LMC provides update on SS Badger operations
A mechanical failure at the Ludington, MI, dock ramp early Friday morning has canceled SS Badger’s daily cruises across Lake Michigan until further notice. See the full statement from LMC in the gallery at the bottom of the page.
U.S. Great Lakes shipping is a massive economic driver
CLEVELAND, OHIO (February 23, 2021) – “The Great Lakes Navigation System is the backbone of our Nation’s manufacturing, industrial, building, and agricultural economies.” That statement, included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, was reinforced with the release of a new economic impact study of maritime shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Friday, July 21, 2023.
The report titled; “Economic Impacts of Maritime Shipping in the Great Lakes” highlights the crucial role maritime shipping plays in the economic success of the nation. The industry drives $36 billion in annual economic activity and generates more than $6 billion in tax revenue. 147,350 U.S. jobs are tied to the maritime industry in the region and more than $17.8 billion in family sustaining wages are paid every year.
“The Great Lakes Navigation System is vital to our national economic security. We as a nation must continue to invest in the system to ensure it remains sustainable and resilient. The new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, reliable Coast Guard icebreaking, and dollars for dredging and navigational structure maintenance are all examples of an investment in our security,” stated James Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opened the announcement of the report highlighting that the Great Lakes region is the third largest economy in the world behind the U.S. and China.
Read the full report here.
Lake Carriers’ Association
Boats set sail from Monroe Harbor for annual Race to Mackinac
CHICAGO (WLS) — Boats set sail Saturday morning from Monroe Harbor for the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac.
“This is super exciting,” said John Desmond, a sailor in the race. “I don’t think there’s a lot of places in the world where you can have this kind of a view of the city.”
230 boats are traveling well over 300 miles to Michigan’s Mackinac Island in Lake Huron.
This year is the 114th running of the famed regatta, known by many as ‘the Mac.’
“When you leave, you always look at the skyline to see how far away you’re getting,” said Michael Schultes, a sailor in the race. “And when it’s gone, you say my goodness, we’re in the race.”
2,100 sailors from around the world and across the country set sail.
“Year-after-year, I keep saying, this is the last one, but I keep coming back,” said Jamal Alwattar, a sailor in the race. “It’s really challenging. It’s an endurance race.”
This year is Alwattar’s 31st time in the regatta.
Boat crews range in size from just two members to as many as 22 people, depending on the size of the boat.
“There is a lot more communication going on, as opposed to just like two people, you have to talk to everybody so everybody understands what’s going on,” said Luci Ramirez, a sailor in the race.
For 15-year-old Ramirez and 16-year-old Lauren Gullo, this is their first time in ‘the Mac,’ and they were eager to get sailing.
“I’m very excited about getting there and celebrating with my family once I get there,” Gullo said.
