Great Lakes ports could get a boost as supply chains diversify

The fallout from Baltimore’s deadly bridge collapse could result in more business for local ports. The big picture: The Port of Baltimore leads the nation for automobile shipments and handled 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo worth nearly $81 billion in 2023, the Washington Post reports.

While recovery efforts for the bodies of four construction workers continue, the disaster has also disrupted supply chains across the country.

Great Lakes ports can be viable long-term alternatives to East Coast ports, port officials in Detroit and Monroe tell Axios, as shipping companies and manufacturers consider diversifying their supply chains to handle such catastrophes.

Rather than use the Great Lakes, in-state manufacturers typically transport goods to coastal ports via truck or rail.

Port of Monroe director Paul LaMarre sees an opportunity to reverse the decline of Great Lakes shipping. “The opportunity exists to have a direct trade lane to Europe with vehicles made in southeast Michigan or northwest Ohio straight from our ports,” he tells Axios.

The Port of Monroe is preparing for more cargo with the opening of a new container terminal in 2025. It’s part of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System and mostly handles bulk commodities like iron ore, coal, limestone and grain.

The St. Lawrence system’s conditions limit the size of vessels to about 730 feet long and 75 feet wide, LaMarre says. Business activity at Detroit’s port is limited by a complicated master concession agreement reached during former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s tenure.

While vessels on the coast can handle 20,000 containers, LaMarre says a victory at the Port of Monroe would be 400-800 containers per month.

Nevertheless, Detroit port officials reached out to large automakers that rely on the Port of Baltimore to remind them that using Great Lakes ports makes business sense. “We definitely want to be on the consideration list for plan B,” John Jamian, director of operations for the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, tells Axios.

Axios

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com