Boatnerd News – June 9

Oil spill prompts drinking water advisory

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Ontario’s Ministry of Environment said earlier in the day most of the oil spilled at Algoma Steel fell on the ground, but some also entered the city’s wastewater system.

The U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release it was notified at 10:30 a.m. of a “5,300-gallon gear oil spill into the St. Marys River. Initial Coast Guard estimates show a sheen that covers an area from the steel mill all the way to the north side of Sugar Island,” the release said.

The Coast Guard said it has established an incident command team to manage the U.S. response efforts. “We’re working in lockstep with our Canadian, American, and tribal partners to ensure the sanctity of our river,” Capt. Anthony Jones, said in the release.

In a statement, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment said the substance that spilled into the water was ‘Morgoil,’ a heavy oil used for lubrication of heavy machinery. MOE is on site heading up cleanup efforts, the statement said, which are in the early stages.

“Most of the oil was spilled to ground,” ministry spokesperson Gary Wheeler said in a statement. “Some of the oil entered the wastewater treatment plant where it was then discharged to the river.”

Algoma Steel has hired cleanup contractors that have deployed absorbent booms on the river to contain the spill, Wheeler said. “Algoma Steel is using vacuum trucks to remove oil from inside the wastewater treatment plant,” he added.

The spill prompted a drinking water advisory from Algoma Public Health. Not affected is the municipal water supply from the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “There is no concern relating to this system at this time,” the health unit said in a news release.

 

Canada’s greenest transportation sector is moving toward net-zero emissions by 2050

Key stakeholders in Canada’s inland shipping industry are looking to establish a green transportation corridor in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region as part of ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050.

The corridor would integrate new energy-efficient ships, alternative fuel sources, digital processes and other infrastructure improvements to further reduce the already tiny carbon footprint of an industry that is said to be the greenest mode of transport in North America. “There is lots of progress, but we want to do more,” said Bruce Burrows, president and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC). “Net-zero is a huge challenge. We have to do more R&D [research and development] and more experimenting,” he said. “We want to work with government to put funding towards lasting climate change solutions rather than reactive emergency relief.”

As a whole, the transportation industry in Canada makes up 30 per cent of the country’s GHG emissions, said Burrows. But the bulk of that figure is attributed to road, rail and air transport; the marine industry accounts for only about two percent. “For every ship, we could take almost 1,000 trucks off the road,” said Burrows. “From a [road] decongestion perspective, that’s a tremendous benefit. “And from an emissions perspective, that would be reducing greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 800 tonnes for a typical movement.”

Over the last few years, Canadian ship operators on the Great Lakes have invested over $2 billion to acquire new eco-friendly ships that are up to 40 per cent on average more energy efficient than the previous generation, said Burrows. Some operators are also experimenting with low-carbon fuels, including second-generation biodiesel made from agricultural waste products, and liquefied natural gas. Researchers are also exploring hydrogen and ammonia as future sources of power. “There’s a real benefit to putting this green shipping corridor together,” said Burrows “It’s not going to be an easy process. There’s going to be a lot to do. But we can start — get going — and showcase and expand on what already is being done.”

On the Great Lakes, ports are modernizing their own operations, while also making system-wide changes that can make a more transformative impact. The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) in southern Ontario generates about 580,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year through solar panels mounted on its buildings, and is in the process of converting its land vehicle fleet to electric. This includes electric forklifts, and energy-efficient LED lighting in its warehouse space which saves nearly 2 million kwh per year. HOPA also operates a peak power cogeneration unit, which services tenants’ sugar refining and beer brewing operations. “Every little bit helps,” said Ian Hamilton, president & CEO of HOPA. “But when we can make system-wide change, that’s where we can have our greatest impact.”

Among these game-changing initiatives is an effort to position the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence as a greener alternative to long-haul trucking for moving goods. The province of Ontario, for example, which is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes and has 3,840 km of shoreline, could expand the use of so-called “short-sea” shipping.“Southern Ontario has one of the most congested road networks in North America, so by taking better advantage of marine shipping, we can actually create a win-win for consumers: reducing supply chain costs, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.”

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence is a 3,700-kilometre marine highway, connecting the North American heartland to the rest of the world through an integrated network of multimodal transportation infrastructure, including the locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway. About 164 million tonnes of cargo move on the entire waterway each year, but the system can accommodate 50 per cent more volume, said Terence Bowles, president and CEO of the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC).

“It’s a very modern and vital waterway, using current cutting-edge and sustainable technology that helps green the transportation of cargo throughout North America and to overseas markets,” he said.

Innovations like hands-free mooring have reduced transit times on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and a zero-carbon, hydroelectric plant on the Welland Canal powers locks, bridges and other infrastructure. As a result, the SLSMC has reduced the carbon emissions from its operations by 69% since 2005, well ahead of Canada’s 2030 targets, said Bowles.

As scientists continue to highlight an urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the marine shipping industry in Canada is eager to do its part. “It’s no surprise that we think green,” said Bruce Burrows, CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “It’s just the way we do our business.”

National Post

 

Family-owned tour company celebrating 87 years of operation on Chicago’s waterways

CHICAGO, IN – Docked on Chicago’s vibrant Riverwalk, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is a Chicago experience that connects locals and visitors alike.

The city’s rich architectural history and breathtaking beauty is on display through the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. And the cruises are also a first-class venue for private events.

This year marks the 29th anniversary of the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. The tour was recently named the “#1 Boat Tour in North America” by USA Today’s 10 Best.

For 87 years, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and its sister company, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline have seen the development of Chicago’s vibrant Riverwalk. Perhaps the most impressive feat is that both cruise lines are fourth-generation family-owned and operated, and committed to enviro-friendly practices for continued sustainability.

Holly Agra will step down as the President of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises and assume the new role of Board Chair. “Captain Bob and I are thrilled to charge our sons with leading our fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business into an exciting contemporary chapter of our legacy,” she said. “As a mom and business leader, I couldn’t imagine a grander way of celebrating 87 years than by passing the torch to our sons.”

Captain Bob Agra, Jr. will remain in his role as Lead Captain and Chief Financial Officer of both cruise lines.

“Our family has been lucky to witness the growth of Chicago’s downtown business district and waterfront neighborhood,” he said.  “Real estate developers and city officials have worked to highlight downtown waterfronts making them more accessible and enjoyable for guests. Due to their efforts, the Chicago River is now flanked with cafe’s, Riverwalk parkland, and a new generation of modern skyscrapers, offering a completely different perspective than during my parent’s career on the river.”

Agra Jr. took the helm of Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline in 1976 at the age of 18 following the death of his father, Captain Bob Agra Sr. Mercury Cruises, which began as a single speedboat operation, was founded by Portuguese immigrant Arthur Agra and his wife Myrtle in the 1930s.

The Agras and their team of 128 professionals operate a fleet of nine passenger carbon neutral vessels docked at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive on Chicago’s Riverwalk and cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan from April through November.

WGN 9 

 

Indigenous community to oversee Point Iroquois Lighthouse

BRIMLEY, MI – After years of discussion, a partnership between Bay Mills Indian Community and the US Forest Service has come to fruition. BMIC  has entered into an interpretive agreement, which will empower Bay Mills to oversee the operations at Point Iroquois Lighthouse in Brimley, on the shores of Lake Superior.

The Bay Mills Executive Council reviewed and approved the agreement in 2020, but when the pandemic hit, plans were put on hold.Finally, this summer, Bay Mills will open the lighthouse on June 15, and museum under the lead of Museum Director Candice LeBlanc.

“The area surrounding Point Iroquois Lighthouse has rich cultural and historical significance to the Anishinaabe. Recently, the museum has focused on maritime history and the way of life of a 1950s lighthouse caretaker. This collaboration means the Bay Mills Indian Community can tell its story and share Anishinaabe history, cultural information and artifacts at the lighthouse,” said Kari Thompson, Recreation Program manager for the East Zone of Hiawatha National Forest. “The US Forest Service looks forward to furthering its relationship with Bay Mills Indian Community through this partnership.”

The tribe looks forward to bringing Native history and perspective to the highly trafficked historical area, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The lighthouse is named after the 1662 battle between the local Anishinaabe from Bay Mills and an invading Iroquois war party. The battle halted westward expansion with a Bay Mills victory.

On average, nearly 40,000 people make a stop at the lighthouse. Visitors often marvel at the lighthouse itself, unaware of the rich history behind the structure and the land. Bay Mills hopes to enrich and educate visitors to the area about Pt. Iroquois’ historical prominence.

“The hope for Bay Mills’ partnership with the US Forest Service in managing Pt. Iroquois Lighthouse is to create an inclusive and welcoming space, which allows for visitors to learn of the connections of the past to our people’s present and the importance of the connection between the land, our community, and Anishinaabe culture,” said LeBlanc. “The vision is to create and build a place of learning, connection, and appreciation for Anishinaabe people and Bay Mills Indian Community.”

The museum hours will be 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. There will be live exhibitions scheduled throughout the summer, including Lacrosse, black ash basket and pottery making. LeBlanc is also building a list of community volunteers of people to visit with travelers and tend to the grounds.

Soo Leader

 

Marine Mart in Port Huron to resume in June

 PORT HURON, MI – A long-standing tradition, sidelined by COVID, will make a return this year in a new location. The Summer Marine Mart, formerly the St. Clair Marine Mart, will be held Saturday, June 11, at the American Legion Post #8, 1026 Sixth St., in Port Huron, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Mart features nautical items, artifacts, photos, books, artwork, models, postcards and more. See the poster in the image gallery below for more information.

 

Second printing of 2022 Know Your Ships now available 

For the second year in a row, Know Your Ships has had to do a second printing of the standard-bound edition. Replacing the Stewart J. Cort for the cover of the second printing is the Roger Blough. In the announcement post, author Roger LeLievre stated, “She is 50 years old this year, and since her future is uncertain, we felt she deserved the honor. Note the second printing is for the standard-bound book only… we have plenty of the spiral-bound book with the Cort on the cover and those will continue to be available.”

You can order a copy at http://www.knowyourships.com/catalog.html 

 

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