SS Badger ferry will sail again this summer.

MADISON, WI — The historic SS Badger car ferry, which runs between Manitowoc, Wisconsin
and Ludington, Michigan, will be back for its 71st season, beginning this summer. According to
the SS Badger website, they are taking reservations for June 14 and beyond.

The SS Badger has been in service since 1953 and is the only coal-fired passenger vessel left
operating on the Great Lakes. In 2023, damage to docking equipment at the port in Ludington
forced a premature end to the sailing season, leaving the future of the ferry’s service in
question. Construction work to repair the dock is ongoing.

According to the SS Badger’s website, while bookings are beginning June 14, it is possible that
departures could begin earlier in May or June depending on construction progress.

In Manitowoc, many are glad to see the vessel returning to service. Courtney Hansen, Visit
Manitowoc’s Director of Tourism, said the SS Badger usually brings about 1,000 people per day
through town, with many staying to dine or explore local attractions.

“All our small businesses, lodging attractions. They are all counting down the days and have
been very, very excited to hear the news that yes the Badger is coming back,” said Hansen.

Kevin Cullen, Chief Curator at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, said he is glad that the historic
ferry will be returning not only because of its historic significance but also because it often
brings many maritime enthusiasts almost right to the museum’s front door.

“Wonderful to see June on the calendar,” said Cullen. “We will be hearing the sound of Badger
coming back this summer and that is very exciting here at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.”

Spectrum News

 

Ice has performed a disappearing act on the Great Lakes

Editor’s note: Excerpted from a longer climate change story on CNN. Read the whole story at
the link below.

“We’re teetering on the edge of record low ice coverage,” Melissa Widhalm, the associate
director of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center at Purdue University, told CNN.

About 36% of the Great Lakes should be covered in ice in early February, but as of Friday, total
ice coverage hovered near a record low 5%, NOAA data shows.

The Great Lakes have experienced a decline in both overall coverage and longevity of ice in the
past 50 years as warmer winters increase the likelihood of ice-free lakes, according to Climate
Central, a nonprofit climate research group.

The lackluster ice coverage is part of a larger troubling trend across the Great Lakes. Overall
maximum ice extent has dropped 25% in the last 50 years, according to Climate Central.

Robust, extensive ice is crucial for the region’s winter recreation economy. Without the ice,
shorelines are left vulnerable to damaging waves and cities downwind of the lakes are at risk of
prolific lake-effect snow if cold air actually arrives.

There are still a few weeks left for snow, cold and ice to make a comeback, but with more than
half of winter in the rearview, an exceptional season has already made its mark. “This winter is
really going to stand out,” said said Pete Boulay, a climatologist with the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources.

Read the whole CNN story here: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/11/weather/midwest-non-winter-el-nino/index.html

HELP WANTED: S.S. Badger

Once again we are searching for some Navigational Deck/Navigational Engine crew for
our 2024 sailing season. Applications must be filled out on-line by visiting our website
at: www.ssbadger.com and click Join The Team.

Able-Seaman (AB): Performs navigational watch in and around the pilot house, assists
Mate on duty with supervising the deck crew, assists in loading and off-loading
passengers and cargo, proper use and care of deck equipment, supplies and material,
work alongside deck crew, undertaking tasks as necessary, learn fire and lifeboat
stations along with signals and procedures associated with an emergency to properly
carry out a fire and lifeboat drill to US Coast Guard standards, be prepared to live and
work aboard the vessel the duration of the sailing season, from mid-May to mid-Oct.

Room and board provided, employee will stand a 4-hour watch, twice a day, 7 days per
week and eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401K after completing 90-day
probationary period. APPLICANTS FOR THE AB POSITIONS MUST BE QUALIFIED
AND POSSES THE CREDENTIALS NEEDED FOR THIS POSITON.

QMED: Works under the direction of the watch Engineer, employee will stand a 4-hour
watch, twice a day, 7 days per week, be prepared to live and work aboard the vessel
the duration of the sailing season, from mid-May to mid-Oct. (room and board provided).

APPLICANTS FOR THE QMED POSITIONS MUST BE QUALIFIED AND POSSES
THE FIREMAN/OILER/WATERTENDER ENDORSEMENTS ON THEIR MMC. QMED –

Oiler: Assists with operating and maintaining all vessel equipment and systems, assists
with monitoring plant operation, assists with record-keeping, assigned a cleaning
station. QMED – Fireman: Manages the fires in the operating boilers, ensures an
adequate fuel supply to the boilers, assists the Coal passer on duty with ash removal
conveyors, assigned a cleaning station. Qualifications/Certifications required: Valid
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), valid Merchant Mariners
Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, endorsement as QMED

Fireman/Oiler/Watertender on MMC, current US Coast Guard Medical Certificate,
legally eligible to be employed in the United States (Proof of identity and eligibility will be
required upon employment.

LICENSED ENGINE OFFICER: Supervise a watch with the assistance and direction
from the Chief Engineer. Responsible for the safety of the personnel assigned to the
watch and their task performance in the operation of the vessel. Assists with the
operation and maintenance of all vessel operating equipment and systems. Maintains
the engine room records as required by various agencies. Conducts periodic safety
inspections of departmental tools and safety equipment as directed. Required to make
descriptive entries of all work performed in the Engineer log. Be prepared to live and
work aboard the vessel the duration of the sailing season, from mid-May to mid-Oct.
(room and board provided). Employee will stand a 4-hour watch, twice daily, 7 days per
week. Eligible for AMO medical, dental, vision and 401K after completing 60-day
probationary period. APPLICANTS FOR LICENSED ENGINEER POSITIONS MUST
BE QUALIFIED AND POSSESS LICENSED ENGINEER OF STEAM VESSELS OF
UNLIMITED ENDORSEMENT OF 4000 HP OR HIGHER. Qualifications/Certifications
Required: Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), Valid Merchant
Mariners Credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard with proper endorsements,
including at least Third Assistant Engineer of steam vessels of unlimited horsepower,
current US Coast Guard Medical Certificate and be legally eligible to be employed in the
United States (proof of identity will be required upon employment).

Interlake Steamship Co.