Boatnerd News

Boatnerd News January 15, 2026

Jan 15, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Last Soo Locks passage for season is at hand

   Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Downbound on Lake Superior for the Soo Locks Wednesday evening were Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader, John G. Munson and American Spirit, in that order. Unless something the changes, American Spirit will make the final locks passage for the season sometime late Thursday. She is carrying pellets for Conneaut loaded at Two Harbors.
   The Soo Locks must close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, however if a vessel is en route to the locks at closing time, they will be locked through.
   Lee A. Tregurtha, which needed assistance in the Stribling Point area in the upbound Neebish Island channel from USCG Neah Bay, locked through and then tied up at the end of the West Pier until morning.

[Know Your Ships]

Senators Push For Great Lakes Shipbuilding to Return

By Jona Robinson
   U.S Senators continue to push for a return of shipbuilding to the Great Lakes. The senators on board with the return include: t Todd Young, Jim Banks, Tammy Duckworth, Tammy Baldwin, Gary Peters, Amy Klobuchar, Jon Husted and Elissa Slotkin.
   Collaboratively they sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging his administration to establish Maritime Prosperity Zones in the Great Lakes.
   The letter stated, “We share your goal of a revitalized shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing industry and believe that the hardworking people and dynamic economies of the Great Lakes region will be essential to achieving it.”
   The Ports of Indiana has had talks with shipbuilders about a potential shipbuilding operation at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. Northwest Indiana’s steel mills already make metal for Navy vessels and could see a spike in demand if more shipbuilding returned to the Upper Midwest.
   The letter continued, “The Great Lakes are already home to shipbuilders, manufacturers, steel producers, casting and forging, and maritime industry suppliers. In many ways, the Great Lakes states are well positioned for sustained national investment that would build on the current shipbuilding and manufacturing capacity in the region.”
   Senators laid out a five-point plan for Maritime Prosperity Zones “to turbocharge American shipbuilding.” They, for instance, recommended defining Great Lakes Prosperity Zones by industrial activity, expanding federal investment in workforce training and encouraging both public and private investments.
   They also urged the administration to support the creation of a Great Lakes Shipbuilding Consortium.
   “Shipyards, steel producers, and manufacturing suppliers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana have the capacity and workforce to build Navy and Coast Guard vessels, icebreakers, commercial ferries, and maritime security craft,” the senators wrote. “Groups of shipyards and their Great Lakes-based supply chain partners are forming a Great Lakes Shipbuilding Consortium to collaborate on modular construction of U.S. government vessels. We recommend commissioning and funding a study led by the Consortium to facilitate investments in infrastructure, workforce, and technology.”

 

 

Port Report – January 15, 2026

Jan 15, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Wednesday January 14.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/15/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
1/14/2026  RF Marina-DEPARTS-3:32 AM-For-Quebec, Canada
1/14/2026  Trintyborg-DEPARTS-4:51 AM-For-Quebec, Canada
DUE:
Harbour Express-DUE-1/24/2026-3:28 AM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/15/2026-8:35 PM
Harbour Feature-DUE-1/18/2026-9:11 PM
Vezhen-DUE-1/19/2026-1:57 PM
Cresty-DUE-1/27/2026-7:37 AM
Federal Trident-DUE-1/31/2026-2:26 AM

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/14/2026  Capt. Henry Jackman-DEPARTS5:34 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/14/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-7:43 AM
1/14/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-5:03 PM-Thorold, Canada

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/14/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-7:04 PM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
Manitoulin departed for Sturgeon Bay and Victory/Maumee arrived at General MIlls Frontier Elevator.

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]
1/14/2026  Victory / Maumee-ARRIVES-10:57 AM
1/14/2026  Manitoulin-DEPARTS-4:59 PM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
Frontenac is at ADM. Algoma Buffalo arrived for layup.
DUE:
CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DUE-1/14/2026-9:35 PM

PORT MAITLAND, CANADA                      [CAPTM]
1/14/2026  Sharon M I-ARRIVES- ??

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoterra and Algocanada are loading at Imperial Oil.

PORT DOVER, CANADA                             [CAPDV]
Algoberta is at the anchorage.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
American Integrity arrived for layup.

ASHTABULA, OHIO                                      [USASF]-Bill Kloss
H. Lee White departed for Ashtabula.

CONNEAUT, OHIO                                       [USCDY]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
American Century-DUE-1/15/2026-6:03 AM
American Spirit-DUE-1/17/2026-5:30 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
American Courage departed for Toledo and Sam Laud is still on the shuttles.
DUE:
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/16/2026-8:02 PM
Dirk S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/16/2026-12:34 AM
Joyce L VanEnkevort-DUE-1/16/2026-11:01 AM

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. is anchored off of Cedar Point.

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Calumet departed for Windsor. Arriving for layup were Kaye E. Barker, Paul R. Tregurtha and American Mariner. Wilfred Sykes
DUE:
Wilfred Sykes-DUE-1/15/2026-12:42 AM
John G Munson-DUE-1/16/2026-8:55 PM
American Courage-DUE-1/15/2026-7:06 AM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A departed for Detroit.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/14/2026  New York / Double Skin 509A-ARRIVES-3:18 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/14/2026  Kathy McKeil-ARRIVES-3:41 PM
1/14/2026  Calumet-ARRIVES-11:52 AM
DUE:
Leo A McArthur-DUE-1/15/2026-8:00 AM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
1/14/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-6:47 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
1/13/2026  Algonova-ARRIVES-10:51 PM
DUE:
Iver Bright-DUE-1/13/2026-5:32 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/14/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-12:34 AM
1/14/2026  Edwin H Gott-DEPARTS-1:38 AM-For-Gary Harbor, Indiana
1/14/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-3:03 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/14/2026  USCG Katmai Bay-DEPARTS-12:35 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
1/14/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-ARRIVES-2:56 PM

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
DUE:
John J Boland-DUE-1/15/2026-5:42 AM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
1/14/2026  American Spirit-DEPARTS-8:10 AM

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/14/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-2:53 PM
DUE:
USCG Mobile Bay-DUE-1/15/2026-7:13 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-1/15/2026-1:18 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/16/2026-12:04 AM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
DUE:
Edgar B Speer-DUE-1/15/2026-12:42 PM
Stewart J Cort-DUE-1/16/2026-6:23 AM
Lois M-DUE-1/17/2026-1:52 PM

GARY HARBOR, INDIANA                         [USGYY]
DUE:
Edwin H Gott-DUE-1/15/2026-5:45 PM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-1/15/2026-10:37 PM

Today in Great Lakes History – January 15

Jan 15, 2026

1873
1873:  On 15 January 1873, A. Muir began building a wooden 3-mast schooner (“full sized canaller”) at his shipyard in Port Huron. Fourteen men were employed to work on her, including master builder James Perry. The schooner was to be the exact counterpart of the GROTON, the first vessel built at that yard. The vessel’s dimensions were 138-foot keel, 145 foot overall, 26 foot 2 inches beam and 11 foot 6 inch depth.

1886
1886:  On 15 January 1886, the tug KITTIE HAIGHT was sold to Mr. Fisken of Toronto for $3,900.

1917
1917:  The ANN ARBOR NO 6 left Ecorse for Frankfort on her maiden voyage

1942 
1942:   CORNUCOPIA   [built-1919 at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company US-218057] departed New York on January 15, 1942, for St. John, New Brunswick. Nothing more was heard from her until a lifeboat containing bodies of four crewmen was found on January 24, 1942.

1958
1958:  FORT YORK (Hull#160) was launched January 15, 1958, at Collingwood, Ontario, by Collingwood Shipyards, Ltd.

1978
1978:  The upbound McKEE SONS, LEON FALK JR, WILLIAM P. SNYDER JR, A.H. FERBERT and CHAMPLAIN became stuck in heavy ice outside Cleveland Harbor. Eventually they were freed with the help of the U.S.C.G. icebreaker NORTHWIND and the U.S.C.G. MARIPOSA.

1986
1986:  The former Greek freighter PAULINA C., a Seaway trader beginning in 1976, ran aground off the Dutch coast near Rotterdam as c) RIO GRANDE. It was refloated January 23 and became d) NEPTUNIA later in 1986. It arrived at Bombay, India, for scrapping on December 3, 1986.

1990
1990:  The tanker MAYA FARBER came through the Seaway in 1981. It was anchored off Port Sudan as e) RAAD AL-BAKRY VIII when there was an explosion in a cargo tank. Fire broke out and the vessel was gutted. The hull later broke in two and the after end sank. The forebody was sold for scrap and arrived at Alang, India, for dismantling on March 28, 1990.

1997
The M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA locked down through the Poe Lock at 7 a.m. on January 15, thus bringing to a close the 1996 shipping season through the Soo Locks. The TREGURTHA is carrying iron ore to Lorain, Ohio. After delivery of this cargo, the 1,013.5-foot-long self-unloader will proceed to her winter berth in Ashtabula, Ohio. Iron ore will continue to be loaded at Escanaba, Michigan, until the end of the month.

 

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Brian Bernard, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Boatnerd News January 14, 2026

Jan 14, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

After a tough battle with ice, Seaway finally closed

   The St. Lawrence Seaway has closed for the season at the latest date in its history since opening in 1959. The commercial navigation season on the Montreal–Lake Ontario section officially ended Jan. 12, the latest closure since the Seaway opened in 1959.
   Crews with the Seaway, working alongside the Canadian Coast Guard, operated around the clock to break ice and escort vessels through narrowing channels in the season’s final days.
   Unusually cold temperatures and heavy ice created difficult conditions for ships and made it challenging to keep locks clear. As a result, about a dozen cargo vessels were delayed between Cape Vincent and Massena while awaiting passage toward Montreal and the Atlantic.
   Officials said the persistent winter weather pushed Seaway operations weeks beyond the typical closing date before navigation was ultimately suspended.
   Seaway officials were preparing to close the major shipping corridor for the rest of winter on Jan. 5, but iced-in ships were forced to anchor or tie up until conditions improved and traffic cleared through the stretch’s two U.S. and five Canadian locks.
   Algoma Equinox, sailing under the flag of Canada and carrying a load of iron ore, was the last vessel, heading west to Hamilton, ON. Downbound, the Noelle G, a bulk carrier transporting corn from Ontario to Londonderry in the United Kingdom, was the last ship to transit the U.S. locks for the season.
   On Tuesday, Algoma Buffalo headed up to Wharf 16, Port Colborne, for winter lay up between lock 8 and bridge 21.

[NNY360, NYTV]

The wait is on for last vessel of season at the Soo Locks

   SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The exodus of vessels from Lake Superior ports continued on Tuesday. As the sun came up, Herbert C. Jackson locked down, followed by Stewart J. Cort in the afternoon. The Cort was followed by Wilfred Sykes, carrying ore from Marquette to Toledo. Edwin H. Gott was off Whitefish Point in the late evening, followed by closely Joyce L. VanEnkevort/Great Lakes Trader.
   John J. Boland was upbound for Duluth and winter quarters mid-evening Tuesday.
   Either American Spirit, loading at Two Harbors, or Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader, loading at Duluth, could be the last downbound vessel at the Soo Locks. John G. Munson departed Superior for the lower lakes Tuesday in the early evening.
   The Soo Locks must close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, however if a vessel is en route to the locks at closing time, they will be locked through.

[Know Your Ships]

Kathy McKeil ends successful Thunder Bay Season

   The Port of Thunder Bay had a strong 2025 season, marked by high grain volumes (especially canola, wheat, soybeans) and a successful cruise season with 15 ship visits bringing thousands of passengers. Key highlights included significant grain shipments, early season activity from vessels like Algoma Guardian, and the arrival of Viking Octantis and Polaris, boosting local tourism and economy despite a slight overall cargo dip from record 2024 levels.

Watch a video news report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKUrWXq6ec

Great Lakes Limestone Trade Down in 2025

   CLEVELAND — Limestone shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 26.6 million tons in 2025, a decrease of 5.9 percent compared to the previous year.  2025’s loadings were below the trade’s 5-year average by 6.7 percent.
   Shipments from U.S. quarries decreased 5 percent from 2024 to 21.7 million tons.  Loadings from U.S. quarries were also 5 percent below their 5-year average.
   2025 shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 4.9 million tons, a 9.7 percent decrease compared to 2024 and 13.9 percent below the 5-year average.
[See Charts below in gallery]

[Lake Carriers Association]

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

   The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.
   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
   “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks,” Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. “The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.”
   This winter maintenance period, the MacArthur Lock will not be dewatered and will close for the season when the weather or ice conditions make operation unsafe and/or inefficient, or when the Poe Lock closes, whichever comes first. Communication with industry will be made at least 48 hours prior to closure. The MacArthur Lock is scheduled to reopen in late April 2026.
   The Poe lock will remain operational (on a 24-hour basis) through January 15, 2026, or until commercial traffic ceases – whichever occurs first. The Poe Lock will be dewatered during the maintenance season and is scheduled to reopen on March 25.
   The team will install temporary panel bridges across the MacArthur and Poe Lock. The panel bridges will provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter closure.
   Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include the Soo Project Office fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5, constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge, repairing a Gate 2 strut arm, as well as concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5
   Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic assessment, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs and testing of Ice Study wall coating.
   In addition to the above, crews will also perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from the replacement of pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks.
   “Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.
   More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities. Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
   Visit the Detroit District Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict for information about the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the 2025-2026 shipping season and updates on maintenance work.

 [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

 

 

Port Report – January 14, 2026

Jan 14, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Tuesday January 13.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/14/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
1/13/2026  CCGS Amundsen-ARRIVES-10:52 AM
1/13/2026  CCGS Amundsen-DEPARTS-11:28 AM-For-Becancour, Canada
1/13/2026  CCGS  Amundsen-ARRIVES-11:32 AM
DUE:
Harbour Express-DUE-1/26/2026-3:28 AM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/15/2026-9:36 PM
Harbour Feature-DUE-1/18/2026-9:11 PM
Vezhen-DUE-1/18/2026-5:55 PM
Cresty-DUE-1/25/2026-8:37 PM
Federal Kivalina-DUE-1/22/2026-1:53 AM

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/13/2026  Algoma Equinox-DEPARTS-2:52 AM-For-Port Weller, Canada
1/13/2026  Capt Henry Jackman-ARRIVES-3:20 PM
1/13/2026  Algoma Equinox-ARRIVES-3:34 PM

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/13/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-7:26 AM
1/13/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-8:56 AM-For-Thorold, Canada

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/13/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-10:48 AM
1/13/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-1:14 PM-For-Port Colborne, Canada

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
Manitoulin arrived at ADM and American Mariner departed for Toledo.
DUE:
Victory / Maumee-DUE-1/14/2026-3:50 AM

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]
1/13/2026  American Mariner-DEPARTS-7:56 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/13/2026  Manitoulin-ARRIVES-12:32 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]
1/13/2026  Lois M-DEPARTS-6:31 AM-for-Burns Harbor, Indiana
1/13/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-7:17 AM
1/13/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-2:53 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
Frontenac arrived at ADM.

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoberta-DUE-1/14/2026-10:25 AM

PORT DOVER, CANADA                             [CAPDV]
Algoterra and Algocanada are at the anchorage.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Presque Isle-DUE-1/16/2026-12:30 PM

ASHTABULA, OHIO                                      [USASF]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
H Lee White-DUE-1/13/2026-6:52 PM

CONNEAUT, OHIO                                       [USCDY]-Bill Kloss
American Integrity arrived with ore for the P&C Dock and, once empty, anchored in Lake Erie.
DUE:
American Century-DUE-1/15/2026-1:43 AM
American Integrity-DUE-??

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
H. Lee White arrived at the Bulk Terminal to unload ore then anchored in Lake Erie once empty. American Courage and Sam Laud are on the shuttles.
DUE:
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/16/2026-9:05 AM
Dirk S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/15/2026-3:50 AM
Joyce L VanEnkevort-DUE-1/15/2026-6:24 AM

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. is anchored off of Cedar Point

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Calumet arrived at the ARMS Dock to unload salt. Kaye E. Barker is anchored in Lake Erie
DUE:
American Mariner-DUE-1/14/2026-10:04 AM
Wilfred Sykes-DUE-1/15/2026-9:15 PM
Paul R Tregurtha-DUE-1/14/2026-3:21 AM
Kaye E Barker-DUE- ??
John G Munson-DUE-1/16/2026-9:20 PM

POINT PELEE, ONTARIO                           [CADLM]-Bill Kloss]
H. Lee White left for Cleveland.

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is still unloading at Michigan Paving.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/13/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-3:57 PM-For-Goderich, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Compass-DUE-1/13/2026-4:54 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/13/2026  Whitefish Bay-DEPARTS-11:01 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois
1/13/2026  Algoma Compass-ARRIVES-4:36 PM
DUE:
Kathy McKeil-DUE-1/13/2026-8:00 PM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
1/13/2026  Algoma Compass-DEPARTS-4:22 AM-For-Detroit, Michigan
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-1/13/2026-11:48 PM

MIDLAND, CANADA                                     [CAMID]
1/13/2026  Thunder Bay-ARRIVES-9:56 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
1/13/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVEs-8:01 AM
1/13/2026  Baltic-DEPARTS-10:12 AM-For-Green Bay, Wisconsin
1/13/2026  Algoberta-DEPARTS-12:10 PM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-1/13/2026-10:10 PM
Iver Bright-DUE-1/13/2026-5:32 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/13/2026  Dirk S VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-5:50 AM
1/13/2026  Herbert C Jackson-ARRIVES-7:03 AM
1/13/2026  Dirk S VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-8:06 AM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
1/13/2026  American Century-ARRIVES-8:18 AM
1/13/2026  Herbert C Jackson-DEPARTS-9:24 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
1/13/2026  American Century-DEPARTS-12:31 PM-For-??
1/13/2026  Stewart J Cort-ARRIVES-3:00 PM
1/13/2026  Wilfred Sykes-ARRIVES-4:15 PM
1/13/2026  Wilfred Sykes-DEPARTS-7:39 PM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/13/2026  John J Boland-ARRIVES-9:09 PM

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN                         [USMQT]
1/13/2026  Wilfred Sykes-DEPARTS-5:50 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
1/13/2026  Hon James L Oberstar-ARRIVES-5:08 AM
1/13/2026  Clyde S VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-7:17 AM
1/13/2026  John G Munson-ARRIVES-8:36 AM
1/13/2026  Burns Harbor-ARRIVES-5:51 PM
1/13/2026  John G Munson-DEPARTS-6:23 PM-For-Toledo, Ohio
DUE:
John J Boland-DUE-1/15/2026-1:06 AM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
1/13/2026  American Spirit-ARRIVES-9:19 AM

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/13/2026  USCG Mobile Bay DEPARTS-7:57 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
1/13/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-ARRIVES-2:56 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
1/13/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-7:57 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-1/13/2026-12:04 PM
Baltic-DUE-1/14/2026-11:36 PM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
1/13/2026  Joseph L Block-ARRIVES-7:22 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
1/13/2026  Nathan S-DEPARTS-12:46 PM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
1/13/2026  Nathan S-ARRIVES-4:26 PM
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/15/2026-10:01 AM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
Presque Isle-DEPARTS-6:39 AM-For-Erie, Pennsylvania
DUE:
Edgar B Speer-DUE-1/13/2026-10:17 PM
Stewart J Cort-DUE-1/16/2026-DUE-11:28 AM
Lois M-For-1/17/2026-7:19 AM 

GARY HARBOR, INDIANA                         [USGYY]
DUE:
Edwin H Gott-DUE-1/15/2026-1:57 AM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
1/13/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-DEPARTS-3:35 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/13/2026  Nathan S-ARRIVES-1:28 PM
1/13/2026  Nathan S-DEPARTS-3:55 PM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-1/15/2026-9:09 AM

Today in Great Lakes History –  January 14

Jan 14, 2026

1920
1920:  January 14, 1920 – The Grand Trunk carferry GRAND HAVEN was fast in the ice three miles out of Grand Haven.

1945
1945:  On 14 January 1945, the W. Butler Shipyard built C1-M-AV1 ship LEBANON (Hull#40) was the last vessel through the Soo Locks. Ice was a serious problem. The newly-commissioned icebreaker U.S.C.G.C. MACKINAW escorted the LEBANON to Lake Huron. The locks had never before been open this late in January. They were kept open to allow newly-built cargo vessels to sail from Superior, Wisconsin, to the Atlantic Ocean where they were needed for the war effort.

1946
1946:  The BADGER STATE, a former Great Lakes canal ship as a) FORDONIAN, b) YUKONDOC and c) GEORGIAN, foundered off the mouth of the Grijalva River in the Gulf of Mexico.

1969
1969:  SAGAMO, retired former flagship of the Lake Muskoka passenger ships in Central Ontario, burned at the dock in Gravenhurst as a total loss.

1970
1970:  On this day in 1970, IRVING S. OLDS entered winter layup at Lorain to close the longest season in Great Lakes shipping history.

1974
1974:   CODINGTON  (AK-173)  [Built-1945 by Froemming Brothers Inc. at Milwaukee, Wisconsin US-263035  Renamed: POHANG 1957-1974 South Korea 10189] Built as a C1-M-AV1 class cargo vessel for the U.S. Maritime Commission. Sustained minor damage at Phnom-Penh on November 11, 1972, and laid up at Singapore in January, 1973. Sold to Taiwan shipbreakers and arrived in tow at Kaohsiung for scrapping on January 14, 1974.

1977
1977:  CANADIAN MARINER laid up at the Consol Fuel dock in Windsor after her attempt to reach Port Colborne was thwarted by heavy ice off Long Point.

1978
1978:  On Jan 14, 1978, JAMES R. BARKER departed the Soo Line ore dock in Ashland, Wisconsin, where she had been laid-up since August 7, 1977, due to the iron ore miner’s strike.

1980
1980:  Scrapping began on CHICAGO TRIBUNE in 1989, by International Marine Salvage in Port Colborne, Ontario.

1981
1981:  The former Lake Erie rail car ferry and later barge MAITLAND NO. 1 rolled over between Yarmouth, NS and Rockland, ME. An attempt to tow the vessel upside down failed and it sank. The ship was under tow of IRVING MAPLE and bound for Port Everglades, FL with a load of scrap. It may have been renamed b) TRIO TRADO at Quebec City on the way south.

1997
1/14/1997  The Paul R. Tregurtha was forced to leave Taconite Harbor without a full load Jan. 13 after a railroad accident brought the shipping season there to a premature end. An entire 93-car train of taconite pellets derailed, spilling about 8,000 tons of pellets and tearing up at least half a mile of the track that links LTV Steel Mining Co.’s pellet plant with its shiploading facility. With the loading dock empty and the rail line closed indefinitely, the Tregurtha was forced to depart to beat the closing deadline at the Soo. Two men aboard the train were slightly injured.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Brian Bernard, Russ Plumb, Ahoy & Farewell II, Father Dowling Collection and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

Boatnerd News January 13, 2026

Jan 13, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Lake Michigan and Lake Huron lost 3.2 trillion gallons of water in last month

   The seasonal decline in the Great Lakes’ water levels is in full force. Here’s how your favorite Great Lake is reacting to the colder, less moisture time of year.
   From November to December, all of the Great Lakes have had a lowering of the water levels. This isn’t alarming, as we are in what is called the “seasonal decline” period of Great Lakes water levels. From November to February the Great Lakes typically go down in water level just because the colder air doesn’t support heavy rain. Also, most of the precipitation falls as snow, which means that moisture doesn’t make it into a Great Lake until it melts in March or April.
   But Lakes Michigan and Huron, the same lake for water level purposes, did lose a fair amount of water. Those lakes declined four inches from November to December. Remember- according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one inch of water on Lakes Michigan and Huron is 800 billion gallons. Four inches of water is 3.2 trillion gallons of water that are now not in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. That’s a lot of fresh water.
   Lake Superior is six inches below the long-term average, which is close to a notable deviation from normal. The forecast into summer is for Lake Superior to hover at around six inches below the average water level.
   Lakes Michigan and Huron are the lowest Great Lakes right now, when compared to long-term water levels. The water is 14 inches below normal right now, and is expected to remain about 14 inches below normal into summer.
   Lake Erie is just four inches below normal, essentially giving it a “normal water level” feel.

   Great Lakes water levels
   Lake Ontario is also four inches below normal and expected to track between four inches below normal and around normal into summer.
   The water level forecasts into summer are based on an average precipitation expectation. If Michigan continues in a less-rain-than-normal situation, and severe drought worsens, the lakes may not rise as much as predicted as we go into summer. Of course if we got into an extremely wet pattern for several weeks this spring or summer, the Great Lakes could track a few inches higher than the forecast.
   If we did stay in drought and lack precipitation, Lakes Michigan and Huron could become notably low. Some that live on those lakes right now are already indicating they feel the water levels are very low already.

[M Live – Mark Torregrossa]

https://www.mlive.com/weather/2026/01/lake-michigan-and-lake-huron-lost-32-trillion-gallons-of-water-in-last-month.html

Seaway finally closes; Welland Canal not quite yet

   The Noelle G. officially cleared the St. Lambert Lock Monday, marking the end of the Seaway’s downbound transits this season, a record for such a late date. The previous record was Jan. 11, 2018 with Federal Biscay transit.
   Four domestic ships remain on Lake Ontario awaiting layup: CSL Welland, Captain Henry Jackman, Algoma Equinox and Algoma Buffalo. High winds Monday winds forced the first three to drop anchor in Prince Edward Bay, while Algoma Buffalo exited the Welland Canal and headed to Hamilton to unload. Although a return trip upbound to Port Colborne was initially considered, it now appears likely that all four vessels will complete their season with winter layup in Hamilton, unless any of them are given an extension by the Seaway to follow CCGS Judy LaMarsh up on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

[Janey Anderson, Rene Beauchamp]

Soo Locks season winding down

   There wasn’t much excitement Monday at the Soo as the shipping season winds down. CCG Vincent Massey was downbound, followed by Thunder Bay, which met the upbound Burns Harbor below 6 Mile Point. Kathy McKeil was above the locks Monday night headed for Windsor. Kaye E. Barker was west of the Mackinaw Bridge Monday with a Marquette destination on AIS, however she took a turn to the south and was headed down Lake Huron Monday evening.

[Know Your Ships]

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

   The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.
   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
   “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks,” Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. “The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.”
   This winter maintenance period, the MacArthur Lock will not be dewatered and will close for the season when the weather or ice conditions make operation unsafe and/or inefficient, or when the Poe Lock closes, whichever comes first. Communication with industry will be made at least 48 hours prior to closure. The MacArthur Lock is scheduled to reopen in late April 2026.
   The Poe lock will remain operational (on a 24-hour basis) through January 15, 2026, or until commercial traffic ceases – whichever occurs first. The Poe Lock will be dewatered during the maintenance season and is scheduled to reopen on March 25.
   The team will install temporary panel bridges across the MacArthur and Poe Lock. The panel bridges will provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter closure.
   Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include the Soo Project Office fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5, constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge, repairing a Gate 2 strut arm, as well as concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5
   Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic assessment, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs and testing of Ice Study wall coating.
   In addition to the above, crews will also perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from the replacement of pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks.
   “Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.
   More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities. Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
   Visit the Detroit District Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict for information about the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the 2025-2026 shipping season and updates on maintenance work.

 [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down 12.8 Percent in 2025

   CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4.2 million tons in December, a decrease of 8.8 percent compared to 2024.  Shipments were also below the 5-year average for the month by 7.6 percent.
   The year-end total for the iron ore trade decreased by 12.8 percent to 43.4 million tons.
   2025 iron ore loadings were down 8 percent compared to the trade’s 5-year average.
   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.

[See charts in gallery below]

[Lake Carriers Association]

 

Port Report – January 13, 2026

Jan 13, 2026

Port and vessel activity for Monday January 12.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 1/13/2026

MARIATOWN, CANADA-Ron Beaupre
12 January 2026
02:33 CAPTAIN HENRY JACKMAN, up, cargo, for Hamilton.
04:27 ALGOMA EQUINOX, up, cargo, for Hamilton.
09:30 CCGS JUDY LAMARSH, up, ice breaking duty.
Seaway is now closed

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
Harbour Express-DUE-1/24/2026-1:25 PM
Federal Ohio-DUE-1/15/2026-1:34 PM
Harbour Feature-DUE-1/18/2026-9:11 PM
Vezhen-DUE-1/18/2026-5:55 PM
Federal Kivalina-DUE-1/21/2026-8:14 AM

TORONTO,CANADA                                     [CATOR]
DUE:
CSL Welland-DUE-1/13/2026-11:23 AM

HAMILTON,CANADA                                   [CAHAM]
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-6:07 PM
DUE:
Algoma Equinox-DUE-1/13/2026-8:13 AM

PORT WELLER,CANADA                           [CAPWE]
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-2:24 PM
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-3:49 PM-For-Hamilton, Canada

THOROLD, CANADA                                    [CATHD]
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-9:35 AM
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-12:24 PM-For-Port Weller, Canada

BUFFALO,NEW YORK                                  [USBUF]-Bill Kloss
American Mariner is at General Mills Frontier Elevator.
DUE:
Manitoulin-DUE-1/13/2026-1:36 PM
Victory / Maumee-DUE-1/14/2026-1:26 AM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-ARRIVES-6:27 AM
1/12/2026  Algoma Buffalo-DEPARTS-7:52 AM-For-Thorold, Canada

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
Algoma Innovator and Radcliffe R. Latimer are laid up.
Algoma Innovator-DUE-1/12/2026-7:00 AM
Frontenac-DUE-1/13/2026-7:47 AM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoberta-DUE-1/13/2026-12:39 PM

PORT DOVER, CANADA                             [CAPDV]
Algoterra and Algocanada are at the anchorage.

CONNEAUT, OHIO                                       [USCDY]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
American Integrity-DUE-1/13/2026-2:39 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
John J. Boland unloaded at the Bulk Terminal then departed for Duluth. American Courage and Sam Laud are running the shuttles
DUE:
H Lee White-DUE-1/13/2026-5:00 AM
Dirl S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/15/2026-1:48 AM
Joyce L VanEnkevort-DUE-1/15/2026-11:00 PM

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder is at Midwest Terminals.
DUE:
CValumet-DUE-1/12/2026-10:25 PM
Paul R Tregurtha-DUE-1/13/2026-9:56 PM

POINT PELEE, ONTARIO                           [CADLM]-Bill Kloss]
John J. Boland left for Cleveland. H. Lee White is anchored.

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is at Michigan Paving.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
1/12/2026  Leo A McArthur-DEPARTS-10:32 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
1/12/2026  Calumet-DEPARTS-5:54 PM-For-Toledo, Ohio
1/12/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-7:18 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
1/12/2026  Whitefish Bay-ARRIVES-4:34 AM
DUE:
Kathy McKeil-DUE-1/13/2026-8:00 PM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
1/12/2026  Saginaw-DEPARTS-12:29 PM

MIDLAND, CANADA                                     [CAMID]
Thunder Bay-DUE-1/13/2026-10:56 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
1/12/2026  Leo A McArthur-ARRIVES-5:27 PM
1/12/2026  Saginaw-ARRIVES-10:24 PM
DUE:
CCGS Vincent Massey-DUE-1/13/2026-7:05 AM
Algonova-DUE-1/13/2026-11:06 PM

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
DUE:
Wm Boyd-DUE-1/12/2026-11:45 AM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
1/12/2026  Edgar B Speer-DEPARTS-1:24 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
1/12/2026  Clyde S VanEnkevort-DEPARTS-2:16 AM-For-Duluth / Superior
1/12/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-8:34 AM
1/12/2026  Thunder Bay-ARRIVES-8:56 AM
1/12/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-10:11 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
1/12/2026  Thunder Bay-DEPARTS-11:26 AM-For-Midland, Ohio
1/12/2026  Burns Harbor-ARRIVES-12:22 PM
1/12/2026  Burns Harbor-DEPARTS-3:07 PM-For-Duluth/ Superior
1/12/2026  Kathy McKeil-ARRIVES-9:13 PM

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN                         [USMQT]
1/12/2026  Herbert C Jackson-DEPARTS-9:36 AM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
1/12/2026  John G Munson-DEPARTS-1/12/2026-3:55 PM-For-Duluth / Superior
DUE:
Kaye E Barker-DUE-1/13/2026-9:32 PM

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
1/12/2026  Stewart J Cort-ARRIVES-2:16 AM
1/12/2026  Joyce L VanEnkevort-ARRIVES-6:10 AM
1/12/2026  Stewart J Cort-DEPARTS-10:54 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana
1/12/2026  Joyce L Vanekenvort-DEPARTS-7:12 PM-For-Cleveland, Ohio
DUE:
Hon James L Oberstar-DUE-1/13/2026-5:12 AM
John G Munson-DUE-1/13/2026-8:32 AM
Clyde S VanEnkevort-DUE-1/13/2026-8:43 AM
Burns Harbor-DUE-1/13/2026-8:33 PM
John J Boland-DUE-1/14/2026-10:40 PM

TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA                 [USTHB]
1/12/2026  American Century-DEPARTS-4:36 AM-Sault Ste Marie, Canada
1/12/2026  Edwin H Gott-ARRIVES-7:36 AM
DUE:
American Spirit-DUE-1/13/2026-9:13 AM

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO                         [CATHU]
1/12/2026  Kathy McKeil-DEPARTS-1:19 AM-For-Windsor, Canada

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
1/12/2026  USCG Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-8:05 AM-For-Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
DUE:
USCG Mobile Bay-DUE-1/12/2026-4:55 PM

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN                         [USGRB]
1/12/2026  Algonova-DE#PARTS-12:26 PM-For-Sarnia, Canada
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-1/13/2026-9:37 AM
Baltic-DUE-1/13/2026-10:52 AM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
1/12/2026  Bradshaw McKee-ARRIVES-6:28 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
1/12/2026  Rebecca Lynn-ARRIVES-1:53 AM
1/12/2026  John Marshall-DEPARTS-6:00 AM-For-Buffington, Harbor, Indiana
1/12/2026  Rebecca Lynn-DEPARTS-3:37 PM-For-Indiana Harbor
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-1/15/2026-1:00 PM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
DUE:
Stewart J Cort-DUE-1/14/2026-9:29 PM
Lois M-DUE-1/17/2026-3:43 AM

BUFFINGTON, INDIANA
1/12/2026  John Marshall-ARRIVES-7:11 AM
1/12/2026  John Marshall-DEPARTS-4:37 PM-For-Chicago, Illinois [Anchor]

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
1/12/2026  Rebecca Lynn-DEPARTS-1:07 AM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
1/12/2026  Joseph L Block-ARRIVES-7:00 AM
1/12/2026  Lee A Tregurtha-ARRIVES-10:23 AM
1/12/2026  Rebecca Lynn-ARRIVES-4:04 PM
1/12/2026  Joseph L Block-DEPARTS-5:48 PM-For-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
DUE:
Rebecca Lynn-DUE-1/12/12:30 PM
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-1/15/2026-3:18 AM

Today in Great Lakes History – January 13

Jan 13, 2026

1909
1909:  January 13, 1909 – The PERE MARQUETTE 17 was freed after her grounding the previous December.

1918
1918:  On 13 January 1918, the Goodrich Line’s ALABAMA and the Grand Trunk ferries MILWAUKEE and GRAND HAVEN all became stuck in the ice off Grand Haven, Michigan. The vessels remained imprisoned in the ice for the next two weeks. When the wind changed, they were freed but Grand Haven’s harbor was still inaccessible. The ALABAMA sailed for Muskegon and stalled in the 18-inch thick ice on Muskegon Lake.

1970
1970:  On January 13, 1970, the lower engine room and holds of the SEWELL AVERY accidentally flooded, sinking her to the bottom of Duluth Harbor causing minimal damage, other than an immense cleanup effort.

1974
1974:  After lightering 3,000 tons of coal, the a.) BENSON FORD was refloated in 1974 and proceeded to the Toledo Overseas Terminal to be reloaded.

1979
1979:  The U.S.C.G. tug ARUNDEL was beset by windrowed ice at Minneapolis Shoal in Green Bay. Strong winds piled the ice on her stern and soon she had a 25-degree list. The crew feared that she may sink and abandoned the tug, walking across the ice with the help of a spotlight onboard the ACACIA, which also became beset by the heavy ice. The MACKINAW, SUNDEW and a Coast Guard helicopter were dispatched to the scene, but northwest winds relieved the ice pressure and the crew was able to re-board the ARUNDEL. The ARUNDEL sails today as the tug c.) ERIKA KOBASIC.

1997
A Series of errors, some apparently made during hull modifications two years ago, have been cited as causes for the December 2 dockside sinking of the NOAA research vessel Halcyon in Muskegon Harbor. An investigation of the incident revealed that zinc plates installed two years ago in Halcyon’s catamaran-type hull to control corrosion were installed improperly and allowed water to seep into the vessel’s two pontoons. That made Halcyon sit lower in the water. Then, during the winterizing process in late November, crews pumped water out of the four front ballast tanks, left several heavy drums of antifreeze and lubricants sitting on her aft section and failed to properly replace the covers on two deactivated bilge pumps in the aft part of the hull. All this steadily sunk the stern lower until water rushed in at a rate too fast to be controlled and the vessel sank. Halcyon was eventually rasied by three crains, costing about $200,000. At last report NOAA was still weighing whether to repair the 10-year old vessel or scrap her.

2005
2005:  13 January 2005 – GENESIS EXPLORER (steel propeller tanker, 435 foot, built in 1974, at Port Weller, Ontario, formerly a.) IMPERIAL ST. CLAIR & b.) ALGOSAR) sailed from Halifax for Quebec City. She was registered in the Comoros Islands. She was carrying a few members of her former crew for training purposes, but her new crew was African.

Data from: Joe Barr, Max Hanley, Brian Bernard, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

Boatnerd News January 12, 2026

Jan 12, 2026

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Traffic is dwindling as the Soo Locks close at midnight Jan. 15.

   On a sunny Sunday morning, CSL’s Frontenac locked downbound loaded with grain for Port Colborne. Sunday afternoon Manitoulin was downbound for Buffalo, followed by Algoma Niagara for Detroit and Maumee/Victory, also for Buffalo. Edgar B. Speer was expected to lock down for Burns Harbor around midnight.
   Herbert C. Jackson, which spent Saturday night/early Sunday moored on the lower MacArthur Lock pier, was upbound Sunday before noon to load ore at Marquette, taking the dock from Wilfred Sykes. Sunday evening the American Spirit was headed for Marquette and Hon. James L. Oberstar was upbound for Superior and lay up. Clyde S. VanEnkevort and her barge were upbound for Duluth.
   USCG Biscayne Bay, Neah Bay and Katmai Bay were busy working lower river ice Sunday, however mechanical issues caused Katmai Bay to return to her Group Soo base in the early afternoon.

[Know Your Ships]

CCGS Judy LaMarsh heads to the Welland Canal

   After tirelessly assisting vessel movements through the ice-laden South Shore Canal and Côte Ste. Catherine Lock region, CCGS Judy LaMarsh has now completed her final escort of the last two ship transits.
   With CCGS Des Groseilliers now guiding the last salty, Noelle G., eastbound and out of the canal, Judy LaMarsh has turned her bow westward – heading upbound to meet Captain Henry Jackman and Algoma Equinox. Together, they’ll begin a final convoy toward the Welland Canal, with an estimated arrival by Thursday, Jan. 15 no later, maybe earlier.
   Once she “turns out the lights” at the canal – officially wrapping up the Seaway’s 2025 navigation season – she’ll shift her focus to the open lakes. There, she’ll join CCGS Vincent Massey in supporting icebreaking operations along the critical Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor.

[Ship Junkies – Lakes, Locks & Rivers (LL&R)]

Obituary: Capt. Tom McMullen

   International Shipmasters’ Association Past Grand President Tom McMullen passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at the age of 78.
   Capt. McMullen had a 40-year career upon the Great Lakes, primarily with Ford Motor Co., and more recently with Interlake Steamship Co., retiring as master of the Stewart J. Cort several years ago.  
   Tom had been a member of Detroit Lodge No. 7 for the past 46 years and served as Lodge President in 1992. On Feb. 11, 2011 at the Grand Lodge Convention in Downtown Detroit, he was elected Grand Lodge President. 
   Funeral arrangements are pending at this time 

[ISMA]

Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance

   The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.
   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.
   “Every year, our lock and dam operators transition from assisting vessels through the Soo Locks to performing maintenance on the locks,” Operations Branch Chief Jeff Harrington said. “The team works alongside Soo Project Office maintenance crews to provide 100% effort in completing all critical maintenance during the 10-week shutdown. They work long hours in harsh northern Michigan winter conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period.”
   This winter maintenance period, the MacArthur Lock will not be dewatered and will close for the season when the weather or ice conditions make operation unsafe and/or inefficient, or when the Poe Lock closes, whichever comes first. Communication with industry will be made at least 48 hours prior to closure. The MacArthur Lock is scheduled to reopen in late April 2026.
   The Poe lock will remain operational (on a 24-hour basis) through January 15, 2026, or until commercial traffic ceases – whichever occurs first. The Poe Lock will be dewatered during the maintenance season and is scheduled to reopen on March 25.
   The team will install temporary panel bridges across the MacArthur and Poe Lock. The panel bridges will provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter closure.
   Maintenance on the MacArthur Lock will include the Soo Project Office fabricating and replacing spring boxes and lever arms for Gates 3, 4 and 5, constructing a recess cutout for the panel bridge, repairing a Gate 2 strut arm, as well as concrete and deck plate repairs to Gate 5
   Maintenance on the Poe Lock will include underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic assessment, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 3 jacking pedestal repairs and testing of Ice Study wall coating.
   In addition to the above, crews will also perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from the replacement of pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems on both the Poe and MacArthur Locks.
   “Reliable Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American manufacturing supply chain depend on getting the job done here. In an unforgiving northern climate, our exceptional team tackles the complex maintenance demands of aging infrastructure, proving their skill on systems well past their service life.” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.
   More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver through the locks annually. Iron ore, coal, wheat and limestone are among the most frequently carried commodities. Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is 1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.
   The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, maintains a navigation system of 81 harbors, including the Great Lakes Connecting Channels that join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie.
   Visit the Detroit District Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict for information about the last vessel to transit the Soo Locks for the 2025-2026 shipping season and updates on maintenance work.

 [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

 

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