Cruise ship to arrive in Duluth on Memorial Day

DULUTH, MN – A Viking cruise ship will be the first to arrive and use the new customs facility at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on Monday, according to a news release from the DECC.

The Viking Octantis, carrying 400 passengers and 250 crew members, will stop in Duluth for the day as part of an eight-day Great Lakes Tour. The ship is scheduled to arrive in the harbor between 6-7 a.m. The nearly 700-foot cruise ship will anchor in the harbor, just outside of the shipping lane.

Tender boats will transport guests off the ship to the new customs facility at the DECC, then head out to various excursions including Glensheen Mansion, the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Great Lakes Aquarium or a canoe trip down the St. Louis River.

This will be the first of nine cruise ships scheduled to dock in Duluth from May to mid-September. Most of the cruises will be from Viking Cruises, but two in June will be American Queen cruises. According to the DECC, the average age of cruise passengers is 70 and 95% are from the United States.

After passengers return from their excursions, the ship will depart around 4-6 p.m., heading toward its next destination, the Apostle Islands and Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Duluth News Tribune

 

Port of Oswego opens new USDA grain lab

OSWEGO, NY – The extremely active Port of Oswego cut the ribbon on a new value-added service they’re providing customers of their new granary: a grain analysis lab that establishes a grade for that grain and guarantees it according to USDA standards.

Port Executive Director William Scriber recently described the workings of the lab and the increase in business the Port has seen over the past few years and especially the past few months.

“I’m getting two shifts on the dock at times,” he said, “there’s business up my…and more people banging on my doors than I ever could expect. I probably will end up challenging the big ports for tonnage this year, if everything goes right. This is the third windmill ship we’ve had in. I’ve had two heavy-loaded aluminums, I put the first grain ship on the Great Lakes this year, my rail business is increasing over last year’s so far month-to-month 100-plus %. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but whatever I’m doing, I probably ought to get a pat on the back for it. Either that or it’s dumb luck.”

The grain lab is not only a fascinating addition in itself but also a great learning experience for the SUNY Oswego students who work it.

“It was a nice event,” Scriber said, “in the sense that we have a good relationship with SUNY Oswego, and we have, I think, a valuable experience here for students to get hands-on experience in real life, which, eventually, they’ll be going into, once they graduate. We didn’t really spare money on developing a grain lab that was, if not the best, one of the best you can find anywhere in New York, if not on the Great Lakes. You saw the automation and the cleanliness of stainless steel and computer systems. The probe was outside. It’s a remote probe. It was the same type of probing system you’d get at a facility like the ethanol plant used to have here in Oswego. Actually, the probe, what it does is, it’s an arm. It goes in. It’s pneumatic vacuuming. It goes in and takes samples out of the trucks, so you don’t actually have to leave the lab to do it. And then it brings it in via a hose, drops it into a containment area, and then it releases into a cyclone brass device, then dumps it into a sampling tray. They then take the sampling tray, and they do, depending on the grain, corn, soybeans, wheat, a whole system of testing for moisture, vomitox, particulate, it’s all tested right there. There’s a bunch of machines that’ll do it. And then, what happens is we, then, relay that information in real time to the scales office where they grade it. They enter the grades. That’s then transmitted immediately to the Scales Office. Then we’ll release it, weigh the truck, and release it to be put into the silo.

Read more at this link: https://www.nny360.com/communitynews/business/port-of-oswego-getting-it-all-and-some-they-didn-t-expect-as-they-officially/article_353b8d6b-ec63-529f-9bfb-81ab1c66688c.html

NNY360

 

U.S. Coast Guard closing seasonal Holland station

HOLLAND, MI – The United States Coast Guard is closing one of its Michigan stations on Lake Michigan.

The Coast Guard announced Thursday that it will be consolidating crews and assets from its seasonal station in Holland into its station in Grand Haven. A seasonal Lake Superior station in Grand Marais, Minnesota is also being folded into the USCG’s Duluth station.

The decision will not affect the USCG’s ability to respond to emergencies on the Great Lakes or increase risk to the boating public, according to a news release.

“We would not consolidate these stations if we thought it would increase the risk to boaters or the maritime industry,” said Lt. Paul Rhynard, public affairs officer for the Ninth Coast Guard District. “This decision was made after careful research and with the safety of the public as our top priority. Modern boats, aircraft and strong partnerships with other search-and-rescue agencies allow us to eliminate redundancies and ensure the best use of limited resources.”

Both of the closing stations have been seasonally staffed between Memorial Day and Labor Day since 2018. In the past, personnel from the Grand Haven station would be temporarily shifted to Holland. Those crews will instead cover the area from the Grand Haven station this summer.

Holland averaged about 24 cases per year since 2010 while Lake Michigan averaged between 600 and 700 cases over that period.

The Great Lakes in total average around 2,000 cases each year, so cases handed by the Holland station represent a very small portion of the USCG’s total response.

The decision to shutter the seasonal stations was made after the Coast Guard conducted a study of its laydown and historical search-and-rescue trends. Annual Coast Guard search-and-rescue caseloads have decreased from approximately 33,000 cases per year in 2004 to approximately 15,000 in 2019, a reduction of over 50 percent, according to officials.

No other stations have been identified for consolidation at this time, according to the Coast Guard.

MLive

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Both Viking Expedition cruise ships to sail Great Lakes in 2023

Viking’s inaugural season in America’s Great Lakes is well underway. The line’s first expedition ship, Viking Octantis, recently wrapped up a roundtrip through the Welland Canal — a part of the St. Lawrence Seaway that connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. That makes it the largest passenger vessel to ever transit the canal. 

Octantis is set to remain in the Great Lakes until early October of this year, operating a variety of itineraries between Toronto, Ontario and Duluth, Minnesota.

Next year, Viking’s second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, will join Octantis for the Great Lakes season.

“Our expedition ships were designed with the Great Lakes in mind. This region has been historically underserved by cruise lines, and we are delighted by the warm and enthusiastic reception we have received from the local communities,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With our first season now underway, we are pleased with the strong demand among our guests and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to these fantastic destinations in 2023.”

Viking’s arrival to the Great Lakes brings the newest and most modern vessels to the region, as well as an economic boost for the states of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio (starting in 2023), as well as Canada’s Ontario province.

To help develop the scientific enrichment program for its Great Lakes voyages, Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, which conducts research on the environments and ecosystems of these lakes and their coastal regions.

These expedition ships have also been designated as official NOAA/U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations, and launches will be regularly undertaken from their decks.

The four itineraries Viking is operating in the Great Lakes this year are:

Undiscovered Great Lakes: 8 days, Thunder Bay to Milwaukee

Great Lakes Explorer: 8 days, Milwaukee to Thunder Bay

Niagara & The Great Lakes: 8 days, Toronto to Milwaukee

Canadian Discovery: 13 days, New York to Toronto

In 2023, Viking will add a new Great Lakes voyage:

Great Lakes Collection: 15 days, Toronto to Duluth

From now through May 31, 2022, Viking is offering special fares and reduced airfare on Great Lakes itineraries. Call Viking or contact your travel agent for information.

Cruiseradio.net

 

Laker’s innovative diesel electric solution delivers emissions savings

A Canadian laker with an advanced Berg diesel electric drive train is already showing significant emissions reductions. Built by China’s Chengxi Shipyard for Canada Steamship Line (CSL) the 26,000 dwt self-unloader, M/V Nukumi arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in time to take up duties for the 2022 Great Lakes season. As we reported earlier, the vessel is a single point loader developed in collaboration with Windsor Salt to deliver de-icing salt from Mines Seleine on the Magdalens Islands for use on roads across Quebec and Newfoundland.

It is the first bulk carrier to feature direct drive electric — an integrated solution developed by Berg Propulsion to make high efficiency electric propulsion easier to adopt.

“Conventional electric propulsion systems feed power from the generator to the power distribution system, then on to the frequency controller and the electric motor before they reach the main propeller shaft via the reduction gear,” said Jonas Nyberg, managing director, West, at Berg Propulsion. “This can be overly complex and hard to maintain, while energy is lost at every step. The direct drive electric solution features electric motors that are integrated to directly drive the propeller shaft.”

The removal of gears allows for shorter shaft lines, fewer bearings and a smaller engine room footprint, while very high torque meant the same power could drive larger propellers, according to Nyberg.

“For Nukumi, the use of direct drive electric propulsion shows the value available when a shipowner, an equipment maker and a system integrator work together in the early ship design phase on prioritizing performance and sustainability,” says Nyberg. “This is a key reference for direct drive electric as a fuel efficient and easy to install technology which broadens the appeal of greener electric propulsion.”

Frederic Jauvin, vice-president, global technical services, CSL said that, compared to its predecessor, the ship’s combination of optimized hull form, electric propulsion technology and Tier III diesel-electric engines would cut greenhouse gases by 25 percent and other pollutants by 80 percent. The propulsion solution will also enhance maneuverability in the shallow Magdalen Island channel, he said.

“Nukumi charts new waters when it comes to safe, sustainable and efficient shipping in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region,” said Jauvin. “Its efficiency and sustainability are truly exciting and Berg Propulsion’s integrated solution and its engineering partnership with Chengxi Shipyard has been key to securing all of the available performance enhancements.”’

The performance and sustainability gains of electric propulsion are widely acknowledged, especially when ships demand variable load capabilities, but Berg believes the greater simplicity direct drive solutions bring to the marine market could prove decisive.

Berg says that energy savings compared to other electrical solutions can be in the excess of 5%, with equivalent fuel savings available. Additionally, direct drive electric is also “future-proofed” to accommodate alternative energy sources, using a DC hub — or “superdrive” — to draw on main engines or stored energy from zero emission batteries and fuel cells, as required.

MarineLog

 

Viking cruise ship to dock near Dollar Bay

HOUGHTON, MI – If people want to catch a glimpse of the cruise ship visiting the Keweenaw next week, the best vantage point on land might be the Nara Nature Park boardwalk.

Houghton City Manager Eric Waara provided an update on the cruise ship itinerary during Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting. The Viking Octantis cruise ship and research vessel will come to the Houghton area June 1 for the first of its seven trips to the area this summer. The Victory cruise line will also make two stops this summer.

Original plans had called for the ship to arrive via the North Entry and dock near the Kestner Waterfront Park. The 665-foot expedition ship, too big to fit under the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, would have turned around to head back out to Lake Superior when leaving. The revised itinerary sent last Thursday now has the ship docking near the U.S. Coast Guard Station Portage in Dollar Bay. Passengers will be tendered 3 miles to Houghton, where they will disembark at Bridgeview Park.

Passengers will have a number of options, whether seaplane tours of the Keweenaw, walking brewery tours or visits to the Quincy Mine Hoist and Seaman Mineral Museum.“There’s going to be a lot of people visiting a lot of the things that we have,” Waara said. “That’s what’s really nice, is they’re going to be getting that little taste, and hopefully they’ll come back on their own sometime.”

The Daily Mining Gazette

 

U. S. Steel celebrates investment in America with strategic pig iron caster at Gary Works

GARY, IN – United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) (“U. S. Steel”) employees joined United Steelworkers (USW) leadership, key partners, and elected officials to celebrate the Company’s investment in a pig iron caster at its Gary Works facility. The installation of the pig iron caster is a key part of U. S. Steel’s metallics strategy, capitalizing on its iron ore advantage.

“Mined, melted and made in America has always been important to us, and recent world events have demonstrated how critical self-reliance is,” said U. S. Steel President & CEO David B. Burritt. “This investment at Gary Works, to create the necessary material for our lower-emissions electric arc furnaces, is the perfect example of combining the best of integrated and mini mill technologies. It’s also helping propel our transition to our ambitious Best for All® strategy. We’re committed to a future of driving profitable steel solutions for people and the planet.”

The pig machine will be fed with iron ore from the Company’s Minnesota Ore Operations, Minntac and Keetac. The produced pig iron is expected to supply up to 50% of the ore-based metallics needs for Big River Steel Works.

“Gary Works is U. S. Steel’s largest manufacturing plant and its role in the Company and in this community is significant,” said Daniel Killeen, Vice President, Gary Works. “Knowing that the nearly 4,000 employees at Gary Works are not just contributing here, but we now get to utilize our blast furnace efficiency to contribute to the company’s new, most environmentally friendly operations at Big River Steel Works, is something we’re excited about.”

Pre-construction for the caster began in the first quarter of 2022, and start-up is expected in early 2023. The $60 million investment will bring approximately 25 new jobs to the facility.

Gus Atsas, President, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1014, said, “The process of pigging iron will help secure our plant in an ever-changing global market. The future of Gary Works and the United Steelworkers go hand in hand. Our families and communities depend on our success, and we are proud of the work we do every day.”

“U. S. Steel and their incredible workforce, including members of the United Steelworkers, are the foundation of the Northwest Indiana economy. I am grateful they are making this investment in the steelmaking capabilities of our region and the ability of future workers to continue to make the most environmentally friendly and efficient steel in the world,” said Congressman Frank Mrvan.

Businesswire

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Soo Locks project no longer fully funded

After a big announcement in January celebrating $479 million directed to fully fund the construction of a new lock, the Army Corps of Engineers has had to walk it back, according to a report by The Detroit News.

The billion-dollar project, authorized by Congress at $922 million in 2018, is now estimated to be “somewhere between two times and three times” the cost, Sen. Debbie Stabenow told The Detroit News. The senator expressed disappointment because the money had been secured for the project upfront under the belief that the project would be completed two years ahead of schedule.

The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, allow 1,000-foot freighters to bypass the rapids of the St. Marys River and move between Lake Superior and the rest of the Great Lakes and beyond. For a long time the bulk of that was handled by the Poe Lock, and a new lock the same size and capacity as the Poe would prevent any disruptions to shipping should something happen with the Poe.

The first two phases of the project have already been started. The contract of the third phase was expected to be awarded in February with a 2030 completion date. The Army Corps learned of the problem after the bidding process for the third phase closed in January and industry estimates were significantly higher than their own, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman told The Detroit News. Bergman’s district includes the Soo Locks.

Carrie Fox, public affairs specialist for the Army Corps of Engineers, pointed to “market conditions” for the discrepancy in estimates and said the Corps is “accounting for those changing conditions.” Fox also said the Corps does not have accurate numbers for any estimates yet and cannot discuss those numbers but is “hopeful” they will have an estimate they can make public “this summer.”

Congress will likely have to reauthorize the project for a higher amount once a new official estimate is released. 

Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, has spoken in support of the project before. LCA represents the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet. He had been aware of some talk but “was surprised with the magnitude of the cost increase.” “It was not easy getting that money, and they also missed the opportunity, they could have gotten more,” Weakley said. “If Congress has known they needed more when the infrastructure bill was passed, they could have gotten more.”

Weakley expressed doubts that the 2030 completion is still likely but remains optimistic that the project will move forward. “The good news is no one’s talking about walking away from the project,” Weakley said. “Everyone’s talking about finishing the project, and everyone’s worried about time delays and getting additional money to finish the project.”

Great Lakes Now

 

The Great Lakes are now home to the most modern luxury cruise ship to date

The Great Lakes might not be top of mind for most cruisers, but that could be changing thanks to the launch of Viking’s latest expedition ship which officially kicked off their inaugural season today.

Designed specifically to sail The Great Lakes region, the 378-passenger expedition ship Viking Octantis just completed her roundtrip voyage through the Welland Canal—a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie—making it the largest passenger vessel ever to transit the canal, the cruise lines said in a statement Thursday.

“Our expedition ships were designed with the Great Lakes in mind,’ Chairman of Viking Torstein Hagen said. “This region has been historically underserved by cruise lines, and we are delighted by the warm and enthusiastic reception we have received from the local communities.”

Viking Octanis will remain in the Great Lakes until early October 2022, sailing a variety of itineraries between Toronto and Duluth. A second expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, is slated to her make her Great Lakes debut later this year before joining Octantis for the 2023 season. Built for expeditions sailing, both Polar Class ships can hold a total of 378 passengers in 189 staterooms.

Among a few of the ship’s highlights are an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed, heated seating and lava rock “firepits,” a Science Lab, Nordic Spa featuring a heated indoor pool and wood-sided hot tub open to the outside, and a Nordic Balcony in every stateroom.

During Viking’s inaugural 2022 season, the cruise line will be operating four new itineraries in the Great Lakes including:

Undiscovered Great Lakes (8 days; Thunder Bay to Milwaukee)

Great Lakes Explorer (8 days; Milwaukee to Thunder Bay)

Niagara & The Great Lakes (8 days; Toronto to Milwaukee)

Canadian Discovery (13 days; New York to Toronto)

In 2023, Viking will also be adding a new 15-day voyage called the Great Lakes Collection sailing from Toronto to Duluth.

“With our first season now underway, we are pleased with the strong demand among our guests and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to these fantastic destinations in 2023,” Torstein said.

Forbes

 

Viking Octantis passengers will board submersibles at Silver Islet

THUNDER BAY, ON – When tourists sailing on Viking Octantis arrive at Silver Islet this Friday, they’ll have a unique opportunity to take an underwater tour.

The largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes – and the first to visit the Thunder Bay area in 10 years – carries two submersibles. Each takes six passengers at a time, who are placed in revolving seats that provide 270-degree views below the surface. “That’s a very unique experience, one that I think is going to generate a lot of media attention for them, and for us as a destination,” says Paul Pepe, manager of tourism for the City of Thunder Bay.

According to Pepe, the 378-passenger vessel operated by Viking Expeditions is one of the top 10 new cruise ships in the world. “It’s being followed very closely by all the international travel and cruise media, so it’s really put Thunder Bay in a global media spotlight in the tourism sector,” he said Wednesday.

This year the Viking Octantis is scheduled to make seven trips to Thunder Bay, which the company selected as a turnaround spot. That means a new group of passengers will board the ship here for its return voyage to Milwaukee after arriving passengers have toured the city before returning home by air.

Another cruise ship, American Cruise Lines’ Ocean Navigator, will dock at Thunder Bay twice this summer. Both vessels will return next year, when they will be joined by another Viking Expeditions ship, Viking Polaris.

Pepe said the economic impact on the city this year alone will be very significant.

“There’s a range of economic impacts that are broader than just day-stops. Some guests are flying in the day-of or flying out the day-of. Others are staying in the area for an extra day or two and exploring.” He said spinoff benefits for local businesses include resupplying the vessels  with food and other goods, and providing ground transportation services. Tourism Thunder Bay estimates the overall economic benefit to the city will range between $3.6 and 5.6 million.

Significant improvements have recently been made at the Pool 6 dock where passengers will board and disembark. Most of the concrete rubble left after the demolition of the grain elevator years ago has been removed, and the ground has been leveled.

Pepe said a new accessible pedestrian path and bus turnaround have been constructed, and additional security fencing has been erected. “A tent will be set up for luggage-handling on Friday, big planters with trees have been delivered to the site. We’ve got temporary fenders installed until the new ones arrived, we’ve got dock repairs and new bollards. So the site’s looking good. It’s been cleaned up quite a bit.” “It will be exciting to see a cruise vessel back in the community this weekend,” he said.

The Viking Octantis is expected to dock in Thunder Bay at 6 p.m. Friday. It is scheduled to leave the port at 5 a.m. Sunday.

The city has posted a notice on social media advising that access to the ship during the stopover will be limited to guests and authorized personnel, and that parking will not be allowed along the road to Pool 6

TBnewswatch

 

Kelleys Island ferry debuts new boat

MARBLEHEAD, OH – The Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line in Marblehead introduced the latest addition to its fleet on Tuesday.

The Carmen Lee is the largest in the boat line at 168 feet long with a capacity of 149 passengers and 36 vehicles. Service starts Memorial Day weekend. The vessel has been a dream for the company since before 2018 when the design began and construction started near New Orleans, Louisiana.

“Kelleys Island has got busier over the last five to 10 years for sure and traffic on Friday and Sundays is an hour, hour and a half wait sometime so we have alleviated some of the traffic problems with a larger vessel,” said Augie Palladino, whose father started the company in 1992. It’s named after Carmen Lee Palladino, the late wife of Kelleys Island Ferry owner Jim Palladino. She passed away in September 2019. The last time the ferry line added a new boat was the Shirley Irene in 1991. All of the company’s boats are names for family members. The Carmen Lee was given a blessing by local clergy and then christened by Palladino.

“I thought it was fantastic they put on a great show. The two ferries crossed and they were blowing the horns at each other,” said Liz Kendrick-Creech, a resident of Kelleys Island who was anxiously awaiting its arrival.

Fox 8 Cleveland

 

Historic Lake Michigan lighthouse open for tours

LAKE MICHIGAN, MI – The North Manitou Shoal Light, also known as ‘The Crib,’ is now open for tours. It’s a chance for people to learn about the history of the Lake Michigan lighthouse and the efforts to preserve it. The North Manitou Light Keepers organization is also in the process of raising money to eventually allow people to spend the night inside the lighthouse.

The journey to the Crib starts with a 25-minute boat ride from Leland in Leelanau County. The lighthouse sits one mile offshore of the North Manitou Island in Lake Michigan.

Daniel Oginsky is member of the North Manitou Light Keepers. He and the team are investing time, energy and money into the structure that has a lot of stories to tell, dating back nearly 90 years. “To be able to climb up 60 feet up to the top of the tower and look around at the lake and the islands and back at Sleeping Bear Dunes, it’s amazing,” said North Manitou Light Keepers President Daniel Oginsky.

The Crib is a functioning aid to navigation. It keeps boats away from shallow water. The lighthouse sits on a foundation made of a “crib” embedded into the lake floor. It’s filled with concrete and rock. ‘The Crib’ name is a nod to its construction design.

To read more about ‘The Crib’, click this link: https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/historic-lake-michigan-lighthouse-open-for-tours?fbclid=IwAR3MhB38tHJBJsEmDU287rKiFvp274JSwXv0Q_GQM7XZOPoFxg3O2Rsi9gw

UpNorthLive 7/4

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday in Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale. 

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Industry blames ice buildup for sluggish start to shipping season

DULUTH, MN – Last month’s first full month of seasonal shipping totals in the Twin Ports dipped considerably compared to the same month a season ago.

Iron ore through the Great Lakes was down 44.7%, totaling 3 million tons — a figure that was 41% worse than the five-year average. The Port of Duluth-Superior made up 2.43 million short tons of ore in April, after seeing only three ore boats to start the season in the last week of March. That total was 38% below the start of last season, and 27% off five-year averages. Similar dips in output were recorded at ports in Silver Bay and Two Harbors. Limestone shipments totaled 2 million tons, a decrease of 16.6% season over season, but above the five-year average by 5.5%.

Industry leaders blamed a difficult ice-out in March and April, specifically with ice buildup and delays in Whitefish Bay on the eastern end of Lake Superior. The industry used the dip in output to once again advocate for another heavy U.S. icebreaker to join the Mackinaw on the Great Lakes.“Inadequate ice-breaking resources in Lake Superior had a major impact on cargo shipments out of the Port of Duluth-Superior, which underlines how much we need new and improved capacity for the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking fleet,” said Bruce Burrows, president and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce based in Ottawa. The Port of Duluth-Superior was tended to by a series of smaller Coast Guard cutters as the season started in late March. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar arrived to its new homeport in Duluth early last month.

On a more positive note, Burrows cited grain exports from U.S. ports being in strong demand along with shipments of salt, steel and containers. “We expect that the demand for different cargo segments will continue to be impacted by fluctuating prices and trade flows related to global supply chain issues and the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” Burrows said. In April, the Twin Ports shipped 95,042 tons of grain, compared to 20,728 tons during the same month last season. Outbound grain shipments comprised of wheat and beet pulp pellets totaled 148,620 short tons through April, nearly doubling the 2021 pace and exceeding the five-season average by 24%. Almost two-thirds of the Duluth-Superior grain float sailed through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System as export commerce.

Inbound salt deliveries to Duluth-Superior topped 81,000 short tons in April, more than doubling the April 2021 total and the five-season average.

“Winter lingered a bit too long this year, which made March and most of April a tough slog for Coast Guard icebreakers and the freighters that depend on them for support to power through those conditions,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “We started to see an uptick in vessel traffic later in the month, as the ice situation improved, but it’s still hard to predict the tenor of 2022.” Unusual factors continue to affect the world of cargo transportation, including ongoing global supply chain delays and the war in Ukraine, she added.

“That instability keeps everyone guessing, but there’s still reason for optimism that it’ll be a good season in the Port of Duluth-Superior,” DeLuca said.

Duluth News Tribune

 

Last coal-powered passenger steamship in U.S. to ditch coal

LUDINGTON, MI – The S.S. Badger, the last coal-fired passenger steamship in the United States – and the largest in the world – won’t always be powered by coal, officials said.

Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc. is in the early phases of looking for ways to ditch the coal that currently propels the 410-foot historic ship across Lake Michigan. “We are just in the early phases at looking at what other options could be viable for the Badger,” said Sara Spore, general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry. “There are not any definite plans, but we know that coal isn’t the long-term solution. We really are starting from scratch and looking at all of our options”. There’s no timeline yet for when a conversion might happen, she said.

The 69-year-old Badger became a National Historic Landmark in 2016. While her coal-fired propulsion system is unique and was part of the historic designation, Spore said the company is not worried about losing the landmark status. “We are looking at how we keep the historic engines in the boat and potentially being able to open that area for people to see,” Spore said.

The Badger’s historical significance goes beyond the engines, according to the National Register of Historic Places. The ship, built in 1952 and 1953, was originally designed to transport railcars across Lake Michigan, serving as a “waterborne link in continent-wide rail and road transportation.” As a car ferry and passenger vessel, the Badger continues to serve in the latter capacity. She is the last Great Lake railcar ferry in operation.

“Badger also possesses a national level of significance in engineering as the final example of Great Lakes rail carferry design, a type which influenced design of such vessels in other regions and around the world,” the federal documents say.

The Badger went to work in 1953 transporting railcars across Lake Michigan for Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company. But by 1980, that was no longer profitable for C&O, and the ship was sold. It continued to transport railcars until 1990 and seemed destined for the scrapyard at that point. However, she was saved in 1992 by Ludington native Charles Conrad who converted the ship into a car ferry. The Badger has been transporting passengers and vehicles across Lake Michigan ever since.

MLive.com

 

Tugboat that was sinking in Duluth Harbor is afloat again

DULUTH, MN – The tugboat named “Lake Superior” that partially sunk in the Duluth Harbor back in March is now floating once again.

According to the Coast Guard, contractors are working on what’s called “lightering and dewatering operations,” which will remove any leftover water, fuel, and lube oil from the tugboat, so pollutants don’t leak into the waterway.

The Coast Guard is also looking for any signs of pollution now that the tugboat is floating again, as it had been leaking oil as it sunk. That oil was successfully contained by absorbing materials around the tugboat these past two months.

After this process is done, the tugboat  needs to be dealt with by its private owner.

Fox 21 News Duluth

 

New lakes study predicts Lakes Huron/Michigan will fall by 3.5 feet over record by 2030, then rise 1 foot over record by ’40

MANITOULIN, ON – New research on water levels projects an unprecedented drop of water levels on Lakes Michigan-Huron and Georgian Bay to 1.1 metres (3.5 feet) below the record low by 2030. By 2040, levels may rise to 0.3 metres (one foot) higher than the 1986 record high. The study by W.F. Baird & Associates Coastal Engineers Ltd. was commissioned by the Georgian Bay Great Lakes Foundation (GBGLF) and was shared virtually by GBGLF on May 16/17. The Baird conclusions are essentially the same as those found in a recently completed five-year study by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), presented during a week-long Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands webinar series from April 4 to 8.

Bill Bialkowski is a director-at-large for GBGLF and a retired professional engineer with experience in the mathematical modeling of hydraulic systems. He spent 15 years analyzing and modeling Upper Great Lakes hydrology and the conveyance capacity of the St. Clair River. He presented his analysis of water levels and the impact of climate change as was presented by ECCC’s Dr. Frank Seglenieks, lead author for ECCC.

The ECCC study predicts that all Great Lake levels will generally trend upwards, with increasing variability. Lake Michigan-Huron currently has, by far, the widest range between high water and low water levels of all Great Lakes, at 6.3 feet. The study suggests that this may go to 13 feet. By 2040, Lake Michigan-Huron is likely to face water levels as high as 177.8 (one foot higher than the 1986 record high). Worst of all, Mr. Bialkowski said, by 2030, which is only eight years away, Lake Michigan-Huron is projected to drop to 174.5 (3.5 feet lower than 2000 lows). “It may become possible to walk to many islands,” he said.

Read the rest of this article at this link: https://www.manitoulin.com/new-lakes-study-predicts-lakes-huron-michigan-will-fall-by-3-5-feet-over-record-by-2030-then-rise-1-foot-over-record-by-40/

The Manitoulin Expositor

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday at Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale.

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

In an unpredictable supply-chain, Great Lakes expect stable year of shipping

CLEVELAND, OH – The supply-chain still has kinks, the coastal ports still have congestion and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is drastically changing global markets tied to the Midwest. 

But despite the unpredictability, officials expect the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes to see stable growth during the 2022 shipping season, just like it did during a global pandemic. “We remain bullish that that type of incremental growth is going to be repeated this season,” said Craig Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.

The St. Lawrence Seaway, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean into the Great Lakes, moved 38.19 million metric tons of cargo to ports in Canada and the U.S. in 2021, a 1.6% uptick from 2020′s season that saw start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While tonnage varies each year, the shipping route averaged 38.17 million tons a year from 2015 to 2019, the five years before the pandemic. Middlebrook said the lack of change, while the COVID-19 pandemic was changing just about everything, stood out.

“People have noticed the stability and resiliency of our system over the last two years, compared to the challenges that have confronted the coastal ports,” Middlebrook said. What’s still unclear, he said, is how 2022′s world events will change this year’s shipping season. Ukraine, an exporter of both grain and raw materials used in steelmaking, is still being invaded. And the coastal ports are still struggling with the number of imports.

The St. Lawrence Seaway is already seeing more international vessels than last year, Middlebrook said. The bulk of the cargo shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway is done in the back-half of the season, Middlebrook said, so answers will be clearer in a few months.

All sorts of items pass through the Great Lakes, but many of the imports are steel-related and project cargo, and many of the exports are grains — like wheat, soybeans and corn. Ukraine, still being invaded by Russia, was a bread-basket for Europe and a large exporter of raw materials used in steel production.

Suppliers will need to look elsewhere, and even if they don’t buy directly from North America, the shift in the global supply could mean more grain leaving from the Great Lakes, Middlebrook said. So far this year Canadian grain exports have been down, but U.S. exports have been up, he said. What’s being shipped now is leftovers from the last harvest in the fall.

Read the full article at this link: https://www.cleveland.com/business/2022/05/in-an-unpredictable-supply-chain-great-lakes-expect-stable-year-of-shipping.html

Cleveland.com

 

Options for raising the James Whalen tug are still being studied

THUNDER BAY, ON – Nearly three and a half weeks since it  sank, the historic tugboat James Whalen remains submerged in the Kam River. So far, there’s no timetable for a salvage operation.

City officials are still looking into how to best remove the boat from the water and transfer it to a location on land.

Cory Halvorsen – manager of parks and open spaces for the City of Thunder Bay – says “The weight of the tug itself is adding to the amount of time required to confirm the options available to us. There were no immediate options where we could deploy somebody and have it dealt with immediately.”

In an interview Tuesday, he explained that the city is “reaching out to as many local contractors in the area that have the type of equipment, barges and things like that, that might be required. There are some different options, so we want to make sure we’re looking at what is available and trying to do it in a timely manner.”

Halvorsen said it may be possible to lift the Whalen using a combination of a crane and airbags, but the precise approach still needs to be determined. Although he stressed that the focus right now is to raise the tug, Halvorsen acknowledged that the city has been in discussions with the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society about relocating it from the Kam River Heritage Park to the Pool 6 site near the Alexander Henry.

He said the boat will have to be inspected and assessed before any decision can be made on a permanent site. “We want to deal with this as quickly as we can, but it has to be done appropriately. We don’t want to mishandle it. We’re working on this daily.”

Halvorsen said the tug has not shifted since it went under, but divers may need to be sent down to check for possible damage to the hull before an attempt is made to recover it. ”That may be the last bit of information to inform the plan going forward,” he said.

TB News Watch

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday at Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale. 

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Join us: History happy hour—sailor songs

It’s 5 o’clock and time to add a little history to your happy hour. This time we’re featuring sailor songs with singer, songwriter and musician Lee Murdock in front of the historic Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship. So, grab your friends for happy hour drinks and explore the museum grounds after-hours anytime between 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to hear songs celebrating the people who live, work, and play on the Great Lakes.

The event is in partnership with North Cape Yacht Club. Tickets are $30 for NMGL members / North Cape Yacht Club members or $35 for non-members and includes light snacks and specialty cocktails created by Toledo Spirits (beer, wine and soft drinks will also be available). Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to enjoy the sights and sounds.

Weather Note: The event will take place rain or shine, but we will move inside the museum if there is rain.

Click on this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/history-happy-hour-sailor-songs-tickets-336678714097

National Museum of the Great Lakes

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

American Courage freed after running aground on Lake Erie near Fairport Harbor

FAIRPORT, OH – An American freighter again is afloat on Lake Erie after it was stuck for more than a day after running aground near Fairport Harbor, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard announced just after 4 a.m. Tuesday that the American Courage, which is more than 600 feet long, had been freed and was heading into Fairport Harbor on its own power. The large freighter reportedly had been stuck since early Sunday afternoon.

Two tugboats worked to free the boat on Sunday but were unsuccessful. Another large freighter, the Manitowoc, was brought in Monday to help lighten the cargo load of the American Courage, the Coast Guard says.

A third tugboat was brought in to help free the ship on Monday, according to the Coast Guard. There were no reports of injuries and also no signs of pollution from the ship.

The American Courage typically hauls iron ore pellets, coal and limestone, according to the American Steamship Co. It can hold more than 24,000 tons of cargo. It was built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and has been in service since 1979.

Cleveland.com

Watch drone footage of the aground American Courage at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhSF3G-ReEo

 

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul commissioned during ceremony 

DULUTH, MN – History was made in the Twin Ports on the morning of Saturday, May 21 as USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS-21) was officially commissioned into the active fleet of the United States Navy.

Well-attended by guests and dignitaries alike, the ceremonies began 10:00 at Berth 8 of the Duluth Port Authority’s Arthur M. Clure Public Marine Terminal, where the vessel had been docked since her arrival in port on May 16. Distinguished guests included Representative Betty McCollum from Minnesota’s 4th district; Representative Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th district; Mayors Jacob Frey, Melvin Carter, and Emily Larson of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, respectively; Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; and officials from the United States Navy, Lockheed Martin Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors, and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was also in attendance, and received a 21-gun salute from cannons on the pier at the opening of the event.

Following speeches by officials, the Minneapolis-St. Paul was officially placed into the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Colors were hoisted, the commissioning pennant was broken on the mast, and with Cmdr. Alfonzo White given control of the vessel, the ship’s sponsor Jodi Greene gave the order to bring her to life. A quartet of Minnesota National Guard helicopters flew over the Minneapolis-St. Paul to cap off the event as the crew ran aboard and activated her systems to the tune of “Anchors Aweigh.”

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul was launched and christened on June 15, 2019 at Fincantieri Marinette Marine and delivered on November 18, 2021, according to the U.S. Navy. She will have a home port of Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. Named in honor of Minnesota’s capital St. Paul and the neighboring city of Minneapolis, the vessel is the first Navy craft with a Minnesotan namesake to be commissioned in the state itself. Both cities have been honored separately as vessel namesakes on two occasions each, and this is the second time that the Twin Cities have been jointly recognized on a hull. The first USS Minneapolis-St. Paul, SSN-708, was a 1983-built Los Angeles-class attack submarine decommissioned in 2007.

Carrying a designation LCS-21, the present-day Minneapolis-St. Paul is a Freedom-class variant in the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship program and the 21st vessel constructed as part of the program. She measures 387 feet in length, 57.7 feet in width, and has a draft of 14.1 feet at a full load displacement of 3,450 metric tons. Designed to operate at high speeds in shallow (littoral) waters, the Minneapolis-St. Paul is propelled by twin steerable water jets giving her a top speed in excess of 40 knots. Lockheed Martin lists the vessel as capable of carrying MH-60 helicopters and an MQ-8 Firescout unmanned aerial vehicle, increasing her survivability in conjunction with a TRD-4S Air Search Radar, SeaRAM (r) 57 mm Mk 110 gun, and decoy launching system all operated by a state-of-the-art COMBATSS-21 combat management system. She carries a core crew of 50 sailors with accommodations for up to 98 crew members.

As of Monday night, the commissioned Minneapolis-St. Paul remains tied up at her Port Terminal berth, awaiting a departure out the St. Lawrence Seaway and entry into active military service. Wherever her duties take her, the vessel’s Minnesota roots will forever be with her and her crew as they defend America, her allies, and freedom throughout the world. In the words of the ship’s motto, AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM: I will find a way or make one.

Joshua Hebeisen

 

Royal Canadian Navy ships to visit St. Lawrence Seaway-Great Lakes communities in 2022

The Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Great Lakes Deployment (GLD) 2022 will soon be underway with planned visits to communities along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, with Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Oriole (May 14 to August 31) and Glace Bay (June 24 to July 29) being this year’s GLD ambassadors.

GLD provides Canadians with a unique opportunity to tour one of Canada’s naval ships and to learn about life in the RCN from our sailors. Canadians will be encouraged to stop by, say hello, and speak to our sailors about their experiences on domestic and international operations.

It also provides a learning opportunity about the different trades available in the RCN and hear stories and anecdotes directly from sailors who have chosen the challenge of a career at sea.

View the full schedule at this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2022/05/royal-canadian-navy-ships-to-visit-st-lawrence-seaway-great-lakes-communities-in-2022.html?fbclid=IwAR1eSqvBDxeZwKTPtgste7NNG9jCwU2j7dRvrN0EuKHqsHu_9ZTS8jD8bdc

Government of Canada

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday at Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale. 

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

American Courage aground off Fairport Harbor

MARBLEHEAD, OH – Around 9 am local time, the self-unloading vessel American Courage ran aground off the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light while attempting to back into port. The American Courage is currently loaded with limestone from Marblehead, Ohio, and as of Monday morning remained aground while Great Lakes Towing’s tugs Ohio and Pennsylvania were nearby in an attempt to free the vessel. It is unknown if there has been any damage to the hull.

Jack Hurt

 

Expanding container shipping along the Great Lakes and Seaway

The rise in fuel prices has prompted renewed interest in expanding container shipping at America’s Great Lakes ports, like Duluth and Cleveland. There is potential for Port of Duluth to develop containerized dry bulk agricultural exports to Europe, where growing numbers of customers are willing to take delivery of containers of agricultural produce.

The Port of Cleveland played an instrumental role in developing viable container shipping between Europe and the Great Lakes when it  introduced a direct service to Antwerp. A comparatively small container ship of under 1,000 TEU has feasibly carried containers between Antwerp and Cleveland, with rates that compete with the alternative option – a mega-size container ship sailing to Port of Newark followed by high-cost railway connection to Cleveland. The Port of Duluth involves an even greater railway distance (1250 miles), making direct Duluth – Europe container shipping potentially more attractive.

The Port of Hamilton on Lake Ontario took the initiative to develop a maritime container connection to the Port of Montreal, with future potential to expand to include a future interline connection to the Port of Halifax. There is potential for a viable Europe – Halifax – Hamilton connection courtesy of terms negotiated in the Canada – Europe Trade Agreement (CETA) that makes provision for container transshipment at Port of Halifax.

The precedent of the Antwerp – Cleveland container shipping service provides an economic basis and business case to extend the service to Port of Duluth, located in the western region of Lake Superior. Duluth’s metro population of 290,000 is located within close proximity to the Minneapolis – St. Paul metropolitan area, with a population of almost 3.7 million. Nearby Winnipeg, Canada is home to another 825,000. The Port of Duluth can serve a population of over 10-million that would include the states of North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

While ports around the Great Lakes represent destinations for containers that originate from overseas, there is a need to develop an export market involving empty containers that arrived with import items near Great Lakes and Seaway ports. An initiative involving the transportation of dry bulk in containers has been tested along sections of the American inland waterway system, involving tugs and barge tows. Agricultural dry bulk includes wheat, barley, oats, soy, peas, beans and corn with non-agricultural dry bulk including salt and also of potash fertilizer that may be transported inside containers.

Agricultural dry bulk cultivated in regions that could be exported in containers via Port of Duluth include durum wheat, spring wheat, corn, soy, peas, beans, lentils, barley and oats. Main production areas would include North and South Dakota along with Saskatchewan and Manitoba in Canada. Saskatchewan is the world’s biggest exporter of peas, lentils, durum wheat and oats as well as being the world’s leading producer of potash that is used for fertilizer. Main highways and railway lines link Port of Duluth with important American and main Canadian agricultural regions that would benefit from containerized export of their produce.

European markets have indicated a willingness to accept delivery of containers of dry bulk agricultural produce. There is potential to connect Port of Duluth with European ports that would accept delivery of containerized dry bulk agricultural production. Railway trains would carry most of the containers of agricultural dry bulk from producing areas to Port of Duluth, for transfer to Seaway-max size container ships of up to 1,400 TEU capacity. The vessels on this route could take aboard additional containers of agricultural dry bulk at one of the ports along the St. Lawrence Seaway prior to sailing to Europe.

At the present time, the Port of Cleveland is the main destination on the Great Lakes for container ships that connect to Europe. The potential to transfer containerized agricultural dry bulk for export to overseas markets at Port of Duluth would significantly increase container shipping along the Seaway and across the Great lakes. While there might be the option to transfer containers between smaller vessels and mega-size container ships at Port of Halifax, the precedent between Ports of Cleveland and Antwerp has proven that a small container ship can feasibly sail between the Great Lakes and Europe.

European customers have become willing to take delivery of containerized agricultural dry bulk from North America. Such a shift in the market provides opportunity for Port of Duluth to develop agricultural dry bulk container shipping to Europe and make productive use of available empty containers. Such an operation would complement the export of agricultural dry bulk from the Port of Thunder Bay, where bulk carriers are often loaded to capacity before sailing to European destinations.

The Maritime Executive

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday at Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale. 

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

National Maritime Day celebrates importance of ships in Upper Michigan

MARQUETTE, MI – Sunday is National Maritime Day. It’s a time to reflect on its importance in Upper Michigan.

Lake Carriers’ Association Vice President Eric Peace said the industry could not function without all of those who work on the ships that carry cargo across the Great Lakes. “The men and women that are operating these vessels don’t get a lot of credit, but they should,” Peace said. “Everything they do contributes to everything we have.”

Peace said that the $2.3 trillion economic stimulus package known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021 would not be possible without much of the material being carried by freighters across the Great Lakes. Peace added that the infrastructural developments taking place across the US rely on shipments from the Great Lakes Region.

“None of that happens without the movement of raw materials to actually get things built,” Peace said. “This includes concrete, cement, iron ore, and more. All of those things are going to depend on US shipping here on the Great Lakes.” The employees that work on these freighters are known as merchant marines. They are largely responsible for transporting materials like iron ore across the Great Lakes. Peace said the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 requires all ships in US ports to be made in the US, which Peace said contributes further to our economy. “All of the vessels that we represent are US-flagged, US crewed and US-owned,” Peace said. “Nothing in this sector of the supply chain is dependent on a foreign country to move that cargo.”

Peace said that iron ore shipped across the Great Lakes is used to create steel, something Marquette Maritime Museum Director Hillary Billman added is an essential metal. “That car you’re driving has got so many steel components in it,” Billman said. “There are so many things that use steel, including cell phones. Just about everything relies on iron ore.”

Marquette has relied heavily on mining and shipping iron ore across the Great Lakes since 1849. “People living in Marquette at the time had to find a place to ship this iron ore out, so that is when the City of Marquette became a port,” Billman said. “It has been one of the most important ports on Lake Superior for a long time.”

Although Duluth, Minn. has the largest port by tonnage on Lake Superior, Peace said the maritime industry is still one of the largest businesses in the Upper Peninsula. “We ship about 6.5 million tons of iron ore out of Marquette every year which goes to ports in the southern Great Lakes,” Peace said. “There are about 165,000 jobs that are dependent on the maritime industry here in the Great Lakes Region.” This material is all shipped from the Upper Harbor Ore Dock.

Besides transporting iron ore, the maritime industry carries out other important tasks. Peace said the industry is responsible for commercial fishing across Lake Superior and added that the maritime industry has helped construct some of the largest cities in the midwest. “Chicago was built by shipping that came from the northern Great Lakes region,” Peace said. “The ships took timber and brought it down to Chicago to build the city. A lot of cities to the south of the UP were built by timber that came out of northern Michigan.”

In addition to National Maritime Day, Congress awarded merchant marines serving in World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday. “Over 250,000 merchant mariners participated in World War II,” Peace said. “They lost over 6,700 people across 800 ships. Getting cargo across the North Atlantic was a very treacherous mission for them, and they were never really formally recognized until this week.”

Upper Michigan Source, NBC TV 6

 

Tug Don Raul headed for Buffalo to work on Corps project

MONTREAL, QC – The American tug Don Raul was headed towards Buffalo Saturday. It should call at Montreal and depart Sunday for the Seaway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $8.4 million contract to Cleveland-based Great Lakes Towing on April 20 for lease of the tugboat to serve as part of its repair fleet on the Great Lakes. Don Raul, a 74-foot, 2,800 horsepower, twin-screw seagoing tug, was built by Great Lakes Shipyard in 2008 and Handy One.

Rene Beauchamp

 

Great Lakes Maritime Academy cadets depart for summer cruise

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Cadets from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy departed Traverse City on Saturday night aboard the training ship State of Michigan to begin phase one of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s spring/summer cruise.

This year the Great Lakes Maritime Academy will have three phases, allowing different cadets to rotate on and off the vessel to acquire the appropriate amount of sea time in order to test for their licenses. 

Cadets will stand watch in the pilot house or engine room, depending on the program they’re in, and go through practical training while also experiencing life at sea.

To follow the State of Michigan’s schedule click on this link: https://www.nmc.edu/maritime/about/cruise-itinerary.html

Jack Hurt

 

Know Your Ships book signing is Saturday at Port Huron

PORT HURON, MI – On Saturday May 28, the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron will host its 2022 “Know Your Ships” Book Signing with editor and publisher Roger LeLievre from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Along with the book, Roger will have Great Lakes caps and Stack & Flag charts for sale.

Great Lakes cartoonist / illustrator artist Don Lee, whose freighter cartoons have often appeared on Facebook, will have his easel and will sketch your likeness, with or without freighter (tips appreciated).

Also on hand will be Roger Hulett, author of “A Lot More To Do – Frank Mays Survival of the Tragic Carl D Bradley Sinking.” Ken Niemi, a Great Lakes historian, will have used maritime books, art and some artifacts for sale. 

If you can’t make Saturday’s Know Your Ships signing, Roger will also be set up Sunday, May 29, at the Mariner Theater, 430 S. Water St., Marine City, between noon and 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Maritime Center

 

Marine Mart in Port Huron to resume in June

PORT HURON, MI – A long-standing tradition, sidelined by COVID, will make a return this year in a new location. The Summer Marine Mart, formerly the St. Clair Marine Mart, will be held Saturday, June 11, at the American Legion Post #8, 1026 Sixth St., in Port Huron, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Mart features nautical items, artifacts, photos, books, artwork, models, postcards and more. See the poster in the image gallery below for more information.

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

Great Lakes shipping sees strong start to the season led by grain exports

Shipping on the Great Lakes has kicked off with a bang this season as ports in the region step up to fill the global void of grain caused by the war in Ukraine.

The Great Lakes Seaway Partnership (GLSP) said grain exports out of the U.S. through the Great Lakes reached 176,000 metric tons since the start of the season in March, a 175% increase from the 64,000 exported during the same time frame last year. Imports of renewable energy components, particularly wind, are also up.

“In times like this, it is reassuring to see our ports in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System working hard to keep the supply chain moving,” Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation said. “The Great Lakes Seaway marine transportation system is critical infrastructure, and remains vital to keeping commerce flowing without disruption in order to support North America’s agricultural, manufacturing, construction, energy, and mining industries.”

Looking at individual ports, the Port of Oswego on Lake Ontario received one shipment of wind equipment from South Korea and two shipments of aluminum from Quebec, while it exported a shipment of soybeans to Ireland. The Port of Oswego has also stepped up to help meet global grain demand amid the war with its first export of the season being 18,000 metric tons of soybeans to Europe, and the port expects more of these exports to be made throughout the season.

“Given the consequences to global food supply amid the war in Ukraine, the rest of the world has had to step up to fill the void.” said William W. Scriber, director of the Port of Oswego. “Here in Oswego, we’re proud to be a major player in helping the world meet its demand for grains.”

The Port of Ogdensburg, also on Lake Ontario, also received a shipment of wind equipment from India, indicating the State of New York as a leading destination for renewable energy material imports.

On Lake Erie, the Port of Cleveland has proved to be a leading importer as seven “salties,” i.e. ocean-going ships that arrive the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence Seaway, have arrived carrying containerized goods, steel products, and general cargo including machinery. “We’ve worked diligently to improve our operations and increase the capacity across our docks in recent years,” said William D. Friedman, president of the Port of Cleveland. “It’s no coincidence that we’ve positioned ourselves as an emerging port of call for containerized cargoes from across the globe.”

Additionally, the Port of Toledo has been off to a good start in 2022. Through April, 78 vessels have already called upon the Port of Toledo and its tonnage is up nearly 11% over the same period in 2021. Grain, salt, coal and liquid bulk are all outpacing 2021 totals.

“While it is early in the season, there are signs that 2022 will be successful,” said Joseph Cappel, VP of Business Development for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “Grain and fertilizer are expected to be big movers in 2022 as trade patterns and pricing continue to fluctuate based on various global happenings. If our staple commodities like coal, iron ore and other dry bulk commodities remain consistent, we will have a strong year.”

The Port of Ashtabula, another Lake Erie port, has also been busy so far with inbound shipments of ilmenite sand from Senegal, ferrochrome from Finland, and two shipments of titanium slag from Canada and Norway, according to the GLSP.

Partnering with the craft brewer and food manufacturer Briess Malt, the Port of Manitowoc on Lake Michigan has utilized a new maritime supply chain route to import Danish Barley from Quebec. Previously, these shipments arrived from Thunder Bay but thanks to the new route, Manitowoc can receive barley from Quebec. This has enabled the Port of Manitowoc to increase its malt capacity and give Briess more options for importing the product, according to Paul Braun, the city planner for the City of Manitowoc.

Shipping on the Great Lakes kicked off March 22 with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Welland Canal, which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, opened March 24, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Soo Locks in northern Michigan on March 25. The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

In 2021, more than 28 million metric tons of cargo was shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway from the opening of the waterway on March 22, 2021 through its closing October 31, 2021, an increase of 1.92% compared to the 2020 season. Total transits increased 1.33% to 2,976 vessels through October.

gCaptain

 

Thunder Bay business district prepares for cruise ship visitors

Businesses in Thunder Bay’s Waterfront District Business Improvement Area are preparing for summer and to receive visitors from cruise ships, the first of which will arrive on May 27.

With seven post stops in Thunder Bay for the 378-passenger Viking Octantus ship and another two port stops for the 210-passenger Ocean Navigator, Thunder Bay will see the most visitors in years. Guests will be welcomed from Tourism Thunder Bay with a staffed concierge tent shipside, from 5-8 p.m. on Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, to help connect guests with attractions, culinary and transportation options.

“We are preparing our businesses so they can be all hands-on-deck when we have people docked here,” said Kara Pratt, co-ordinator of the waterfront district BIA.

“We want to get them pumped up for the new visitors of the city, which is exciting after all of the delays.” Pratt says there is much partnering involved between businesses, the BIA and the city. “It’s going to be a learning experience the whole summer I think, mainly with the first (cruise ship) in May, because everything’s kind of still fluid in terms of pandemic rules. I know our businesses are excited to show off what they can do, what they have in their shops and what the culinary scene will bring.”

From pasta and fresh fish cuisine to giftware and clothing, shoppers can expect the best of Thunder Bay’s home-grown products. Pratt says the BIA has been approved to open up the streets for the summer and a funding boost from the Tourism Development Fund has been provided by the Community Economic Development Commission to help with beautification of the area.

Read the rest of this article at this link: https://www.chroniclejournal.com/news/local/business-district-prepares-for-cruise-ship-visitors/article_f3f9c386-d586-11ec-9ecb-f71bc96c485a.html

The Chronicle Journal

 

Lighthouse, museum to open this summer

ESCANABA, MI — The Dr. John and Mary Jane Beaumier Museum and historic Sand Point Lighthouse are returning to their normal hours of operation this summer. Set to open on Memorial Day, members of the Delta County Historical Society, a local non-profit organization that works to preserve the history of Delta County, are ready to welcome back tourists and residents.

“We are all here because we like what we are doing and the lighthouse is real special,” Dr. Charles Lindquist, President of the Delta County Historical Society, said. “It is fun to have people come through and talk to them about the history of it, but it’s also fun to see how much they enjoy coming into the lighthouse.”

In Delta County two of the main tourist attractions are Fayette Historic State Park and the Sand Point Lighthouse, which attracts over 6,000 people from throughout the Midwest and Great Plains regions every summer. The demographic consists mostly of families with school-aged children who are looking for summer activities. “A lot of schools are open until the first week of June, so we really don’t see too much traffic until the second week of June,” Lindquist said. “After that, up they come in a steady parade for a couple of months until it slows down around mid-August.”

“People come to the lighthouse to learn. They want to learn the history of the lighthouse,” Lindquist said. “And maybe, hopefully, they want to learn why exactly the lighthouse is here in Escanaba.”

The Sand Point Lighthouse, located on the Delta County Historical Society grounds next to Ludington Park, was constructed in 1867. Fully operational a year later, the lighthouse worked as a navigational beacon to the abundance of ships traveling throughout Little Bay de Noc. “By 1865 the government realized there were going to be a lot of ships coming into the [Escanaba] port to pick up iron ore. Eventually there were five lighthouses in the area,” Lindquist said. “The main lighthouse was here in Escanaba. It coordinated and kept track of all the other lighthouses.”

These ships were transporting iron ore and lumber from Escanaba to large cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland via Lake Michigan. “Boats would come out of Lake Michigan and there were shoals and sandbars all throughout [Little Bay de Noc],” Lindquist said. “They would get around the Peninsula Point and look for the red light coming out of our lighthouse.”

While the rich history of the Sand Point Lighthouse makes it unique, the fact that tourists are able to enter and tour the space distinguishes it from other lighthouses as well. “A lot of people are lighthouse aficionados. They just love lighthouses,” Lindquist said. “Many lighthouses do not let you come in. But we let you go in the house part, and you can go up the stairs, see the lens, and get a view of the lake.”

When touring the Sand Point Lighthouse, visitors will also be able to view an exhibit room, which is restored to look and feel as if it were still in operation. The entire history of the lighthouse can be found directly in the lighthouse itself, along with the accompanying museum and archives building.

“The Great Lakes are a real attraction in this country. When people are coming from the southwest this would be one of the first places they would stop,” Lindquist said. “We try to make this place very friendly and informative. When people enjoy what you’re doing, it makes you enjoy it especially too.”

The lighthouse is currently undergoing a bit of construction. By drone footage last year, it was discovered that holes in the roof of the lantern room were the reason water was leaking onto the lighthouse’s stairs. The tower face is going through a bit of maintenance as well. After opening on May 30, the Delta County Historical Society plans to keep both the lighthouse and museum open until at least late August. The Historical Society hopes to return to its normal closing date of Labor Day, depending on foot traffic during the later part of the summer.

The museum and lighthouse will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including holidays. Admission is $3 per person or $5 for a family, which is two or more people. Kids under 14 can enter for free with their families, while kids over 14 will be charged a dollar. Members of the Delta County Historical Society can enter for free.

“Our local history is important in terms of family and community values,” Lindquist said. “People are proud of their community and its history. It is a sense of pride.”

Daily Press

 

Help wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Touring the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul

DULUTH, MN – It’s one of the newest classes of naval ships for the United States, and for the first time it is here in Duluth for its commissioning.

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is one of over two dozen littoral combat ships, designed to work close to shorelines. “Anything from 25 miles into shore,” says Commander Alfonza White.  “We have a shallow draft, and we’re design to exploit those areas around the world.  Now what that details is what our commanders and chief dictate.”

This ship can work close to shore thanks to its propulsion system.  Instead of using propellers and rudders, it uses water jets and buckets to move the same amount of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool every second.  It can reach speeds over 45 miles per hour, while having the ability to maneuver in directions quicker than many other naval ships.

“It is definitely cool to drive,” says Commander White.  “Think of a Corvette on a dragway.”

The ship has the fire power to engage if necessary, as well as the ability to store supplies and launch boats, helicopters, and land vehicles.  Commander White says all that will be dependent on what each mission needs, which is decided by commanders and chief above him.  “This ship is prepared up to this point as we are trained to be.  We are trained to sail the high seas, and we are prepared to do so.”

Its crew size is currently at 110 and will drop to 98 once in active duty.  That is about one-third the size of crew one sees in the next size ship. “Every sailor on board this ship carries their own weight plus some,” says Command Senior Chief Edward Pare.  “We can’t just have anybody on board riding not putting their full commitment every day.”

Chief Pare adds the challenges COVID has presented the past few years has not stopped the crew from working as one, comparing the mentality to a small Midwest town. “This crew has gelled and come together for many years, and it showed during our first transit, and we look for great things to come here in the future from probably the best I have ever served with.”

The Minneapolis-Saint Paul spent last week traveling the Great Lakes to reach Duluth on Monday.  Commander White says it was a joy to bring it through the Soo Locks and Lake Superior. As for what it was like to travel under the Lift Bridge? “Going under obstacles such as that with a ship the size of ours is always interesting.  You want to aim for center and you stay there.”

The commission ceremony will take place May 21 at 10 a.m.  Once it’s completed, the crew will be able to enjoy the best of the Twin Ports with their families before them and the ship head out to Florida.

Fox 21 News

 

New Cruise Ship Sailing Great Lakes to Dock at Chicago’s Navy Pier

A Florida-based cruise line sailing the Great Lakes will dock at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, becoming the only overnight cruise ship to do so.

The Ocean Navigator from American Queen Voyages holds up to 202 guests and travels between Chicago and Toronto, stopping at ports in various places like Mackinac Island, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls and more.

Guests who book the cruise will get a pre-cruise hotel night and can take optional tours of the city, including the popular Chicago River Architectural Tour.

“It’s beautiful!” said Captain Gary Kerr. “You know, some of the areas we go to… I woke the passengers up at 7 in the morning because we were going through Little Current – and no one was awake. We were out on Georgia Bay with the sun coming up.”

NBC Chicago

 

Meet Hans and Greta, the S.S. Badger’s new explosive detection K9s

LUDINGTON, MI – They’re sweet, friendly, a little bit “ball crazy” – and trained to detect explosives. Hans and Greta are the newest additions to the K9 program for the S.S. Badger car ferry.

The pups had their first workday last week when the ferry made its first trip of the year across Lake Michigan.

The dogs spent about two hours inspecting vehicles before they were loaded onto the ship in Ludington. As the coal-fired ferry made the four-hour crossing to Manitowoc, the dogs got a well-earned rest. Then it was back to checking vehicles for the return journey. That’s a typical day for the working K9s – and it can be quite strenuous for them, said Dean Schultz, who’s been a handler with the program since 2016.

While they are trained to work, Hans and Greta are still pups. They’re playful, silly, happy dogs that are a bit “ball crazy,” he said. When the dogs find something – like nail polish remover, which contains the explosive triacetone – in a vehicle, they get to chase a ball. It’s like a payday for them, Schultz said. If it’s a slow day and the dogs aren’t finding anything, the handlers will “place a hide” for them to find so they can “get paid,” he said.

Hans is a 1-year-old black brindle Dutch shepherd paired with handler Chuck Hockanson, a retired Michigan State Police trooper. Hans was born in Poland and sold to Mid Michigan Police K9 with the intent that he would be a dual-purpose patrol dog, but his bite work wasn’t up to the trainer’s standards, Schultz said. Instead, he was sold as a “green dog” to Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc, which owns the Badger.

Read the full article at this MLive link: https://www.mlive.com/news/2022/05/meet-hans-and-greta-the-ss-badgers-new-explosive-detection-k9s.html?utm_campaign=mlivedotcom_sf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0yjt523icbKBsq-hnWR31z7o0ibs0Ft8teL3p4T8cE-QR2vPuCJ_dU75Y

MLive

 

Help Wanted: Lake Michigan Carferry

Lake Michigan Carferry is accepting applications for placement in the engine department aboard the historic S.S. Badger.  Candidates must possess a Merchant Mariner’s Credential with QMED (Fireman/Oiler/Watertender) endorsement, a current Medical Certificate and a valid TWIC card.  QMED will expect to live aboard and stand a 4 hour watch, twice a day, 7 days a week for the remainder of the 2022 sailing season (as soon as possible to Oct 16th, 2022) QMED wage is $28.91p/hr ($43.37 for OT hours).   Visit our web site at http://www.ssbadger.com > Join the Crew to fill out an online application or email lbialochowski@interlakems.com  for more information.

 

Time running out for Boatnerd freighter-chasing cruise early bird rate

After going on pandemic hiatus for the last two years, the Annual Boatnerd Soo Freighter Chasing Cruise is back in business!

•When: Friday – June 24, 6–9 pm, rain or shine

•Where: Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)

•Limit: 100 passengers

•Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage

•General Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $30.00 each, $35.00 each from June 1-June 17

•Youth Admission (US funds): Early Bird rate $20.00 each, $25.00 each from June 1-June 17. Youth admission applies to those under 18.

This year’s St. Marys River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 24. Boarding begins at 5:30 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters. (NOTE: At this time, we can approach the Canadian Locks, but not transit through them. We can also approach Algoma Steel, but we cannot enter the slip.)

Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers. Reservations (both online and mail-in) must be received no later than Friday, June 17. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

If the cruise is not sold out, Angie Williams will take CASH ONLY reservations through the end of the Boatnerd Picnic on Thursday, June 23, at the Procrastinator Price of $40.00 per General Admission ticket, and $30 per youth ticket.

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have questions or wish to reserve without using EventBrite,.

The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for sunshine!

Events are in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.