Ship remains aground on St. Lawrence River north of Montreal

A ship that lost power on the St. Lawrence River on Christmas Eve remains stationary north of Montreal. According to marinetraffic.com, The bulk carrier Maccoa stopped moving just after midnight on Tuesday as it was on its way to Waterford, Ireland after departing from Montreal on Dec. 23.

“The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) was informed that the Maccoa had run aground in the Verchères area following a widespread power failure,” said CCG spokesperson Kariane Charron. “The cause of the blackout is unknown and remains under investigation.”

The ship is currently between Ile Marie and Vercheres and not in a shipping lane, so it is not blocking any traffic. There have been no reports of anything leaking from the vessel or any injuries.

The Coast Guard has mobilized a team to monitor and take steps to refloat the vessel, and has sent a helicopter to confirm it is not polluting the waterway.

Charron said generators, heaters and other supplies were delivered to the ship, and it was able to operate its own generators and restore power by Tuesday night.

On Wednesday experts boarded to assess the situation and create a refloating plan.

“The holiday season is having an impact on the availability of personnel from the various contractors and partners to remedy the situation. It is still too early to confirm when a refloating attempt may take place,” Charron added.

The boat has a crew of 20 on board, and the Coast Guard said the situation is stable.

CTV

Tim S. Dool lays up at Goderich, perhaps for last time

Algoma Central’s bulk carrier Tim S. Dool arrived at Goderich, ON, Thursday morning and went into possible long-term layup. The Dool spent from November 24 to December 16 aground Crysler Island Shoal, east of Morrisburg, Ontario. Finally released after part of her cargo of wheat had been removed, the Dool unloaded the rest of her cargo in Quebec City before heading to Goderich. There has been no word about damage from the grounding, however her certificate expires in June 2025 and there will likely be no effort to bring her back into service due to her age. She was built in 1967.

Merry Christmas to all from the staff at Boatnerd

Saltie Maccoa runs aground near Montreal

On Monday night, the saltwater vessel Maccoa went aground off Verchères, near Montreal. It was enroute from Hamilton to Ireland by way of Montreal. Built in 2009 and frequent Great Lakes and Seaway visitor, she is operated by Canadian Forest Navigation Co. (CANFORNAV).

Rene Beauchamp

Damaged Federal Yoshino drydocked at Ontario Shipyards

Bipartisan SHIPS Act Aims to Revitalize U.S. Maritime Industry

In a landmark move to restore America’s maritime leadership, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced comprehensive legislation aimed at rebuilding the nation’s declining shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, introduced by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-8) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-1), comes at a critical time when U.S. shipbuilding capacity has weakened and China dominates international shipping.

The United States, once a dominant maritime power, now faces a stark reality: fewer than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag, while China has surged ahead in shipbuilding and commercial shipping.

“We’ve always been a maritime nation, but the truth is we’ve lost ground to China, who now dominates international shipping and can build merchant and military ships much more quickly than we can,” said Senator Kelly, notably the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress.

The legislation sets ambitious goals, including expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships within a decade. It establishes a Maritime Security Advisor position within the White House and creates a Maritime Security Trust Fund to reinvest industry fees into maritime security programs.

Representative Garamendi, a long-time advocate for maritime revitalization, underscored its importance: “This bill represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to have America compete and lead globally.”

The Act addresses critical national security concerns, particularly regarding military sealift capabilities. Currently, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag, a situation that the legislation aims to remedy through various incentives, including a 25% investment tax credit for shipyard investments.

Industry leaders have praised the initiative. David Heindel, President of Seafarers International Union, called it “an extraordinary piece of legislation” and the most comprehensive and impactful maritime policy he’s seen in his 51-year industry career.

The Act addresses critical national security concerns, particularly regarding military sealift capabilities. Currently, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag, a situation that the legislation aims to remedy through various incentives, including a 25% investment tax credit for shipyard investments.

With endorsements from over 80 maritime organizations and industry stakeholders, the SHIPS Act represents what many consider the most substantial effort in years to revitalize America’s maritime sector and counter China’s growing influence in global shipping.

“It will ensure our country has the U.S.-flag shipping capability and American mariners needed to support both national security and economic stability,” said R. Christian Johnsen, Chair of USA Maritime.

Philly Shipyard, one of the nation’s key shipbuilders, praised the act as a “major recapitalization of shipbuilding infrastructure” that would “provide substantial incentives for U.S.-built vessels.”

Key Provisions of the SHIPS for America Act

• National Maritime Strategy: Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce.
• Fleet Expansion: Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce.
• Boost Competitiveness: Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s bureaucracy and red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flag vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flag vessels starting in 2029.
• Shipyard Investments: Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair.
• Next-Generation Innovation: Accelerate U.S. leadership in next-generation ship design, manufacturing processes, and ship energy systems by establishing the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, which would create regional hubs across the country.
• Workforce Development: Make historic investments in maritime workforce by establishing a Maritime and Shipbuilding Recruiting Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.

As the U.S. faces escalating geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, the timing of this legislation is critical.

With bipartisan backing and endorsements from across the maritime spectrum, the SHIPS for America Act is poised to make waves in Congress. If successful, it promises to not only rebuild America’s shipbuilding and shipping capabilities but also reaffirm its status as a maritime leader on the global stage.

gCaptain

Cleveland maritime sector is big business

The Port of Cleveland and the maritime-dependent industrial sector are showing resiliency and growth as an economic force in Northeast Ohio, according to a new study commissioned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The latest analysis reveals the port and maritime sector generates more than 23,000 jobs and over $7 billion in economic impact, a notable increase of $2.3 billion since 2021.

The report, conducted by John C. Martin Associates LLC, an internationally recognized leading transportation economics firm, underscores the vital contribution of port and maritime-based activity to the region’s economy and its expanding impact on jobs, income and tax revenue. Notably, the report wasn’t commissioned by the Port of Cleveland.

Key findings from the report include

  Total Economic Impact: $7.07 billion (up from $4.7 billion in 2021)
  Total Jobs (direct and indirect): 23,758
   Personal Income: $1.89 billion
   Local and State Taxes: $189 million

This surge in economic impact is attributed to increased iron ore tonnages — up to nearly 9 million metric tons in 2023. Another factor was higher output — cargo throughput, vessel traffic, etc. plus and improved salaries and income multipliers.

“Cleveland’s harbor and river system is not just a local maritime and recreational asset — it’s a major economic powerhouse,” said Port President and CEO Will Friedman in a written statement. “As the public guardian of the maritime sector, the Port of Cleveland continues to prove itself as an economic engine for Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio.”

“These numbers demonstrate we are headed in the right direction, and I am especially gratified to see this report as I conclude my tenure,” he said.

Friedman made those remarks as he wraps up his work at the port. In October, he announced his decision to step down at the end of the year following the expiration of his contract. Friedman and the port authority’s board could not reach agreement on a new contract.

The data was developed as part of ODOT’s Ohio Maritime Plan — Economic Value Analysis.

The Port of Cleveland’s influence extends far beyond maritime operations, leveraging its unique authority under Ohio law to finance transformative job-creating and neighborhood projects. In 2024 alone, the Port approved a record 20 real estate projects for approximately $753 million in development financing.

“This milestone reinforces that the Port’s economic development tools are more relevant than ever,” Friedman added. “Our unique combination of shipping services, infrastructure investment, and financing capabilities has proven to be a potent combination for driving growth and job opportunity across the region.”

Bill that includes study on St. Marys River
navigation improvements passes U.S. senate

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, secured major wins for Michigan in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate Thursday night. This bill will authorize projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve navigation in waterways. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“The Water Resources Development Act invests in essential water infrastructure projects and addresses critical problems impacting our Great Lakes and waterways,” said Senator Stabenow. “Getting so many priorities included in this bill is a big win for our state.”

The Water Resources Development Act includes major wins for Michigan, including:

• Increasing the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project: The federal cost share for operating and maintaining the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project will increase from 80% to 90%. This project is vital to preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. This change further decreases the cost for our state partners. 
• Addressing destructive coastline erosion and flooding: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Grand Traverse, Brighton, Marysville, and Ludington to promote shoreline restoration and prevent future erosion and flooding.
• Identifying and addressing flood risks in Southeast Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Kalamazoo River watershed: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, the City of Cheboygan, Grand Traverse County, and the Kalamazoo River watershed to identify and address flood risks in their communities impacted by flooding from extreme precipitation.
• Improving waterway navigation: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study navigation improvements for the St. Marys River and Grand Traverse Bay Harbor so that they are safe, accessible, and continue to play a critical role in our economy and national security.
• Expediting critical projects in Michigan: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Menominee River Navigation project to help ensure that materials can continue to be shipped through this harbor. It also allows the Corps to expedite projects to improve navigation at the Big Bay Harbor of Refuge and repair the George W. Kuhn Headwaters Outfall.

Soo Today

Firefighters respond to fire on McAsphalt Advantage

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Fire Department and multiple other units responded to a reported ship fire Thursday night at Hamilton’s Pier 25 S, where the new asphalt/bitumen tanker McAsphalt Advantage was moored. There are no further details available, but as of Friday morning the fire appears to have been minor.

The 459-foot-long McAsphalt Advantage is owned by McAsphalt Industries Ltd. and recently arrived on the Great Lakes from her builder, Wuhu Shipyard Co. Ltd., Wuhu, China.

Video courtesy Ship Junkies: https://www.facebook.com/1624856879/videos/pcb.1306850814076269/1114699276260443

The closure comes after Canada provided exemptions or found compliance unnecessary for six U.S.-flagged vessels that were initially expected to meet new ballast water treatment requirements by September 2024. The remaining U.S. Great Lakes fleet, numbering more than four dozen vessels, won’t need to comply until 2030.

However, broader regulatory differences between the two nations remain unresolved. The FMC’s parallel investigation, launched in June 2020 under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 421, continues to examine the treatment of all U.S.-flagged Great Lakes fleet vessels.

The Canadian regulations, designed to protect waters from invasive species, require vessels to implement comprehensive ballast water management plans and meet specific performance standards by 2024. These requirements include installing ballast water management systems (BWMS), obtaining certificates, maintaining operation records, and submitting to compliance inspections.

FMC Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel highlighted a key point of contention upon loanching the investigation in May “The proposed Canadian regulation appears to go further than provisions regulating ballast water discharges into Canadian waters and would require U.S.-flagged Laker vessels to install a ballast water management system even if they only load, and do not discharge, ballast water in Canadian waters,” he said.

While the closure of one investigation signals progress, the continuation of the broader investigation underscores ongoing concerns about regulatory alignment in Great Lakes shipping.

The FMC’s decision to maintain oversight through its remaining investigation ensures continued attention to potential impacts on U.S. maritime interests in this crucial trading corridor.