven Mi harbor, collided with a sea wall near the foot of Franklin Street shortly before 7:00 AM April 2, 1997. The collision damaged some 60 feet of sea wall, and shattered its concrete cap. There was no apparent damage to the “Sykes” which continued on up the channel to a dock in Ferrysburg MI.

In April 1995, the “Elton Hoyt II” damaged the same sea wall – in approximately the same area – when wind caught it’s stern as the ship was turning at the rivers bend.

Reported by: John Noonan and William & Barbara Shetterly

March 1997

Mar 1, 1997

Alpena unloading

03/31

As of 3:15 p.m. the Alpena was tied up alongside the E.M. Ford at the Lafarge dock in Carrollton MI. The unloading process was underway with the hoses going from the Alpena across the Ford and to the silos. Other activity at the dock included three fuel trucks loading the bunkers of the Alpena.

Reported by: Greg Brass

More sailing dates

03/31

HERBERT C. JACKSON – March 30 departed River Rouge for Toledo
PRESQUE ISLE – March 29 departed Sturgeon Bay for Two Harbors

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

S/S Alpena opens Saginaw River

03/31

9:50 A.M. EST the Steamer Alpena is upbound to Carrolton to the LaFarge facility which makes her the first vessel into the Saginaw River system.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Cleanup following the LTV train derailment

03/31

The effects of LTV Steel Mining Co.’s train wreck, which in January spilled 7,500 tons of taconite pellets, demolished 93 railroad cars, four locomotives and injured two trainmen, are still being felt.

While the gigantic derailment near Schroeder didn’t slow production at LTV Steel Mining Co.’s taconite plant in Hoyt Lakes, it’s still having an impact on the way LTV is doing business.

All 93 railroad cars have been sold as scrap and have been transported from the derailment site to a scrap yard. The four locomotives pulling the train toward Taconite Harbor when the derailment occurred have also been determined to be scrap. The locomotives have been dragged down an embankment near the derailment site and will soon also be sold to a scrap yard.

The pellets spilled in the accident are still at the site. The pellets will be rescreened at Taconite Harbor and loaded into an ore boat sometime this shipping season. Railroad ties and rail that were torn loose as the train raced out-of-control toward Lake Superior have been replaced and LTV last week resumed transporting pellets along the 74-mile long rail line.

The derailment left LTV with 296 rail cars. LTV will continue to transport its taconite pellets by rail to Taconite Harbor, but because of the shortage of rail cars and locomotives, LTV has contracted with the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway for the use of one locomotive. Additional DM&IRlocomotives may be contracted. And LTV has signed a contract with the DM&IRunder which the DM&IRwill haul LTV’s taconite chips to Two Harbors until LTV’s rolling railroad stock is replaced.

Cuyahoga out for the 1997 season

03/28

Soo Locks open for the 1997 season

03/26

According to the Duluth News-Tribune, the first downbound vessels at the Soo were Lee A. Tregurtha, Edgar B. Speer, Philip R. Clarke and Roger Blough. Upbound vessels were John G. Munson and Adam E. Cornelius.

Reported by: Al Miller

Paul R. Tregurtha visits Port Washington – update

03/26

The PAUL R. TREGURTHA finally docked about 11 am yesterday. She spent most of the day unloading.

Reported by: Wiening Great Lakes Page

03/24

A report in Saturday’s (3/22) Chicago Tribune has the 93-year old JB Ford possibly for sale. In a feature article on the ship, Lafarge Cement personnel are quoted as saying the vessel’s ~4000 ton cement capacity is inadequate for their needs and they are considering acquiring a larger vessel or building a new shore-based facility in Chicago. If so, the Ford could be declared surplus and put up for sale or scrap. Also discussed in the Tribune report was the possibility of the Ford going for sale as a museum shipno further details were provided.

Reported by: Vern Sondak

Twin Ports Monday update

03/24

Monday morning update

Mesabi Miner plans to depart Duluth late on March 24 after loading at DMIR ore dock. Across the bay, Walter J. McCarthy is fitting out and now plans to depart Midwest Energy Terminal with a cargo of coal early March 26. Plans apparently still call for Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw to escort a group of vessels from the Head of the Lakes to the Soo.

The only layup vessels that show no signs of activity right now are Calcite II, which generally fits out later than most vessels, and Elton Hoyt II.

Vessel masters report that ice in the Twin Ports is pretty loose. The situation on Lake Superior could change, however, as northeast winds from 15 to 25 knots are forecast for tomorrow.

St. Clair is undergoing Coast Guard inspection March 24 and tentatively plans to depart Fraser Shipyards tomorrow and proceed to BN, possibly becoming the first vessel to load there. The Mackinaw was in Superior on Saturday to break out the harbor and cut a 200-foot-wide track out the entry.

Sunday updates

Twin Ports vessel movements continue with little trouble thanks to mild temperatures and calm winds. The only delay reported in the past few days was at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth, where frozen taconite pellets delayed Lee A. Tregurtha. Since the boat was loading at the gravity chutes, it’s not clear whether to troublesome pellets were coming in by train or being reclaimed from the storage pile at the dock. Meanwhile, ice in the channels is broken up and a few small areas of open water are visible where there’s been some traffic. Snow, possibly heavy, is predicted for Monday, so that may change schedules again.

Reported by: Al Miller

Dennis Hale Sole Survivor presentation

03/24

See and hear Dennis Hale, the only survivor of the wreck of the S/S Daniel J. Morrell which sank in Lake Huron in November 1966 . Tickets are $8.00 in advance or $10.00, at the door. The Event is sponsored by the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society

Send to:
SRMHS
707 Sibley St.
Bay City, MI 48706

Program is being held April 19, 1997 at Bay City Central High School auditorium, 1624 Columbus St. (east Side of Bay City), All Proceeds go to the Building of a Museum by the Society.

Reported by: Dan Maus

William A. Irvin 1997 Season Opener

03/24

The official open day for the 610′ retired bulk carrier William A. Irvin and the former US Army Corps of Engineers tug Lake Superior has now been set for May 3rd. The Irvin just recieved a new coat of pain and she is looking as good as ever.

Reported by: William A. Irvin Home Page

More vessels head out for the 1997 season

03/22

Vessel movements continue in the Twin Ports. Edgar B. Speer left port Friday for Two Harbors and Roger Blough slipped out later that day or early Saturday. Lee A. Tregurtha was loading under the gravity chutes at the DMIR ore dock at midday Saturday. As of 5 p.m., Philip R. Clarke was preparing to back out of Fraser Shipyards with help from two tugs. Kaye E. Barker has steam up at midday and appeared ready to get under way.

Reported by: Al Miller

Paul R. Tregurtha under way

03/22

The Paul R. Tregurtha is under way through the Detroit River system. She departed the Sterling fuel dock in Windsor, ON upbound at 3:35 P.M. EST. Should be a good line up waiting for the Soo Locks on Monday

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Ex Soconav Fleet for sale

03/22

To correct a previous posting, the fleet is for sale as detailed below. L’Orme No.1, Le Chene No.1 and Le Saule No.1 are all subject of a Judicial Sale order and was posted this week in the major marine press. W.M. Vacy Ash is under arrest in the port of Brest in France. She is also for sale but on private terms.

Please contact the writer for any further information.

Ocean Marine Charter Inc.
PO Box 1360
Shediac,NB E0A 3G0
Canada
Tel: 514 532 1260
Fax: 506 532 6300
Telex 409201865

Reported by: Kieran J. Shanahan

Lorain-Cleveland Shuttle run

03/22

The David Z. Norton has started its shuttles from earlier this week. Oglebay Norton’s next ship out will be the Fred R. White Jr. on March 25th. The White will also start the Lorain-Cleveland shuttles.

Reported by: C Franckowiak

Winter Maintenance at the Seaway Locks

03/22

Winter maintenance work at the U.S. St. Lawrence Seaway Locks in Massena, NY. included this year a paint job for gates on the Snell Lock. The $350,000 project involved draining the lock in preparation for sand blasting and painting the 300 ton locks. Also included in the winter work was repair and maintenance to a hydraulic gate at the Eisenhower Lock.

Reported by: Johnny Duchario

Cleveland Port Authority Purchases C & P Ore Docks Oglebay Norton To Operate New Facility

03/22

CLEVELAND–(March 19, 1997)– The Cleveland Cuyahoga County Port Authority today announced that it has completed the purchase of the C & P Ore Docks from ConRail for $6.15 million

The Port Authority also entered into a 10-year lease agreement with Cleveland-based Oglebay Norton Company to manage the facility, which will operate under a new name — Cleveland Bulk Terminals. The agreement gives Oglebay Norton the option to renew the lease for an additional 10-year period.

More vessels start the 1997 season

03/20

J. A. W. IGLEHART – March 20 departed Detroit for Alpena
WILFRED SYKES – March 20 departed Sturgeon Bay for Escanaba

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Spring has arrived

03/20

The J.A.W. IGLEHART past upbound in Lake St. Clair today (3-20)

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Twin Ports and North Shore vessel traffic

03/20

Vessel movement in the Twin Ports began about 9 a.m. March 20 when the James R. Barker backed away from its layup berth at the Duluth port terminal and got under way for Taconite Harbor. Barker is maneuvering with assistance of two tugs from Great Lakes Towing.

Meanwhile, Sundew is working ice at the Superior entry, where several vessels are expected to call in the coming week.

More Vessel Traffic:

All dates and movements are estimates and may vary according to weather and ice conditions. Ice coverage is extensive off Duluth-Superior, but mild temperatures and possibly rain are predicted for the next day or two.

March 20 — The first departures may come March 20 with departure of Mesabi Miner and James R. Barker for Taconite Harbor in late morning or afternoon. As of 8 a.m., Miner did not appear to have yet ballasted down.

March 22 — Kaye E. Barker shifting from Hallett 5 to DMIR. Edgar B. Speer departing Duluth port terminal and arriving Two Harbors

March 23 — Lee A. Tregurtha shifting from shipyard to DMIR. Roger Blough departing port terminal for Two Harbors. Philip R. Clarke departing shipyard for Two Harbors. Cason J. Callaway departing shipyard for Two Harbors

March 25 — St. Clair shifting from shipyard to BN ore dock. Walter J. McCarthy loads at Midwest Energy Terminal, where it spent the winter.

March 26 — Indiana Harbor departs port terminal for BN ore dock. Edwin H. Gott may arrive Two Harbors depending on ice conditions

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Integrity visits Muskegon

03/19

The cement barge Integrity made her first visit to Muskegon this weekend (her first trip was March 15 when she departed Chicago for Waukegan) . I haven’t seen Integrity dock at LaFarge’s terminal yet-she is sitting behind the West Michigan Dock and Market Corp (Mart). She was there Tuesday A.M. and P.M., and was still there at 10:30 P.M. (3/18) There was an article in the March 18th Muskegon Chronicle mentioning the arrivals. The article mentioned that Integrity came from Waukegon IL, and is expected to leave for Alpena Wednesday morning. The article also stated her Muskegon destination as the West Michigan Dock & Market Corp. LaFarges terminal is approximately 1000 foot West of the Mart.

Also an Amoco barge (probably the barge Great Lakes pushed by the tug Michigan) on the way to Traverse City had entered the harbor first, waiting on weather before continuing to Traverse City.

Reported by: George Micka

Cutter Sundew Working ice fields

03/19

Coast Guard Cutter Sundew made its first foray of the season into the ice field off Duluth. The vessel was about 3 miles off the ship canal late this afternoon, proceeding slowly or stopped in the ice. The ice field is larger than in recent weeks, with some windrows visible from shore.

Reported by: Al Miller

Simco working aids to navigation

03/19

Reports are that the CCGS Simcoe went past Cape Vincent, west bound, on Wednesday, March 12 at approx. 1100. The purpose was to start on the Lake Ontario aids to navigation.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

May 2 is 1997 Season Opening for Steamship William G. Mather Museum

03/19

(Cleveland, OH) Friday, May 2, 1997 is opening day for the Steamship William G. Mather Museum’s seventh season as northeast Ohio’s only floating maritime museum. The historic Mather, a restored 1925 Great Lakes ore carrier, is permanently moored in Downtown Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor, just north of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Great Lakes Science Center.

Algomarine ready to sail

03/17

The Algomarine completed fit-out yesterday at Sarnia, North Slip. They will be leaving for Goderich today (3/17) to load salt for Milwaukee.

Reported by: Peter Schultz

Elton Hoyt 2nd due out late

03/17

Interlake’s 698′ self unloader, the Elton Hoyt the 2nd will not fit out until late April-Early May. Reports are that the company lost whatever contract she was working on.

Reported by: Mark Hammond

Date for Seaway opening

03/17

Seaway Notice No. 1 — 1997 Opening of the 1997 Navigation Season

For the purposes of planning transits through the Seaway, the opening of the 1997 navigation season is scheduled to take place on the dates and times indicated below:

Montreal-Lake Ontario
April 2, 1997 – 0800 hours (E.S.T.)
Welland Canal
April 2, 1997 – 0800 hours (E.S.T.)

Vessel transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Navigation may be restricted to daylight hours in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed.

Mariners are advised that due to the high water levels existing on Lake Ontario, the International Joint Commission on January 17, 1997, authorized the implementation of criteria (K). This criteria allows flows to be increased to levels which may affect navigation during the opening period.

The Seaway entities also announce that, for the 1997 navigation season, the clearance date for the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section has been designated as December 20, 1997, 2400 hours.

The channel in the American Narrows ( Thousand Island Bridge ) area appeared open as of yesterday.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Name Change

03/17

The tanker Le Brave has been renamed Imperial St. Lawrence. The 1977 built tanker operated by Imperial Oil LTD, was repainted in Imperial colors while in lay-up at Halifax.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

More tanker news

03/17

The remaining three tankers owned by the now bankrupt Socanav, have been taken over by a company called Petro-Nav-Inc., a firm related to Group Desgagnes.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Alpena begins 1997 season

03/15

Inland Lakes Management’s cement carrier ALPENA left Cleveland on 3/13. She is currently (12:00 A.M. EST.) at anchor in the St. Clair River waiting on weather.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Four More Legislators Oppose Icebreaking User Charges

03/15

Four more members of the Great Lakes delegation have signed Congressman Oberstar’s letter opposing Coast Guard user charges for icebreaking on the Great Lakes. Members of the House signing on were Lynn Rivers (MI)James Barcia (MI)and Jerry Weller (IL). Senator Paul Wellstone (MN) became the second senator to endorse the effort.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Cort and Burns Harbor set sailing dates

03/14

The Bethlehem Steel ships have set the following dates for beginning the season

STEWART J. CORT 3/25/97
BURNS HARBOR 3/26/97

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

Latest sailing dates

03/13

JOSEPH L. BLOCK – March 12 departed Sturgeon Bay for Escanaba

PAUL R. TREGURTHA – March 12 departed Cleveland for Lorain

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Report from the Cutter Sundew

03/12

Report from Mr. Joe Walters, by way of Ken Newhams
“We’ve already accomplished more in two days that we did last year in a week. The thickest ice we’ve found was about two feet near the DM&IRore docks in St. Louis Bay. We got down Superior Front Channel today as far as where they had the snowmobile races last week. While we had to back and ram to get there, once we turned around, we were able to run right back, cutting the track double wide at about 5-7 knots.

We’ll be out every day this week for sure, and probably most of next week.”

Reported by: Ken Newhams, Duluth Shipping News

Domestic Maritime Fleet Experiences Explosive Growth

03/12

03/11

Joseph L Block, 3-11-97

Wilfred Sykes,3-17-97

Reported by: Richard Jenkins

U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Back to Work after Short Break

03/04

The 1997 dry-bulk shipping season on the Great Lakes began on March 3 with the sailing of the DAVID Z. NORTON. The 635-foot-long self-unloader will spend the next few weeks moving iron ore on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. The NORTON is one of 12 U.S.-Flag lakers operated by Cleveland-based Oglebay Norton Company.

The 1997 shipping season began just 30 days after the 1996 season concluded.

The iron ore trade out of Escanaba, Michigan, is expected to resume on March 8 or 9 with the loading of the tug/barge unit JOSEPH H. THOMPSON. The cement trade is scheduled to resume on March 15 with the sailing of the J.A.W. IGLEHART from her winter berth in Detroit. The ship will load cement in Alpena, Michigan.

The locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, will open on March 25 and a number of U.S.-Flag lakers will begin loading at Lake Superior ports shortly thereafter. Some ships which wintered in Duluth/Superior will be downbound loaded on March 25.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association