Divers plug holes in the hull of museum ship USS The Sullivans

Buffalo, NY – Efforts to save the WWII-era museum ship USS The Sullivans are starting to pay off, according to the salvage team. Multiple holes in the hull have been patched, and the vessel’s condition is believed to be stable. 

The museum ship USS The Sullivans experienced flooding on her starboard side and took on a heavy list on April 13. A joint effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, T&T Salvage, local first responders and the museum operator have succeeded in keeping the ship afloat and stable at its berth.

The team is using multiple salvage pumps to keep flooding under control, and divers are using plugs, patches and epoxy to repair breaches in the aging vessel’s hull. The Sullivans has long been known to be in need of hull repairs, and a restoration effort to reinforce her hull with epoxy along the waterline began last year. It had been slated to continue this spring, once water temperatures warmed enough to do the work. 

High winds have caused delays in the external dive operation, but so far, the dive team has found and plugged about one dozen holes in the hull. The penetrations range in size from about 0.75 to 2.5 inches, according to Buffalo’s ABC affiliate.

“We are seeing that the plugs and patches that the divers have installed are actually working. We talked about the divers installing 10 plugs on the starboard side, and three plugs on the port side. So those are all holding,” said U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo Commander Capt. Lexia Littlejohn in a radio interview. “The list is actually less severe than it was [at the start of the incident].”

The vessel’s condition is stable enough that salvors allowed a rescue mission inside the ship to recover historical artifacts. As a museum ship, USS The Sullivans had many historical objects on display, including the scale model of the vessel herself. Over 40 items were rescued in hopes of preserving and returning them later. 

The vessel’s long-term prospects are looking better as well: last week, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Senate majority leader, said that he would commit to finding federal funding to pay for the refloat and restoration. “While the cleanup efforts have already begun, this is going to be an expense, and it shouldn’t be the city or county or the park that have to pay for this,” Sen. Schumer said. 

The Maritime Executive 

 

Video shows American Spirit, others in dry dock at Bayship

 

Sturgeon Bay, WI – American Spirit in dry dock at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. In the backround is another 1,000-footer, Stewart J. Cort, plus Roger Blough and Cason J. Callaway. All three are in layup.. In the floating dry dock are Mary Ann Market and Mark W. Barker. Door County Drone by Mark Evenson ©

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEaB4XslaqY

 

Picton Terminals: Moving goods on water in family-owned company’s blood

Prince Edward, ON., CN – An Ontario company is delivering on its wish to see the marine transportation industry better utilized. H.R. Doornekamp Construction Ltd., a family-owned business headquartered in Odessa, near Kingston, has reinvigorated Picton Terminals since it purchased the deep-water facility in 2014. And it has joined the ranks of marine transportation players with the launch of Doornekamp Lines to provide all-water services in Eastern Canada and into the Great Lakes.

 “We have a lot of Dutch and European in our blood. So, moving items on water, the way the Europeans do, has always been of large interest to us,” said Ben Doornekamp, Owner of Doornekamp Construction. “When fuel prices did what they did (in 2008), it made it more evident that we had to become more efficient in moving product on water in the Great Lakes region.”

 The first target on the Doornekamp radar was Picton Terminals, a facility built in 1953 for Bethlehem Steel to ship iron ore to the U.S. It closed in the 1970s following the closure of the nearby iron ore mine, then operated on a smaller scale under different leaseholders. Doornekamp saw the terminal as an opportunity to strengthen its construction services and support import and export services in the region.

 “At that time we kept our eye on the port,” Doornekamp said. “The gentleman who owned it had mentioned to us that he was going to step away. He was a longtime construction guy in Kingston. My father was as well, so they knew each other well. They trusted each other. In 2014, the gentleman called us and asked if we were still interested. We said ‘yes.’ We met for breakfast and owned the port by the end of the meal.

 “We had lots of huge visions and dreams for the port. We’ve been very fortunate. Not only have they come true, they’ve exceeded our goals. We’re extremely excited where we’re at right now.”

 Among its efforts to redevelop, upgrade, diversify and modernize the terminal to be a pivotal hub in Eastern Ontario’s supply chain, Doornekamp has refurbished and fully computerized the shiploading conveyor systems, renovated buildings and retrofitted the port to store up to 2,300 containers. It also purchased a Liebherr LHM 420 Mobile Harbour Crane to handle bulk cargo.

 Today, Picton Terminals moves a wide range of products, including construction material, steel and steel beams, aggregates, stone, gypsum, dredged sand, farming products, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo, containers and bulk sugar. It even unloaded and stored last autumn two electric ferries that will sail in the Kingston region this year.

 Kimco Steel Sales Ltd. has a working relationship with Picton Terminals to facilitate the movement of the Kingston-based company’s structural steel into the port.

 “When it comes to providing great service to your customers in today’s instantaneous, fast-paced world, supply chain logistics is more important than ever. Picton Terminals’ personal touch and attention to detail really seems to shorten the chain, allowing Kimco the opportunity to receive our imports with efficiency and accuracy,” said Cody Rosen, Kimco’s Executive Director.

Doornekamp, which has a workforce of 80 to 100 people, has invested close to $30 million in its marine industry initiatives. It operates two Damen tugs, the Amy Lynn D, delivered in 2021, and the Sheri Lynn S, two flat-deck barges, as well as hopper barges from Picton Terminals under the Doornekamp Lines banner. In an effort to further capitalize on new opportunities, Doornekamp Lines is investing in container shipping.

 The company started looking about three years ago at launching a scheduled domestic container and bulk cargo service from Halifax to Picton, with Picton being the connection to Toronto. “We did a ton of research, brought in a bunch of experts to help us,” Doornekamp said. The company announced plans in spring 2021 for the service and purchased a vessel, which it named the Peyton Lynn C. But before the service could even take off, Spliethoff, which operates the twice-monthly Cleveland Europe Express (CEE) between Europe and Cleveland, approached Doornekamp LInes about entering into a partnership.

 “It’s pretty interesting how it came to be,” Doornekamp said. “In March of last year, we decided we were going to move on the domestic service, which was Step 1 – buying a container ship. About a week after we purchased it, Spliethoff approached us. We had always been trying to work with Spliethoff on their service. They asked if they could charter the vessel from us. That’s basically how it came about. A bit of a surprise plan.”

The CEE is scheduled to start stopping in Picton, with connections to Toronto, this year. But Doornekamp is still looking “very seriously” at the Halifax-Picton service. “The vessel we had considered for that service has gone to Spliethoff on long-term charter and will stay there,” Doornekamp said. “We’re looking at what we’ve learned from the Spliethoff model, and we’re still looking very closely at another vessel for the domestic service that would sail Halifax into the Great Lakes.

 “We would be looking at containers that move into Halifax that either move by rail or truck further into the U.S. or into the Great Lakes region. We’d be looking at moving that cargo by water – short-sea shipping.

 “We are a small, private-sector player punching above our weight with the likes of large, established port authorities. Not many people start new ports today and, as such, there isn’t a prescribed process.

 “We still have some challenges to get over. A lot of them have to do with government hurdles. It’s not as easy as you think getting over some of these hurdles. But we’re getting there. We are fortunate to be working with government staff who are helping us to stickhandle the many government agencies and policies to ensure regulatory compliance.”

 Moving forward, increasing transportation efficiencies and providing an alternative to truck and rail transport and a more environmentally responsible option for domestic and international trade remain among Doornekamp’s main objectives and the cornerstone of its business plan.

 “Stand by. We have some more projects coming down the pike in 2022,” Doornekamp promised. “It’s all related to Canadian shipping – improving it and expanding it for Canadian companies. Hopefully we can continue at the rate we’ve been going and make it a very positive experience for our customers.”

Chamber of Marine Commerce

 

Army Corps says $10M still on the table if port can fill funding gap for deepening project 

Ogdensburg, NY – The Army Corps of Engineers says it is still committed to working with the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority on a project to deepen the Port of Ogdensburg. But the corps says federal law prevents it from putting more than $10 million into the project.

The OBPA Board of Directors during its April regular meeting passed a resolution acknowledging that the Army Corps had withdrawn a $10 million funding commitment for the $29.5 million harbor deepening project that was initially estimated at $11.4 million. Between the federal funding and a portion contributed by the state Department of Transportation, there’s an $11.4 million gap that the OBPA has to cover, which it can’t afford. The project would have modified a 300-by-500-foot section of the federal channel to an authorized depth from 19 feet to 27 feet.

Shortly afterward, the corps released a prepared statement saying that the $10 million is still on the table, if the OBPA can fill the funding gap.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District remains committed to working with our partners at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. The Ogdensburg Harbor deepening project is authorized under Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960 which requires the Corps of Engineers share the cost with a sponsor outside the federal government,” the statement from Army Corps Lt. Col. Eli S. Adams says. “We have had to put a pause on the project due to current non-federal sponsor funding limitations, but continuation is still possible. If the Port Authority is successful in securing the necessary funds, we will be ready to move ahead.”

During the OBPA’s April board meeting, board Chair Vernon D. “Sam” Burns said he asked federal officials to use money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November, but they wouldn’t go for it.

“They would not even request that from Congress to increase the $10 million because they wanted to spread out the additional funding for other states. That was the reply I received,” Mr. Burns said.

He called the response “a slap in the face to the Bridge and Port Authority and the state of New York.”

Mr. Adams said in his statement that federal law prevents the Army Corps from putting more than $10 million into the harbor deepening work.

Mr. Adams in his statement outlined reasons the project’s cost went to nearly $30 million.

“Among the cost challenges identified by government and industry stakeholders were restrictive underwater blasting requirements, labor intensive efforts, and project schedule. Other factors included the limited pool of available contractors to perform the work and the project’s remote location,” he wrote.

Clarifying Mr. Adams’ statement on Ogdensburg being a “remote location,” Army Corps Deputy Chief of Public Affairs Avery P. Schneider said it has to do with distance from major metropolitan areas. 

“I don’t know if there’s a textbook definition” of remote location, he said. “The expertise needed for the project, you don’t necessarily find that just anywhere. Getting (necessary experts) from some farther locations up to Northern New York could be very difficult.”

NNY 360 

 

Six U.S. ports winners of 2021 season “Pacesetter Award” 

Oswego, NY –  On Monday, the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) announced that six U.S. ports in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System received the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from GLS for registering increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through their ports during the 2021 navigation season.

“The winners honored today showcase the critical role of Great Lakes ports in moving goods through our supply chain – and reflect the skill and dedication of the port workers who literally keep our economy afloat,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The six ports earning the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for 2021 are: Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor (Ind.); Port of Chicago (Ill.); Port of Cleveland (Ohio); Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (Mich.); Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority (Pa.); and (N.Y.).

“Congratulations to the six Great Lakes ports being recognized as GLS Pacesetter Award recipients for their achievements during the 2021 Seaway navigation season,”  GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook said. “The sustained level of high performance is a testament not only to the Seaway System’s importance as a maritime supply chain but also to the hard work and resiliency of the dedicated men and women throughout our Great Lakes port community.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award, which was established in 1992 to recognize the achievements of U.S. ports whose activities result in increasing international tonnage shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway, excluding Canada, in comparison with the previous year. The Pacesetter Award name was officially changed in 2001 to posthumously honor the noteworthy career of former GLS Logistics Director Robert J. Lewis, who was instrumental in developing and implementing the GLS’s trade development program.

Oswego County Today

                    Scrapping continues on St. Clair at Port Colborne
See images in the photo gallery.

 

                   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.

SS Badger enters federal funding program as LMC explores power conversion

Ludington, MI – The SS Badger was recently accepted into a federal funding program, opening the carferry up for grant opportunities and designating its route to Manitowoc as a shortcut on a marine highway.

The carferry was enrolled in the America’s Marine Highway Program, which promotes traffic on waterways to support maritime jobs and relieve congestion on land.

Being enrolled in the program, funded last month for $25 million, makes the Badger eligible for grants that could pay for a variety of projects.

Past grants have been spent on a freight service carrying fresh produce across the Long Island Sound; a specialized dock for loading and unloading space launch equipment; and improved freight shipping, among other things.

Lake Michigan Carferry, which owns the Badger, isn’t yet working toward “anything specific,” according to General Manager Sara Spore. But there has been talk of applying for funds to “repower” the carferry, converting the country’s last large coal-fired steamship to a cleaner energy source, she said.

“We’re doing studies of the feasibility” of such a conversion, Spore said, “but, you know, there’s a lot of work that has to go into a project like that. … We have to do the engineering studies and really look at it.”

Other possibilities for a power source include diesel fuel, battery power and liquefied natural gas, she said. Liquefied natural gas is natural gas cooled until it becomes liquid, decreasing its volume and making it easier to transport.

The Badger in recent years was outfitted with a more efficient system that burns less coal and stores coal ash on board for later disposal on land. Previously, ash had been dumped into Lake Michigan.

The carferry’s enrollment in the program also tacks its route onto Marine Highway M-90, which spans the Great Lakes and the Erie Canal. Projects are only funded along designated marine highways.

That doesn’t change anything about the water route being classified as a continuation of U.S. 10. Until a recent paint job, that fact had been emblazoned on the back of the ship, and Spore said it will return soon.

“People are pretty worried about that. It’ll be going back up,” she said. “There’s still some painting and work that has to be done. We are still the extension of the highway.”

The America’s Marine Highway Program has awarded more than $51.7 million in grants since it was created in 2014.

Ludington Daily News

 

Know Your Ships launch party set for May 1 at Algonac

Algonac, MI – Roger LeLievre, editor of Know Your Ships, will return to Algonac at 3 p.m. May 1 for a launch party of the 2022 edition.

Marine Publishing Co.’s annual field guide, “Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway,” offers a guide of the freighters, tankers, tugs, barges, salties, passenger ships, international visitors and other vessels in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway. It is marking its 63rd year in 2022.

LeLievre will stop by the Algonac-Clay Maritime Museum to introduce the new edition of the book and offer the program “Hitchin’ a Ride,” in which he will talk about and show images of what life is like on Great Lakes freighters.

“He has been lucky enough to be invited on vessels such as the Stewart J. Cort, Wilfred Sykes, Edward L. Ryerson and others, and he will share his photos and images with us,” a flyer for the event states.

The museum has been hosting Know Your Ships launch parties for five years, Algonac-Clay Historical Society member Paula Burgess said. The 2021 launch party saw about 50 people in attendance.

“We call Roger, set up a date, he sends a flyer, shows up, gives us a wonderful presentation,” Burgess said. “He has been involved with some kind of work around freighters all his life, is the author to Know Your Ships and a wonderful speaker. This year he will show a film with him inside a freighter going down the channel with question and answer period.”

The cost of admission is a $5 donation to the museum. Books will be on sale at a $5 discount and LeLievre will be available to autograph them.

The Algonac-Clay Maritime Museum is located at 1117 St. Clair River Drive in Algonac. For more information about the Know Your Ships guide, go to knowyourships.com.

 

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.

Former fire chief becomes next general manager of Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours

 Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Former city fire chief Scott LaBonte is now preparing to lead the next generation of boat tours in the Soo Locks. LaBonte is now the general manager in training of Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, a private lock tour company that has been operating in Sault Ste. Marie for decades.

The current general manager Richard Brawley plans on retiring at the end of the 2022 season, but before he leaves he’ll be around to help train LaBonte and prepare him to run the tours on his own. LaBonte is currently working on obtaining his 100-ton Masters license, which will allow him to captain the boat on tours and cruises. LaBonte will also be working in the boats, ticket office and with the board of directors to understand all of the crew and office roles in the company.

According to Brawley, LaBonte was chosen for the job based on his experience in management, training employees, communications skills and familiarity with the area.

“When I left the fire department, I was open to new opportunities.” said LaBonte in an email. “Many of the skills from the fire department transfer well to my new role at Famous — from overseeing maintenance of trucks to the seasonal maintenance and inspection of boats, training our crew to ensure the safety of our passengers, plus managing a team, budgets and community outreach.”

The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been teaching the history of Sault Ste. Marie and its well-known lock system for over 60 years. Since 1959, they have been making 90-minute trips up and down the St. Marys River on a trip that takes them through the locks. During the trip, passengers learn the history of the locks, which are the world’s largest parallel locking system, and how it supports much of the U.S. economy.

“The Soo Locks is a major attraction here and it gives visitors to our area and locals that opportunity to go through the locks and experience looking through it,” said Allie Brawley, communications liaison for Famous Soo Lock Boat Tours. “It’s a unique way to see our area and tour the area from the water. I’d say it’s had quite a place in history for the Sault Ste. Marie area.”

The Sault News

 

Plans finalized for Boatnerd picnic; freighter-chasing cruise tickets now on sale

Boatnerd is delighted to announce the return of its annual boat watching events 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.

Boatnerd Picnic at Sherman Park, Thursday, June 23*

Optional: Three-hour Soo Locks Freighter Chasing Cruise aboard the tour boat LeVoyageur at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

Boat watching at Sherman Park and at Mission Point

Lots of friendly Boatnerds

*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 shine!

The Boatnerd Crew

 

Obituary: Captain Thomas “Tom” Martineau

After putting up one heck of a fight, Captain Thomas “Tom” Martineau, 74, a longtime resident of Iron River, WI, formerly of Superior, WI and Duluth, MN, set sail for the last time on December 11, 2021, at his home after a lengthy illness.

Upon graduating from Superior Central High School in 1965, Tom set sail on the Great Lakes starting out as a “pearl diver” (dishwasher), before there were automatic dishwashers.  Shortly thereafter, Tom was moved up to being an oiler, a deckhand, and several other mariner positions.  He was suddenly drafted into the Army in 1968 and honorably served in the United States Army in Vietnam as an SP5(T) Commander in 1968 and 1969 on riverine patrol swamp boats and was awarded four Medals: National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

When Tom returned home from Vietnam, he pursued his dream and love of sailing and worked his way to the top of the ranks. He served as a Great Lakes ship captain for most of his sailing career, spending 40 years with the former Inland Steel fleet. He retired in 2006, after 40 years of dedicated service.  All who knew him would agree that Tom fit the role of captain with no “ifs, ands, or buts about it.”  Gruff, focused, intelligent, and to the point, Tom commanded respect without demanding it.  He was a gentleman, if one with a somewhat profane (but always entertaining) vocabulary.  A strong moral compass and fierce determination shined through in all that he did. Tom was a model of responsibility and integrity to family and friends alike, and was a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 4th, starting at 2:30 p.m. p.m. at the Slade-Goldberg Community Center, 8275 East Mill St. Iron River, WI 54847 during which time family and friends can share stories about Tom. Toms final wish was for family and friends to have “one hell of a party on him.” A feast and music in memory of Tom will be provided per Tom’s explicit instructions.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m.

Born to Joseph and Myrtle Peterson (Kolek) Martineau on July 16, 1947, Tom grew up in Superior, WI and throughout his life proudly remembered and stayed connected to some of his North End roots.  The third of five children, Tom and his elder siblings Edward and Maxine helped their mother raise their younger siblings Doug and Dennis after the unexpected death of their father at a very young age.

Tom maintained strong bonds with his siblings throughout his and their lives.  He also knew how to “let his hair down,” which he would tell you while pointing to his nearly bald head with a jovial laugh, mischievous grin, and a twinkle in his stunning blue eyes.  He enjoyed laughing and making people laugh, playing pool, fast cars (especially Dodge Chargers), riding his Harley Trike with his wife Debbie, camping in their toy-hauler, hitting the trails on his ATVs with his children, and making rounds on Deep Lake behind the wheel of their pontoon.

One cannot mention Tom without noting his many passions.  First and foremost was his love and care of family. Secondly, his avid enthusiasm and affection for the Green Bay Packers.  His enthusiasm for the Packers was expressed in numerous ways, but most notably in his rituals regarding lucky clothes and “rules” about not being able to move his discarded Velcro tear-apart Packer doll, and his Packer clothing wherever they may have been hurled during the most recent game, until the next game.  Furthermore, one cannot mention Tom without noting his love of watching Minnesota high school hockey tournaments with his son Gary (A.K.A. BoBo).  Tom was also a virtuoso in the kitchen and a master at the helm of a grill; plopping a perfectly grilled slab of prime rib down on your plate was one of many thoughtful ways Tom expressed his love for friends and family.

If you were lucky enough to be loved by Tom, you never had to question it. Always a straight shooter, Tom had no reservations about sharing what was on his mind or in his heart.  As a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Tom’s compassion, generosity, wisdom, support, and patience had no bounds. Tom will always be remembered as “Dancing Bear” and as someone who inspired even the most reserved of us to dance right along with him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Debbie (Little) Martineau, Iron River, WI; children, Terri Martineau, and Gary “Bobo” (Debbie) Frederickson Martineau, both of Duluth; stepchildren, Heather (Douglas Wyant) Laakso, Port Wing, WI, Angela (Scott) Shober, Wrenshall, MN, Lacy Almonte, Superior, WI; and Willie (Katie) Hipsher, Duluth, MN; brothers, Doug (Jenny) Martineau, and Dennis Martineau (Rachel Austreng), of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Ashley, Tommy, Jennifer, Jessica, Elena, Lydia, Judah, Finnegan, Joshua, Otto, Alesannea; great-grandson, Jaxon, and 5 additional great-grandchildren; special nephew, T.J. Martineau, and nephews, John Dietel, David Dietel, and Paul Dietel; niece Holly Pollon; special friend, and first mate, Eric Treece, of Colorado; and Tom and Debs faithful canine companion, Daisy.

Thunder Bay port greets Resko, first saltie of the season

The Port of Thunder Bay has opened to international shipping with the arrival of the first ocean-going vessel to port during the 2022 navigation season. M/V Blacky crossed the Thunder Bay breakwall at 0825 Monday, April 18, 2022. Blacky is currently loading Western Canadian wheat and oats at Richardson International’s main elevator and will sail for Puerto Rico on Wednesday. Blacky Captain Oleg Gerasymchuk and Chief Engineer Igor Matsala were recognized in the Top Hat Ceremony at the Richardson elevator.  Port Authority Board Director Pat Bushby presented the Top Hat.

Port of Thunder Bay

 

Efforts continue to ‘Save The Sullivans’ in Buffalo

Buffalo, N.Y. – The U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies are continuing efforts to save the historic USS The Sullivans museum ship after it sank at its pier last week at the Buffalo Naval Park in Buffalo, New York.

The decorated U.S. Navy destroyer-turned museum ship partially sank at its pier last Wednesday after a “serious hull breach” on its starboard side.

The Coast Guard said it was working with partners in assessing and refloating vessel. Divers and underwater drones will be deployed as contractors work to dewater the vessel.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) visited the park this week to announce a “multi-approach plan” to secure federal funding needed to save The Sullivans and continue the environmental cleanup efforts. “Today I am putting out an SOS across the federal government: Save Our Sullivans. I’m fully committed to having all hands on deck in getting the maximum amount of federal dollars we have,” said Schumer.

Currently there are no discussions of scrapping the vessel. “Failure is not an option. We are here to save The Sullivans,” said Coast Guard Commander Bill Mckinstry.

Built in 1943, USS The Sullivans is one of only four Fletcher-class destroyers, known for being the largest and most important class of U.S. destroyers used in World War II, remaining in existence. USS The Sullivans is also the first ship in the U.S. Navy to be named for more than one person—named after the five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who were killed in action in 1942 while serving together on board the USS Juneau.

The USS The Sullivans is owned and maintained as a museum ship by Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the largest inland Naval Park in the United States located in Buffalo, New York. Fundraising information can be found on the park’s Facebook page.

FAA has issued Temporary Flight Restrictions around the park, which includes drones, to ensure the safety of responders.

gCaptain

 

Star Line renamed Mackinac Island Ferry Company as season kicks off

St. Ignace, MI – One of the most popular routes to Mackinac Island is taking on a new name as the new tourism season begins. The Star Line ferry is transitioning to the Mackinac Island Ferry Company in a two-year process beginning now and ending sometime in 2023.

Some signs and branding at Star Line docks will change this summer, but other assets will remain with Star Line logos until 2023.

“The new name is easily recognizable to our customers and, while our name will change, we continue to be committed to providing the same great service, enjoyable rides and on time arrivals and departures that our guests have become accustomed to,” said Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company.

Star Line ferries are best known for throwing rooster tails behind as the traverse from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The company also includes the former Arnold Line Ferry fleet and Mackinac Marine Services shipyard.

“This collection of Mackinac Island Ferry companies has been a prominent group of legacy Michigan brands since 1878,” Fetty said. “From a business perspective, the strategic name change is a result of their accumulation under one company, allowing us to leverage a single brand name.”

WJRT

 

Museum’s boats reopen for season; call for museum volunteers

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will reopen the Col.
James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio to the public beginning May 1 and is seeking individuals interested in volunteering.

In addition, the museum’s open hours will increase from 6 to 7 days a week, Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

“As the summer season nears, volunteers become the lifeblood of our museum—serving as greeters, helping with our museum vessel and ground maintenance, and so much more,” reports Rebecca Gray, who oversees the museum’s volunteer initiative. “Volunteers could be students in need of interesting work to complete required high school volunteer hours, adults with an interest in restoration efforts, or simply individuals who just want to spend time onboard our vessels or at the museum.”

To learn more about volunteering or to sign-up to volunteer visit: www.nmgl.org/volunteer. To pre-purchase tickets for a museum visit, go to nmglstore.org.

 

Obituary: Alan Jon Saeger

Alan Jon Saeger, 62, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away suddenly on Thursday February 3.

Alan, known to his many shipmates as Flash, worked for more than 40 years on the Great Lakes, sailing aboard the Inland Steel vessels Edward L. Ryerson, Joseph L. Block, Wilfred Sykes, Adam E. Cornelius, and the tug Cindy B. He was quite proud of his time aboard the Ryerson as he spoke often about sailing on her.

Alan is survived by his mother Caroline Handley, brothers Dennis Saeger, John (Sandra) Saeger, Elden (Cindy) Saeger, and Douglas (Carrie) Handley II. He is preceded in death by his father Ronald Saeger, sister Debra Saeger, step-father Douglas Handley, and nephew Louis Saeger.

Alan was an avid Sci-Fi fan and never missed a movie opening. He was devoted to his family, who will miss him dearly. Burial services will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at St. John/St. Joseph Cemetery 1547 167th Street in Hammond, Indiana. A celebration of Alan’s life including family and friends will follow the burial services from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Highland Elks Lodge #981 3120 45th Avenue, Highland, Indiana.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling  219-838-0800 or visiting  www.hillsidefhcares.com

Plans finalized for Boatnerd picnic; freighter-chasing cruise tickets now on sale

Boatnerd is delighted to announce the return of our annual boat watching events 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.

• Boatnerd Picnic at Sherman Park, Thursday, June 23*

• Optional three-hour Soo Locks Freighter Chasing Cruise aboard the tour boat LeVoyageur at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

• Boat watching at Sherman Park and at Mission Point

• Lots of friendly Boatnerds!

*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 shine!

The Boatnerd Crew

Operation Taconite comes to a close

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Commander, Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie has concluded its domestic ice breaking operation, also known as Operation Taconite. With the ice throughout the Western Great Lakes nearly melted, ice breaking in support of commercial navigation is no longer required.

The Great Lakes ice cover peaked on February 26 at 56%. Lake Superior was 80% ice covered on March 15th. In the 108 days of the 2022 domestic icebreaking season, 11 ice breakers (9 US, 2 Canadian) combined to deliver 2,046 hours of icebreaking assistance to the benefit of 404 vessel transits;197 of these movements required direct icebreaking assistance to ensure commercial vessel safety.

Those 11 icebreakers also conducted 3,685 hours of preventative icebreaking to establish and maintain tracks in the ice hampered waterways of western Lake Superior, the St Marys River, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, and the Straits of Mackinac.

It is estimated more than 7.8 million tons of dry bulk and liquid cargoes were assisted during the 108 day operational period. This translates to roughly $284 million US dollars of cargo critical to power generation, industrial productivity and public safety, assisted during this period of ice cover.

USCG

 

Great Lakes iron ore trade down in March

Cleveland, OH – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 579,217 tons in March, a decrease of 54.9 percent compared to 2021. Loadings also trailed the month’s 5-year average by nearly 60 percent.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 2.4 million tons, a decrease of 37.5 percent compared to last year. Iron ore shipments are 31.8 percent below their 5-year average for the first three months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

 

‘A sad day’: USS The Sullivans listing as stern takes on water

Buffalo, NY – The decorated U.S. Navy destroyer-turned museum ship USS The Sullivans partially sank at its pier on Wednesday at the Buffalo Naval Park in Buffalo, New York.

The U.S. Coast Guard said pollution responders were monitoring dewatering efforts following reports that the ship had partially sank.

The USS The Sullivans is owned and maintained as a museum ship by Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the largest inland Naval Park in the United States located in Buffalo, New York.

The USS The Sullivans is one of only four Fletcher-class of destroyers in the world and the first ship in the U.S. Navy to be named for more than one person. The Fletcher-class destroyers were the largest and most important class of U.S. Destroyers used in World War II.

Named after the five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, USS The Sullivans was commissioned in 1943 and earned numerous battle stars for its roles in WWII’s Pacific War and the Korean War, before its decommissioning in 1965.

A statement from the Buffalo Naval Park said all four ships at the park have been closed to the public as they respond to the incident.

“Yesterday, a serious hull breach occurred aft of midship on the starboard side. Our crew has been monitoring the ship all night and morning and are working with marine engineers and members of BIDCO Marine Group, the Buffalo Fire Department, Buffalo Police Department, Homeland Security, and Coast Guard to assess the problem, minimize damage, and remove water from the ship,” the organization said in a Facebook post.

“For over a year, we have been working hard to preserve USS The Sullivans and that work continues today and into the future. We are grateful for your continued support of this historic ship and of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.”

Buffalo News

 

Milwaukee to build $7M cruise ship dock, hopes to become top cruising destination

Milwaukee, WI – Port Milwaukee has set its sights on becoming the top cruise ship destination in the Great Lakes. To achieve that, there are plans to build a $7 million ship dock, CBS 58 reports. Like many port cities around the Great Lakes, Milwaukee is expecting a boom in the cruising industry when it returns this year, with about 10,000 cruise ship passengers coming ashore, the report said

The industry has been on pause for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Port Milwaukee plans to add a larger dock to its South Shore location, Adam Tindall-Schlicht, director of Port Milwaukee, told CBS 58. It will be big enough to accommodate the largest ships now being built to traverse the Great Lakes. The goal is to become the start- and end-point for cruise ships, bringing double the benefit from each vessel, he said.

The new dock is expected to be operational in 2023 or 2024, he said.

Companies sailing the Great Lakes this year are American Queen Voyages, Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant Explorers, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Viking Expeditions and Windstar Cruises. They will call on Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canadian ports, including Alpena, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Marquette, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Duluth and Windsor, Ontario. The cruising season spans from May to October. Each vessel carries about 200-400 passengers.

 

McKeil Marine expands its bulker fleet with purchase of M/V Da Shen

Burlington, ON – With the 2022-23 navigation season underway, marine services provider McKeil Marine has announced the expansion of its fleet following the purchase of the M/V Da Shen (IMO 9167681).

This unique shallow-draft, self-discharging vessel, built in 1998 at Shin Kurushima Hiroshima Dockyard, Japan, will complement McKeil’s bulker fleet and further enhance the broad range of services which McKeil offers within its niche markets.

M/V Da Shen (formerly Asia Cement No 7) has four cargo holds and measures 155 metres by 22 metres, with a deadweight of 19,651 MT. Originally designed for the carriage of cement clinker, the vessel is currently docked in China where it will be retrofitted with a new single-point loading system, together with the modifications and upgrades necessary for its intended service. Delivery to Canada is expected in early 2023. Marine Traffic lists her most recent owner as Ocean Grow International Shipmanagement Consu of Taiwan.

“The purchase of the M/V Da Shen reflects our consistent strategy in fleet expansion,” said McKeil’s CEO Scott Bravener, “and that is to build a fleet that remains flexible and versatile. Our goal is to meet the needs of existing and new customers through unique and innovative marine solutions. This vessel acquisition is positive news as we continue our growth trajectory heading into a new shipping season.”

A new name has yet to be announced.

McKeil Marine

 

The season’s first saltie arrives in the Twin Ports

Duluth, MN – It’s a sure sign of spring. The first oceangoing vessel of the 2022 maritime shipping season has arrived in the Port of Duluth.

Resko, a 624-foot bulk carrier from the Polsteam fleet, earned the 2022 First Ship honor when is sailed in about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Resko will visit Superior’s Gavilon Grain Connors Point Terminal to load approximately 16,200 short tons of spring wheat and 5,400 short tons of durum wheat destined for Italy.

Despite the wind, rain and snow, people gathered along the canal to watch the ship glide through the ice. The arrival of the first saltie officially kicks off the shipping season in the Twin Ports. The Port Authority’s annual First Ship welcoming event is scheduled for Friday.

According to the Port Authority, Resko’s journey originated in Ijmuiden, Netherlands. It unloaded more than 5,500 short tons of steel skidded coils in Milwaukee and also made a stop in Burns Harbor, Indiana.

“Despite winter’s lingering chill this year, arrival of the season’s first full Seaway transit is a true sign of spring and always of the prosperity these great ships help deliver to our region,” Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority said in a press release. “We’re excited to see it and excited also to share its Midwestern wheat cargo with the world. It’s another example of how Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping delivers the critical goods and raw materials of everyday life.”

Resko is sailing under the Bahamas flag and is captained by Lukasz Pionke of Poland. The ship was built in 2010. Its carrying capacity is approximately 33,000 short tons.

WDIO

 

Lack of funding sinks dredging project at Port of Ogdensburg

Ogdensburg, N.Y. –  A long gestating project to dredge the harbor and expand the Port of Ogdensburg has been called off due to a ballooning budget and severe lack of funding.

The announcement was made during the OBPA board meeting on April 7, following the withdrawal of a $10 million commitment by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The project was originally slated to dredge a large portion of the harbor, to a depth of 27 feet, allowing a second part of the project to proceed that would have allowed for the expansion of the port, officials said.

According to officials, the Army Corps of Engineers first claimed the project would cost $11.3 million. Following a bid process, during which only one company placed a bid, the estimate grew to over $27 million. Officials say the total cost of the project grew to $42.6 million following contingency assessments, rising material costs and a severe labor shortage that drove up the cost of workers.

The sole bid was just for harbor deepening, officials say.

According to officials, the Army Corps of engineers was responsible for 65% of all project overages, with the OBPA being responsible for the remaining 35%.

The Army Corps of Engineers then pulled the plug on their funding, not seeking further assistance from Congress to cover the overages, according to Steven Lawrence, OBPA Executive Director,

Lawrence also stated the project costs were “an extraordinary sum” that the OBPA could not cover themselves. Had the board decided to move forward with the project, the OBPA would have been responsible for over $11 million, he said.

Many officials said the decision to pull the funding and thus end the project were a slap in the face, with OBPA Board Chair Vernon Burns saying it left a bad taste in his mouth. “They let us down, plain and simple. They let down all of Northern New York and the state of New York,” he said.

Many comments seconding the notion could be heard in the meeting, with County Legislator Nicole Terminelli echoing the sentiment.

Though the project is on life support now, officials say they plan to press forward and seek alternative funding and future bids to complete the project. Department of Transportation funding was already in place to supplement the $10 million pledge by the Army Corps of Engineers, according to officials.

North Country Now