Boatnerds say farewell to last freighter of 2023/2024 shipping season

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Around 9:45 Tuesday morning, the Philip R. Clarke closed out the 2023-
2024 shipping season on the St. Marys River, being the last freighter through the Soo Locks.

The 767 x 70 Clarke was hauling 23,600 gross tons of iron ore to Conneaut, OH then will head
to Toledo for winter lay-up. The Soo Locks will be closed to perform seasonal critical
maintenance and will reopen to freighters at 12:01 a.m. March 25, 2024.

“Every year, the Corps of Engineers uses the non-navigation winter period to perform
maintenance and keep the Soo Locks operating,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit
said. “The Detroit District team works long hours in extreme conditions to complete a
significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. The work they perform is
unique, especially given the harsh northern Michigan winter conditions they work in.”

For the next two months, there will be an occasional tanker that will deliver its load at the
Purvis Dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada but they would not utilize the Soo Locks.

With the Clarke being the last freighter through, those people who passionately follow the
vessels for the 10 months the Soo Locks are open, found it to be a touch sentimental. Those
passionate followers of the freighters are called Boatnerds.

One lifelong Boatnerd, Roger LeLievre, was one of a handful of people who followed the Clarke
through the Locks and then downbound at Rotary Park Tuesday morning.

This is what it is all about. I am no armchair Boatnerd. I am freezing out here in one-degree
temperature. I have a lot of pictures of the Philip R. Clarke. I do not need any more. But it is
rather about the hunt and the chase. It gets me out in the fresh air and talk to others who are
into the boats, too. It’s a great way to socialize, LeLievre said. It’s always bittersweet. I love to
see this old classic steamer closing the season. It brings back memories of shipping seasons past
when I was a kid.

LeLievre will still be busy the next couple of months finishing up the popular Know Your Ships
annual publication. It’s kind of the changing of the seasons. It marks the beginning of winter
for me. I am hard at work on the 2025 Know Your Ships book. It gives me more time to work at
my computer because I am not out running around in the cold weather taking pictures,
LeLievre chuckled.

Another Boatnerd, Andrea Guerriero, drove from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to capture the
Clarke. Guerriero has a Facebook page reflecting her passion as a Boatnerd. Our love is so
deep for these ships and we are so passionate about it. I don’t know if it could have been any
better because of the sea smoke, no wind and lovely shots with the light,Guerriero said.

Guerrierro was in constant contact with the captain of the Clarke leading up to the freighter
heading through the Locks Tuesday morning. He is a special guy. He loves his crew so much and
for him, it is all about his crew. He actually mentioned to me that it was special to be with his
crew before they go home, she said. They are happy to see that we love what they do. It
makes them proud of what they do.

The Cozy Corners Tavern and Grill in Barbeau, is located right on the St. Marys River. It is a great
place to watch the freighters downbound heading into Rock Cut. Owner Sara Gordon says she
and her customers will miss the freighters for the next couple of months.

We’re one of the lucky ones that get to have a front-row seat 10 months out of the year and
I’m here to tell you, it never gets old. However, the 10 weeks without them seem like forever,
Gordon said.

But Gordon has plans to keep the customers coming in with various events. We do our best to
create fun things to do in Barbeau’s “dark days” without the freighters. Craft shows, ice fishing
tournaments, kids events, sprint car races, we do our best to take advantage of the shipping
channel becoming dormant and freezing over. All the activities are on our Facebook page, she
explained.

Maxine Anderson lives in Barbeau on the St. Marys River. Living on the river, I am truly blessed
with the beautiful sight of freighters on the Great Lakes for the majority of the year. But as a
true Boatnerd, I understand the importance of the mariners and locks needing their well-
deserved off-season rest. It’s always with much sadness when this last day arrives but I think
most nerds feel that opening day is like Christmas morning as we all eagerly await the presence
of our beloved freighters. It has become like a national holiday in our area, Anderson said.

View the report here: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/boat-nerds-say-farewell-to-last-
freighter-of-20232024-shipping-season
8122717?fbclid=IwAR12AUBztAowV5vttRgFZJ5K7gBr_UB2BF2P5qtuFMLDNDJX0KpazyRPkK4

OBITUARY: Aerial photographer Donald B. Coles

Donald Coles, age 76, of Auburn Hills, MI, passed away on Jan. 4, 2024. He was born Jan. 1,
1948, in Detroit. He was a millwright by trade but also a private pilot and aerial photographer.

He owned an aerial and legal photography business, enjoyed the adventure of flying and loved
to travel. He often shared his amazing aerial photos of the Great Lakes shipping scene on
boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/ in the days before drones. Services will be private.

 Winter lay-up list is now active

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The page will be updated throughout the winter. Please send lay-up reports to news@boatnerd.net.

Philip R. Clarke ends 2023-24 Soo Locks season

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The 1952-built steamer Philip R. Clarke, captained by Scott Hein, closed
the 2023-24 Soo Locks season when she passed downbound on a sunny but cold Tuesday
morning bound from Two Harbors, MN, to Conneaut, OH, with taconite pellets. Once unloaded,
she will winter at Toledo.

Boatwatchers at Mission Point were treated to a full salute, complete with cheers from those
on the boat and on the shore. A placard placed at engine room door by the chief engineer Kate
Walheim, proclaimed “If you ain’t first, you’re last!”

She was followed closely by the tug Shirley Ann and barge, headed for Cheboygan, MI, for the
winter. The pair spent the season working on the New Lock project at the Soo.

The Soo Locks will remain closed through 12:01 a.m. March 25 to perform seasonal critical
maintenance. The Soo Locks’ other operating lock, the MacArthur Lock closed for the
Navigation Season at 7 a.m. on December 17 and will remain closed through April 24, 2024.

Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of
vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

“Every year, the Corps of Engineers uses the non-navigation winter period to perform
maintenance and keep the Soo Locks operating,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit
said. “The Detroit District team works long hours in extreme conditions to complete a
significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. The work they perform is
unique, especially given the harsh northern Michigan winter conditions they work in.”

The team will install a temporary panel bridge across the Poe Lock. This panel bridge will
provide the ability to mobilize materials and equipment to the job sites throughout the winter
closure.

Maintenance crews will complete structural inspections, maintenance and install lifting lugs on
the upstream miter gate. On the downstream miter gates. crews will install anchorage
components and complete critical structural repairs. Major rehabilitation will continue on the
Poe Lock’s upstream and downstream ship arrestor systems.

The miter gates are the large gates serving as dams at each end of the lock chamber, sealing the
chamber and allowing the water level to be raised and lowered in the chamber.

Additionally, crews will perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from replacement of
pier fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical
systems on both Poe and MacArthur Locks.

“With the winter temperatures being more mild than previous years, the Soo Operations team
has been proactively prepping for the non-navigation season,” Soo Locks Operations Manager
LeighAnn Ryckeghem said. “Every year weather poses challenges and adds intensity to
maintenance, the team is highly skilled and equipped to safely execute critical projects that
allow for continued operational reliability during the navigation season,”

Contractors are currently working on the Poe Lock ship arrestor project. OCCI of Missouri, was
awarded the contract in July 2021, for $17.5 million after awarded options. This winter the
company is primarily completing the rehabilitation of the upstream arrestor, installing the new
arrestor machinery and replacing the arrestor boom.
View a video, with a salute, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAM1MaGZUBI

With Soo Locks closed, winter work starts at Fraser

Superior, WI – The Soo Locks closed on Tuesday morning after the Philip R. Clarke made it
through. She was the last downbound vessel, and was carrying iron ore from the Northland.

“We are never eager to see the ships stop moving. But it was a successful season,” shared
Jayson Hron, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

A total of eight vessels will winter in the Twin Ports. Five are still on their way, so boat lovers
can expect a few more arrivals. They’ll all get work at Fraser Shipyards in Superior.

Hron added, “With those eight ships in port for winter layup, that brings lots of work for the
skilled tradespeople throughout the region. About 110 to 140 skilled tradespeople will be
employed doing the work on these eight ships that are wintering here this off season.”

The Lee A. Tregurtha and Manitoulin are at Fraser now. Baie Comeau is at the Clure Public
Marine Terminal.

WDIO

Coast Guard closing West Neebish Channel, Pipe Island Passage

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Following the closure of the Soo Locks, Per 33 CFR 162.117,
Director VTS St Marys River will close the West Neebish Channel effective 1400 local time
January 19. Alternating one-way traffic will be established in the Munuscong and Middle
Neebish Channels. The Coast Guard would like to remind all recreational ice users to plan their
activity carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels.

In addition, in accordance with 33 CFR 162.117, Vessel Traffic Service St. Marys River will close
Pipe Island Passage (East of Pipe Island Shoal and North of Pipe Island Twins from Watson Reef
Light to Sweets Point). The channel will close effective 1400 EST January 19. The Pipe Island
Course will become alternating one-way traffic.

USCG

 Winter lay-up list is now active

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Two vessels vie for last ship at the Soo Locks

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The Soo Locks will close today with either American Spirit upbound or
Philip R. Clarke. Watch this page for updates. Edwin H. Gott and Great Republic were
downbound on a cold but sunny Monday. Still anchored above the locks waiting for weatherMonday were Arthur M. Anderson, John G. Munson and Paul R. Tregurtha. John J. Boland was
at Algoma Steel. Once they are able to proceed, they will head for Duluth/Superior to lay up for
the winter. Indiana Harbor was hugging the Michigan shore downbound Monday evening and
will be the next-to-last downbounder.

 Winter lay-up list is now active

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Soo traffic slows to a trickle; locks close today

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Traffic at the Soo on Sunday consisted of John J. Munson upbound and
Walter J. McCarthy Jr. downbound. The Munson went to anchor above the locks for weather,
joining fleetmate Arthur M. Anderson. At 10 p.m. Sunday, Edgar B. Speer, H. Lee White,
Victory/Maumee, Great Republic and Kaye E. Barker were all headed for the locks downbound.

In addition, Edwin H Gott was downbound off the Keweenaw Peninsula, while Indiana Harbor,
followed by Philip R. Clarke, were also headed for the Soo off Lake Superior. The Clarke may be
the vessel that closes the locks downbound for the season. John J. Boland remained moored at
Algoma Steel for weather. Paul R. Tregurtha was in the Straits headed for Duluth, followed by
American Spirit, which will likely be the last upbound.

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A massive winter storm has stopped
most Great Lakes vessel traffic

10 a.m. SATURDAY UPDATE: Some vessels were on the move Saturday morning as it appeared the worst of the storm had passed.

ORIGINAL REPORT: With high winds Friday night and into Saturday, most Great Lakes vessels prudently headed to anchor or remained in port. Forecasters say northeast winds will blow 30 to 40 knots with gusts
up to 55 knots with waves 18 to 23 feet expected.

NWS meteorologists issued a Storm Warning for Lake Superior beginning 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan.
11, until 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 as the looming storm – expected to rapidly intensify into a
dangerous blizzard – moves in over the weekend.

Heeding the warnings, Edgar B. Speer, Great Republic and H. Lee White were moored at Duluth.
Philip R. Clarke and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. were at Two Harbors, with Indiana Harbor hugging
the shoreline headed there. John J. Boland was in Thunder Bay. Kaye E. Barker snuggled up
close to the shore in the lee of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Edwin H. Gott was stopped behind the
Apostle Islands.

The lower St. Marys River above DeTour hosted Harvest Spirit, James R. Barker, Herbert C.
Jackson, American Integrity, Lee A. Tregurtha and Dirk S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader Friday night.
Olive L. Moore/Menominee, Samuel De Champlain/Innovation, Stewart J. Cort and Burns
Harbor were anchored off Brevort, MI. Arthur M. Anderson pulled into the bay off Petoskey,
MI.

Algoma Intrepid, Defiance/Ashtabula and American Mariner were stopped above Port
Huron/Sarnia. On the hook off Sandusky/Huron, OH, were Algoma Niagara, Mark W. Barker,
American Century, Hon. James L. Oberstar and Manitowoc.

The National Weather Service said Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake St. Clair and
down into Lake Erie will be roiling with dangerous waves and winds that have the potential to
overturn ships and could even lead to lakeshore flooding.

Experts sent an urgent warning for sailors to remain at port or secure their vessel for severe
conditions as the storm moves through.

More dangerous is a Heavy Freezing Spray Warning also in effect for central, eastern and
western Lake Superior the same timeframe that will see freezing spray at a rate of 2 cm per
hour or greater expected and may rapidly accumulate on vessels.

Operating a vessel in heavy freezing spray is hazardous, the NWS cautioned. Freezing spray
may render mechanical and electronic components inoperative. Rapid ice accretion on decks
and superstructures may result in a catastrophic loss of stability. Very strong winds will cause
hazardous waves which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility.

The northern waters of Lake Huron from 5 NM east of Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Lt
beyond 5 NM off shore and from Presque Isle Light to Sturgeon Point beyond 5 NM off shore
under a Storm Warning that remains in effect from Friday morning until Saturday evening with
forecasted sustained winds up to 44 knots from the northeast with gusts up to 50 knots.

The National Weather Service said Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake St. Clair and
down into Lake Erie will be roiling with dangerous waves and winds that have the potential to
overturn ships and could even lead to lakeshore flooding.

The northern waters of Lake Huron from 5 NM east of Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Lt
beyond 5 NM off shore and from Presque Isle Light to Sturgeon Point beyond 5 NM off shore
under a Storm Warning that remains in effect from Friday morning until Saturday evening with
forecasted sustained winds up to 44 knots from the northeast with gusts up to 50 knots.

The largest significant waves will be 20 feet with a potential maximum wave height of 29 feet
expected around midnight on Saturday.

Southern Lake Huron – from Outer Saginaw Bay SW of Alabaster to Port Austin MI to Inner
Saginaw Bay to include Port Austin, Harbor Beach, Port Sanilac, Port Huron – is all under a Gale
Warning. Forecasters say hazardous conditions will include sustained winds up to 35 knots from
the southwest with gusts up to 46 knots. The largest significant waves will be 14 feet with a
potential maximum wave height of 20 feet expected around 9 p.m. Friday.

On the west side, the northern half of Lake Michigan, north of a line from Two Rivers, WI, to
Manistee, MI, is under a Gale Warning which is expected to upgrade to a Storm Warning from
Friday morning into Saturday morning.

For the first Gale Warning, east winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and waves 6 to 9 feet
expected, the NWS said. For the Storm Warning, northeast winds 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to
50 kt and waves 12 to 17 ft expected. For the second Gale Warning, north to northwest winds
25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and waves 11 to 16 ft expected.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said waves will be so impressive,
they could lead to lakeshore flooding along Lake Michigan's southern shores, to include Benton
Harbor, St. Joseph, Lakeside, New Buffalo and more.

On Lake Erie, mariners from the Islands to Conneaut, Ohio can expect southwest winds
between 40 to 50 knots with gusts up to 60 knots and waves 13 to 18 feet possible with a Gale
Watch in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.

Southeast winds Friday evening become southwest Friday night, the NWS said of conditions
of Lake Erie. The strongest winds are expected on Saturday. Abnormally low water levels are
possible in the western basin of Lake Erie.

Strong southwesterly winds will cause water levels to quickly drop across the western basin of
Lake Erie, the NWS said. The critical mark for safe navigation at Toledo is 6 inches above low
water datum. The current projection is for water levels to fall 2 to 4 feet below the critical
mark.

Mariners were urged to navigate shallow waters with extreme caution.

WWJ, Boatnerd reports

In St. Joughnuts, dockside doughnut
deliveries welcome freighters

This story is part of Mornings in Michigan, our series about morning rituals from across our
state.

Another Great Lakes shipping season comes to an end on Monday when the Soo Locks close for
annual maintenance. Massive freight ships are icons of the Great Lakes and they're woven into
the identities of Great Lakes port towns.

In one town on Lake Michigan, folks show their appreciation by greeting almost every big ship
and crew that comes to harbor with a sweet treat, free of charge.

That’s how St. Joseph, Michigan has earned the nickname St. Joughnuts by sailors in the know.

The first thing you need to know about St. Joseph is it’s a boat-watching haven. It’s located on
the shoreline of Lake Michigan south of Muskegon. The St. Joseph River runs between St.
Joseph and neighboring Benton Harbor near downtown. When freighters hundreds of feet long
and dozens of feet tall come through, it’s a tight fit, so the views are great.

“One thing I like about our port is just how small, and I would say, intimate it is,” said St. Joseph
harbormaster Mike Moran. “You’re up close to the freighters. No matter where they’re at,
you’re up close and can see them very easily.”

On April 2, 2021, Moran started a new tradition. When a big boat comes to town, he hand-
delivers fresh, free doughnuts to the crew.

Read more and view photos here: https://www.michiganpublic.org/community/2024-01-
12/mornings-in-michigan-in-st-joughnuts-dockside-doughnut-deliveries-welcome-
freighters?fbclid=IwAR1Y7pI52IWB8U35PgrlH1xICKFcuW4_j-DvBLlpJnqxs2JcpQjWxt74F_o

 Winter lay-up list is now active

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Soo Locks closing for seasonal repair, maintenance.

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will close to all marine
traffic beginning 11:59 p.m. January 15, or until commercial traffic ceases, through 12:01 a.m.
March 25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.

Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of
vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

“Every year, the Corps of Engineers uses the non-navigation winter period to perform
maintenance and keep the Soo Locks operating,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit
said. “The Detroit District team works long hours in extreme conditions to complete a
significant amount of maintenance during this annual closure period. The work they perform is
unique, especially given the harsh northern Michigan winter conditions they work in.”

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Seaway’s last vessels for the season

MONTREAL, QC – Jan. 5 marked the closing of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the
binational St. Lawrence Seaway. The tanker Mia Desgagnes was the last downbound vessel to
transit the U.S. Locks for the 2023 shipping season. The vessel was transporting petroleum
products from Sarnia to Montreal.

The bulk carrier Algoma Conveyor was the last upbound vessel to transit the U.S. locks for the
2023 navigation season. The vessel was in ballast transiting from Quebec to Port Colborne, ON.

Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation

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Coast Guard begins Operation Taconite icebreaking operations

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI — U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes commenced Operation
Taconite on Wednesday to prevent newly-formed ice from hindering commercial traffic.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar is assigned to manage the ice breaking needs of western Lake
Superior, specifically the twin ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI. As ice coverage expands,
U.S. Coast Guard officials will assign additional ice breakers.

Operation Taconite is the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation. The operation
encompasses Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac, and
Georgian Bay. Various commercial waterways may close after due consideration is given to the
protection of the marine environment, the need for cross-channel traffic (e.g., ferries) and the
safety of the island residents, who during their daily business use naturally formed ice bridges
for transportation to and from the mainland.

The implementation of Operation Taconite places additional movement criteria on commercial
vessels transiting the area of operation. These measures may include restricting tanker transits
to daylight in the presence of ice, reducing speeds by 2 miles per hour in specified locations to
reduce incidental ice breaking, and requiring additional voice and position reporting points
throughout the operation’s area of responsibility. The Coast Guard recommends all recreational
ice users plan their activities carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay clear from shipping
channels.

USCG

NEWS 11

Trade organizations stop selling American Queen Voyages over service issues

Several trade organizations – including Signature Travel Network, Pleasant Holidays and AAA
Travel – have stopped selling American Queen Voyages trips because of service issues, reports
Travel Weekly. In addition, Virtuoso has taken the U.S. cruise line off its preferred supplier list.

American Queen Voyages declined to comment for Travel Weekly’s story. American Queen has
operated two vessels on the Great Lakes the last several summers but announced last year it
was exiting the market, with the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager now for sale.

The issues range from late commissions to problems with customer service and refunds,
according to Travel Weekly. Travel advisors told the publication their clients also dealt with
poor communication, late-issued travel documents and pre-cruise package mishandling,
including a last-minute pre-stay cancellation with no notice.

Trade organizations trace the issues back to “recent sales support and leadership changes” at
American Queen Voyages, according to a Jan. 3 statement to travel advisors from Julie Howard,
Signature’s vice president of cruise partnerships, as reported by Travel Weekly.

However, many clients also reported having positive onboard experiences during their cruises.

The trade organizations said they would consider resuming their partnerships with American
Queen Voyages, once the cruise line resolves the problems.

We stopped selling American Queen Voyages in November 2023 and have not resumed sales
to date due to service issues, said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, to Travel
Weekly. If outstanding service issues can be resolved, we will consider resuming sales.

American Queen Voyages provides domestic cruises on the Mississippi, Illinois, Columbia,
Snake, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers aboard its four river cruise ships. In addition, it offers
expedition cruises in Alaska and British Columbia, as well as Mexico and Costa Rica, aboard its
one expedition ship, the Ocean Victory.

The cruise line resulted from the September 2021 merger of American Queen Steamboat
Company and Victory Cruise lines by parent company Hornblower Group. This summer, the
company sold its two coastal ships, Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager, and announced it
would not return to the Great Lakes, where it had previously offered cruises.

Travel Pulse

Oats, cement, and modular housing notable shipping
season highlights for Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Duluth, MN – It has been a notable shipping season at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.
With less than a week remaining until intra-lake shipping on the Great Lakes ends with the
closure of the Soo Locks on Jan. 15, the port authority has numerous achievements to celebrate
this season.

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority experienced the longest international traffic season in the
port’s history, for a total of 277 days. The earliest oceangoing arrival in port history – the
Federal Dart, carrying cement, arrived on Mar. 28, 2023, and the Nordika Desgagnes, carrying
beet pulp pellets bound for Ireland, departed on Dec. 29, 2023.

In addition, total maritime tonnage is 4 percent ahead of the 2022-23 shipping season and
within 1 percent of the five-year average.

As of Nov. 2023, iron ore, the leading commodity traveling through the Duluth port, was
tracking 13.5 percent ahead of last year’s pace and 11.5 percent ahead of the five-year average.

The port of Duluth-Superior transports approximately 20 million tons of iron ore each shipping
season.
“It’s been a good season so far through Nov. 30, 2023,” said Jayson Hron, the director of
communication and marketing for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “We’re still in the midst of
it, hoping for a fantastic finish to the season.”

Each year, on average, the Duluth port reaches a benchmark of approximately 30-35 million
short tons. Given the shipping season so far, Hron said, “I would say it’s very likely that the total
tonnage will either reach or surpass that total this season.”

Grain, generally durum and spring wheat, is another leading commodity moving through the
port each season. However, a new grain made an interesting appearance during the 2023-24
shipping season, Hron said.
“I wouldn’t want to say it’s like unprecedented, but we haven’t had a lot of oats moving
through the Port of Duluth-Superior in the last 10 to 15 years,” he said. “It was fun to see that
type of grain come back on the docket if you will.”

Hron said factors such as the strength of the U.S. dollar and the price of grain on the global
scale significantly influence grain and other commodities moving through the port. “It’s been a
tough couple of years for grain through this port. But this year, we’ve seen a bit of an uptick,”
he said.

As of Nov. 30, grain was up 3 percent from the previous shipping season. “Hopefully, a
harbinger of good things for the future on the grain front,” Hron said.

While a wide variety of commodities and cargo move through the port, in addition to oats, Hron
said there have been a few other interesting noticeable trends during the season.

The port authority experienced an increase in cement and modular housing. While some of the
cement will remain in the Midwest for infrastructure projects, a portion entering the port was
distributed into Alberta, Canada, for infrastructure projects. “So cement obviously has been a
big mover this year,” Hron said.

Modular housing arrived at the port this season to be transported to Quebec, Canada, where it
was then transported onto another ship that was brought to the Canadian Arctic. “So definitely
touching a large part of North America and the world as a whole with our import and export
activities through this port,” said Horn.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Jayson Hron, the director of Communication and Marketing at
the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, to reflect on the highlights of the 2023-24 shipping season.

Audio from the interview is below.

Read more and listen to an audio version of this story here: https://wtip.org/oats-cement-and-modular-housing-notable-shipping-season-highlights-for-duluth-seaway-port-authority/?fbclid=IwAR31mt1KpFxlPTrScNNPqaEMHKgnQFQipcw1y68eu-gFy0tN9kdQRix-VEI

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Stormy weather slows traffic at the Soo

High winds and show sent several vessels to anchor Tuesday evening on the St. Marys River. At 9 p.m., Lee A. Tregurtha, Algoma Niagara, Mesabi Miner. Paul R. Tregurtha, Ashtabula/Defiance and Arthur M. Anderson were anchored in Potaganissing Bay above DeTour. John G. Munson was expected to join them later.

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Algoma Transport arrives at Marine Recycling Corp.

Algoma Transport arrived at her final port on Tuesday. She tied up at Marine Recycling Corp.,
Port Colborne, ON, where she will be scrapped. She tied up near the Tecumseh, which is
already being cut up.

NEWS 10

 Winter lay-up list is now active

You can monitor our annual lay-up listing page here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2023-2024/

The page will be updated throughout the winter. Please send lay-up reports to news@boatnerd.net.

Algoma Transport Update

After leaving Hamilton, ON, the Algoma Transport anchored off Port Weller Saturday morning
waiting out strong winds. They went to anchor behind Long Point in Lake Erie to wait for their
berth in Port Colborne to free up.

Janey Anderson, Ship Junkies – Lakes, Locks & Rivers

Barker horn marks Cleveland Browns’ scores

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1549678272515993

Former Great Lakes passenger
vessels on market for $20 million each

Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager, two small passenger vessels that have been familiar sights
on the Great Lakes the last few seasons, have been put up for sale by American Queen Voyages,
which announced in 2023 they would be exiting the Great Lakes market. Asking price is $
19,995,500 USD each.

https://www.yachtbroker.org/yacht-details?id=83016&vessel=2807133&title=300-ft-American-
Marine-2004-Ocean-Navigator-Mackinac-Island-Michigan-United-States-$19995500

https://www.yachtbroker.org/yacht-details?id=83016&vessel=2807122&title=300-ft-American-
Marine-2001-Ocean-Voyager-Mackinac-Island-Michigan-United-States-$19995500

NEWS7

 Winter lay-up list is now active

You can monitor our annual lay-up listing page here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2023-2024/

The page will be updated throughout the winter. Please send lay-up reports to news@boatnerd.net.