[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Michigan Trader was constructed in 2020 as an articulated self-unloading barge by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for VanEnkevort Tug & Barge of Escanaba, Michigan. She is 740′ long, 78′ wide, and 45′ deep, capable of carrying 37,512 tons at her mid-summer draft of 30′. She was equipped with a Hydraconn Articulated Tug/Barge connection system, which was pioneered by her owners. She was paired with the tugboat Dirk S. VanEnkevort. She was launched between May 27 and May 30, 2020.
The Michigan Trader was the third of three similarly designed barges, the other two being the Great Lakes Trader of 2000 and the Lakes Contender [Erie Trader, 2017] of 2012. All of these barges are currently under ownership of VanEnkevort Tug & Barge.
Michigan Trader / Dirk S. VanEnkevort departed Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on their maiden voyage on November 20, 2020.
Written by Brendan Falkowski.
| Barge Particulars | |
| Length | 740′ 00″ (225.55m) |
| Beam | 78′ 00″ (23.77m) |
| Depth | 45′ 00″ (13.72m) |
| Midsummer Draft | 30′ 00″ (9.14m) |
| Unloading Boom Length | 265′ (80.77m) |
| Capacity | 39,600 tons |
| Tugs paired with barge | |
| Dirk S. Van Enkenvort | 2021 – Today |
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