Boatnerd News
Today in Great Lakes History – February 13
1897
1897: February 13, 1897 – PERE MARQUETTE (later named PERE MARQUETTE 15) arrived in Ludington on her maiden voyage, with Captain Joseph “Joe” Russell in command.
1906
1906: MARY E PIERCE [Built-1871 US-90724 By Van Slyke & Netter, Buffalo, New York] As MARY E PIERCE Stranded at Au Sable, MI, February 13, 1906; final document surrendered at Port Huron, MI, on March 15, 1906
1926
1926: POINTE NOIRE was launched February 13, 1926, as a.) SAMUEL MATHER (Hull#792) at Lorain, Ohio by the American Ship Building Co.
1941
1941: The first WESTCLIFFE HALL, overseas to assist in the war effort, was damaged when hit by a bomb while two miles off Whitby High Light. The ship was repaired and returned to the Great Lakes after the war. It last sailed as b) WHEATON in the Misener fleet before scrapping at Hamilton in 1965-1966.
1973
1973: MITERA MARIA loaded street cars on deck during a Great Lakes visit to Toronto in August 1967. The ship sustained fire damage in the engineroom at Karachi, Pakistan, as d) MARBELLA and sold for scrap. The 25-year old vessel was broken up at Gadani Beach in 1974.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series
Boatnerd News February 12, 2026
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
U.S. Coast Guard Awards Arctic Security Cutter Contracts to Davie Defense, Closing Out 11-Ship Program
Mike Schuler
February 11, 2026
Davie Defense will build two Arctic Security Cutters at Helsinki Shipyard and three in Texas, completing Coast Guard awards for 11 new medium polar icebreakers under the ICE Pact framework.
The U.S. Coast Guard has completed contract awards for 11 Arctic Security Cutters, closing out Donald Trump’s directive to rapidly expand America’s icebreaker fleet as competition intensifies in the High North.
The latest contract, announced today, calls for construction of up to five Arctic Security Cutters by Davie Defense, bringing the President’s initial order to completion and marking what officials are calling a historic milestone in U.S. Arctic capability.
Under the arrangement, Davie Defense will construct two Arctic Security Cutters at its sister facility, Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, and three in the U.S. at the company’s facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas. The contract builds on a previous awards to Bollinger Shipyards and Rauma Marine Constructions of Finland announced in late December, which established a joint U.S.-Finland production framework designed to deliver vessels on an accelerated timeline.
“America has been an Arctic nation for over 150 years, and we’re finally acting like it under President Trump,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “Our adversaries continue to look to grow their presence in the Arctic, equipping the Coast Guard with Arctic Security Cutters will help reassert American maritime dominance there. Revitalizing the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking capabilities is crucial for our security and prosperity, and today’s announcement is an important step in that direction.”
The Arctic Security Cutters will defend U.S. sovereignty, secure critical shipping lanes, protect energy and mineral resources, and counter foreign malign influence in the Arctic region. A robust icebreaker fleet will enable the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend U.S. Alaskan borders and Arctic maritime approaches, facilitate maritime commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to crises and contingencies in the region.
Delivery of the first Arctic Security Cutter is expected in early 2028.
Unprecedented International Collaboration
The program represents an unprecedented shipbuilding partnership spanning three nations. The December 29 contracts awarded agreements to Rauma Marine Constructions of Finland to build up to two vessels, with the first expected in 2028, while Bollinger Shipyards will construct up to four cutters domestically in Louisiana with the first U.S.-built vessel slated for 2029.
The contracts stem from the ICE Pact, a trilateral framework between the United States, Canada, and Finland signed in July 2024 to accelerate icebreaker production in response to Russian and Chinese activities in Arctic regions.
“Awarding these contracts ensures the United States maintains its leadership as a maritime power in the Arctic,” said Adm. Kevin E. Lunday, commandant of the Coast Guard. “Accelerating construction of these cutters will enable the Coast Guard to defend our northern border and approaches, while strengthening domestic shipbuilding and reinforcing the nation’s industrial base.”
Two Designs, One Mission
The 11-ship program will employ two distinct designs. The Bollinger and Rauma vessels will be based on Canada’s Seaspan Shipyards’ production-ready Multi-Purpose Icebreaker design, developed in partnership with Finland’s Aker Arctic Technology under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The Polar Class 4 MPI design is capable of breaking through four feet of ice at up to four knots, sailing more than 12,000 nautical miles, and remaining deployed for over 60 days. Each 328-foot vessel will displace about 9,000 tons, powered by a diesel-electric plant with variable-speed DC-bus propulsion delivering roughly 7,200 kW. The cutters will carry a crew of about 85 and meet Lloyd’s Polar Class PC4 standards, enabling missions ranging from national defense and maritime sovereignty to scientific research and search and rescue across the Arctic year-round.
Davie’s ASC design is based on a different proven platform, with seven previous variants delivered from Helsinki Shipyard already in service today.
“We’re deeply honored by this vote of confidence,” said Kai Skvarla, Chief Executive Officer of Davie Defense. “We can’t wait to get started on delivering mission-ready cutters to our valued U.S. Coast Guard partner. By anchoring construction in Texas, while drawing on Helsinki Shipyard’s proven icebreaker expertise, we can deliver the ASCs to meet the Coast Guard’s operational needs in the world’s harshest environments.”
Texas Emerges as Icebreaker Hub
Building in Finland ensures the shipbuilder can meet the USCG’s accelerated schedule to deliver the first ASC in 2028, with American shipbuilders working and learning alongside Helsinki’s world-leading icebreaker builders. This will support the efficient all-American construction of three ASCs at Davie’s facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas.
Davie Defense is the U.S. arm of INOCEA, a UK-owned maritime group with operations in Finland, Canada and the U.S. In 2025, INOCEA acquired Gulf Copper & Manufacturing’s shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur.
Davie Defense plans a $1 billion overhaul of the historic Gulf Copper shipyard in Galveston, Texas, aiming to create the “American Icebreaker Factory”—a purpose-built facility for constructing Arctic Security Cutters.
“Our focus is on disciplined execution for the U.S. Coast Guard—combining proven designs with Helsinki Shipyard’s world-leading expertise helping re-establish world-class shipbuilding capability in Texas, where we will deliver cutters on-time and on-budget,” said Alex Vicefield, Co-Founder of INOCEA Group.
Closing the Arctic Gap
The Coast Guard currently operates only three polar icebreakers: the heavy icebreaker Polar Star commissioned in 1976, the medium icebreaker Healy, and the Storis, a recently commissioned former commercial vessel.Coast Guard assessments indicate at least nine Arctic Security Cutters are needed to serve U.S. national security interests year-round in the Arctic.
The deal coincides with substantial funding under President Trump’s signature “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, which includes nearly $9 billion allocated specifically for building a series of heavy, medium, and light Arctic Security Cutters.
The program represents part of Force Design 2028, an initiative introduced by Secretary Noem to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force.
“The Arctic Security Cutter is one of the most consequential and time-sensitive shipbuilding programs in U.S. Coast Guard history,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “With clear direction from President Trump and an aggressive delivery timeline, our mission is straightforward: leverage the full strength of our shipbuilding facilities across the Gulf Coast, along with our proven partners, to deliver these cutters on schedule and mission ready on day one.”
The contract comes as Bollinger continues to construct the first Polar Security Cutter for the U.S. Coast Guard. Bollinger acquired the troubled three-vessel program from Singapore-based ST Engineering in 2022 through its acquisition of VT Halter Marine.
The program has faced substantial challenges, including schedule delays, cost overruns, and an incomplete concept design. President Trump’s appropriations bill provides $4.3 billion for the advanced procurement and construction of Polar Security Cutters two and three, fully funding the program through completion, with completion of the first PSC now anticipated by May 2030.
[gCaptain]
Port Report – February 12, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Wednesday February 11. Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at; https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/
PORT REPORT 2/12/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
2/11/2026 Federal Satsuki-ARRIVES-5:30 AM
DUE:
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/20/2026-9:14 AM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/23/2026-8:15 PM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/4/2026-12:06 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
2/11/2026 Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-11:46 AM [Anchor]
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-2/11/2026-8:06 AM
Frontenac-DUE-2/12/2026-2:00 AM
Oakglen Due-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
PORT HURON, MICHIGAN [USPHN]
2/11/2026 USCG Bristol Bay-DEPARTS-8:09 AM-For-Corunna, Canada
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
DUE:
Algoberta-DUE-2/12/2026-9:35 AM
Today in Great Lakes History – February 12
1912
1912: 0107 [Built-1890 US-53260 by American Steel Barge Co. at Superior, Wisconsin. Renamed: BOMBAY-1905 US-53260] As BOMBAY Captain Oli Aarson washed overboard off Virginia Beach, VA, on February 12, 1912.
1920
1920: LEHIGH [Built-1880 US-140424 by Detroit Dry Dock Co. of Wyandotte, Michigan Renamed: LEHIGH-1920 C-141839 and PONOKA-1927 C-141839] As LEHIGH was sold at U.S. Marshal’s sale, February 12, 1920. Scrapped at Duluth, MN, in 1955
1944
1944: RED WING was launched February 12, 1944, as a.) BOUNDBROOK (Hull#335) at Chester, Pennsylvania by Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., a T2-SE-A1 Ocean Tanker. She was renamed b.) IMPERIAL EDMONTON in 1947. In 1959, she was brought to Port Weller Drydocks for conversion to a bulk freighter for Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd., renamed c.) RED WING. Scrapped at Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 1987.
1965
1965: MARGIT, a Danish vessel, came inland in 1964 for one trip. It suffered an explosion and fire in the engine room about 1,000 miles southwest of Honolulu on a voyage from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Calcutta, India, and had to be abandoned. Three members of the crew were killed and the ship was burning fiercely when last seen. The drifting hull later grounded at Wotje Atoll, Marshall Islands, and was found, still burning, on March 11, 1965. The ship was a total loss.
1975
1975: E. B. BARBER [Built-1953 C-194458 by Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co. LTD. At Port Arthur, Ontario] Suffered severe bottom damage, October 10, 1964, by striking obstruction at Depot Harbor, Ont. Suffered fire in engine room while laid up at Port Colborne on February 12, 1975. Local fire fighters contained and extinguished the blaze.
1979
1979: EDWIN H GOTT [Built-1978 US-600648 By Bay Shipbuilding Corp. at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin] As EDWIN H. GOTT: Inspection at Two Harbors, MN, on February 12, 1979, during maiden voyage, revealed damaged side tank and loss of one of twin rudders, both apparently as a result of heavy ice. Out of service for repairs until April 1979
2021
2021: The fire aboard a wintering ROGER BLOUGH on Feb. 2, 2021 caused an estimated $20 million in damages, one-fifth the total cost of the $100 million lake freighter.
2021: On February 12, 2021, K+S Windsor Salt Ltd. and Canada Steamship Lines announced the construction of a new, state-of-the-art self-unloading ship with a deadweight of 26,000 metric tons for service in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region. It was launched as NUKUMI.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Port Report – February 11, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Tuesday February 10. Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at; https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/
PORT REPORT 2/11/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
2/10/2026 Federal Baltic-DEPARTS-8:28 AM-For-Three Rivers, Canada
DUE:
Federal Satsuki-DUE-2/11/2026-6:25 AM
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-5:59 AM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/12/2026-5:05 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
2/10/2026 Algoma Niagara-ARRIVED-6:40 PM
WINDSOR, CANADA [CAWND]
2/10/2026 Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-6:08 PM
2/10/2026 Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-6:39 PM-For-Detroit, Michigan
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-2/11/2026-8:54 AM
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
Frontenac-DUE-2/12/2026-??
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
2/10/2026 CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-8:59 AM
2/10/2026 Algoberta-ARRIVES-11:43 AM
2/10/2026 CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-12:07 PM-For-[ICE OPS]
2/10/2026 Kamistiqua-ARRIVES-12:11 PM
2/10/2026 Algoberta-DEPARTS-3:54 PM-For-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-2/11/2026-8:11 am
PORT HURON, MICHIGAN [USPHN]
2/10/2026 USCG Bristol Bay-ARRIVES-1:07 PM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/10/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-6;22 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/10/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-6:56 AM
2/10/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-9:41 AM-For-Cheboygan, Wisconsin
2/10/2026 Baltic-DEPARTS-9:50 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
2/10/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-10:33 AM
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
DUE:
Algoberta-DUE-2/12/2026-8:43 AM
Today in Great Lakes History – February 11
1826
1826: Albert Edgar Goodrich, the founder of the Goodrich Steamboat Line, was born in Hamburg, New York, near Buffalo on 11 February 1826.
1911
1911: BEN W. CALVIN (Hull#388) was launched in 1911, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co.
1918
1918: February 11, 1918 – Amid blasts of whistles from nearby ships and factories and the cheers of several hundreds of people, the cargo steamer ASP was launched at the Polson Iron Works. Fears that the launching could not be carried out because of the thickness of the ice proved unfounded. Gangs of men cut away the ice barrier and at 3:20 the vessel slipped easily into the water without any mishap. Curiosity was aroused when one of the ice cutters found a three-foot alligator frozen just under the surface of the ice. Whether or not it escaped from some sailor or from the local zoo is not known.
1920
1920: NORTHWESTERN [Built-1901 US-130908 By Chicago Ship Building Co. at Chicago, Illinois. RENAMED: FEDERAL-1921 US-130908] As NORTHWESTERN: Partially burned at Port Neches, TX, on February 11, 1920.
1965
1965: The keel was laid for ROY A. JODREY (Hull#186) on February 11, 1965, at Collingwood, Ontario by Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd.
1970
1970: NIXON BERRY was sold to Marine Salvage for scrap on in 1970, she was the former a.) MERTON E. FARR.
1971
1971: The tanker IMPERIAL CORNWALL was retired on February 11, 1971.
1987
1987: UNILUCK first came through the Seaway in 1977. The vessel was sailing as b) TINA when it reported water entering the engine room and cargo holds in the Sula Sea off the Philippines. The crew said they were abandoning the ship but no trace of them or their vessel was ever found.
1994
1994: On 11 February 1994, the tug MARY E. HANNAH and an empty fuel barge became trapped in the ice in the Pelee Passage on Lake Erie. The vessels were freed by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter NEAH BAY and the Canadian Coast Guard ship SAMUEL RISLEY.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Boatnerd News February 10, 2026
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
An 80-mile crack splits Lake Erie’s ice as the lake nears a rare milestone
Lake Erie is almost completely iced over, and over the weekend, the frozen surface split open in dramatic fashion.
A crack stretching more than 80 miles formed Sunday, running from near the Canadian side of the lake toward the Cleveland area. The break opened up after strong winds swept across the Great Lakes Friday and Saturday, pushing and pulling the lake’s ice as another blast of Arctic air poured into the region.
The striking split isn’t unheard of when Lake Erie is heavily frozen. As winds shift or ease and temperatures fluctuate, large sheets of ice can drift, collide and separate, creating long, jagged openings across the lake.
Those same winds also shoved ice toward parts of the shoreline, where it can pile up into ridges and create hazards, including the risk of property damage in vulnerable coastal areas.
Will Lake Erie become 100% covered in ice? As of this week, Lake Erie was about 95% ice-covered, according to NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.
Despite the bitter cold over the past weekend, the wind has helped keep some pockets of open water on the western end of the lake. Whether Lake Erie can “close the gap” and reach 100% coverage may come down to the next few days – especially if winds relax long enough for ice to spread and lock in.
Lake Erie has reached 100% ice coverage only three times since record-keeping began in 1973.
Ice coverage can also shape spring weather around the Great Lakes. AccuWeather is already predicting a cooler-than-normal spring in the region, and extensive ice can delay the arrival of shoreline warmth – especially for communities within a few miles of the water.
[Yahoo News]
Sandusky seeks redevelopment of Historic Boeckling Building & Pier
SANDUSKY, OH – The city of Sandusky is seeking to redevelop the historic Boeckling Building and pier after the Sandusky City Commission recently approved the city’s formal acceptance of the donated property, according to a news release.
The Boeckling Building, 105 W. Shoreline Drive, originally was constructed in 1928 by George Boeckling to serve as the winter headquarters for Cedar Point.
The building has been home to various businesses and offices over the decades, but it has been vacant since 2022. The site includes the pier and dock area that serves the Jet Express passenger ferry during the summer season.
The donation originally was part of the 2021 agreement with Cedar Point and the City Commission approved entering into the finalized donation agreement July 14, 2025.
“I want to thank Cedar Point for their partnership and cooperation,” said City Manager John Orzech in the release. “This is a historic building in a key location on our waterfront, and we’re ready to take the next step by finding a redevelopment partner. Our goal is to bring the building back into active use while maintaining access for the Jet Express and potentially future water taxi service.”
The Boeckling Building site is identified as a major redevelopment priority in the Downtown Sandusky Master Plan, adopted in 2021.
The plan calls for reinvestment and new uses at the site that strengthen the waterfront district, support walkability and create a more active connection between downtown and the water.
Before the City Commission’s acceptance Jan. 12, the city completed due diligence at the site, including reviewing existing studies, Phase I and Phase II environmental information, evaluating existing conditions and completing a walk-through by the Building Official, the release said.
As the city moves forward, the selected development team will be expected to lead all aspects of project planning and delivery and work through the city’s public approval process, the release said.
The city expects proposals to be market-feasible with a clear, practical path to construction, align with the Downtown Master Plan and the city’s Strategic Plan, and reflect community priorities through additional public and stakeholder engagement.
Redevelopment proposals are expected to consider public space, pedestrian connectivity to the surrounding walkway and pathway network, waterfront access with continued capacity for the Jet Express and potential future passenger ferry service, and prioritization of historic preservation.
[The Morning Journal]
Port Report – February 10, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Monday February 9. Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at; https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/
PORT REPORT 2/10/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
2/9/2026 CCGS Amundsen ARRIVES-3:39 PM
2/9/2026 CCGS-Amundsen-DEPARTS-4:21 PM-For-Three Rivers, Canada
DUE:
Federal Satsuki-DUE-2/11/2026-12:44 AM
Stevie-DUE-2/18/2026-5:32 AM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-5:59 AM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/28/2026-4:30 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoberta departed for Sarnia. Algonova is loading at Imperial Oil.
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA [USERI]-Bill Kloss
Escorted by the icebreaker Vincent Massey, Kaministiqua departed for Sarnia along with Algoberta.
MONROE, MICHIGAN [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is still unloading at MIchigan Paving.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-2/10/2026-10:58 AM
WINDSOR, CANADA [CAWND]
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-2/11/2026-??
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
2/9/2026 CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-12:47 PM
2/9/2026 CCGS-Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-6:46 PM-For-Goderich, Canada
2/9/2026 Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-7:12 PM-For-Detroit, Michigan
DUE:
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DUE-2/9/2026-8:56 PM
Algoma Intrepid=DUE-2/11/2026-3:44 AM
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-2/10/2026-9:54 AM
Kaministiqua-DUE-2/10/20269:32 AM
CALCITE, MICHIGAN [USMI3]
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-8:02 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/9/2026 Baltic-DEPARTS-8:13 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-12:01 PM
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-1:12 PM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-1:17 PM
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-1:49 PM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/9/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-2:07 PM
2/9/2026 Baltic-ARRIVES-2:14 PM
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
2/8/2026 Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-9:08 PM
2/9/2026 Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-10:46 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS [USOUS]
2/8/2026 Frontenac-ARRIVES-10:09 PM
2/9/2026 Karen Andrie-ARRIVES-7:06 AM
2/9/2026 Frontenac-DEPARTS-10:14 AM-For-Windsor, Canada
INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA [USECH]
2/9/2026 Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-6:39 AM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
Today in Great Lakes History – February 10
1890
1890: On 10 February 1890, NYANZA (wooden propeller freighter, 280 foot, 1,888 gross tons) was launched at F. W. Wheeler’s yard (Hull #63) in W. Bay City, Michigan by West Bay City Ship Building Co. In 1916, she was renamed LANDBO and she lasted until abandoned in 1920.
1906
1906: UHLMANN BROTHERS was launched February 10, 1906, as a.) LOFTUS CUDDY (Hull#341) at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co.
1913
1913: MONARCH [Built-1889 By Wheeler F.W. &Co, West Bay, Michigan US-92078] Dismantled at Conneaut, OH, during winter, 1912-1913. Final enrollment surrendered at Duluth, MN, February 10, 1913, and endorsed \”abandoned.\”
1960
1960: MARKHAM [Built-1960 US Army by Avondale Marine Ways Inc. at Avondale, La.] MARKHAM was Rig – Suction Dredge Delivered on February 10, 1960; commissioned at Cleveland, OH, on May 17, 1960.
1968
1968: CHARNY [Built-1948 by Marine Industries LTD at Sorel, Canada as KABYLE Reg-France. Renamed JOSEPHINE LE BORGNE-1958 Reg:-France and CHARNY-1964 Reg; C-113976] As CHARNY, while on voyage Quebec for Bermuda, abandoned by passengers and crew, February 10, 1968, in position 35.6N x 65.10W, in heavy weather. Foundered next day in position 35.30N x 65.5W, while under tow.
1969
1969: WYOMING [Built-1929 US-229004 by Great Lakes Towing Co. at Cleveland, Ohio] As WYOMING: Sank at dock, Conneaut, OH, January 7, 1969. Raised by Malcolm Marine Salvage & Construction Co., of Marine City, MI, on February 10, 1969. Taken to Cleveland yard of Great Lakes Towing Co. for repairs.
1973
1973: The CUNARD CAVALIER was launched at Seville, Spain. It first appeared on the lakes in 1978.
1975
1975: CRISPIN OGLEBAY [Built-1943 US-243911 by Great Lake Engineering Works, Astabula, Ohio as J.H. HILLMAN JR. Renamed: CRISPIN OGLEBAY-1974 US-243911 and HAMILTON TRANSFER-1995] As CRISPIN OGLEBAY: Suffered damaged conveyor tunnel in a fire at AmShip’s Toledo yard. Caused $100,000 damage to the conveyor and tunnel while she was laid up at Toledo. The forward end of CRISPIN OGLEBAY is now ALGOMA TRANSFER (C.323003).
1981
1981: A pair of former Seaway traders collided in the Mediterranean off Algiers and one sank. The FEDDY had been inland as b) SUNSEA in 1969, c) SAGA SAILOR in 1971 and as d) ELLY in 1976. It went to the bottom with the loss of 32 lives. This ship had been enroute from Boston to Volos, Italy, with a cargo of scrap steel. The second vessel, SOUNION, survived. It had been to the Great Lakes as a) SUGAR CRYSTAL in 1968 and was back as b) SOUNION in 1979. It sailed until scrapping at Gadani Beach, Pakistan, following arrival as c) MED VITORIA on April 17, 1993.
1982
1982: TEXACO BRAVE Built-1977 C-371941 BY Mitsubishi Heavy Industries LTD. At Shimonoseki, Japan. Renamed: LE BRAVE-1987 C-371941 and IMPERIAL ST LAWRENCE-1997-C-371941] As TEXACO BRAVE: Suffered radar and communications equipment damage on February 10, 1982, when her mast struck the Quebec Bridge after she was pushed by ice and strong currents against the structure. The vessel still sails as d) ALGOEAST.
1984
1984: Scrapping of the Italian freighter b) VIOCA got underway at La Spezia, Italy. The ship made 8 trips through the Seaway as a) BAMBI from 1959 to 1964.
1984: The AEGIS FURY arrived at Shanghai, China, for scrapping as e) WELL RUNNER. The ship first came to the Great Lakes in 1972.
1998
1998: The Ludington Daily News reported that a private investment group (later identified as Hydrolink) was planning to start cross-lake ferry service from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee running two high-speed ferries.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Brian Bernard, Dave Swayze, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Port Report – February 9, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Sunday February 8. Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at; https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/
PORT REPORT 2/9/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
DUE:
Federal Satsuki-DUE-2/11/2026-1:31 AM
Stevie-DUE-2/18/2026-5:18 AM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-5:59 AM
Federal Alster-DUE-3/8/2026-12:48 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/4/2026-11:30 PM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoberta is loading at Imperial Oil.
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-2/8/2026-3:00 PM
Port Dover, ON (CAPDV)- Bill Kloss
Escorted by the icebreaker Vincent Massey, Algonova arrived at the anchorage.
ERIE,PENNSYLVANIA Bill Kloss
Kaministiqua is out of drydock and in the bay destination is Sarnia.
Monroe, MI (USMOI)-Bill Kloss
New York/Double skin 509A is still unloading at MIchigan Paving.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-2/7/2026-9:21 PM
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
DUE:
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
2/8/2026 Algocanada-ARRIVES-10:43 AM
DUE:
Kaministiqua-DUE-2/9/2026-7:20 AM
ROGERS CITY [USRCY]
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-2/8/2026-1:21 PM
CALCITE, MICHIGAN [USMI3]
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-8:09 AM
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-10:02 AM-For-Calcite, Michigan
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-10:06 AM
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-10:36 AM-For-Calcite, Michigan
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-11:03 AM
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-11:41 AM-For-Calcite, Michigan [Anchor]
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-12:05 AM
2/8/2026 Baltic-ARRIVES-12:11 PM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/8/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-4:35 AM-For-Calcite, Michigan
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
DUE;
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-2/8/2026-9:05 PM
SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS [USOUS]
DUE:
Fronteac-DUE-2/8/2026-8:00 PM
