Fednav Ltd. adds Federal Michigan to its Laker-Class fleet of ships

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added another new vessel, Federal Michigan, IMO 9975416, to its growing fleet of Laker-class ships built by the Oshima Shipbuilding Co. in Oshima, Japan.

Federal Michigan is the sixth vessel of the Laker-class series of ships. First in the series was the Federal Hamilton (IMO 9975363), built in 2023. She has already made two inland voyages so far in 2024. Another new vessel in the Laker-class series, Federal Thunder Bay, (IMO 9975375), which is due at Sorel, QC, on July 29. In addition, the Federal Indiana (IMO 9975387), made its maiden voyage entering the Great Lakes/Seaway on June 23. Federal Ohio (IMO 9975399) and Federal Wisconsin (IMO 9975404) are also part of the new series.

Each of the new vessels are 199.98 meters in length and 23.76 meters in width (or 656 x 78 feet). They are equipped with four deck cranes for loading and unloading. The new vessels are all registered in the Marshall Islands, with Majuro as their port of registry. Each are easily recognizable thanks to their very large smokestacks, which house air pollution abatement equipment.

Badger resumes sailing after a day off for repairs

LUDINGTON, MI – Lake Michigan Carferry’s history Badger resumed sailing Tuesday morning after electrical repairs were completed. Her Monday sailings were canceled.

The Badger spent two full days at the dock for repairs. The ship has missed eight crossings between Saturday and Monday. “The Badger’s engineers are working around the clock to complete the repair,” said Lake Michigan Carferry spokesman Thom Hawley. “We expect to return to a full sailing schedule by Tuesday morning.”

On Sunday night, the ship’s operators reported that engineers and electricians were working through the night to seek resolution to the electrical issue aboard the ship.

Limestone Trade Up In June

CLEVELAND — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.3 million tons in June, an increase of 6 percent from a year ago.  This June’s loadings were below the month’s 5-year average by 7.7 percent.

Loadings out of U.S. quarries totaled 2.6 million tons, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to last year.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 738,606 tons, an increase of 20.9 percent.

Year-to-date the Lakes limestone trade stands at nearly 9.8 million tons, an increase of 21.2 percent compared to 2023.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries increased by 21.5 percent from a year ago.  Shipments from Ontario quarries total 1.9 million tons, an increase of 20.3 percent.

GREAT LAKES LIMESTONE TRADE: JUNE 2019-2024 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE
(NET TONS)

YEAR-TO-DATE 2019-2024 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE
(NET TONS)

U.S. ports: Calcite, MI; Cedarville, MI; Drummond Island, MI; Marblehead, OH; Port Inland, MI; and Presque Isle, MI.  Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on) and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).

About Lake Carriers’ Association

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.

Information based on data from knowledgeable sources.  However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.  LCA assumes no legal responsibility for the outcome of decisions or commitments made on the basis of this information.  This report represents the views of LCA and may not necessarily represent the views of its individual members.

Eric Peace

Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)

www.lcaships.com

Badger docked due to ‘ongoing mechanical repairs’

LUDINGTON, MI – The S.S. Badger has canceled sailings scheduled for Sunday and Monday due to ongoing mechanical repairs.

Saturday, after departing Manitowoc, WI, a mechanical issue arose, the ferry service said in a Facebook post. The issue was identified and addressed allowing the ship to safely continue its cross-lake trip. Due to the late arrival, the evening departure to Manitowoc was canceled.

“Lake Michigan Carferry apologizes for the unexpected delays and inconvenience to its passengers,” the Facebook post reads.

Those affected or have questions are asked to call reservationists at 800-841-4243 to make alternate travel arrangements.

Lake Michigan Carferry

Win A Trip on The Alpena

Lots more questions being messaged and asked. “How do I get a ride on a freighter?” Well, you can get a job on one, or you can win one. The International Shipmasters Lodge 19 in Alpena has tickets for sale for a chance to win a trip on a classic, the Alpena.
You can purchase tickets online or if you want to do it snail mail you can message me and I’ll give you the address.
Tell Pat Hart that Mrs. Captain sent you.

Buy them here:
https://northeastmichiganlodge19.com/

Ports of Indiana approved for container terminal at Burns Harbor

BURNS HARBOR, IN –  The Ports of Indiana is already taking positive steps forward just weeks after launching its Indiana Container Initiative.

The port authority announced Tuesday that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has approved a proposal to establish the first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

The new terminal would create the only all-water container route for ocean vessels to serve the greater Chicago metropolitan area via the Great Lakes, the Ports of Indiana said in a news release.

Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said having the terminal could create transformational opportunities, but it will take time to develop.

As part of the effort, the port authority will be responsible for constructing a CBP container cargo examination facility at the port, which would include a CBP office, equipment, furnishings, large scale non-inspection equipment, and radiation portal monitors.

Peacock said the port won’t be able to schedule regular container shipments until the Customs facilities are fully operational. Construction is expected to take place in 2025.

Port Director Ryan McCoy said while the venture comes with major challenges, the project is a top priority.

“Great Lakes shipping is limited by a shorter shipping season and the use of smaller vessels, but the potential upside for handling containers is tremendous,” McCoy said. “Allowing ocean carriers to start serving this market could diversify supply chains, avoid bottlenecks and reduce the overall carbon footprint for shipping to and from the Midwest.”

In June, the Ports of Indiana announced the launch of the Indiana Container Initiative, which sought to explore the development of multiple international container terminals throughout the state, including at Indiana’s three ports and at various inland locations.

Currently, all containers moving through the Chicago market travel by rail or truck. The port authority said having a container terminal at Burns Harbor will allow shippers access to the largest metro area on the Great Lakes.

“We’re working with several businesses that have strong interest in using a regular liner service to Burns Harbor, and the initial container projections are promising,” said Ian Hirt, a maritime consultant working with the port to develop container business. “This will likely be a niche service that offers specialized amenities, such as refrigerated containers or a green alternative, but it could also help avoid bottlenecks and improve supply chain reliability.”

The port authority said it has received letters of support from other Great Lakes ports, including Cleveland and Duluth, which also handle container vessels.

The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor is the 25th largest U.S. port and handles 25 million tons of cargo annually, generating nearly $17 billion in annual economic impact.

Inside Indiana Business

Pre-orders start for Know Your Ships Extra magazine

Pre-orders are now being taken for the 2024 edition of “Know Your Ships EXTRA” magazine, scheduled for a mid-August release. Due to the popularity of last year’s edition, this year’s version will be nearly twice the size, checking in at 78 pages.

The magazine offers even more ship, sailor and industry stories, recent shipping news and many more of the stunning photos – current and historic – for which Know Your Ships has become known for the past 65 years

“We tried it, you liked it,” said Editor Roger LeLievre, “So many readers enjoyed the first edition of our new magazine Know Your Ships EXTRA published last summer that we have decided to make it an annual publication.”

The magazine is not meant to replace the regular Know Your Ships, but to complement it. “Think of it as an expansion of the book, which comes out in March,” he added.

The magazine includes stories on the little USCG Cutter Buckthorn and her big job maintaining buoys in the St. Marys River, training to fight shipboard fires, the demise of Cleveland’s historic Huletts and a profile of legendary tug skipper Capt. John Wellington. Find out how much it costs to paint a laker, discover how two Michigan farm boys changed the Great Lakes shipping industry and read about new vessel construction on and off the Great Lakes. There’s even a story about Clyde’s Drive In and its 75-year history serving burgers to boat watchers.

Get your pre-order in now and receive shipping for only $1. (U.S. addresses only, due to the high cost of mailing to Canada). The pre-order period ends July 2.

Order at knowyourships.com.

Mackinac Island Ferry acquired by Hoffmann Marine

Editor’s note: This story replaces an earlier post which was incorrect.

The Mackinac Island Ferry Company that serves the popular Michigan lake resort community has been acquired by the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Florida-based family-owned private equity firm.

“Joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies heralds a new era for Mackinac Island Ferry Company,” said Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company. “Our diverse fleet, including Hydro-Jet ferries, catamarans, classic ferries and pirate ship, will complement their marine division while maintaining our unique identity. We are optimistic about the future, dedicated to maintaining our high standards of service, contributing to the thriving Mackinac Island community and continuing to invest in our future.”

In 2022, Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company rebranded as the Mackinac Island Ferry Company to consolidate its brand assets, including the Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet® Ferry fleet from the 1970s, the Arnold Line Ferry fleet operational since 1878, and the Mackinac Marine Services (MMS) shipyard established in 2019.  All were included in the current purchase by Hoffmann.

The purchase expands Hoffmann Marine’s fleet portfolio to 46 vessels in seven states, according to a June 29 statement from Hoffmann. It further cements Hoffmann’s close business, community and local news media ties in the Mackinac region.

In May 2024 the company acquired Sip ‘n Sail, a dinner cruise operation.  Other Hoffmann-owned businesses in the Mackinac area include Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, the St. Ignace News, and the Mackinac Island Town Crier.

“With this expansion, HF Companies now owns more than 116 parcels of land, including docks in Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, and St. Ignace, 51 buildings and 6,500 parking spaces. This makes the company the largest owner of real estate parcels in the area and employer to 500 people in the Mackinac area,” according to the Hoffman statement.

“We are thrilled to acquire the Mackinac Island Ferry Company, further expanding our presence in the Mackinac community and marine industry,” said Jenny Gezella, president of Hoffmann Marine. “Our commitment to providing first-class, efficient transportation remains steadfast, and we look forward to continuing to serve both residents and visitors to this special island.”

Gezella will be on the island this season to oversee the transition, Co-CEO Greg Hoffmann said. Between the Mackinac and Shepler’s ferry companies, there are about two dozen boats that are in daily service.

“To ensure a seamless transition, Jenny will be on the island this season, ensuring guests continue to enjoy exceptional trips and to drive new business,” said Hoffmann. “In addition to overseeing a local fleet of 24 boats, Jenny remains committed to maintaining high standards across all operations.”

Workboat

‘Good people’: Boatnerds unite
for Engineers Day at annual picnic

Around 80 people attend 26th annual event held at Sherman Park

The 2024 Boatnerd Picnic at Sherman Park Thursday drew in around 80 people.

Dozens of self-proclaimed boatnerds gathered last Thursday at Sherman Park in Sault Ste. Marie for their annual pre-Engineers Day picnic.

Engineers Day itself was Friday, June 28, at the Soo Locks.

This was their 26th picnic since it started in the late ’90s.

In case you didn’t know, boatnerds are a unique group of people, young and the young at heart, who love freighters. They chase them down and take videos and pictures of them with others on social media.

But it is so much more about the freighters. It’s about connecting with people.

Lee Rowe, 81, helped start the first boatnerd gathering with only a few people attending. Thursday’s picnic welcomed in around 80.

“Once we get the friendships, it just continues. It’s not this one time of the year. It’s a gathering of friends. When we come and post on Facebook, it says we are going to see our friends and ships. And that’s really what boatnerds are about. It’s about the friends. They are just very nice. Boatnerds are good people,” Rowe said.

Angie Williams, who lives near Detroit, helped organized this year’s picnic.

“We like to say that we come up for Engineers Day and the boats, but we stay for the people. I have been doing this for 20 years and we all have made life-long friends. It’s fun for me because back in the day, I was a newbie and now I am not a newbie. I am one of ‘oldsters’. It’s neat. It’s a multi-generational atmosphere who love boats,” Williams said.

It was an extra special day for Rowe, too.

She was presented with a caricature of herself, done by Great Lakes cartoonist Don Lee, in honor of her years of involvement with the annual boatnerd picnic.

Link to full Article and many pictures:  https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/good-people-boatnerds-unite-for-engineers-day-at-annual-picnic-9156680 

USS Beloit prepares for launch, City of Beloit filled with pride

By: Jerel Ballard Apr 18, 2024 Updated Apr 18, 2024

The announcement of the ship’s name came a few years ago, but now, after months of preparation, the USS Beloit is ready to embark on its maiden voyage. The vessel holds special significance as it will be the first commissioned ship in naval service bearing the name of Beloit, Wisconsin.

BELOIT, Wis. (WKOW) — The city of Beloit is set to make waves this summer as a Navy combat ship named after it prepares to set sail for the first time.

The announcement of the ship’s name came a few years ago, but now, after months of preparation, the USS Beloit is ready to embark on its maiden voyage. The vessel holds special significance as it will be the first commissioned ship in naval service bearing the name of Beloit, Wisconsin.

USS Beloit

“We are getting ready to bring a warship to life, and it’s a privilege to get to commission a warship. Not everyone in the Navy gets to do that,” said Commander LeAndra Kissinger.

Commander Kissinger, who will lead the ship’s crew, shared her thoughts with 27 News during her recent visit to the town. Traveling to Wisconsin and preparing for the ship’s departure has been very meaningful for her and her crew.

“Our crew must understand and embraces the values and spirit of this city,” added Kissinger. “Several members have already visited Beloit to immerse themselves in the culture.”

City officials have been preparing for the ship’s departure, organizing events to showcase Beloit’s contributions to the US Navy. As the USS Beloit prepares to sail, it symbolizes not just a vessel of war but a bridge between a city’s legacy and the nation’s maritime.

“This community has had a long history of supporting the military through Fairbanks Morse defense and they make many of the engines that go in Navy ships and they had significant support during World War II, said Sarah Lock, Director of Strategic Communications for the City of Beloit. “For a town of under 37,000 people, to have our name on a Navy ship around the world is incredible.”

USS Beloit is currently located in the Great Lakes and will depart along Lake Michigan before the end of the year. Beloit city officials plan to hold several send-off ceremonies for the community once a date is determined.

Boatnerds picnic, honor their “admiral”

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The crowd at Thursday’s annual Boatnerd Picnic at Sault Ste. Marie enjoyed sunshine, boat traffic and plenty of grilled burgers, hot dogs, salads, sweet treats and more as they renewed old friendships and made new. Around 75 people attended the event.

The picnic occurs ever year in the last Thursday of June in conjunction with the annual Soo Locks Engineers Day open house the following day.

The event got its start around 1998. It was an outgrowth of the website boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/. People thought it would be fun to meet some of the folks they were chatting with online in the real world.

At Thursday’s picnic, the group honored its unofficial leader, or “Admiral,” Lee Rowe, from Gwinn, MI. She was presented with a caricature of herself done by Great Lakes cartoonist Don Lee in recognition of her years of involvement with the annual event.

“It’s because of the friends. We come here because of our friends,” Rowe said. “You are just special,” she told the group. “I am just so honored.”

https://www.9and10news.com/2024/06/27/boatnerds-gather-for-all-things-boats-ahead-of-the-soo-locks-engineers-day/

Make Your Plans Now for Soo Boatnerd Picnic

UPDATE: The freighter-chasing cruise is SOLD OUT!

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-28. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

 Engineers Day And Boatnerd Weekend Begins

We hope All have a great weekend And weather is great for you. Enjoy . From the staff at Boatnerd.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo Boatnerd Picnic

UPDATE: The freighter-chasing cruise is SOLD OUT!

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

Start of 2024 Season Marked by Consistency, Significant Uptick in Potash

With the 2024 marine shipping season on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway in full swing, the early statistics provided by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) show that movements of potash (an agricultural fertilizer), iron and steel, and cement are up when compared to the same period (i.e. March to May) last year. Specifically:

• Potash traffic was up 287,000 tonnes, for a total of approximately 335,000 tonnes (a year over year increase of approximately six times);
• Cement traffic was up 77,000 tonnes, for a total of approximately 527,000 tonnes; and
• Shipments of iron and steel were up by 195,000 tonnes year over year, for a total of approximately 580,000 tonnes.

A key member of the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is HOPA Ports, which saw much of this traffic. Comprised of the Port of Hamilton, which is the largest port in Ontario and the western marine gateway to the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area, and the Port of Oshawa, which is Durham Region’s gateway to the world, HOPA Ports is a key North American conduit for the commodities that drive agriculture, steelmaking, auto manufacture, and construction.

“The 2024 navigation season is gaining momentum, and we expect volumes will be on par with 2023,” said Ian Hamilton, President and CEO of HOPA Ports. “We’re seeing positive totals for essential materials like steel and cement, which are vital for the construction industry. Development is progressing well at the ports of Hamilton and Oshawa, with the construction of Canada’s largest sugar refinery and the expansion of the flour mill in Hamilton already underway. Additionally, the ongoing construction of the Oshawa grain silo is set to further bolster our agri-food capabilities. These projects are key to growing our agri-food network and building a sustainable supply chain. We also launched our new digitization project using AI-enabled technology to improve the performance of our transportation system.”

In addition to the aforementioned projects, HOPA Ports is also building on its reputation as one of the most significant North American channels for key commodities through special collaborations. Recently, they announced a new agreement with a U.S.–based organization to create a bi-national, low-emission, short sea trade corridor. This new partnership will forge connections between the Port of Oshawa and a new port in Somerset, New York by establishing a multi-modal shipping terminal at the former location of New York’s last coal plant, which retired in 2020.

“The ambitious partnerships and enhancements being undertaken by HOPA Ports show how the marine shipping industry embraces its role as a vital link in the North American supply chain and is actively taking steps to keep our economy strong and quality of life high,” noted Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.  “New partnerships, new services, and new technologies are why marine shipping will continue to be the green mode for moving what matters in the most efficient and cost-effective manner for many years to come.”

Chamber of Marine Commerce

Manitowoc Applying for Grant for Possible New Boat

Jun 21, 2024 | 1:00 PM

Local News, Steven Devine

The City of Manitowoc wants to update the Manitowoc Fire Department’s boat fleet.

The common council approved applying for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant at Monday’s meeting.

A memo from Fire Chief Todd Blaser says the fire department was notified in March this year that there will be no Coast Guard presence in Manitowoc County because of staffing issues with the United States Coast Guard.

Mayor Justin Nickels said on WOMT’s Be My Guest program that if an emergency were to happen, the city would need to call in US Coast Guards stationed in Sheboygan or Sturgeon Bay.

He says while there haven’t been many issues on either Lake Michigan or the Manitowoc River, the city would only be able to provide limited help if an emergency were to happen.

The boat that the city would want would be bigger and more up to date than the two boats they have now.

The anticipated award date is set for September 30th.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo Boatnerd Picnic

UPDATE: The freighter-chasing cruise is SOLD OUT!

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/

National Museum Celebrates Ding Schoonmaker Day July 1

Toledo, OH – Join us at the National Museum of the Great Lakes from 10 am – 4 pm Monday, July 1 for a day-long celebration in honor of Ding Schoonmaker, the grandson of Col. James M. Schoonmaker, who played a pivotal role in the restoration of this historic ship. All visitors will receive free admission to Museum Boats with the purchase of a museum-only admission.

Note: Pre-order tickets are not available for July 1. Admission will be walk-in only.

ADMISSION: $11.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)

$10.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)

$8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)

FREE – Children 5 and under

FREE – GLHS/NMGL Members

Make Your Plans Now for Soo Boatnerd Picnic

UPDATE: The freighter-chasing cruise is SOLD OUT!

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/