The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

BREAKING NEWS

Mainstay Maritime Sells Lower Lakes
Towing Fleet to Algoma Central Corp.

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Mainstay Maritime Inc. has announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Canadian operating companies and associated fleet of six Canadian-flagged vessels to Algoma Central Corp.

 

The transaction includes Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. and its associated operating companies including Lower Lakes Ship Repair Co., as well as six associated Canadian-flagged vessels: Kaministiqua, Manitoulin, Robert S. Pierson, Saginaw, Michipicoten and Valo (formerly American Valor).

 

Mainstay is the former Rand Logistics Inc.

 

“We are incredibly proud of the shore and vessel team who built Lower Lakes into the respected Canadian maritime operator it is today and grateful for each team member’s contributions,” said Greg Binion, CEO of Mainstay Maritime. “Algoma is an excellent steward for Lower Lakes, with deep experience and a long history of operational excellence in maritime shipping on the Great Lakes. For Mainstay, this transaction represents a natural step in Mainstay’s evolution for the long-term benefit of all our constituencies – allowing us to sharpen our focus on the U.S. Jones Act market, increase our reinvestment in our U.S. flagged fleet, and position the company to meet the growing needs of our customers.”

 

“Algoma is pleased to grow our Canadian dry-bulk fleet with the addition of Lower Lakes’ vessels and experienced team,” said Gregg Ruhl, President & CEO at Algoma. “With a long history on the Great Lakes, we understand what it takes to deliver safe, dependable marine transportation and this acquisition enhances our ability to provide exceptional marine transportation services to our customers across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway. Mainstay Maritime’s commitment to safety, reliability, and high-quality service aligns with our operational values and we intend to maintain the highest level of safety and respect as we welcome the Lower Lakes team into the Bear Family.”

 

The deal is slated to close in the first quarter of 2026. Terms weren’t disclosed.

Yahoo Finance

Two McKeil tankers sold, renamed

McKeil Marine Ltd. recently sold two tankers, both of which have been visitors to the Great Lakes-Seaway system. They are Atlantic Spirit (IMO 9580974) and Northern Spirit (IMO 9580962), now owned by Norway’s Blystad Group and managed by Scotland’s Songa Shipmanagement Ltd.
   Atlantic Spirit (built in 2011 as Adfines Star) is now named Songa Atlas. Northern Spirit (built in 2011 as Adfines Sea) is now named Songa Triton. Both are now registered in Portugal.

[Denny Dushane]

Ports of Indiana names Josh Webb director of government affairs

Written by Marine Log Staff

   Josh Webb has been appointed director of government affairs at Ports of Indiana, leading legislative strategy and advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels.
   Webb has more than a decade of experience in Indiana politics, public policy, and government operations. Most recently, he served as state director for Americans for Prosperity-Indiana, where he led grassroots advocacy efforts, political operations, and government affairs. His career also includes service as deputy state director for U.S. Senator (now Governor) Mike Braun and work for former Congressman Luke Messer, where he held positions as both policy advisor in Washington, D.C., and district director in Indiana.
   “We’re pleased to have someone with Josh’s extensive experience lead our government affairs efforts at this critical time for the maritime industry,” said Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “As we strive to expand our economic value to the state and advance critical infrastructure priorities, Josh’s leadership will be instrumental in building strong relationships and advancing new policy initiatives involving America’s Maritime Action Plan, shipbuilding, economic development, and global trade.”
   “I am excited to join the extraordinary team at Ports of Indiana and build upon the critical mission the organization serves for the people of Indiana. I look forward to helping advance key policies and developing strong partnerships that bolster Indiana’s world-class port system, generate sustained economic growth and enhance trade connectivity for Hoosiers,” said Webb.
   A native of East Central Indiana, Webb earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Ball State University and completed a graduate certificate in public management from Indiana University Indianapolis.

Ontario Shipyards launching scholarship in honor
of Hamilton worker who died off pier in January

HAMILTON, ON – A new scholarship is in the works to honor the memory of a Hamilton man who died earlier this year as he was removing snow from a pier while on the job.
   The scholarship will honor Justin Smith, 29, and his legacy of mentoring younger workers.
   Smith was a steel supervisor at Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton site. He died on Jan. 26 after he fell off Pier 14 into Hamilton Harbor, Hamilton police said at the time. He was removing snow near the end of the dock when “a piece of equipment entered the water,” said police.
   The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is investigating Smith’s death. According to his obituary, Smith was a father of two and the eldest of three brothers. He worked at Ontario Shipyards for nearly a decade.
   Shaun Padulo, CEO of the shipbuilding company, said in an interview this week he and Smith started working there around the same time and would talk a lot. Padulo said he also spent time with Smith and his boys outside of work.
   “Justin was a really good friend,” Padulo told CBC Hamilton, his voice breaking. “He did a lot for the young steel people coming in.”
   On Wednesday, Padulo signed agreements with Hamilton’s Mohawk College and South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean to build a new learning hub at Ontario Shipyards. The plan is to train students in the skills they’ll need to work in the marine industry.
   At a news conference, he said that Ontario Shipyards will set up the new scholarship at Mohawk College.
   “As our partnership with Mohawk College in Hanwha grows, there will be other ways that we honor Justin because one of his most important contributions in life and one of his legacies was the way he trained and mentored our people. He believed in the next generation and he lived it every day,” he said.
   As of publication, a fundraiser set up by a family friend has collected about $45,000 for a trust for Smith’s sons.

[CBC]

Now available for application! “Mate Tug Class 1” position for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers onboard the tug Demolen

   The job announcement is now open, please find the announcement information below.
   Click on the link below in this e-mail to apply. Also can be found at “usajobs.gov” website.  “DHA” for the general public and “Merit” for current or former federal employees.
   Please see the job announcement links below for XH-5782-11 Mate, Tug, Class 1 position within the Detroit District.  These announcements will be used to fill the vacancy at the Detroit Project Office on the Tug DEMOLEN.
               DUTIES:             

• Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
• Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew’s performance.
• Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
• Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
• Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
• Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
• Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
• Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Conditions of employment
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver’s license.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification
• This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
• Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

OVERVIEW:
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates 02/17/2026 to 03/03/2026
Salary $47.96 to – $55.94 per hour
Pay scale & grade XH 11
Location 001 vacancies in the following location: Detroit, MI
Remote job: No
Telework eligible: No
Travel Required: 75% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type: Permanent
Work schedule: Full-time – Seasonal
Service: Competitive
Promotion potential: None
Job family (Series): 5782 Ship Operating
Supervisory status: No
Security clearance: Not Required
Drug test: Yes
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure: No
Bargaining unit status: Yes
Merit:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857902000

DHA:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857899800

Memories of sailing for the Ford fleet featured at GLMI dinner April 12

   The Great Lakes Maritime Institute presents its annual dinner at 2 p.m. April 12 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Featured speaker will be Greg Rudnick, who will talk about his time sailing on the Ford Motor Co. vessels Henry Ford II and Benson Ford. See the flyer posted in the gallery for details. Reservations required by March 31.
[You can see the billing for this in the gallery below]

Make your reservation for a stay on the City of Milwaukee today

It’s time to plan your summer getaway aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee!
   Book a room and spend the night on a floating National Historic Landmark, then explore all six decks of this 95 year old railroad car ferry.
   Step back in time, experience Great Lakes history up close, and make it a stay you won’t forget.

See you aboard! Link to site;  https://www.carferry.com/boatel?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJgrxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJUOWJ6bVljek5zVE8wbVRrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp09bZhg2J1_QTU2qcbLcdS7M2ZwXeUqQneAsczgLqjpCmkQQBe_O6-SGKDp_aem_wHFOXWoMgm4wqI_FHzJTSw

Chance to win a trip on a lakes freighter