Captain of Joseph L. Block retiring
after 50 years on freighters

SAULT STE. MARIE< MI – Right out of high school, then 18-year-old Thomas Garvey started working on-board the freighters to earn some money for college. The pay was good, but that was working
seven days a week.

Fifty years later, at age 68, Garvey will be retiring after this shipping season as captain
of the Joseph L. Block. He has been captain since 2021.

Garvey started with the Hannah Mining Company in 1974 on the steamer Leon Falk Jr.
Then he worked at the Interlake Steamship Company for five years and then eventually
moved on to Inland Steel, which eventually turned into Cleveland Cliffs, which is
currently operating the Block. The 48-year-old Block was the first vessel through the
Soo Locks Friday evening as it officially opened up for the 2024-25 shipping season.

I have never been on the first ship before. It’s kinda like hitting the lottery. You always
think you will get there first. It’s been a good lifestyle for me the last 50 years and it
really means something special being the first one through, Garvey said.

Garvey and his crew welcomed in several dignitaries and special guests to his pilot
house Friday afternoon. They presented him with gifts for being the first ship of the
season.

I have been through the Soo Locks here in my career almost 4,000 times coming and
going. Getting these items will help me remember today, and it’s a special day for me,
and I appreciate everything they have done,Garvey said.

The Block is not the biggest freighter on the Great Lakes but it still takes all workers on
board to make each cargo run a success.

We have 23 sailors on the Block. I am an anomaly here. Most of them have come up
through a maritime academy. I started at the very bottom as a deckhand and worked
every job getting up to captain. I think I have a good grasp of what everybody on this
boat is doing, feeling, thinking. What I try to do is pass on to them what I have learned
and usually you learn and I like to pass it on to the younger sailors. They appreciate it
and sometimes they teach me a few things,Garvey said.

One such sailor aboard the Block is Bob Haworth. He appreciates Capt. Garvey, but
also all those on the mainland that follow the freighters.

It’s cool to see people follow us. What I like is that it gives me a chance, especially
through social media, to show those on land what this is really like out here, or to at
least give them a glance at it. There’s a lot of romance that everyone who’s never been
out here before has, and it’s not always sunsets and blowing salutes out here. I do enjoy
interacting with people though and answering questions. Back when I was young, quite
a few sailors took the time to talk and show me what it was all about and I try to pay that
forward, Haworth said.

It’s been a good life. It’s time to let the younger people move up and get into this
industry, Garvey said.

Soo Leader

View images here:https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/capt-of-joseph-l-block-retiring-after-50-years-on-freighters-8500635?utm_source=Villager&amp;utm_campaign=Content&amp;utm_medium=Facebook_Graph&amp;fbclid=IwAR3Y2584mjPixlEQOdtoZkKGxygI4ITQV-R4tLuJG_LKDvuuKEpS8yPXyAU

Successful first voyages for
Wagenborg EasyMax vessel Amalia

After delivery in January, the motor vessel Amalia – the latest sustainable MPP vessel in
the Wagenborg fleet – left her home port Delfzijl, The Netherlands, for her first voyages.

Under command of Capt. Joenamar S. Bacuetes the first trips have been completed
successfully.

The EasyMax ship concept is the latest and greenest type of ship in the Wagenborg
fleet, whose vessels are familiar sights along the Great Lakes &amp; St. Lawrence Seaway.
Wagenborg was awarded the Maritime Shipping Award for this ship design in 2017,
partly due to its superior fuel efficiency. With a cargo capacity of 13.800 tonnes and a
large hold intake of 625.000 cbft, Wagenborg was able to build a relatively large vessel
without a major increase in overall dimensions. With an installed power of less than
3.000 kW and an aerodynamic hull shape, the Amalia has an extremely low fuel
consumption resulting in over 60% savings in CO2- emissions compared to her peer
group. This makes the EasyMax the greenest multipurpose vessel in her class, which
fits perfectly in the sustainability strategy of Wagenborg.

In 2024 a fourth new build Easymax vessel is expected to be delivered to Wagenborg
after which a fifth sister vessel will follow in the next year.

Wagenborg

PHOTO GALLERY: Hundreds pack Soo Locks Park Friday to watch first freighter

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The 2024-2025 shipping season is officially open on the St. Marys River navigational system. The 728-foot-long Joseph L. Block locked through the Poe Lock at 6 p.m. Friday with hundreds of people watching from inside the Soo Locks Park.

The Locks were originally scheduled to open at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 25, but that
got moved to Friday due to the urging of major steel producers.

Fans of the freighters, called Boatnerds, packed the viewing platform and stood along
the fence to be a part of the special day.

There’s something special about the opening. It’s excitement in the air. It’s really cool,
said Holland resident Jody Forward. Forward has visited the Locks before on several
occasions, but never on the official opening.

It’s like everybody knows each other even though nobody really knows anybody. We
are meeting for the first time in person, not on the internet or on Facebook. It’s just an
excitement in the air. I’m not sure how to explain it. It is an amazing thing to see,
Forward said.

Tomalou Squires made the trip from Paradise to see the first freighter through for the
first time, too.

I was happy that the opening of the Lock was at 6 p.m. this year instead of midnight
because I finally could make it over. The weather is nice. It’s so exciting with all the
people here. I never realized how big of a thing it was. I am hooked now, Squires said.

Sault Ste. Marie resident Diane Lahr-Barclay started loving the boats around two
decades ago. Six o’clock is cool this year, but midnight is fun, also. Looks like the
weekend is going to be nice to sit back and watch the boats go through, Lahr-Barclay
said.

The smaller of two locks, the MacArthur Lock, is expected to open up over the next few
weeks according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Soo Leader

View the pictures here: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/hundreds-pack-soo-locks-park-friday-to-watch-first-freighter-through-8500176?utm_source=Villager&amp;utm_campaign=Content&amp;utm_medium=Facebook_Graph&amp;fbclid=IwAR0HYY96iw39hRiwK8Vffuc4v9avWiPLcf3NSFZ56zrVv0GKgWT-I9KaKeU

‘Remarkably intact’: 1886 steam barge ‘Milwaukee’ discovered in Lake Michigan

HOLLAND, MI — Explorers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) have discovered and identified the remains of the steam barge Milwaukee which sank in 1886, about 40 miles west of Holland, MI.

According to the MSRA, the discovery was made in June 2023 using side scan sonar, marking the 19th shipwreck the group of explorers has found during their decades of work on the Great Lakes.

Members of the MSRA Board of Directors, which included Valerie and Jack van Heest, Craig Rich and Neel Zoss, spent the balance of the summer working to film the wreck so they could confirm its identity, Valerie tells FOX 17.

“It was just an ordinary ship going about its everyday job,” Valerie Van Heest, award-winning author, historian, museum exhibit designer and Director of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA), said. “But, it was at the wrong place on Lake Michigan at the wrong time.”

“The discovery [of the Milwaukee] happened faster than some of our past discoveries,” Valerie said. “It was actually on our second day on Lake Michigan.”

As the group was moving slowly on the lake where they believed the Milwaukee met its fate, a very large object suddenly appeared on the side scan sonar, Valerie said. “It wasn’t clear,” Valerie added. “We couldn’t tell if it was a ship, but it was definitely something big on the bottom surrounded by nothing but sand.

“So, that was the ‘bingo moment’ — we knew we had found it.”

Read more and video video footage at this link: https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/remarkably-intact-1886-steam-barge-milwaukee-discovered-in-lake-michigan?fbclid=IwAR18_wyX-ipEdFSQmq1GxnVZXx3sMt3r-y2VJWoT8_Ef-9FtOo_Bvpb-ZTg

Successful first voyages EasyMax vessel ‘Amalia’

AFTER DELIVERY IN JANUARY THE M.V. AMALIA – THE LATEST SUSTAINABLE MPP VESSEL IN THE WAGENBORG FLEET – LEFT HER HOME PORT DELFZIJL FOR HER FIRST VOYAGES. UNDER COMMAND OF CAPTAIN JOENAMAR S. BACUETES THE FIRST VOYAGES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

The maiden voyage for the m.v. Amalia exists of a 13.500 tonnes of alumina, which was loaded in Brake for the Norwegian port of Mosjoen. After discharging the Easymax vessel set direction to Herøya for again a full load; this time fertilizers destined for Rotterdam.

Greenest multipurpose vessel in her class

The EasyMax ship concept is the latest and greenest type of ship in the Wagenborg fleet. Wagenborg was awarded the Maritime Shipping Award for this ship design in 2017, partly due to its superior fuel efficiency. With a cargo capacity of 13.800 tonnes and a large hold intake of 625.000 cbft, Wagenborg was able to build a relatively large vessel without a major increase in overall dimensions. With an installed power of less than 3.000 kW and an aerodynamic hull shape, the m.v. Amalia has an extremely low fuel consumption resulting in over 60% savings in CO2- emissions compared to her peer group. This makes the EasyMax the greenest multipurpose vessel in her class, which fits perfectly in the sustainability strategy of Wagenborg.

In 2024 a fourth new build Easymax vessel is expected to be delivered to Wagenborg after which a fifth sister vessel will follow in the next year.

See full story at: https://www.wagenborg.com/news/successful-first-voyages-easymax-vessel-amalia

Soo Locks open early due to increased shipping demand

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – With the 6 p.m. Friday upbound passage of the freighter
Joseph L. Block, the Soo Locks are now open for the season. The shipping industry
and major steel producers requested the locks open a few days earlier than usual.

The ship’s owner and a chief with the Army Corps of Engineers said the early opening is
virtually unheard of, at least in their careers.

“We normally open March 25th by statute. This year, the winter activities, the concurrent
partners and mild winter season have all led us to open up just a few days early,” U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Jeff Harrington said.

“When we found out the Soo locks were going to open early, we doubled our efforts to
have this boat ready, underway and sitting here, waiting for the opening,” Central
Marine Logistics President Tom Wiater, who was on hand for the opening, said. “It’s
always significant to be the first boat when the Soo Locks open. It’s bragging rights, it’s
an honor.

According to the Lake Carriers Association, extreme wind at the end of last year’s
shipping season left fleets with undelivered cargo.

Before the Block locked up, she was visited by a group of local officials who presented
First Boat plaques, caps, copies of the new edition of the Know Your Ships book and
other gifts.

Indiana Harbor was the next vessel to pass upbound, followed by the barge Ironmaster
and tug and the bulk carrier Harvest Spirit. Several other vessels are expected Saturday.

UpNorthLive

Algoma’s bear opens shipping season on Welland Canal

CATHARINES, ON – A bear has kicked off the 2024 navigation season at both ends
of the Welland Canal. A bear is prominently found in the logo on the bow and exhaust
stacks of Algoma Central Corp.’s fleet that plies the Great Lakes.

At Port Colborne’s canal-opening top hat ceremony Friday, it was the 225.55-metre-long
Equinox class self-unloading bulk carrier Algoma Conveyor, the first downbound vessel
— and also, somehow at the same time, the first upbound vessel through the lakeside
city.

At Lock 3 in St. Catharines, the Algoma Sault, brought into service in 2018 with new
technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact, was the first
official upbound vessel — headed to Lake Erie from Lake Ontario — with Capt. Robert
Loveless donning a top hat.

The bear theme played out in different ways in both cities as Algoma president and
chief executive officer Greg Ruhl spoke about the St. Catharines-based shipping
company celebrating it quasquicentennial anniversary.

He said the logo was first on the side of rail cars before transitioning to vessels. Algoma
Central Corp., incorporated in 1899 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. as Algoma Central Railway
Co., was founded to construct a railway from Sault Ste. Marie to a main Canadian
Pacific Rail line.

Mayor Bill Steele gave Capt. Edward Kemp, from Cape Breton his top hat for helming
the first downbound vessel — but Algoma Conveyor was facing Lake Erie after passing
through Lock 8 overnight and turning around.

The vessel, tied up over winter above Lock 8, was headed to Thunder Bay to pick up a
load of wheat bound for Hamilton.

While Algoma is celebrating its 125th anniversary, the St. Lawrence Seaway system
marked the start of its 66th navigation season Friday.

Also, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. celebrated the announcement of a
renewed management operations and maintenance agreement with the federal
government. Seaway president and CEO Terence Bowles said the 20-year agreement
is terrific news for the seaway and its partners.

Welland Tribune

Joseph L. Block to open Soo Locks
shipping season today

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The motor vessel Joseph L. Block arrived in Soo harbor in
the early afternoon Thursday. Today at 6 p.m. she will lock upbound as the first vessel
of the new shipping season.

The locks usually open at 12:01 a.m. March 25, but this year’s opener was moved a few
days earlier due to a lack of ice and requests from major steel producers. The earlier
date aligns with the St. Lawrence Seaway’s opening, which is also today. Only the
larger Poe Lock will be in operation, with the MacArthur Lock remaining closed for
additional maintenance until April 24.

Before the Block locks up, she will be visited by a group of local officials who will
present First Boat plaques, caps and other gifts.

On Saturday, the Soo Locks Visitor Center will host an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy cookies and coffee, check boat arrival schedules and share ship
stories with fellow Boatnerds. Special guest Roger LeLievre, Know Your Ships editor,
will be available starting at 11 a.m. to sell and sign copies of the latest edition.

A milder winter has reduced ice on the Great Lakes, facilitating an earlier start to the
season. Favorable weather conditions also expedited essential maintenance on the
locks, allowing for this advanced opening. Our winter maintenance period is crucial for
the locks longevity. Thankfully, this year’s conditions have enabled us to open (the
locks) early, said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle.

Indiana Harbor will be the second upbound passage. She was expected at the Soo
Friday morning, followed by Dirk S. VanEnkevort/barge Michigan Trader. On Thursday
afternoon, Edwin H. Gott and Edgar B. Speer left their lay-up berths at Toledo headed
for Two Harbors.

John J. Boland departed Duluth-Superior also for Two Harbors to load. Baie Comeau
was loading Thursday in Duluth. Burns Harbor departed Sturgeon Bay Thursday
evening with Walter J. McCarthy Jr. following close behind.

Watch the first ship or live on Facebook starting at 5:55 p.m. Here’s the link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/soo-locks-first-ship-facebook-/889010819333712/

NEWS22

Algoma Conveyor will be first downbound
at Welland Canal today

Algoma Conveyor departed winter berth above lock 8 Thursday and headed down to
Port Robinson to turn around and await the ceremony at lock 8 as first downbound. She
is headed for Thunder Bay. Algoma Sault departed Hamilton and arrived at Port Weller
securing at wharf 2 to prepare for lock 3 ceremony Friday morning. CSL Assiniboine
departed Hamilton and will anchor at Port Weller until Friday morning before proceeding
upbound.

Barry Andersen

Update: Badger Apron Repair

In the gallery are photos updating on the progress to the apron at Ludington.

S.S. Badger

Bid deadline nears for American Queen cruise fleet

A deadline to put in bids for the American Queen Voyages (AQV) cruise fleet is nearing,
as a Texas bankruptcy court has set March 25 at 4:00 p.m. local time as a deadline for
interested parties to make qualified bids.

The assets include four paddlewheel cruise ships for river operations, two coastal
vessels (Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, while saw service on the Great Lakes
the past few summers) and a summer charter deal for an expedition ship that extends to
2031.

Parties are able to bid on individual assets or all of them, per court documents.

Depending on the number of bids and their qualifications, an auction could be held to
determine the winner.

An auction, if necessary, would be held on March 27 at 9:00 a.m. local time. The
winning bidder could be revealed as soon as March 27 if there is no auction, or March
28 following a potential auction. A deadline for objections is April 1.

Cruise Industry News understands there are multiple parties, all of which asked not to
be named, that are planning to make bids for the entire fleet, or in some cases, an
individual ship or class of vessels.

Cruise Industry News

Shipping on the Seaway: Virtual Reality to Bring Canadian Marine Careers to Life 

[Ottawa, March 21st, 2024] — Ocean School, a groundbreaking collaboration between Dalhousie University, the Ocean Frontier Institute, and the National Film Board of Canada, proudly unveils “Shipping on the Seaway,” a transformative educational experience designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of maritime transportation among youth aged 11-17. With 43% of the marine workforce expected to retire in the next decade and an estimated 19,000 ‘on board jobs’ alone, to fill, this initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of marine professionals by strengthening their connection to Canada’s vital waterways. The high-paying career opportunities to explore are vast, ranging from ship captains and seafarers to marine engineers and shoreside professionals.

Launched in conjunction with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping season tomorrow, “Shipping on the Seaway” offers a unique, inquiry-based learning experience utilizing cutting-edge technologies alongside engaging activities. Students will embark on an immersive 360° tour of a CSL vessel, getting insights into the challenges, diverse career paths, and operations of shipping professions. From navigating locks to exploring the use of biofuels, this bilingual series of videos provides a taste of what life is like working onboard a 750 ft. vessel.

Ocean School has also developed a suite of tools and learning resources for educators, including media-based teaching materials, action projects, and assessment tools designed to integrate marine-focused lessons into various subjects and curriculum. Educator content can be accessed here.

Funding and content for “Shipping on the Seaway” was made possible through the generous collaboration of industry partners, including the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the CSL Group, The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, organizations committed to advancing maritime education and sustainability.

For more information about “Shipping on the Seaway” and Ocean School’s educational resources, visit https://oceanschool.nfb.ca/collection/shipping-on-the-seaway.

“’Shipping on the Seaway’ bridges classroom learning to real-world application, allowing students to see how Canadian ships transport essential products and to understand the wider economic impacts of shipping. Focusing on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region, we aim to inspire students to appreciate shipping’s vital role in sustaining prosperity and environmental stewardship.”
– Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce

“CSL is thrilled to be part of this initiative that shines a spotlight on our vessel, CSL St. Laurent, and the essential role seafarers plays in safe, efficient and sustainable marine shipping. Our biofuels project demonstrates our commitment to eco-friendly operations, supporting the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We hope this program inspires young people to join an innovative industry that is working towards a cleaner and greener future for all.”
– Louis Martel, President and CEO, The CSL Group

“Partnering with ‘Shipping on the Seaway’ has been a creative way to give students a firsthand look at the inner workings of the St. Lawrence Seaway and its locks. This is a unique opportunity for young people to witness the marvel of maritime engineering and appreciate the intricate processes involved in maintaining our vital waterways.”
– Nicole Giroux-Laplante, Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications at The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

“Ocean School has developed an incredible way to encourage exploration of the rewarding and diverse marine career opportunities in Canada. Our sector is facing critical labour shortages, and it’s essential that we educate the next generation about the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the marine industry.”
– Julia Fields, Executive Director, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation

“Ocean School is excited to release a new collection of content on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the lock system. This content allows students to explore a real-world application of marine science, demonstrating the intricacies of a major waterway that is pivotal to international trade. By studying the Seaway and its lock system, students gain insights into complex logistical challenges, engineering marvels, and the environmental considerations necessary in managing such a significant maritime route. We are hopeful that the inclusion of this content can inspire students to pursue careers in marine industries, fostering the next generation of professionals who will continue to advance our understanding and stewardship of marine environments.
– Jac Gautreau, Director of business development, distribution and production, Ocean School

####

About Ocean School:

Ocean School is a program of the Ocean Frontier Institute in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada. Ocean School is a free online educational experience that sits at the intersection of science, education, and storytelling. Its mission is to advance environmental awareness and ocean literacy—the understanding of our influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on us. Ocean School develops online and classroom-based resources that illustrate the complex relationship between humans and the ocean. Learning tools include short films, interactive games, 360-degree immersive ocean experiences and more.

About the Partners:

• CSL Group
• Chamber of Marine Commerce 
• Canadian Marine Careers Foundation 
• The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation 

Joseph L. Block likely first boat at the Soo Friday; Visitor Center open house Saturday

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – With her late afternoon Wednesday departure from BayShip at
Sturgeon Bay, the Joseph L. Block looks like it will be the first vessel to transit the Soo
locks Friday afternoon to open the new shipping season. The vessel, operated by
Central Marine Logistics, is due at DeTour around 10 a.m. Thursday.

Indiana Harbor looked like it might have taken the inaugural honors, but as of 10 p.m.
Wednesday she was still fueling at the Mistersky dock in Detroit.

The captain and crew of the first vessel will be greeted by Sault Ste. Marie officials who
will present the captain and crew with First Ship caps courtesy the Soo Locks Visitor
Center Association, as well as plaques, a mayoral proclaimation and other honors,
including copies of the 2024 Know Your Ships book. Joining them will be the winner of
a raffle sponsored by the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association.

The Soo Locks open Friday, March 22, at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Soo Locks Visitor
Center will host an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cookies and
coffee, check boat arrival schedules and share ship stories with fellow Boatnerds.

Special guest Roger LeLievre, Know Your Ships editor, will be available starting at 11
a.m. to sell and sign copies of the latest edition.

NEWS21

Boatnerds excited about Soo Locks opening Friday at 6 p.m.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The Soo Locks officially open Friday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in Sault
Ste. Marie, MI, and locals and people from far away are excited. This is earlier than the
scheduled 12:01 a.m. March 25 opening.

For those fans of watching, chasing and taking pictures of the freighters, they are a
special group of people called Boatnerds.

Lifelong Boatnerd Roger LeLievre, author of the annual book Know Your Ships,
explained why opening day is so important to him.

Opening Day is not only the start of the shipping season, but it is the start of my Know
Your Ships books season. It’s a sign that spring is here and it’s time for me to shake off
winter and get back to doing what I love the most, which is chasing boats and selling
books, LeLievre said.

Opening day is also about catching up with friends after a two-and-a-half-month break
from chasing boats.

“I also get a chance to reconnect with Boatnerd friends on Opening Day who are also
happy to see the ships moving again and are willing to travel quite a ways to watch the
opener. The Boatnerd community is like my family and I’m personally excited to be back
in action after winter lay-up, LeLievre added.

Nick Stenstrup, who lives in Minnesota, has been a Boatnerd since he was in
elementary school. Somewhere around 6th or 7th grade. I went from that’s really cool
to being a part of the Know Your Ships team and working with historical societies. It is a
vocation,Stenstrup said. Opening Day is like the second New Year’s Day of the
calendar year. And then we get baseball shortly after! I hope the mariners are excited to
get back to work with good spring weather.

Stenstrup says he loves being part of the Boatnerd community. Every year proves how
large and how connected the community is becoming. It’s great to be a part of it,
Stenstrup said.

Joy Fett, a Sault Ste. Marie resident, is also a Boatnerd who has her own Facebook
page to express her love for the freighters.

My FB page is dedicated to those who are not fortunate enough to see them every day
or who have a huge love and interest in the shipping industry. Bringing the love of the
vessels to those who enjoy seeing them and what they do. Plus with a lot of families on
shore, they will be able to see their loved ones are hard at work and safe. Bringing them
the joy to be able to see their loved ones working hard, helps to ease their minds a bit,
Fett said.

She, too, is excited about opening day on Friday.

Opening day brings a rush of nostalgia for me. Takes me back to the days of my dad
and me watching them sail in and out of port. When I’m out chasing them, a part of my
father is with me. Love seeing the beauty in them but at the same, seeing the hard work
that goes into them sailing from port to port keeping America’s Infrastructure moving.

Work that is not for the faint of heart. Opening day brings a lot. Hard to put it all into
words. Just knowing I’m keeping a tradition alive that started with my father who loved
to watch them. He always said there is an er of mystery about them. A true fascination.

I want to keep alive a memory that my father instilled in me, Fett concluded.

Andrea Guerriero, who lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, also has a dedicated
Facebook page.

The opening of the Soo Locks always gets Boatnerds excited because we know all of
our favorite ships and crews are returning for another season. We get to try to figure
out who might be first through the locks, we get to talk about the new ships that will be
coming to the Great Lakes and the ones that have retired, we have to discuss our
favorites and many of us get to plan trips to our favorite locations to watch them, and
attend events that focus on these amazing engineering masterpieces that somehow
float on water carrying tens of thousands of tons of cargo, Guerriero said.

Throughout her years chasing the ships, she has gotten to know a lot of the captains
and crew members of many freighters and companies.

I personally love it because I’m passionate about photographing the ships and crews
and capturing those moments in time that will later become a part of shipping history,
but it’s also another opportunity to meet new people, whether it’s other shipping
followers or the crews that sail. And of course, any opportunity to educate myself more
gets me excited as well. Great Lakes Shipping is an incredibly fascinating industry with
so much about these ships and crews to learn. I am fortunate to know many of the
crews who sail, so I can ask the questions and learn all about what they do and how,
and with the platform I have on Facebook, I can then share all that I learn with everyone
who follows what I do and then we all know more about the importance of this industry
and what it means for both the Canadian and US economies. And for Boatnerds that’s
just as important as the ships themselves. Learning about the crews and what they do
makes it an even more amazing experience when we see them float by, Guerriero
ended.

Ray Bell, who owns several businesses, including Das Gift Haus, across from the Soo
Locks, is happy that opening day was bumped up to Friday.

I do think having the opening of the locks on Friday is a big deal. The opening of the
locks is always a big boost for business especially when it is around a weekend. This is
very exciting for business and personal. I love the freighters and follow the Boatnerds,
Bell said.

Soo Today

Welland Canal is set to open for the shipping season this Friday

An opening ceremony will be held Friday to mark the 66th navigation season on the St.
Lawrence Seaway. Ships will start moving at 8 a.m.

The Welland Canal closed for the winter earlier this year on January 7th.

President and CEO Terence Bowles will host U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht and special guests. The
event will be held at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.

Combined with the eight locks of the Welland Canal, which link Lake Ontario to Lake
Erie, the binational St. Lawrence Seaway’s 15 locks allow ships to travel between
Montreal and Lake Erie.

Indiana Harbor on tap to open Soo Locks

Indiana Harbor left winter lay-up Wednesday morning bound for Two Harbors. After fueling in Detroit, she is expected to be the first passage at the Soo Locks on Friday.

BBC Chartering takes delivery of 10 LakerMax vessels fitted for Great Lakes/Seaway use

Germany’s BBC Chartering has opened the door to a new era with the introduction of a
new 10-strong fleet of heavy-lift, multipurpose vessels.

“The design of the BBC LakerMax ships has been optimized to fit both the St. Lawrence
Seaway and the Great Lakes,” BBC Chartering indicated in the latest edition of its in-
house magazine. Hence all ships bear a Laker identity in the name.

“These cutting-edge triple-deckers represent a significant leap forward in the world of
heavy-lift and project cargo transportation, manifesting our commitment to reliability,
efficiency, and innovation,” the company said.

The ships are equipped with a 6,000 kW MAN B&W engine that offers an eco-friendly
service speed of 15.6 knots, according to BBC Chartering.

The company will take delivery of 10 LakerMax, 13,000 dwt MPPs starting this April until
2026.

The BBC Leer will the first vessel in a series of ships that will be equipped with two
powerful Liebherr LS 250 cranes, capable of lifting up to 500 metric tons with a
maximum hoist of 36.0 meters. The crew accommodation and bridge are at the front of
the ship, while all on-deck facilities are located on the portside. This design allows for an
unobstructed weather deck of 2,830 square meters.

With a nominal TEU capacity of 970 containers and certified to operate with open hatch
covers, the BBC LakerMax vessels have two box-shaped cargo holds, which can
accommodate up to 25,795 cubic meters of cargo on a floor space of up to 4,850
square meters. They also have two tween decks in operation. Compared to existing
tonnage, these cargo spaces have a higher capacity which allows for up to 30%
reduction in GHG emissions per freight ton carried.

The cargo hold of the vessel has three decks and can accommodate cargo units of up
to 104.3 meters in length and 18.2 meters in width under the deck. The hatch covers
and tweendecks can support loads of up to 4.0 metric tons per square meter, while the
tanktop can handle up to 20.0 metric tons per square meter, and in some parts, up to
25.0 metric tons per square meter.

The LakerMax ships of BBC are designed to cater to the varied requirements of clients
from various industries. The company says they offer a versatile solution for transporting
gigantic machinery, oversized components required for energy projects, or critical
infrastructure materials. Their adaptability makes them suitable for transporting different
types of cargo.

Maritime Magazine

New bag rule announced for 2024 Soo Locks Engineers Day

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the
City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, the United
States Coast Guard, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater
Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and Superior Health
Systems are hosting open house events for the 2024 Soo Locks Engineers Day on
June 28.

“One significant change this year is the requirement for all bags coming into the Soo
Locks to be clear,” Jason Wojnaroski Soo Project Office Assistant Operations Manager
said. “For our visitors bringing bags, clear bags no larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches
deep and 12 inches wide will be required for entry to the event.”

All persons entering the Soo Locks are subject to a security search. Firearms, weapons,
drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted. Clear bags will
allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe
event for everyone.

Visitors are welcome into the Soo Locks facility and across the MacArthur Lock from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 28.

“Visitors will still not be able to cross the Poe Lock this year, due to ongoing construction
for the New Lock at the Soo project,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Project Office
Operations Manager. “Visitors will be able to tour the first floor of the historic
Administration Building.”

Visitors should plan on entering the Soo Locks facility at the east end, crossing the
downstream gate of the MacArthur Lock, and exiting the west end, crossing back on the
upstream gate. Exceptions will be made for those who may have difficulty walking the
entire length of the lock.

Since 1975, the Soo Locks have been hosting Engineers Day, traditionally held the last
Friday in June to honor the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ June 16, 1775, birthday.

Along with welcoming visitors into the Soo Locks complex, Canal Park and the viewing
platform will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor
Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau is closing a portion of Portage
Avenue to focus on downtown city merchants and vendors. Downtown Portage Avenue
will close to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians and vendors between Ferris Street
and Osborn Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 28.

“The Soo Locks are a vital part of our community’s history. Engineers Day lets us
celebrate the history and ingenuity behind the Soo Locks,” said Linda Hoath, executive
director of the Sault Area Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau. “Over the past few years, we’ve
helped grow Engineers Day into an event that involves the whole downtown. We look
forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to downtown for Engineers Day.”

Along with allowing visitors into the Soo Locks facility, several other events will take
place:

• United States Coast Guard open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems Arts, Crafts
  and Family Fun Fair at the City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education will
  be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Great Lakes levels expected to be down this summer, still higher than average

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – The latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
expects water levels on the Great Lakes to come down this summer, closer to average.
Lake levels typically wane in the fall and winter and rise in the spring and summer, but
lower snow totals and higher evaporation rates from a lack of ice will slow down this
year’s swing.

Data: Great Lakes hit record low for ice levels

According to the USACE’s February water level summary, Lake Michigan-Huron —
counted together because the two lakes share a basin — is currently four inches above
its long-term average for February.

Forecasts expect Michigan-Huron to be between 1 and 6 inches below last year’s lake
levels. That would be roughly 32 inches below the record highs, and only 1 to 3 inches
above the long-term average.

Lake Superior and Lake Ontario are expected to come in below long-term average
levels this summer, while Lake Erie is expected to stay 6 to 13 inches above the long-
term average.

The Great Lakes saw a surge in the 2010s after setting a record low in 2013. The high
levels led to widespread erosion, which meant less room on beaches. In some cases, it
even meant houses or other parts of property lost to the lake.

WOOD

Blair McKeil being fitted with loader cranes in Holland

The Canadian-registered general cargo ship Blair McKeil of the McKeil Marine Ltd., fleet based in Burlington, ON, is currently alongside in the Neptune Repair yard in Hardinxveld, South Holland.

She is being fitted with two ship loader cranes that have been designed and built by TMS Technical & Maritime Services B.V. based on the other side of the river in Werkendam, North Brabant.

This week crane components were delivered by floating sheerlegs crane from TMS to be installed on the Blair McKeil. The ship will be ready to leave within two weeks.

Heavy Lift News

https://www.heavyliftnews.com/mckeil-marines-blair-mckeil-being-fitted-with-tms-loader-cranes-at-neptune-repair-yard/?fbclid=IwAR3uXvQUlVpO-H9NacbRJDBkpBlX1nUXfIxrVydxqE97FfvUOMO6sbicats

Damages being assessed after welding sparks ignite fire on Cuyahoga

ASHTABULA, OH – Multiple fire departments and U.S. Coast Guard personnel fought a
blaze aboard the motor vessel Cuyahoga, docked in Ashtabula for winter lay-up, Friday
afternoon.

According to City of Ashtabula Fire Rescue there were no reported injuries. Reporting
on social media said the fire started 2 p.m. and took three hours to put out. The fire was
caused by welding; flames ignited paint on inside of cargo hold, the fire spread to the
main deck and the unloading belt caught fire. The fire was extinguished by late Friday
afternoon and damages will now be assessed.

The vessel was being worked on for the upcoming shipping season when the fire broke
out, USCG Great Lakes said.

The self-unloading vessel, operated by Rand Logistics’ Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., is the
oldest Canadian-registered ship still in active service on the Great Lakes. She was built
in 1943 to support the war effort, sailing for many years as J. Burton Ayers, and was
converted into a self-unloader in 1974. She experienced a serious engine room fire last
May while on Lake Erie but was repaired and returned to service last fall.

The American Courage and Victory/Maumee, laid-up nearby, were far enough away to
not be in danger. Northern Venture arrived off Ashtabula to load coke for Thessalon,
ON, Friday, however they went to anchor.

Large crowds drawn to watch ship fire in Ashtabula Harbor

ASHTABULA, OH – Large clouds of black smoke could be seen for miles as the
Cuyahoga burned in Ashtabula Harbor on Friday afternoon. Area residents jammed
viewing areas taking photos and shooting video with cell phones at Point Park and the
old CSX building on East Sixth Street near the bridge over the rail yard.

Harlan Rinto, who worked in the Ashtabula Harbor for 35 years, marveled at the fire
from the back of the Ashtabula Maritime and Surface Transportation Museum. He said
he was a fourth-generation worker on ships in Ashtabula Harbor. He said he had never
seen a fire like the one Friday.

Many others felt the same way as people tried to navigate in and out of a clogged
parking lot at Point Park. Cars parked in the museum parking lot and up and down
Walnut Boulevard. The parking lot at the former CSX Railroad offices quickly filled with
people trying to get the best view of the fire.

The Cuyahoga was docked in the western portion of the property northeast of the
Ashtabula Lift Bridge. Firefighters arriving on the scene made their way through the
property to get close enough to the ship to fight the blaze.

An Ashtabula ladder truck set up on the western side of the ship to fight the blaze and
fire engines from numerous area companies responded to the fire.
Star-Beacon

Detroit River power plant smokestacks demolished Friday after 100 years

DETROIT, MI – Demolition crews took down a piece of downriver Detroit history on Friday morning, bringing down the century-old Trenton Power Plant smokestacks at 7 a.m.

DTE said the power plant along the Detroit River – which once received shipments by lake vessels and was a maritime landmark – was taken down in a controlled explosion.

The plant was in operation from 1924 through 2022 when it was officially retired. DTE has plans to redevelop the site of the old plant down the road. The second phase of demolition will demolish the boiler house and that’s set to take place in mid May.

Watch a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VltbecTHtCo

WXYZ

Cuyahoga on fire at shipyard

3:40 PM UPDATE :Ladder trucks on scene still throwing water, flames under control. Everyone is off the ship, no injuries reported.

ASHTABULA, OH – The self-unloader Cuyahoga, Canada’s oldest operating lake vessel, is on fire. Photos on the internet show that the blaze may have originated on deck near the unloading boom, then moved forward, however that is just speculation at this time. Firefighting crews are on scene.

The Boatnerd layup list shows her at the NS Dock in Ashtabula, OH, where she was being prepared for the 2024 season. This is the same vessel that had an engine room fire while on Lake Erie last May. She was repaired and returned to service last fall.

More news as it becomes available.