Hard Hat Tours: Behind the Scenes on the

Museum Ships Schoonmaker, tug Ohio

 

TOLEDO, OH – On Saturday, June 22, explore spaces typically off-limits to visitors in an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the museum ships Col James M. Schoonmaker and tug Ohio at the National Museum of the Great Lakes, Toledo.  Click the link to purchase tickets.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hard-hat-tours-behind-the-scenes-of-our-museum-vessels-tickets-906244440517?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

U.S. Great Lakes shipping, labor, shipyards

applaud Federal Maritime Commission

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has opened an investigation into a Canadian shipping regulation as a potential unfair trade practice.

According to the FMC, “Based on available information, it appears that conditions created by the Government of Canada in connection with regulation of ballast water management systems may adversely affect the operation of United States carriers in the United States / Canada Great Lakes trade, in particular the carriers operating vessels that may become subject to regulation in September 2024, within the meaning of 46 U.S. Code, chapter 423 (Foreign Shipping Practices) (46 U.S.C. 42301-307). Title 46 U.S.C. 42302 authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) to investigate these conditions, and chapter 423 authorizes the agency to take action in response.”

American leaders of the Great Lakes shipping industry praised the FMC’s action, calling the Canadian proposal “the epitome of an unfair trade practice” that seems primarily designed to give Canadian vessels a practical monopoly on bi-national Great Lakes shipping.

The Canadian regulation, which American shipping industry leaders believe to be without precedent anywhere in the world, would require treatment equipment on American vessels loading ballast water in Canadian Great Lakes waters even when that water would be discharged in U.S. Great Lakes waters.

In effect, the Canadian law would override U.S. law, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, and U.S. Coast Guard regulations for ballast water discharges in U.S. waters.   The Canadian regulation would stop U.S. vessels from carrying U.S. exports to Canadian Great Lakes ports so that Canadian vessels would carry all of that cargo. The Canadian government provided a process for Canadian vessels calling on Canadian Great Lakes ports to obtain relief from the treatment requirement but did not provide U.S.-flag vessels serving Canadian Great Lakes ports a relief process to apply the Canadian regulations to U.S. Lakers so as to avoid the unlawful burdens the regulations would otherwise impose.

“U.S.-flagged fleet of ships and sailors on the Great Lakes are grateful to the FMC Commissioners for taking a stand for U.S. workers,” said Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, representing U.S. Great Lakes shipping companies. “The proposed regulation is severely biased and shamefully uses a serious issue to impose a trade barrier and increase profits for Canadian companies at the expense of everyday Americans.  This is not about protecting the environment; this is about economic manipulation.”

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, which represents nearly 80 U.S. entities across the Great Lakes and includes shipboard and shoreside labor, ports, facilities, and shipyards also praised the FMC action.

“If Transport Canada is allowed to regulate U.S. waters on the Great Lakes in favor of Canadian vessels, a precedent will be set that will forever damage the ability of U.S. workers to compete and will further erode the maritime industry in America,” stated Richard Hammer, General Manager of DonJon Shipbuilding in Erie, Pennsylvania and President of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force.

Great Lakes seagoing labor unions, including the Seafarers International Union, the Masters, Mates and Pilots, the Marine Engineers; Beneficial Association, and the American Maritime Officers, said, “The Canadian government should not be allowed to regulate American workers at U.S. facilities and ships on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes.  The Canadian intent here is clear, monopolize Great Lakes shipping between the U.S. and Canada and eliminate U.S. jobs through unfair trade practices.”

The FMC, an independent federal agency, is authorized to investigate whether any laws, rules, regulations, policies, or practices of a foreign government result in conditions that adversely affect the operations of U.S. carriers  and do not exist for foreign carriers of that country in the U.S. under U.S. laws.  A similar inquiry by the FMC in 2005 resulted in the Government of Canada charging U.S.-flag Lakers the same amount for the Canadian Navigation Services Fee that they charged Canadian-flag Lakers.  From 1997 – 2005, American vessels paid a significantly higher amount to the Canadian Government for no additional services.  That higher fee impacted freight rates and drove cargo to Canadian vessels.

Lake Carriers’ Association

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

Bilbao, Spain, and Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway
ports, sign agreement to improve mutual collaboration

 

Representatives of the Port Authority of Bilbao and a delegation from the ports of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway (USA) have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to improve and increase mutual cooperation, explore the development of trade relations between the two regions and pool knowledge and know-how, particularly in areas such as sustainability, connectivity and innovation.

The signatories to the agreement were Andima Ormaetxe, Operations, Commercial, Logistics and Strategy Director of the Port Authority of Bilbao, and Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, on behalf of the American delegation.

Other representatives at the signing ceremony from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation were Rebecca Yackley, Director of the Office of Trade & Economic Development; Danielle Pierson, International Trade Specialist; and Peter Hirthe, regional representative of the Great Lakes. Also present at the event were Maria Cartier, Market Development Manager of the Port of Milwaukee, and Samuel Hankinson, Port Development Coordinator of the Port of Monroe.

In the course of the meeting, the representatives of the port community of Bilbao learned  about the characteristics and potential of the Great Lakes and its ports for international trade, especially with the central and east coast of the United States. For its part, UniportBilbao, the Cluster for the promotion and competitive improvement of the port, presented to the American delegation what the Port of Bilbao has to offer in terms of multimodal services, and the capacity of the port community to handle the transport and logistics of any type of traffic. Afterwards, the American representatives enjoyed a guided tour of the Port of Bilbao and its facilities.

The Port of Bilbao trades with the Great Lakes region, with close to 90,000 tonnes of goods in 2023. In this respect, stand-out traffic includes iron and steel products, machinery and spare parts, chemical products, wine, spirits and alcohol, other minerals, construction materials and foodstuffs, amongst others.

The Port of Bilbao

 

Over $77 Million in Projects Underway at Lake Michigan Port

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Source: Ports of Indiana

More than $77 million in infrastructure and expansion projects are now being developed at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor as a record construction season kicks off in the Lake Michigan port.

Major projects in various phases of development include construction of a highway bridge entering the port, three new ship berths, a new bulk warehouse, two new railyards, industrial site development, and extensive dock and rail rehabilitation throughout the 600-acre port.

Current projects at the port include:

Construction of a $35.4 million dual bridge entrance to the port: Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is constructing highway bridges that will serve as the two inbound and two outbound lanes connecting the port to State Road 249. The 1,200-foot structures provide heavy-haul truck access for carrying port cargoes over 10 railroad tracks and six lanes of traffic. The multiyear construction project will add a new two-lane bridge and then rebuild the existing two-lane bridge. Both bridges will cross over U.S. Highway 12 as well as South Shore and Norfolk Southern rail lines. Once complete, the project will expand the port entrance from two lanes to four lanes.

Development of a $25 million multimodal project: Partially funded by a $9.85 million U.S. Department of Transportation FASTLANE grant, the port is constructing three ship berths and two railyards to expand shipping capabilities and improve efficiencies. Once completed, the projects will increase port capacity for handling ocean vessels by 35% and for handling railcars by 1,200%. By adding new storage capacity for 250 railcars, the port can now offer unit train service that reduces costs and expands market connectivity for rail shippers. The project will also turn three unproductive areas of the port into working docks with multimodal facilities that transfer cargo between ocean vessels, Great Lakes freighters, river barges, multiple railroads and regional truck lines.

Construction of a $9 million bulk cargo facility: A new 84,000 square-foot warehouse and bulk storage area will be constructed near the East Harbor, funded in part by a $4 million U.S.DOT Maritime Administration grant from the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The project’s warehouse will increase the port’s capacity of covered bulk storage by 70% once completed in 2025.

Capital investments of $8.3 million in port infrastructure: Multiple port improvement projects that are underway include developing shovel-ready industrial sites, rail and dock rehabilitations, multiple paving projects, as well as additional building and infrastructure upgrades.

“This port is going through a transformational multi-year expansion, and the amount of construction happening right now exceeds every year since the port was built in the 1960s,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “These are critical projects that ensure our port remains an international gateway for ocean vessels, lakers and river barges, and that our multimodal infrastructure can meet growing freight demands in the Northwest Indiana and greater Chicago market. We’re extremely grateful for the leadership from our state and federal departments of transportation in supporting Indiana’s multimodal expansion.”

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

S.S. Badger Resumes Lake Michigan Crossings After 10-Month Shutdown

 

May 17, 2024 | 2:18 PM

MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The S.S. Badger is back in service after a longer-than-expected off season.

It’s a sound that people in Manitowoc have waited 10 months for; the blowing horn of the S.S. Badger.

The ferry, which is the largest one to cross Lake Michigan, arrived in Manitowoc at noon Friday.

Hundreds of spectators watched the ferry return, including Doug Schwalbe and his newborn grandbaby.

“We’re welcoming the Badger back to the Manitowoc port, this is my granddaughter, Eden, it’s her first time seeing the Badger,” he says.

“We are extra excited to welcome her back for her 71st season which we hope – which we know – is going to be a great one across the board from today all the way through the beginning of October,” says Courtney Hansen, Visit Manitowoc’s Director of Tourism.

Friday marked the ferry’s first trip across Lake Michigan since last July, when a portion of its docking equipment on the east side of the lake, in Ludington, Michigan, broke.

Operators initially estimated the ferry would make its first crossing in June, but crews were able to complete repairs ahead of schedule.

Businesses in Manitowoc felt the difference when the ship wasn’t around.

“We get a lot of extra business from the ferry,” says Taylor Vega, who works at Beernsten Confectionary in downtown Manitowoc. “We always know when it comes in, there’s always a big wave of people that comes in, it’s really exciting now since last year it wasn’t running. We saw a noticeable difference last year so, it’s really cool, really exciting to be back.”

Hansen says tourism thrives because of the S.S. Badger.

“Over a thousand different people are coming in, experiencing the city of Manitowoc, eating in our restaurants, staying in our hotels, going to our attractions and shopping at our boutiques,” she says.

But, even with it’s shortened season last year, Hansen says Manitowoc had a near-record year. But now that it’s back?

“The full season, we are 100% sure we’re going to have a record-breaking year here in Manitowoc, for room night stays, total economic impact and direct visitor spend, it’s a great great year ahead.”

And residents like Schwalbe agree.

“We really missed it, and super happy to see it back. It’s good for the community, good for Ludington, good for Wisconsin, good for Michigan, so yeah we’re excited.”

The S.S. Badger makes its four-hour, 60-mile journey seven days a week from about mid-May to October and brings about 1,200 people into Manitowoc each day.

Trips up and down the shoreline of Manitowoc as well as Ludington are also available for those looking to take a shorter trip on the S.S. Badger. Information on shoreline cruises can be found here.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

First Lady, Second Gentleman visit UP, Soo Locks

 

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff wrapped up their visit to the Upper Peninsula this afternoon in Sault Ste. Marie. Emhoff is Vice President Kamala Harris’ husband.

After a community listening session about health care with members of the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the two toured the Soo Locks where construction on the new lock continues. Biden talked to Army Corps engineers and personnel while touring inside the Soo Locks. The 1004-foot-long Mesabi Miner was inside the Poe Lock when Biden was present.

She did not field any questions from the media nor make any direct statements to the media during the tour at the locks.

Completion of the new lock is expected to be in 2030, according the the Army Corp of Engineers. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the “Water Resources Development Act” that authorized to spend $3.2 billion on the new lock. Prior to that, in 2018, then president Donald Trump signed into law “America’s Water Infrastructure Act” that authorized funding for $922 million to initiate the lock expansion project.

Soo Leader

 

Port of Green Bay has strong start to the season, moves nearly 205k tons of cargo

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County officials say the Port of Green Bay is off to a strong start for the 2024 shipping season as nearly 205,000 tons of cargo have already been moved during the months of March and April.

According to a release, exactly 204,659 tons of cargo have been moved through the Port of Green Bay so far this season which is significantly more than in 2023 (186,066 tons), 2022 (101,252 tons), and 2021 (132,423 tons) within the same time frame.

Officials say five commodities have been both imported and exported so far this season with the totals being as follows:

• Petroleum – 72,006 tons
• Cement – 54,904 tons
• Salt – 35,839 tons
• Limestone – 25,580 tons
• Coal – 16,330 tons

Moving these commodities in and out of the Port of Green Bay was a total of 21 ships compared to just 17 ships last year.

Port of Green Bay

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

Door County Maritime Museum to host Know Your Ships author

 

Know Your Ships boat field guide author Roger LeLievre will travel to Door County May 22 for his first-ever visit, a perfect match for National Maritime Day. Join him at the Death’s Door Museum in the morning for a presentation of the program “Hitchin’ A Ride: An Inside Look at Life on a Laker.”

LeLievre will also stop at Cana Island after lunch to sign copies of Know Your Ships. The day will culminate at the Sturgeon Bay Museum, with LeLievre signing books, and sharing his delightful personal story in the evening: “Because of the Boats: How I Became the Luckiest Boatnerd in the World.”

At noon on National Maritime Day, the tug John Purves will sound a whistle salute to all U.S. Merchant & Commercial Mariners that keep goods flowing. All boaters, tugs, and other vessels in the area are welcome to participate in the salute as well. National Maritime Day recognizes one of our country’s most important industries. Each year, ceremonies and celebrations throughout the country recognize National Maritime Day and the people our maritime nation depends on.

More information can be found here: https://dcmm.org/homepage-featured/national-maritime-day-may-22/

S.S. Badger repairs wrap up ahead of schedule, first trip set for Friday

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The S.S. Badger is back in business.

Lake Michigan Carferry has announced that the iconic boat will make its first trek of the season on Friday. Previously, LMC had planned for the ship to make its first trip on June 14.

“We are thrilled to welcome our passengers back more than a month earlier than originally anticipated,” LMC General Manager Sara Spore said in a statement. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff here and the hard work of local vendors to make sure we are ready to go.”

LMC was forced to shut down the Badger last July after part of its port side ramp system failed and needed months of repairs, prematurely ending its 70th season chartering people across Lake Michigan, between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

“With the successful construction of two new counterweight structures for the carferry’s ramp system, the Badger is back, better and stronger, ready to carry passengers and transport freight across our marine highway on Lake Michigan,” she stated.
The Badger, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark, can carry 600 passengers and up to 180 vehicles, including RVs and commercial trucks.

The S.S. Badger was launched in 1953. It was built by Christy Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Evening crossings will start in June. The Badger is also planning three shoreline cruises later this summer: July 4, July 24 and Aug. 21.

Old Lake Michigan shipwreck visible again after burial under sand

By Clara Lincolnhol | May 14, 2024

Look fast or you may miss an elusive 170-year-old sunken schooner off the coast of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.

The mostly intact shipwreck, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in early April, isn’t always visible, even though it’s in very shallow waters, said Tamara Thomsen, a Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist.

The vessel comes in and out of view depending on the cyclical motion of sand in Lake Michigan.

It had been invisible, shrouded in sand for decades, until a tour boat operator spotted it in the late summer of 2021. The Wisconsin Historical Society surveyed the ship the next summer to get it listed as a National Historic Place, she said.

The ship, named Peoria, was built in Ohio in 1854. In its earlier years it hauled lumber on Lake Erie. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 the ship mainly traversed Lake Michigan. Peoria and many other schooners were in high demand to transport wood to rebuild the city, Thomsen said.

That’s why Peoria had multiple accidents before its fateful final voyage, colliding with three separate ships on three different occasions. During that time the waters were crowded with large lumbering ships, she said.

“When there’s a big traffic jam on the road today there’s bound to be accidents,” Thomsen said. “It was very much commonplace for (ships) to get struck in the harbor, getting struck coming in or while waiting at the dock or lumber market.”

In 1880 the vessel blew ashore at the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse. Recovering it was initially considered a lost cause, according to Wisconsin Shipwrecks, an informational shipwreck database. However a year later, repairs were made and Peoria set sail once again.

But 20 years later, on November 10, 1901, the ship with a load of lumber was blown over by strong stormy gales in Baileys Harbor. All six crew members scrambled to shore. The ship met its end near where it was beached two decades earlier, according to the database.

The ship’s existence and location has always been local knowledge, although it isn’t always visible. A 1980s Wisconsin diving guide listed the wreck as a place to visit, but when state marine archaeologists searched for it years later to conduct a survey, the ship had been covered by sand, Thomsen said.

The 2021 report meant it was visible again for the first time in over three decades. Maritime archeologists confirmed the ship’s identity using historic documents from around the time it sank.

The wreck is easily accessible and visible for divers, kayakers, anglers and local tour boats. It’s exciting, Thomsen said. “The vantage point of a deck can get a look at not just pieces of the boat but of the whole thing.”

No one knows how long Peoria will remain visible, she said. A large storm could dredge up sand in the bay and cover it up again.

The dynamic process of sand movement in Lake Michigan covers and uncovers shipwrecks, said Adam Bechle, coastal engineering outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin Madison Sea Grant Institute.

The littoral zone, or the area that extends from the beach to where waves begin to break is where sediment is transported by waves and currents, Bechle said. Water levels and stormy weather impact sediment movement and deposition.

“Waves break at a certain depth,” Bechle said. “As you change water levels, that changes the depth of the water and changes where the waves are going to break, so that changes where sediment is going to be moved around.”

Bechle isn’t exactly sure what specific event moved the sand covering Peoria. But he believes fluctuating water levels in Lake Michigan “probably caused quite a bit of sand movement and sandbar migration which may have made conditions right for the ship to get uncovered.”

The National Register of Historic Places is “the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation,” according to the National Park Service, which administers the register. It includes “objects significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture.”

Objects on the register, like the Peoria shipwreck, receive additional state and federal legal protections.

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

Cruise ships Victory I and Victory II will return to the Great lakes next year

 

John Waggoner is reviving Victory Cruise Lines, which he once ran as part of American Queen Voyages. He plans to relaunch Victory I and Victory II in spring 2025 on the Great Lakes with a veteran team of executives. The 190-passenger vessels will cruise the five lakes with sailings between Chicago and Toronto or Montréal, or roundtrip Chicago.

“I cannot believe all the people who’ve come out to say I will help you and do whatever you need, and for free or next to nothing, just to help you get up and going,’ Waggoner said. ‘It’s been heartwarming.’

Waggoner’s made a career of buying undervalued assets at a discounted price, using his knowledge to restore the vessels and putting them in underutilized markets to make profitable businesses. ‘My history speaks for itself,’ he said. ‘I’m glad to be back.’

As earlier reported, Waggoner snapped up the pair of coastals, most recently called Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, as part of AQV’s bankruptcy auction. In 2011, he had founded what ultimately became American Queen Voyages by acquiring the paddlewheel steamboat American Queen from the U.S. Maritime Administration, grew the company over a decade to field seven vessels and was bought out by Crestview Partners a few years ago.

Waggoner told Seatrade Cruise News he got back in the game because he was too young to retire and missed the business, he wanted to leave a better legacy and to ‘put the band back together.’ Also, he got an ‘unbelievable deal’ on the vessels, and he loves Great Lakes cruising.

He’d forged a company that started as Hornblower Marine Services in 1994 and became HMS Global Maritime, adding Seaward Services, HMS Ferries then American Queen Steamboat Co. and Victory Cruise Lines (the last two combined as American Queen Voyages). After selling the business to retire, he was saddened it ‘evaporated in a quick period.’

He’s using the Victory name as there was no reputational brand damage and ‘it’s a great platform’ should he wish to expand. Waggoner champions the Great Lakes, where there’s little cruise competition and ‘so much to offer,’ he said.

Victory’s core 12-day itinerary, between Chicago and Toronto, is expected to feature a coveted berth at Chicago’s Navy Pier, cruising to historic Mackinac Island, a transit of the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie into Lake Superior, Detroit and Cleveland calls, the Thousand Islands of Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls and winding up at Toronto — touching all five Great Lakes.

Waggoner paid $55m for Victory I and II in 2018 but now was able to acquire both at bankruptcy auction for less than $2m. The deal closed May 9. Originally he’d bid on one coastal and the riverboat American Countess but he couldn’t best American Cruise Lines’ $6m for the four riverboats.

Waggoner and wife Claudette paid cash, and now he’s in the process of raising $10m from banks to cover vessel renovations and start-up costs. He expects to nail the financing in the next 60 days.

Ocean Navigator (Victory II), which suffered a generator fire last year, will be getting a new engine and control system and fresh carpet and wallpaper, all to the tune of $3m, while Ocean Voyager (Victory I) needs only half a million dollars of cosmetic refurbishments, according to Waggoner. The vessels are in Portland, Maine, where the work will be done.

Victory Cruise Lines targets a July 1 marketing launch with an outreach to past customers and an invitation from John and Claudette Waggoner to the inaugural ‘family reunion cruise,’ Victory I’s repositioning from Portland to Toronto.

Waggoner said it makes sense to come out marketing to loyalists, including many who are members of AQV’s Steamboat Society of America and have kept in touch.

The company plans 31 10-day cruises between Chicago and Toronto — always Victory’s most popular prior route, with an average $600 per diem. Plus, there will be three 12-day Chicago-Montréal cruises and two 12-day Chicago roundtrips that explore Lake Michigan and go far into Lake Superior.

During 2025, Victory I will operate a 197-day season and Victory II will be in service 153 days.

“We only need 7,000 customers to fill for the year. That’s about one week on Oasis of the Seas,’ Waggoner said. But this will significantly boost the 20,000 cruisers expected on the Great Lakes in the 2024 season.

Pricing will be inclusive with a pre-cruise hotel night, hop-on, hop-off excursions and Wi-Fi in the fare. The same menus, wine list and onboard style/programming are planned, including a Lakelorian.

‘I want people to feel like they’re coming home,’ Waggoner said.

Among Waggoner’s cheerleaders is Stephen Burnett, executive director, The Great Lakes Cruise Association, who called him ‘an inspiration,’ admiring his ‘ability to operate efficiently and to bring a superb product to market. Having Victory Cruise Lines back in the Great Lakes is a heartwarming notion and we are thrilled that John will be at the helm, bringing his extraordinary expertise to this new enterprise.’

Seatrade Cruise News

 

 

Officials on hand for unveiling of new Eisenhower Lock  Visitor Center in Massena

 

MASSENA, NY –  After two years of construction, the new Eisenhower Visitor Center at the Eisenhower Lock is ready to open to the public. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, May 13 with many federal, state, county and municipal officials in attendance.

Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), along with Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) both addressed the attendees, which likely numbered over 200.

In his address, Tindall-Schlicht praised the efforts of the many parties involved in bringing the vision of a new visitor center to life, from the federal officials that assisted, to the contractors who completed the work, to the staff who will operate the center and lead tours.

“The creation of this visitor center is a testament to the strong bipartisan support it has received since inception,” he said.

In particular, Tindall-Schlicht praised U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for their bipartisan efforts to fast track the project. First proposed in 2018 by Sen. Schumer, the visitor center saw officials on site in 2022 to break ground. Just two years, the public will be able to witness what it has to offer.

“The vision and the care and the investments made by the Biden-Harris administration are truly historic. The new visitor center at Eisenhower Locke and the future of shipping on the Great Lakes Seaway is secure because of once in a generation leadership that is exemplified by you, ma’am,” Tindall-Schlicht said in reference to Trottenberg.

Tindall-Schlicht touched on the momentous occasion, saying it marked a great day for the seaway on what was also the 70th anniversary of the Wiley Dondero Act, legislation that was signed into law by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, paving the way for the creation of the seaway. Exhibits will honor both former Senator Alexander Wiley and former Congressman George Dondero for their efforts to bring the seaway to life.

“After much planning and much expectation, we are immensely proud to offer you all of our visitors this spectacular new experience, which will feature more than 38 interactive exhibits that rival the best maritime museums in the country,” Tindall-Schlicht said.

Visitors will also be able to view ships traversing the locks from two viewing decks, with indoor and outdoor opportunities when weather does not cooperate.

According to Tindall-Schlicht, the facility will stand as a “testament to the enduring impact that the Seaway has had on the Great Lakes maritime economy supporting complex courts in the United States and Canada.”

Tindall-Schlicht said it was his hope, and that of GLS, that the new visitor center would “remain an important and welcoming space in which all voices and perspectives are heard and celebrated.”

While the Baie St. Paul sat in the locks on the momentous day, Deputy Secretary Trottenberg called the event and the center a “home run.” He praised the many parties involved while acknowledging the sacrifices made to not only create the seaway as we know it today but to also praise those whose efforts include revitalizing the visitor center.

Trottenberg, who was in attendance two years ago for the groundbreaking ceremony, said the facility was completed in “record time” and was a testament to what teamwork can achieve.

“I couldn’t be more impressed. The visitor center is world class and you should be very proud. The many exhibits are very educational, but actually are also a lot of fun, with interactive exhibits for all ages,” she said.

Trottenberg said the seaway plays a vital role not just in the shipping of goods, but also in promoting tourism along the Great Lakes and seaway system.

According to Trottenberg, the seaway supports over 350,000 jobs on both the American and Canadian side of the system, generating over $50 billion in economic activity between both nations.

“The Visitor Center celebrates that strong bi-national operating partnership with Canada and has lots of wonderful history, including pictures and letters from Queen Elizabeth during the Second Inaugural visit. It provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the wonderful history of friendship and partnership between Canada and the U.S.,” she said.

Trottenberg said the visitor center, which will benefit the entire region, will help bring more jobs and add to the “beautiful, unique destination” that is the north country. “This is a beautiful facility that will benefit this region for generations to come,” she concluded.

The visitor center will officially open to the public on May 14 at 9 a.m. Regular hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

North Country Now

 

An Erie tall ship is getting ready to set sail once again.

After major work this weekend, one of Erie’s tall ships is close to being ready to setting sail.

The Lettie has a new mast. It took the Flagship Niagara League (FNL) a lot to get it here but once she’s back on the water and sailing, the work will have paid off.

A 65-foot ship mast made a journey from Boothbay, MN to Erie’s bayfront this weekend, as those working on the Lettie G. Howard finally had one of the last pieces of the puzzle in place before it sails once more.

The FNL acquired a mast which was initially built for another ship, but never installed so after 11 years of sitting, it made it’s way to Erie to be placed on the Lettie.

The FNL’s executive director says it was an intricate process and adds it’s one of the more impressive jobs the league and their shipwright have done.

“It’s one of the things that we’ve always been able to do is all of our work in-house. We have the expertise on staff to do these incredibly difficult and incredibly skill-oriented tasks. We’re really happy to do that, and we’re doing it right here at the Bayfront Maritime Center so people can come in and see the process the entire time while we’re doing it,” said William Sabatini, executive director, FNL.

The 65-foot mast was brought out of the building, down the sidewalk, and finally lifted by a crane before being tied and rigged up by volunteers and crew. Finally, her sails will be put on, and she’ll be ready.

“Tomorrow we’re hoping by the end of the day it’ll be our shake-down sail to see how it all works and it’ll be the first time in almost two years that the Lettie’s foresail will be set,” said Sabatini.

The Lettie was able to be sailed with one mast, but Sabatini said she’s able to do much more with two, such as comfortably setting sail once more in the open waters of Lake Erie.

Sabatini said he’s grateful for everyone involved for helping to get this far and they’re looking forward to bringing some consistency to Erie’s bayfront.”

“We’re just excited to do what we do. The whole thing that we’ve been talking about these past few months or so is that we’re the same people you know doing the things you love. We’re out here providing opportunities for people to go sailing on a tall ship, and that’s what the Flagship Niagara League has been about for 40 years,” said Sabatini.

Sabatini said he’s looking forward to training programs, college history programs with Mercyhurst, and finally opening to public day sails soon after a brief trip to the shipyard.

[Nexstar Media]

Expert expecting another big cruise ship season this summer.

 

Expect to see a lot of cruise ships once again on the Great Lakes this summer.

The Viking Octantis on its maiden stop to the Georgian Bay community of Killarney in 2022. (File photo/Image courtesy of Drone Malone)

That’s according to Stephen Burnett, executive director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association,(opens in a new tab) who tells CTV News there should be some interesting traffic coming to ports around northeastern Ontario.

“The industry, as you know, is rather cyclical and we’ve lost three ships this year,” said Burnett.

“Certainly we’ll be seeing good cruise traffic through all three ports (Little Current, Killarney(opens in a new tab) and Sault Ste. Marie) and I think given the quality of the shore experience, which is what people come for, you’re going to have some very satisfied customers on your hands.”

It is shore experiences, like the ones created in Killarney(opens in a new tab) through the Killarney Mountain Lodge(opens in a new tab) and Conference Centre that have many in the industry chatting.

“What’s interesting about the Killarney experience is the cruise industry tends to be an industry that has sort of a spyglass on each other and the fact that the cruise industry went to Killarney, you’re going to see more cruise ships going into Killarney,” said Burnett.

“First of all, it’s a stunningly beautiful place. It’s a little bit unusual with that marvelous narrow channel and dropping an anchor, going into Killarney Mountain Lodge by tender, is really an unforgettable experience and I think you’re going to see more of that happen.”

It is a similar deal on Little Current, which has made quite a name for itself, marketing the community alongside its Indigenous neighbours on Manitoulin Island.(opens in a new tab)

“I think Little Current will see a little bit of a dip this year and that’s because two of the ships that we temporarily have lost,” said Burnett.

“But that will come screaming back pretty soon. One of the most significant positive things that we have is the quality of the shore experience. You know people go ashore to see what’s what and they want to see what the people look like, what they’re doing and how they’re living their lives and the quality of the shore experience in these three ports is really some of the finest that we have so that will all do well for the future.”

Burnett added the Great Lakes and northeastern Ontario, continue to be popular not only with American tourists, but the industry is seeing many from France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“In terms of the demographic, the clientele is a somewhat more mature clientele, they’ve travelled far and wide around the world and the Great Lakes have been there but they didn’t get around to cruising them so now they’re doing that,” he said.

“And we’re now starting to see a slightly younger clientele on the more expedition-focused ships so it’s broadening out and we’re very happy to see that.”

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

Fednav adds  Federal Ohio to its Laker-class fleet

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added another new vessel, Federal Ohio (IMO 9975399). built in 2024 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Ltd. shipyard in Oshima, Japan. This is the first time that Fednav Ltd. has named one of its vessels after the state of Ohio.

Federal Ohio is 199.98 meters in length and around 23.760 meters in width, or 656 feet in length and 78 feet in width. The vessel has four large cranes on its deck for unloading cargo or loading. The Federal Ohio is part of Fednav’s fleet renewal program that has since added three new ships prior to the addition of the Federal Ohio.

Denny Dushane

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

Algoma Bear arrives at Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The Algoma Bear (IMO 9619309), built in 2024 in China and the newest and most efficient, modern vessel in the Algoma fleet, arrived at Hamilton on May 8 in the early morning.

The vessel moored at Pier 26 N – GLS but will shift over to another dock in Hamilton to unload a cargo of iron ore pellets loaded at Port Cartier, QC. While in Hamilton, she will have the deck-strengthening steel added for its delivery voyage from China removed from alongside of its cargo deck.

Denny Dushane

 

Fednav renames former Lakes Visitor Federal Rideau

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has renamed its Federal Rideau (IMO 9200445), built in 2000 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Ltd. Shipyard, Oshima, Japan. Now sailing as Kiba, she flies the Barbados flag, According to Marine Traffic, she is still owned by Fednav. As Federal Rideau, the ship was a regular visitor on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway between 2000-2003.

Denny Dushane

 

Museum Ship Keewatin set to open at Kingston.

KINGSTON, ON – Keewatin, built in 1907 in Scotland and which sailed the Great Lakes for Canadian Pacific Railway, is the largest of the remaining Edwardian era passenger steamers remaining in the world,

Please see the graphic in the photo gallery.

 

Program explores history of Ford Motor Co.
ships Henry Ford II and Benson Ford.

As has been the case for two decades, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Grosse Pointe Historical Society will again co-sponsor a free presentation during National Preservation Month. This year’s program takes place at the Ford House Visitors Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate the centennial of the Great Lakes ships, MS Henry Ford II and MS Benson Ford.

These ships were launched in March 1924, and were the first large vessels on the Great Lakes to be powered by diesel engines. While built at different shipyards, they were nearly identical and were the most modern on the Great Lakes at the time, with guest accommodations containing inlaid mahogany doors and paneling, wall sconces and chandeliers. The Benson and the Henry remained in service nearly 60 years, becoming a familiar sight along the Grosse Pointe shoreline.

Former Grosse Pointer Greg Rudnick, who served on both ships during college while completing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Detroit, will present. Rudnick is on the staff at the Great Lakes Maritime Institute’s Telescope magazine and on the board of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. His reports also appear in the Inland Seas Journal and on boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/.

Visit fordhouse.org/events/ to register for this presentation, which is free and open to the public.

 

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

 

S.S. Badger is ‘back, better and stronger’ earlier than planned for 71st sailing season

 

LUDINGTON, Mich. — The S.S. Badger is preparing for her 71st sailing season kicking off early on May 17 after her 2023 season was cut short.

Following months of structural repairs and improvements to the ramping system at the Ludington home port, the team at Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC) said she’s almost ready to set sail.

“We are thrilled to welcome our passengers back more than a month earlier than originally anticipated,” said Sara Spore, the general manager of LMC. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff here and the hard work of local vendors to make sure we are ready to go.”

The S.S. Badger is the largest cross-lake passenger and car ferry service on the Great Lakes. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the ferry can carry 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.

“We know the important role our Badger plays in tourism, travel and adventure for our port communities of Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin,” Spore said. “We can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best on the shores of our Great Lake.”

Last summer, an integral component of the ramping system failed, causing the ferry’s 70th season to end sooner than expected. No one was injured in the incident and both the ramp and the S. S. Badger weren’t damaged.

‌”With the successful construction of two new counterweight structures for the carferry’s ramp system, the Badger is back, better and stronger ready to carry passengers and transport freight across our marine highway on Lake Michigan,” Spore said.

‌The S.S. Badger makes a four-hour journey across the 60-mile shortcut passage on Lake Michigan in her daily crossings.

Both cities are graciously welcoming us back with bands and fanfare at the dock,” Spore said.

‌There will be 100 employees working on the day the S.S. Badger sets sail, with 40 between the deck and engine crews to ensure a safe, smooth ride.

Spore said they’re also planning on bringing back night crossings in June.

WZZM

 

Make Your Plans Now for Soo

Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

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/—

Roger LeLievre
Editor/Publisher, Know Your Ships

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down in April

 

CLEVELAND – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 4.6 million tons in April, a decrease of 3.4 percent compared to last year.  Shipments were 2.1 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 8.97 million tons, an increase of 5.5 percent compared to the same point in 2023. Through April, iron ore shipments are 11.9 percent above their 5-year average for four months of the year.

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

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

 

 

EUPTA votes to reduce ferry service
to Neebish Island amid protest

SAULT STE. MARIE — An informational picket was held Tuesday morning to protest proposed schedule changes to the Neebish Island ferry service.

Before the monthly board meeting even started at the Eastern U.P. Transportation Authority (EUPTA), several people held signs in protest. EUPTA is financially and legally responsible for the ferry that connects the mainland near Barbeau to Neebish Island.

The island has around 50 year-round residents, but the island population grows to nearly 600 in the summer months.

Back in March, the U.S. Coast Guard notified the EUPTA that the ferry service was out of compliance when running the service beyond their 12-hour shift.

EUPTA board members voted unanimously Tuesday to stop the evening ferry service at 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and at 8 p.m. on weekends. Emergency first responder crossings would not be affected.

“The only solution is to put additional staff on. Along with additional staff comes additional funding and right now, we have to look at the cost-benefit and how many people are benefiting from the amount of money we need to pay for a second crew or a night crew,” said Peter Paramski, EUPTA executive director.

Paramski says the new schedule start date is expected to begin Friday, May 24, the start of Memorial Day holiday weekend.

9&10 News