Clear Sailing: Resolution supporting maritime container industry earns Senate support

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Senate has approved Senate Resolution 74, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), to urge the removal of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) restrictions that prevent international maritime containers from being imported and exported at Michigan ports.

“The food and agriculture industry contributes more than $100 billion to the state economy annually, and manufacturing accounts for nearly 20% of the state’s annual total output,” Sen. Chang said. “As our economy works to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, this harmful restriction must be removed, and our ports ought to be treated like others in the nation. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Michigan Senate for recognizing this issue and agreeing to call for changes.”

Michigan has 3,000 miles of shoreline and the most commercial port terminals in the Great Lakes region.  Cargo that cannot be unloaded in Michigan is taken to nearby ports, leading to high fees for businesses and creating hundreds of jobs in other states. In addition, Michigan’s environment and roads are harmed when international containers are moved to and from the state by truck, instead of by ship.

“Michigan’s ports are an economic engine for the entire Great Lakes Region, but the unequal application of standards puts the livelihoods of countless families and businesses that depend on our ports at risk,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Chair of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I’m thankful to Senator Chang for her leadership on this important economic issue to help ensure Michigan ports can compete on a level playing field. As Chairman of the United States Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will continue to work with her to ensure Michigan’s ports are treated fairly so our state remains a hub for international commerce.”

Since 2016, the U.S. CBP has restricted all international maritime containers entering Michigan. Clearance requirements have been imposed on Michigan ports, but not elsewhere in the country, unfairly limiting Michigan businesses trying to participate in trade and the global marketplace. This limits the growth and activity of ports like those in Detroit or Monroe.

The existing maritime restrictions on Michigan ports hamper trade efforts in addition to a shortage of shipping containers reported in March. Removal of the restrictions would help Michigan businesses recover losses sustained by the COVID-19 pandemic and increase maritime business internationally.

“The Port of Monroe is exceptionally grateful that Senators Chang and Zorn have taken the lead to ensure that Michigan remains the heart of competitiveness in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System,” said Paul C. LaMarre III, Port Director at Port of Monroe. “It is unconscionable that Michigan’s ports are restricted from handling the most commonly used form of freight movement in the world: containers. The senators’ call for equitable treatment and accountability should serve as a rallying cry to all Michigan legislators, both state and federal, that the ‘Great Lakes State’ needs to regain its maritime competitiveness.”

Port of Monroe

Jim Hoffman exhibit opens at National Museum

Toledo, OH – Today, the National Museum of the Great Lakes opens its first in-house, temporary exhibit since the onset of the pandemic, “Jim Hoffman: The Photographic Life of Toledo’s Original Boatnerd.” The exhibit features the work of Toledoan Jim Hoffman, who passed away on November 7, 2020. Considered a legend among fellow boatnerds, Jim’s photographs are instantly recognizable by most Great Lakes shipping photographers. A reception for family and friends was held Th ursday evening.The exhibit will be up through Labor Day and is included in the price of a museum ticket. Find more information at this link: https://nmgl.org/jim-hoffman-exhibit/

Virtual Visitor Center program today: New Lock at the Soo project update

Work has been underway for more than a year on the New Lock at the Soo.  Kristina Schnettler, a project engineer, will provide an overview of the project, behind the scenes glimpses of the work happening right now and a look at what’s to come in the next few years. This free program begins at 12:30 EDT (11:30 CDT) at https://www.gotomeet.me/VirtualVisitorCenter/new-lock. The Virtual Visitor Center is a cooperative endeavor between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association and the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association.

Tugboat, non-profit group collect data and promote marine careers

Kingston , ON – Kingston welcomed a life-sized TV replica boat Theodore Tugboat – or Theodore Too – to the city on Monday. The boat’s arrival also marked the beginning of its collaboration with a nonprofit advocating for the restoration and protection of waterbodies.

Theodore Too was purchased earlier this year by marine industrialist Blair McKeil, who is relocating the boat from Halifax to Hamilton. The tugboat, which was previously used for tours of the Halifax harbour, now has a new job: promoting marine careers throughout the Great Lakes.

Theodore Too has partnered with Swim Drink Fish, a non-profit organization working to connect people with water. According to its website, more than $1.7 billion has been spent restoring and protecting water in the wake of Swim Drink Fish’s work since the organization launched in 2001.

Mark Mattson, president of Swim Drink Fish, told the Whig-Standard that the tugboat’s help has come at a vital time. “Next year is really important on the Great Lakes: it’s the 50th anniversary of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement,” Mattson said.

Mattson said there’s a lot of work to be accomplished for the Great Lakes in the next 50 years. “Diversity, accessibility, governance, protection of ways between the provinces, Indigenous communities, the federal government. It’s a really important time for Theodore, and for (Blair and Kathy McKeil) to offer Theodore as an ally to our work for swimmable, drinkable, fishable water was just too much of an opportunity to miss out on.”

While in Kingston, Theodore Too will be outfitted with a real-time temperature sensor that will monitor and measure water temperatures along his journey through Lake Ontario. The temperature monitor will be used by Swim Drink Fish for its Swim Guide app, which gauges and reports up-to-date water information for swimming for over 8,000 beaches, lakes, rivers, and swimming holes around the world.

“(Theodore Too’s) first tool in his toolbox will be this temperature sensor that registers the temperature and sends it into the cloud, and then it automatically updates on a platform like Swim Guide, or other platforms, and archives that data for years to come. So wherever Theodore is, the temperature that day at that time will be kept by us as part of our data collection process,” Mattson said.

As Mattson explained, water temperature is an essential part of water safety. “As a result of COVID-19, many people are going to the water and connecting with the water. We’ve really seen the demand for parks and beaches go way up. You need to protect yourself. If you’re going into water that’s too cold, there are different wetsuits and things to make sure you’re prepared for being in the water. Safety is number one.”

Theodoee Too may eventually be outfitted with more tools, Mattson said, including those for plastic and waste collection and characterization, work Swim Drink Fish’s water management hubs on Lake Ontario, including its Kingston hub, are already doing.

“Theodore wants to learn about and be part of that movement and engagement process.”

Swim Drink Fish also plans to collect and store the water temperature information to examine long-term changes in water temperature at different areas of Lake Ontario. They intend to make that information available to researchers and governments.

Read more at this link: https://www.thewhig.com/news/tugboat-non-profit-group-collect-data-and-promote-marine-careers

For more information, visit https://www.swimdrinkfish.ca

New St. Clair River Live Cam now online

BoatNerd has launched another Live Ship Cam, this one featuring shipping on the St. Clair River from the Voyageur Restaurant in St. Clair MI.  This location is ideal for a webcam, as the ships must navigate close to shore and  provide an up close view.

Our thanks to the City of St. Clair, First Impression Tourism Project – St Clair Community Leadership Team, The Voyageur Restaurant, Capt Bill Griffore and the boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/ webcam team. View the cam by clicking below.

A schedule of expected ships can be found here: https://ais.boatnerd.com/passage/port/st_clair

Giant mural on Maumee River silos painted blue, ready for design to take shape

Toledo, OH –  Phase 1 of the giant Glass City River Wall wrapped up on Friday and the silos that line the banks of the Maumee River just south of downtown Toledo look better already.

1,000 gallons of blue paint was used for the initial base coat of the 160,000-sq.-ft. mural. And now the real work begins.

The 28 silos, owned by ADM, will eventually be covered by an enormous and colorful mural depicting a field of sunflowers over a vibrant blue sky along with portraits of three Native Americans. The theme was chosen to honor the area’s first farmers.

If everything goes as planned, Phase 2, which begins this weekend, should be completed by the time visitors to the city roll into town for the Solheim Cup golf tournament at the end of August.

Read more and view images here:  https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/artists-complete-phase-1-of-glass-city-river-wall/512-e54b6a23-aaaf-483c-9ffb-e577e981269f?fbclid=IwAR2cyZhFImBHoGLqtGRy2ZRG8a7pO_mMvpYOrpsu9k6tOEhmEEA6TOQH0Ok

Museum to install temporary exhibit showcasing legacy of Toledo-based photographer

Toledo, OH –  On Friday, July 16 the National Museum of the Great Lakes will open their first in-house, temporary exhibit since the onset of the pandemic titled Jim Hoffman: The Photographic Life of Toledo’s Original Boatnerd. The exhibit features the work of Toledoan Jim Hoffman, who passed away on November 7, 2020. Considered a legend among fellow boatnerds, Jim’s photographs are instantly recognizable by most Great Lakes shipping photographers.

“Jim was a fixture on the Maumee River and was loved by Boatnerds near and far,” says Paul LaMarre, III, Jim’s longtime friend who also serves on the Board of Directors at the National Museum of the Great Lakes and is the Director of the Port of Monroe in Michigan. “The National Museum of the Great Lakes is proud to be able to honor and recognize his legacy and life’s passion.”

Jim and his small boat were often the first thing greeting sailors on freighters entering Toledo. Through the years Jim’s photos have been featured and shared both in print and online. In 2020, Jim was honored as the Great Lakes Historian of the Year by the Marine Historical Society of Detroit, one of the few photographers ever chosen.

The exhibit, installed in remembrance of his legacy and love for Great Lakes vessels, will give guests the opportunity to walk alongside his life’s passion and live his photographic memories. It will be available for viewing through Labor Day. Admission is free for members and included with museum admission for non-members. Visitors will also receive a complimentary print from his photographic collection.

WHAT: Jim Hoffman: The Photographic Life of Toledo’s Original Boatnerd
WHEN: Friday, July 16 – Monday, September 6, 2021
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday; Noon – 5 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
ADMISSION: FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members
$17.00 (Museum & Ship) / $11.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)
$16.00 (Museum & Ship) / $10.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)

Introducing the Interlake Maritime Services LOG

Welcome to the first edition of the Interlake Maritime Services LOG, our new company-wide newsletter. The Interlake LOG was first published in the 1930s, originally as a safety newsletter. It has evolved over the years to include not only notable happenings in our fleet but also stories about those who power our company and the Great Lakes shipping industry. Read it here: http://www.interlake-steamship.com/media/newsroom/interlake-maritime-services-log-summer-2021?fbclid=IwAR1obSGY2D56KCgYiXQs5iTpLKbMoTaAU5_iKuxGKhgFm76DOww9sworhXM

––

Twin Ports says farewell to the US Coast Guard cutter Alder

On a windy Wednesday morning, July 7, 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder make its final trip under Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge as it set sail for Baltimore, Maryland. She departed at 10:30 with a Masters Salute.

Alder arrived in the Twin Ports in October 2004, replacing the Sundew, which was decommissioned in 2004. The Alder will make its final trip through the Great Lakes to Baltimore, Maryland, for a year of maintenance before it is transferred to San Francisco, its new homeport. Another 225-foot buoy tender, the USCG Spar, will replace the Alder in spring 2022.

View photos here: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/transportation/7103985-Photos-Twin-Ports-says-farewell-to-the-US-Coast-Guard-cutter-Alder

Captain Henry Jackman update

Algoma Central’s newest vessel, Captain Henry Jackman, was upbound past Detroit on her maiden voyage at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. She is headed to Thunder Bay.

Water levels rise in lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie with help from June rainfall

Detroit, MI – Water levels rose in June in three of the Great Lakes due in part to seasonal conditions and to the record rainfall parts of Michigan received last weekend.

Lakes Superior rose about 2 inches from its May mean level to 602.20 feet; Lake St. Clair rose about 2 inches to 576.18 feet and Lake Erie rose about 1 inch to 573.20 feet, according to preliminary data from the Detroit District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Lakes Michigan-Huron declined 1 inch to 580.48 feet, and Lake Ontario remained near its May level, declining less than an inch to 245.11 feet, the corps said.

The lakes dropped between 6 inches and 17 inches in places in May compared with a year earlier, creating more usable public and private beach areas in Michigan just in time for the summer swimming, sunning and boating season.

Read more here: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/environment/2021/07/04/water-levels-rise-lakes-superior-st-clair-erie-help-june-rainfall/7858038002/

Theodore Two tugboat coming through Eisenhower Lock  July 8

Massena, NY – The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is announcing that the iconic THEODORE TOO tugboat is expected to arrive at Eisenhower Lock in Massena, NY, tomorrow, July 8, between 8:30-9:00 a.m.  The Seaway’s Eisenhower Lock Visitors’ Center will open early, at 8:30 a.m., to allow the public to view the tug’s transit through the lock.

The Center is located off Route 37 in Massena, NY.  Turn right at the traffic light at the St. Lawrence Centre Mall entrance if approaching westbound or left if heading eastbound.  The Visitors’ Center entrance is 1.5 miles on the right.  Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the Center.

Vessels with a Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway connection  reported as a casualty or sold for demolition, taken from July 2021 issue of Marine News –  Journal of the World Ship Society

Casualties: None reported
Demolitions:
ALGOMA ENTERPRISE (7726677; Canada) (Canadian Enterprise-12) – 23,395 / 1979 – bulk carrier self-discharging laker – By Algoma Central Corp (ACC) Canada, to International Marine Salvage Canada and arrived Port Colborne 10.01.2021 – commenced demolition 10.01.2021

AMAL NEPTUNE (8116843; Tanzania (Zanzibar) (Myra-12, Eltsen-10, Michail Junior-05, Able Winner-04, Evangelica-03, Maritsa-00, Able Ensign-99, Gigi I-97, Hanako-96, Cargo Express-94, Larix-91 – 1st seaway transit 1983) – 3,898 / 1981 – general cargo ship by undisclosed interests, to Gohilwad Shipbreakers, India and arrived Alang 03.01.2000 – commenced demolition 03.01.2000

DIMA (9008811; Comoros) (Genius-19, Longobarda-08 – 1st seaway transit 2007) – 6,765 / 1992 – products tanker – By Dima Shipping Ltd, Marshall Islands, to Salam International, M/S, and arrived Gadani Beach 29.01.2021 – commenced demolition 05.02.2021

ULF (9050412; St. Kitts & Nevis) (Gulf Adventure-21, Breezy Navigator-12, Sichem Pandora-11, Sichem Malene-02 – 1st seaway transit 2001, Malene Sif-01 – 1st seaway transit 1999) – 6,544 / 1994 – products tanker – By Holborn Shipping Inc (Machtrans Ship Managment Pvt Ltd) Marshall Islands, to Shiv Corp. India and arrived Alang 02.01.2021 – commenced demolition 06.01.2021

Report prepared by Barry Andersen and René Beauchamp

Mackinac Island ferry rescues boaters after storm

Straits of Mackinac, MI – A ferry crew went on a rescue mission Tuesday morning after a fast-moving storm created a problem for some boaters.

The Star Line Mackinac Island ferry Cadillac’s crew heard the call for a boater in distress around 10:30 a.m. According to a passenger on board, the ferry was on its way from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace and towed the boat to safety. A person on the island also caught the rescue on camera after noticing the ferry was going off course.

Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry posted more about the incident on its Facebook page Monday evening.

“Kudos to Captain Kris and crew of Star Line’s Hydro-Jet ferry, the Cadillac. This morning, they rescued a sailboat and her crew. The sailboat was caught in a morning storm, where she lost her sails and power. Adrift and in distress, the sailboat was about to crash against the rocks of the break wall, which protects the Mackinac Island harbor. The captain and crew heard the distress call while on the normal ferry run and aborted their trip to assist the vessel. They were able to throw her a line and tow her to back to safety at our dock #1, which is the main dock on Mackinac Island. Thank you Captain Kris and crew for all of the training you have done to effectively execute a successful rescue!

UpNorthLive

Vessels delayed by Poe Lock outage

UPDATE: Traffic began moving again about 2 p.m. with the Thunder Bay. The Poe Lock was down Tuesday morning due to electrical issues with one of the gates. Downbound Thunder Bay and Hon James L. Oberstar moored at the upper wall. Upbound Cinnamon tied on the lower pier. Edwin H. Gott and CSL St-Laurent were anchored at Nine Mile as of 2 p.m.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder prepares to leave Duluth-Superior port Wednesday

Duluth, MN – Final preparations are taking place aboard a beloved Duluth ship ahead of its final journey across the Great Lakes. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder is preparing to leave the Duluth-Superior port Wednesday after nearly two decades of service.

A small ceremony was held for the ship on Monday, with a visit from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who thanked the crew for their hard work and advocated for the importance of the shipping industry in the Northland. “You cannot have strong commerce and a strong economy in Northern Minnesota without a strong port and without the ice breaking,” Klobuchar said.

The Alder has been breaking ice and serving as an aid to navigation on Lake Superior for almost 17 years. Now, it is being sent to Baltimore for a year of maintenance and repair, followed by a new assignment in San Francisco.

“They are taking it for a mid-life overhaul to update a lot of systems on the ship and make those that were or were not there a little bit better by redesigning a few things,” Joel Wright, Commanding Officer for the Alder said. Once maintenance is complete, the hope is that the Alder will continue serving as an aid to navigation in warmer waters.

“In San Francisco, there is not very much ice, so she will not be ice breaking out there,” Wright said. “She will be conducting aids to navigation in San Francisco and on the West Coast when she’s out there in hopefully one year though.”

The Alder will be replaced by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar in late February or early March of 2022. That ship is named after the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, better known as ‘the Spars.’

“She will be the new member of the Great Lakes Fleet—servicing Lake Superior, the Duluth harbor and the rest of the Great Lakes for her aids to navigation and ice breaking mission,” Wright said.

The U.S. Coast Guard was not able to provide the exact time the Alder will depart Duluth on Wednesday, but they did say it would be in the morning.

https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/us-coast-guard-cutter-alder-prepares-to-leave-lake-superior/6162276/?fbclid=IwAR0F5dCGXthQWgTZi9RACrn67qUL8h-TCP70P8c_6YbITqDrLX92rSvZhl8#.YOOhTL-186g.facebook

Exhibit: Jim Hoffman: The Photographic Life of Toledo’s Original Boatnerd

Toledoan Jim Hoffman had a lifelong love affair with Great Lakes Boats. Considered a legend among fellow Boatnerds, his photographs are instantly recognizable by most Great Lakes shipping photographers. On November 7, 2020, Jim passed away leaving a vast collection of images. In memory of his legacy and passion for Great Lakes vessels, we invite you to walk alongside his life’s passion and relive his photographic memories in our first temporary exhibit of 2021 – Jim Hoffman: The Photographic Life of Toledo’s Original Boatnerd, running July 16 – September 6.

Exhibit admission is free for members and included with any museum admission purchase. The temporary exhibit will be open during regular museum hours—from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Individuals can purchase same-day tickets at the door or online in advance at

https://nmglstore.org/collections/presale-museum-admission

Changing of the guard: PRT Capt. Bob Thibaudeau retires

When Capt. Bob Thibaudeau ties up the Paul R Tregurtha at St. Clair, MI, on Sunday it will mark the end of a distinguished 42-year career sailing for the Interlake Steamship Co. Wor has leaked out around the Great Lakes, and Capt. Bob has been greeted with well-wishers during his final trip.  Stellar shiphandling and his affable and engaging personality has earned him somewhat of a rock-star following among freighter fans on the lakes.

A graduate of Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Bob joined Interlake in 1979 alongside three other graduates all of whom became captains in the fleet. His first boat was the M/V Lee A. Tregurtha after becoming a captain in 1994. He says the best parts about being a merchant mariner is “knowing that you are hauling cargoes that affect millions of lives and we make a difference.”

He was born in suburban Detroit, and later moved with his family to East Grand Rapids. Interlake hired him right out of the Academy. He worked his way up through the officer ranks and has at one time or another piloted each of Interlake’s working ships. His other responsibilities as captain include managing the crew of 23, planning out schedules, projects and maintenance, and sometimes acting as sheriff and counselor, de-escalating any on-board issues.

He has twin stepsons, who also work on Great Lakes freighters. He beams a little bit when talking about them. One reason is that he thinks they made the right choice. “I wanted to be a captain,” he says. “It worked out great for me.”

Interlake Steamship Co., Detroit Free Press