CSL’s new self-unloader Nukumi leaves China for Canada

Montreal, QC ­– The new Canada Steamship Lines’ self-unloader Nukumi has departed on her maiden voyage from Jianygin, China to Halifax Nova Scotia. She will be in Halifax in an estimated six weeks. The cutting-edge vessel will be the first diesel-electric laker and the first single-point loader to operate in Canada.

Windsor Salt and Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) partnered to build the new vessel for service in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Great Lakes region.Windsor Salt and CSL began construction of the custom-made vessel in August 2020 after several years of collaborative planning, which included an environmental impact analysis, ship and shore personnel safety reviews, an efficiency evaluation of cargo operations, and navigational optimization.

The distinctive, purpose-designed vessel was created to service Windsor Salt’s need to deliver deicing salt from its Mines Seleine salt mine on the Magdalen Islands to stockpiles in Montreal, Quebec City, and other destinations within the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland. Windsor Salt’s consistent and timely delivery of deicing salt helps keep roadways safe during the winter season across Eastern Canada.

CSL

Duluth 2021 Season Summary: Iron ore leads tonnage upsurge

Duluth, MN – Rebounding from pandemic-induced lows in 2020, total maritime tonnage through the Port of Duluth-Superior climbed to 32.9 million short tons in 2021. This total represented a 27 percent season-over-season increase and a 2.3 percent improvement over the five-season average.

Iron ore, the port’s leading cargo by tonnage, led the upswing. The total taconite float topped 20 million short tons for the second time in four seasons, a feat unmatched since the early 1990s. In all, 20.4 million short tons of iron ore transited Duluth-Superior during the 2021 season, a 32.6 percent season-over-season spike and 11.9 percent gain on the five-season average.

Driven primarily by Duluth-Superior’s first petcoke exports since the 1990s, the coal and petcoke category posted the biggest percentage increase compared to 2020, jumping 47 percent to 7.9 million short tons.

Inbound cement tonnage also surged, more than doubling the 2020 total and exceeding the five-season average by 71.3 percent.

General cargo at the Clure Public Marine Terminal closed out the major gainers, with Duluth Cargo Connect handling nearly 50,000 short tons. This total exceeded the 2020 count by 4.6 percent and more than doubled the five-season average.

Grain, the port’s No. 1 export, suffered a steep drop to 808,498 short tons for the season. This marked an 85-year low for Duluth-Superior grain tonnage and was the second lowest seasonal grain total for the port since 1890.

For the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System as a whole, total overall tonnage increased by 1 percent season over season, finishing at 42 million short tons. The Seaway also notched a similar percentage gain in vessel transits, ticking up 1.61 percent. Vessel arrivals in the Port of Duluth-Superior jumped more than 16 percent compared to 2020.

With the 2021 season now closed, five domestic vessels are wintering in Duluth-Superior: the James R. Barker and Paul R. Tregurtha at the Clure Terminal in Duluth, and in Superior, Wis., the Lee A. Tregurtha at Fraser Shipyards, Burns Harbor at the Hansen-Mueller Dock and American Century at the Enbridge Dock.

“We hoped for a return to normalcy in 2021 and a tonnage rebound from the pandemic-plagued 2020 season,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “We’re still waiting on the return to normalcy, but the tonnage bounce back was pronounced, driven especially by strong demand for domestic steel. Our port continues to be a key link in North America’s supply chain, and we look forward to playing an increasingly prominent role in 2022 as we hopefully build on the bulk cargo tonnage and expand our containerized cargo services.”

Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Crew members saved after two ships collide off Netherlands coast during storm

All 18 crew members have been safely evacuated following a collision between two ships, one of them a Seaway visitor, in the Netherlands Monday during Storm Corrie, the Dutch coast guard said.

The German-registered freighter Julietta D started taking on water after colliding with the Maltese chemical tanker Pechora Star in the anchor zone at IJmuiden, the coast guard said. Two search and rescue helicopters were sent to the scene, with the Belgian coast guard sending a third helicopter. Lifeboats from IJmuiden and Scheveningen were also under way but are being hampered by the strong winds at sea.
The crash led to heavy damage to the freighter, caused by the anchor breaking loose, the coast guard told the Associated Press. The freighter lost its rudder, preventing it from steering and causing it to take in water. The Pechora Star also suffered damage, but it is not as severe, so the tanker can continue its voyage.

The damage on the freighter “pose[d] direct dangers for the 18 crew members on board,” Royal Dutch Lifeboat Company spokesman, Edward Zwitser, told the Associated Press.

The rescue operation was a joint effort from the Netherlands Coast Guard and the neighboring country of Belgium, which sent a helicopter to help with the evacuation. A total of three helicopters were used, with the operation being made more difficult due to the heavy winds from the storm.

Dutch News

Hamilton’s beach canal lighthouse is making big moves

Hamilton, ON – Hamilton harbor lighthouse back in local hands, will be moved to allow public access The ownership of the light station will be transferred to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (HOPA) from the federal government, CEO Ian Hamilton announced Friday.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will transfer the lighthouse and the nearby keeper’s cottage to the local agency and will contribute $275,000 to help move the lighthouse 60 meters west, in order to align with the canal, and to restore it.

The move will mark the beginning of a larger restoration project of the Fisherman’s Pier, where the lighthouse is located, at the entrance to Hamilton Harbor.

Hamilton said that community members in Hamilton and Burlington have greatly supported the project and that the restoration would help make the landmarks accessible to the public.

CBC

Detroit Historical Society unveils 150+ model ships for new Great Lakes exhibit

Detroit, MI – Great Lakes shipping enthusiasts will be happy to know the perfect exhibition is open for viewing at the Detroit Historical Society.

A collection of more than 150 Great Lakes shipping models are now in display at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum through May 8.

Maritime Miniatures: The Art of the Ship Model explores the history of the Great Lakes shipping industry, from small schooners to the famous vessels like the Edmund Fitzgerald. The museum said one of its best models “are the oversized City of Detroit III with a cutaway interior and the oldest model in the Society’s collection, the Mayflower,” which was built in 1853, a year after the actual vessel launched.

The Detroit Historical Society has a world-class collection of Great Lakes ship models, representing over 300 years of North American freshwater maritime history. This Spring, see over 150 of our models on display together for the first time in more than 20 years! Some of the models have been enjoyed by visitors for decades, dating back to when the city’s maritime museum first opened aboard the J.T. Wing. Some are rarely seen due to their age, size or condition.

Admission will be $5 for everyone 6 years and older. Children under 6 and Detroit Historical Society Members will have free admission. As a reminder, residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park can sign up for a membership for free.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI, where it cares for some 250,000 historical artifacts.

Find out more here: https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/maritime-miniatures-art-ship-model

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Seaway tolls to increase by 2 percent in 2022

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced a toll rate increase of 2.0% for the 2022 navigation season (see images below).

The SLSMC announced a toll rate increase of 2.0% for the 2022 navigation season.  In addition, the New Business, Volume, Gateway and Service incentives will continue to remain in effect.

For more detailed information, please refer to the St. Lawrence Seaway Schedule of Tolls or send your request to tariff@seaway.ca.

Richard Gray fundraiser nears $100,000

Click here for an update:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-family-of-richard-gray?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_pd%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0pg4Uu3pst1qVr7J5DrJgewn4P2P-Fp8jCKFt4LWMiWe-WfYesyri7bIQ

Proposed project could bring naval shipyard, thousands of jobs to Lorain

Lordstown, OH – A proposal is being discussed within the U.S. military, the White House and others in Washington that could potentially bring a naval shipyard to Lorain.

Officials have forwarded a 27-page document that outlines what will be called the Lordstown-Lorain Project. The project would involve the city of Lorain and the village of Lordstown, separated by 80 miles of the Ohio Turnpike. The document states the plan would restore critical naval shipyard capacity and capability and that it would solve the submarine maintenance crisis within the Navy’s budget limitations.

The idea for the project came from former Navy officer Captain Ed Bartlett, who runs Bartlett Maritime in Broadview Heights. “As of today, I’d say we’re on the five-yard line and we just have to knock it in,” said Bartlett. Bartlett spent much of his career on submarines and developed the Lordstown-Lorain Project because of a November 2018 report.

“That report publicly disclosed that for the prior decade, our attack submarine, the U.S. Navy attack submarines, were not getting the proper maintenance that they required,” said Bartlett.

Barlett’s plan is to build an American Naval Shipyard in Lorain. It would include two dry docks for submarines in an enclosed production facility and would employ between 2,000 to 3,000 people. According to the document, the shipyard would bring the total number of certified naval shipyard dry docks to 20.

At the same time, the American Naval Depot would be built in Lordstown. It would be a new construction site that would employ from 500 to 1,000 people. The maintenance of the submarine parts and those from aircraft carriers docked elsewhere would be done in Lordstown.

“The reason Lordstown is attractive to us is because of the rail network there with CSX and Norfolk Southern. So there’s national rail access, and because of the interstate connections — the turnpike, 76 and 80,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett called it a multi-billion dollar project that would involve both private and government money. He hopes to have broken ground by this fall. “We expect, based on preliminary work we’ve done with the construction folks, that the Lordstown site will be up and operating in about 24 months after that,” said Bartlett.

Mayor Hill said several sites are being looked at in Lordstown, but nothing has yet to be selected. AFL-CIO signed off on the project in Washington on Thursday.

It’s not a done deal yet and there’s the potential of 2,500 to 4,000 jobs being created in Northeast Ohio

The office of Congressman Tim Ryan released this statement Thursday night, “Congressman Ryan has been working with Bartlett Maritime Corporation for over a year on this project… While the project remains under development, he is supportive and hopeful it will come to fruition.”

Fox8

Obituary: Steven M. Welch

Steven Milo Welch, 61, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, died on January 26. Steve was the owner and captain at the Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (the white-painted boats Hiawatha, Holiday and Bide-A-Wee).

Steve was born on October 18, 1960, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI the son of Donald and Edith (Tillman) Welch. He graduated from Sault High with the class of 1978 and continued his education at LSSU. On April 2, 1994, he married Cindy Shaw at Calvary Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, working on bulldozers and tractors, and doing maintenance work at his business. He loved sharing the love of Jesus with others.

Steve is survived by his wife: Cindy Welch; his mother: Edith “Dee” Welch of Sault Ste. Marie; his brother: Donald (Ruth) Welch of Hope Sound, FL; and four nieces. HE was preceded in death by his father: Donald Welch; and his sister: Lynn Adams. Funeral services will be private. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery later this spring

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Alpena leaves shipyard, heads for namesake port

Sturgeon Bay, WI –The cement carrier Alpena left Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI, Friday evening. She is headed to Alpena, MI, to load and then Cleveland to layup. She was at BayShip for her five-year inspection and refit.

Canadian Coast Guard takes delivery of light icebreaker Mangystau-2

The Canadian Coast Guard has announced the arrival of its newly-purchased light icebreaker from New Brunswick-based Atlantic Towing Ltd. The vessel, the 217-foot-long Mangystau-2,

travelled almost 6,000 nautical miles from Turkmenistan (Central Asia) to the Coast Guard’s Sorel, Quebec, base.

The additional light icebreaker, built in Romania in 2010, will help ensure service is maintained during planned maintenance periods for the existing fleet. A public tender for the refit of the light icebreaker will be issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada. This vessel will complete conversion work in Canada so it can deliver programs in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence and Atlantic sectors.

Canadian Coast Guard

City set to sell M.S. Norgoma for the price of a second-hand trombone

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Pride of the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront until the Trans-Canada Highway was completed in 1962, M.S. Norgoma is about to be sold for just $2,500 to a retired ship salvager.

City Council will be asked Monday to approve sale of the 188-foot former package freighter/passenger ferry/museum ship to Jeff Dwor, former owner of the Dwor Metal Co. Ltd. of Port Colborne, Ont.

“He has sold this business but is looking at the M.S. Norgoma as a personal project and renovating for private use,” says Tom Vair, the city’s deputy chief administrative officer for community development and enterprise services.

“Recently, Mr. Jeff Dwor came forward with interest in acquiring the vessel. He flew to Sault Ste. Marie, toured the vessel and is interested in proceeding to acquire the M.S. Norgoma,” Vair says in a report prepared for Monday’s City Council meeting.

$2,500 isn’t much. There was a used trombone selling yesterday for that sum in SooToday Classifieds, but getting rid of the controversial 72-year-old ship will save the city $40 a day in dockage fees it’s been paying since 2019 for a spot at the Algoma Steel docks that’s inaccessible to the public.

The city had planned to sell the relic to The Sweet Shop in Tobermory but that deal sank like a baby fed on starch when the confectioner couldn’t find a berth in the municipal marina there. m”Since that time, staff has been trying to find a new location for the M.S. Norgoma while also obtaining estimates to decommission the vessel,” says Vair.

“Since The Sweet Shop terminated their agreement, staff have had a number of conversations with different organizations and groups interested in the vessel. Three groups came forward but all backed off for various reasons.

“While it may be preferable to have a public use of the vessel, the option of selling the vessel to Mr. Dwor provides a solution for the M.S. Norgoma that can save the city significant costs. A recently updated budget for decommissioning the vessel is $275,000-$325,000.”

“Since the time of entering negotiations with Mr. Dwor, other parties have come forward to express interest in the vessel. Staff let them know that should the agreement with Mr. Dwor not proceed, they will follow up for further discussions.”

“Mr. Dwor has significant experience in the marine industry and understands how to relocate and manage the vessel responsibly,” Vair said. Five years ago, Dwor made headlines when he tried, unsuccessfully, to sell bollards to the City of Port Colborne.

If City Council approves the sale, Dwor says he’ll take possession of the Norgoma sometime in May.

Soo Today

Former Polsteam laker-sized vessels renamed

The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) has renamed several of its former laker-sized vessels with each having made visits to the Great Lakes/Seaway system during their careers. Each of the renamed vessels are 149.96 meters in length and 23.6 meters in width. Among the renamed vessels are:

Narew IMO 9521813 built in 2012 is now the Universe of Antigua and Barbuda registry. This vessel first came inland as such in 2015 and last visited as such most recently in 2021.

Olza IMO 9521837 built in 2012 is now the Pichon of Singapore registry. This vessel first came inland as such in 2014 and last visited as such in 2020.

Prosna IMO 9521849 built in 2012 is now the Univenture of Antigua and Barbuda registry. This vessel first came inland as such in 2014 and last visited as such in 2020.

Raba IMO 9521825 built in 2012 is now the Ale of Singapore registry. This vessel first came inland as such in 2013 and last visited as such in 2020.

Regalica IMO 9521758 built in 2011 is now the Adamoon of Liberia registry. This vessel first came inland as such in 2013 and last visited as such in 2018.

Three other Polsteam vessels in the series have yet to be renamed. The three vessels are the Skawa IMO 9521863, San IMO 9521851 and Ina IMO 9521875.

Denny Dushane

Updated list of new saltwater visitors for 2021

There were 35 new saltwater vessels making their first inland voyages and trips into the Great Lakes/Seaway system at the Eisenhower Lock in Massena, NY, during the 2021 shipping season. Threy include: Alangova, Ali Ka, BBC St Petersburg, BBC Texas, Bogdan, Celina, Chantaco, Chem Lyra, Chem Wolverine, Federal Franklin, Federal Fraser, Federal Freedom, Federal Frontier, Henda, Ijzerborg, Iver Ambition, Kom, Lillo Swan, Marietje Andrea, Melissa, Monax, Nike, Octonaut, Onego Elbe, Peyton Lynn C, Potentia, Portola, Ramelia, RF Marina, Ronnie, Sloman Hestia, Symphony Star, Tarsus, Trent Navigator and VS Salome.

Denny Dushane

Dossin Great Lakes Museum opens freighter model display

Detroit, MI – Freighters are making their last journeys of the season, but we’ve got plenty of them – miniature versions at least – coming to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum.

“Maritime Miniatures: The Art of the Ship Model” opens Friday at the museum. See more than 150 Great Lakes ship models on display, get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/33TDrYs

Admission fees are in effect for all visitors and include access to the museum and mpecial exhibition. Society Members always get free admission.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

New bill would require greater St. Lawrence River oil spill readiness

Canton, NY – A new bill in Congress would require the U.S. Coast Guard to train and prepare for oil spills on the St. Lawrence River. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by North Country Republican Elise Stefanik and Rochester-area Democrat Joe Morelle.

Right now, existing law mandates the Coast Guard to study the impact of past oil spills on the five Great Lakes, and develop best practices to respond to future oil spills. This new bill would extend that vigilance to the St. Lawrence and some Great Lakes tributaries.

In a press release, Stefanik called the legislation “a critical step forward” to protect the St. Lawrence. A massive oil spill in 1976 devastated the St. Lawrence River and shoreline communities from Alexandria Bay to Morristown.

“Since 1976, our community and local first responders have put endless hours into training and developing effective oil spill response protocol,” Alexandria town supervisor Brent Sweet said in Stefanik’s press release. “Our local Coast Guard are professional and effective at patrolling and safeguarding our St Lawrence River assets. This amendment will facilitate them in continuing their dedication to the St Lawrence River and local communities.”

The Coast Guard already conducts annual spill training exercises in various sections of the river.

NCPR

Virtual Visitor Center program “Fueling a Crew: Inside a Great Lakes Galley” Feb. 3

Stories of the wonderful food on board most Great Lakes vessels are well known, but what does it really take to feed a full crew three meals a day for weeks at a time while constantly on the move? Join us in the Virtual Visitor Center Thursday, Feb. 3 at 12:30 p.m. for a conversation with Sissy Payment, Chief Steward on The Interlake Steamship Company’s M/V Mesabi Miner to learn all about it. Sissy has led the galley on several different boats in the fleet and will share a glimpse of what a typical day looks like and stories from her career on the Great Lakes.

Event by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, Lake Superior Marine Museum Association and Soo Locks Visitors Center Association

Join here: https://www.gotomeet.me/VirtualVisitorCenter/galley

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Coast Guard busy assisting ships in St. Clair River

Sarnia, ON – Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) ice breakers have been busy assisting ships in the St. Clair River this week. Spokesperson Lauren Solski said the bulk carrier CSL Assiniboine was being escorted by the Samuel Risley Tuesday.

“The ship became so closely surrounded by ice along the way that it was having difficulty moving,” said Solski. “The Samuel Risley freed the ship, and it is now moving up the St. Clair River.”

Solski said once that job, in the area of Walpole Island, was complete there were three other ships waiting for ice breaker assistance. “All three ships are moving down the St. Clair River in a convoy with the assistance of both USCGC Bristol Bay and CCGS Samuel Risley.” The tug/barge Samuel de Champlain/Innovation were also downbound on the St. Clair River Tuesday on a late season trip from Alpena to Detroit.

After a mild start to winter, the Canadian Coast Guard warned earlier this month that ice would form quickly in the river and lower Lake Huron area. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood advisory for areas along the St. Clair River from Marysville to Algonac in St. Clair County due to ice blockage reported Tuesday morning.

Sarnia News Today

Milwaukee-based Brookby Foundation gifts $1 million for new UWM research vessel

Milwaukee, WI – The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has received a $1 million gift from the Milwaukee-based Brookby Foundation to support its School of Freshwater Sciences’ new research vessel.

The new vessel, called the Maggi Sue, will replace UWM’s existing vessel, Neeskay, a 65-year-old converted Army T-boat that the school purchased more than 50 years ago. The new vessel will be the “most advanced research vessel ever built for the Great Lakes,” UWM said, with onboard technology featuring sensors that collect real-time data, interchangeable lab pods that can be swapped out based on the needs of the scientists, and a positioning system that will keep the vessel in place despite currents, wind and waves.

The Brookby Foundation, founded by Wendy and Paul Greeney, supports artistic and scientific literacy, with a special interest in endeavors that protect or improve the environment. Paul retired as a teacher and science department chair at the University School of Milwaukee in 2011.

“We believe in making a difference where we can,” Wendy and Paul Greeney said in a statement. “That is why we have chosen to make a gift that will advance research and help protect Lake Michigan and all of the Great Lakes. We have a deep appreciation for science, and it’s the responsibility of us all to make the world a better place. Support for the research vessel is how we’re choosing to do that.”

Milwaukee Biz Times

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

2022 Great Lakes ice cover expanding

Grand Haven, MI – Brave souls flocked to the accumulating shelf along Lake Michigan over the past couple weeks as frigid weather helped grow the Great Lakes ice cover.

Throughout January, ice across the basin expanded beyond early projections that suggested the winter of 2022 might feature near-record low ice coverage.

That’s changed. Now, maximum ice cover is expected to peak at 49 percent — a substantial jump from initial National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast modeling at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Ann Arbor.

Across the Great Lakes, the average long-term annual maximum ice cover is 55 percent. If the projection holds true, this year’s accumulation of frozen freshwater will remain below average but near what’s expected from a typical winter.

Read move and view images on MLive: https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/01/ice-on-great-lakes-is-expanding-expected-to-peak-in-typical-range.html

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Cargo ship collides with Coast Guard icebreaker near Quebec City

Quebec City, QC – A collision between a cargo ship and a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker temporarily halted maritime traffic Saturday afternoon in the St. Lawrence River, near the port of Quebec City.

The Federal Crimson bulk carrier collided with the stern of the CCGS Pierre Radisson icebreaker near Sainte-Foy, not far from the two bridges connecting Quebec City to the South Shore. It happened while the icebreaker was escorting the cargo vessel through the icy waters.

The hull of the icebreaker was damaged in the collision, but the vessel is not taking on water, according to Marie-Ève Caron, spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard.

No one was injured, she added. The coast guard ship is now anchored in St-Nicolas and will return to the Port of Quebec City for repairs. Pierre Radisson has in the past been called in to help break ice on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Another Coast Guard icebreaker, the Des Groseilliers, will take over for the Pierre Radisson this afternoon, while a third icebreaker that had been called in as backup. The Martha L. Black will return to Trois-Rivières, according to Caron.

CBC

Traverse City shipmate remembered by Great Lakes community

Traverse City, MI – Traverse City local Richard Gray, 35, died Monday from a tragic accident aboard his 1,000 – foot freighter ship the Walter J. McCarthy, off the shore of Gary, Indiana. Many people across the Great Lakes state have reached out in support to his close family and friends.

Gray was a graduate of Great Lakes Maritime Academy. He also served as 1st Vice President of the International Shipmasters’ Association Grand Traverse Lodge #23.

“It was hard not to like Richard,” says Captain Mark Mather, ISMA Lodge #23 President and GLMA alum. “He had a sense of humor that not everyone got, but oh my gosh, he is famous for having the world’s worst puns and loving puns.”

Friends and colleagues say he was a part of many organizations. He is also said to have been a great man, devoted husband and father of three.

“An extremely dedicated father,” says Rebecca Hancock. “Loved those kids like his life depended on it and was one of the sweetest husbands you’d ever want to meet. He will be very much missed by everyone, but his legacy is evident in so many ways, his spirit will never be gone.”

Gray was part of getting a committee started called Membership and Outreach at the ISMA Lodge #23. Hancock says they thought it would be necessary to reach out to the younger people and that Gray was dedicated to Shipmasters’ and wanted to help the organization grow.

Hancock also says each year Gray would pay for a cadet’s subscription to a program called lapware, used to help cadets study for their license exams.

“Richard was also an adjunct instructor at the academy in his of times,” she says. “So, you can see that he truly cared about the future of not only individual people but the Great Lakes maritime industry in general.”

His friend and colleague Ryan Miller says the two met while at the GMLA in 2008. They were two of the “older” guys and bonded from that. They both went on to work for the same ship company. Gray was working for the American Steamship Co. when he died.

Read more and view the 9&10 News video report here: https://www.9and10news.com/2022/01/21/traverse-city-shipmate-dies-remembered-by-great-lakes-community/?fbclid=IwAR0r43vyROKm_kj0ocPClYeH1yz2VVjFiRF1AzCuOoajF4W5qeIN5C3mXO4

Lake Superior water levels drop by nearly 30 cm compared to a year ago

Lake Superior’s water level is 7 cm lower than average over the past century

Despite a wetter-than-average December, water levels on Lake Superior are nearly 30 centimetres lower than a year ago, according to an organization that monitors lake levels.

The International Lake Superior Board of Control said Lake Superior water levels in January are 28 centimetres below levels recorded a year ago, and seven centimetres lower than the long-term average between 1918 and 2020.

Shelley Psikla, who lives on the shore of the lake in northwestern Ontario, said the lake has been low for some time at her home in Shuniah. There was no place to put the boat at the dock, she said, adding there was no water.

“This summer, it was even worse,” Psikla said. “It just lowered and lowered. And as the fall approached, it is literally a sandbar.”

Psilka has lived on the lake for a decade, and said three years ago, the water level was so high “you had to step up into your boat from the dock.”

Last year, the water level had dropped by about 45 centimetres, she said.

“Obviously when you live on the waterfront, you want the water there, and you want to be able to participate in all of the wonderful water sports that are available to us,” Psikla said. “When you can’t put … your jet ski or your boat anything right at your own dock and in front of your home, it’s a big concern.”

The board said in a media release issued this week that Lake Superior water levels typically drop by as much as 10 centimetres in January.

The board said Lake Superior declined two centimetres in December, less than the average December drop of eight centimetres

Obituary: Capt. David Mathie

Capt. David Burton Mathie was born Sept. 4, 1958, in Detroit, to Betty and Burton Mathie. He passed away in his home on Jan. 11, 2022.

David is survived by his loving wife, Heather; and his four children, Ashleigh, Jacob (Gabby), Nicole (Corbin) and Monica; as well as his grandchildren, Lee and Addison. David also leaves behind his siblings, Karen Henry, Susan (John) Fisher, Michael (Melissa); and his mother-in-law Barbara Tibbetts; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his mother and father; and father- in-law, Harold Tibbetts.

Family was the most important thing to David. Dave and Heather were married for 40 years and relocated to Traverse City while Dave attended school at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and NMC. He was a master in his field and on the ship, making captain at the young age of 37. Among the vessels he commanded was the 1,000-footer Stewart J. Cort.

He was celebrated on the Great Lakes, as he would blow the horn for those on the St. Marys River who waited for the freighter to come through. He worked hard to provide for his family. Dave was the life of the party and loved game nights, bonfires, and pool days with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed nature, planting trees and tending to his bees. He shared his knowledge of nature and astronomy with his children because “knowledge is power.” David also shared his woodworking, jars of honey and homemade bee candles.

A celebration of David’s life will be held this summer. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea.” Raise a glass to the best. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family.

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

GoFundMe for Richard Gray exceeds $65,000 and growing

The GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family of the late Great Lakes mariner Richard Gray has passed $65,000!

Richard, second mate on the American Steamship Co. 1,000-footer Walter J. McCarthy Jr., died Monday night in a shipboard accident. The vessel was anchored offshore at Gary, IN, at the time and getting ready to come in and unload. His wife Danielle and three children survive. He was a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Richard, who was 35, lived in Traverse City, MI., and was active the International Shipmasters’ Association lodge there.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday January 25 from 6-8 pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City with a rosary recitation at 5:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday January 26 at Immaculate Conception Church at 11:00am with visitation from 10-11 am.

The link to donate is https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-family-of-richard-gray?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR2Cq6piCHu0FRxaLLK0cSle-MoGyMpejyF4D1nR3xIcyzn7VtFgrKbL2gs

Waters between St Ignace and Mackinac Island closed

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Colder temperatures have fueled the rapid development of ice in the Straits area. With ferry service to Mackinac Island secured for the winter season, per 33 CFR 165.901, the Captain of the Port Sault Ste Marie closed the waters between St Ignace and Mackinac Island, effective 1200 EST January 21. The Coast Guard reminds all recreational ice users to plan their activities carefully, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels.

Coast Guard to close southern Green Bay for commercial traffic for the season

Green Bay, WI – Commercial vessel traffic will have just a few more days to be on southern Green Bay for the season. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Captain of the Port on Friday announced it will close the waters of southern Green Bay to commercial vessel traffic starting on Monday, Jan. 24 at noon local time.

This closure will impact all waters southwest of a line extending between Peshtigo Point and Sherwood Point in the bay of Green Bay, according to a news release.

Steel production up by 4.9% this year

NW Indiana – Great Lakes steel production rose by 9,000 tons last week as output rose nationally, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Steel mills continued to operate at more than 80% capacity, as they did for most of last year, following the latest wave of industry consolidation, imposition of tariffs of 25%, strong demand and generally favorable market conditions.

Locally, steel mills in the Great Lakes region, clustered mainly along the south shore of Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana, made 629,000 tons of metal in the week that ended Jan. 15, up from 620,000 tons the previous week.

Overall, domestic steel mills in the United States made 1.833 million tons of steel last week, up 1.1% from 1.813 million tons the previous week and up 5.6% compared to 1.736 million tons the same time a year prior.

Steel production so far in 2022 totals 3.9 million tons, a 4.9% increase over 3.72 million tons through the same period last year.

U.S. steel mills have run at a capacity utilization rate of 82.7% through Jan. 15, up from 76.6% at the same point in 2021, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Steel capacity utilization, a key metric of the industry’s profitability, was 83.2% last week, up from 76.6% a year earlier and 82.3% a year prior.

Steel production in the southern region, a wide geographic swath that encompasses many mini-mills and rivals the Great Lakes region in output, totaled 742,000 tons last week, up from 735,000 tons the week before, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Volume in the rest of the Midwest ticked up to 209,000 tons, up from 200,000 tons the week prior.

NW Indiana Times

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Winter Fleet gathering in Sturgeon Bay

 Sturgeon Bay, WI – It’s a busy time at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. As freighters dock, work gets underway.

On a very cold Sunday morning in the Sturgeon Bay chipping channel, the 680-foot-long John J. Boland creept its way into place. Ice fishermen had front-row seats.

“It’s pretty neat. I’ve done it a couple times. It’s pretty cool to see, if you want to walk out there and look at it. You can feel the pressure change. It’s pretty cool, a little scary I guess if you’re not used to it,” said Forest Jacobs, Sturgeon Bay.

Photographers follow the freighters on line and with their camera too.

“I like to get out and enjoy it because a lot of people miss this, and I love to share them with others. I see them once in a while on Facebook and stuff, so I hope other people can see it too,” said Joe Raynier, Algoma, WI.

“They come into port for what they call the winter layup. So all the crew kind of go home for the next month, two months, three months, and that’s when the busy season kicks in,” said Carly Sarkis, Destination Sturgeon Bay marketing and events director.

Sarkis says employees at the shipyard work 24/7 to make sure the fleet is ready to sail. She says maintenance, repairs and even painting are common. The work has to be completed in about 2-3 months because the Great Lakes shipping season typically resumes the third week of March.

“To have this type of activity here in Sturgeon Bay in January, February, and March. It helps us so much. I think it brings extra tourism. It’s great for economic growth all-around. So it’s interesting to see, and I’m happy it’s gaining more traction,” said Sarkis.

View this news report and photos at this link: https://fox11online.com/news/local/winter-fleet-gathering-in-sturgeon-bay-ships-great-lakes-freighters?fbclid=IwAR2DkdXOfnmiAGMyXfNJrPZpw5evuLJK1sj9RjC0wcbuJ4ttE_hLkrEAUlc

Canadian Coast Guard’s oldest serving vessel to be decomissioned

 Ottawa, ON – Canadian Coast Guard‘s oldest serving vessel, the CCGS Hudson, is being decommissioned after 59 years of service, in what the agency calls the “end of an era.” The East Coast ocean science vessel was determined to be “beyond economic repair” after its starboard propulsion motor failed in November.

“Further investment would not allow it to return to reliable service,” read a news release from Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Back in 2019, the CCGS Hudson needed repairs and maintenance for degradation to the hull, fuel tanks and onboard systems.

At the time, a Quebec shipyard condemned the ship as beyond repair, declining to bid on a lucrative contract on the grounds that it “presents a serious and real threat to the safety of life at sea.” However, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) had said that was inaccurate.

The Hudson had a $4-million refit in Ontario in 2016 and had more work done on it since it returned to its East Coast port in Dartmouth, N.S., in 2017.

Read more and view images here: https://globalnews.ca/news/8523835/coast-guard-decommissioning-ccgs-hudson/?fbclid=IwAR1CCVKXJVGMcxI3FhhVU56HPNDZc53UGpKb14VjwVt9zreVxagtvmvHUTQ

Grand Haven shipping season ends with visits from Sykes, Jackson

Grand Haven, MI – Commercial shipping concluded for the season in Grand Haven this past week. The steamship Wilfred Sykes closed the Meekhof’s D&M dock after making back-to-back visits on Saturday & Sunday. The M/V Herbert C. Jackson delivered the final load of the season to the Verplank dock in Ferrysburg on Thursday with the tug Meredith Ashton providing icebreaking assistance.

Our 2021/22 shipping season started on March 30th, 2021 and a total of 118 commercial deliveries were made to our three active docks in Grand Haven/Ferrysburg. This marks four straight seasons with growth in our numbers, after 109 in 2020, 95 in 2019, & 92 in 2018. This number is simply a count of the commercial vessels that visited our harbor and is not representative of the tonnages received by each dock.

The vessels we saw visit Grand Haven this season included the American-flagged vessels Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41, Prentiss Brown/St. Marys Challenger, Bradshaw McKee/St. Marys Conquest, and Caroline McKee/Commander, Kaye E. Barker, Wilfred Sykes, Manitowoc, Herbert C. Jackson, Sam Laud, Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder, Great Republic, Calumet, H. Lee White, & Laura L. VanEnkevort/Joseph H. Thompson. The historic steamship Arthur M. Anderson also visited for the first time.

We also saw visits from the Canadian-flagged vessels Cuyahoga, Manitoulin, Michipicoten, and Saginaw. The Sykes and PM41 tied for the title of most frequent visitor with 17. Next was the Manitowoc with 12.

Grand Haven Tribune / Samuel Hankinson

Obituary: Captain Nathan Lyall Smith

Captain Nathan Lyall Smith passed peacefully on Wednesday January 19th in his 93rd. year.

He was born in Petrolia and moved with his family to Sarnia as a young boy and remained in the Sarnia area until the present time. He first went to sea at the age of 15 on the ship Hamonic. He left to return to school but after 2 years he went back to sea and has been a sailor ever since.  He loved sailing and never looked back.  He came aboard the Imperial Sarnia in 1969 and acquired his mariners (captain’s) papers in 1974. He loved his ship and his life on the Great Lakes.

Nate lived life to the fullest. He and Velma enjoyed their trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Florida and British Columbia.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to share his stories of being on the ships for 42 years.  After retirement, he enjoyed many years on his yacht Masters Plan.  He also loved his collection of antique cars and living alongside Lake Huron in his lakefront home in Brights Grove.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Velma Smith and family. He is predeceased by his parents Dorothy and Lyall Smith, his 3 brothers, 2 sisters and his daughter Dorothy Smith. Nate is survived and will be missed by his son James Smith and his stepchildren Colleen Arbeau (Don), Harold Parker (Kathy), Sharon Rollins (Doug), grandchildren Jesse, Alex, Evan, many nieces and nephews and his sister-in-law Olive Campbell.

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/

Mate killed in accident aboard Walter J. McCarthy Jr.

Richard Gray, second mate on the American Steamship Co. 1,000-footer Walter J. McCarthy Jr., died Monday night in a shipboard accident. The vessel was anchored offshore at Gary, IN, at the time and getting ready to come in and unload. His wife Danielle and three children survive. He was a graduate of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Richard lived in Traverse City, MI., and was active the International Shipmasters’ Association lodge there.

A GoFundMe campaign to help lend some support to his wife and children can be found here:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-family-of-richard-gray?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet

Army Corps commits $479 million to new Soo Lock, enough to finish it at last

Detroit, MI – The most uncertain aspect of any federal project is the availability of funding to get it finished, but it appears the construction of a long-awaited new navigation lock at Sault Ste. Marie has, for now, crossed this final hurdle.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s office told the Free Press on Wednesday that the Army Corps of Engineers is committing $479 million from the $1.2-trillion infrastructure bill President Joe Biden won through negotiations last year with Congress to the project.

According to the Corps’ breakdown of costs for building the approximately $1.5-billion super-size lock on the Upper Peninsula, that should be about enough to finish the project by the end of the decade, barring cost-overruns.

The funding, Stabenow’s office said, is on top of about $480 million that was requested by the Biden administration for the project in this year’s budget and was included in the funding agreement the federal government is currently operating under.

The White House in a news release Wednesday morning said the investment in the Soo Locks as well as others across the country were intended to help ensure goods and materials get to markets and manufacturers, especially at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder to make and transport items on time. “Decades of neglect and underinvestment have strained… capacity and jeopardized supply chains,” the White House said.

At the height of construction, the new Soo Lock — which will help move the largest vessels between Lake Superior and the St Marys River leading to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the lower Great Lakes — is expected to employ about 1,200 people.

In addition to the employment numbers, however, is the importance of the Soo Locks to the nation’s economy. Currently, only one of the locks, the 53-year-old Poe Lock, is large enough to accommodate the 1,000-foot vessels that move the bulk of cargo, including iron ore pellets needed for manufacturing, across the Great Lakes.

For decades, members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, including Stabenow, have been fighting for construction of a second super-sized lock, with government reports indicating an extended breakdown at the Poe Lock could cause a huge shockwave through the U.S. economy.

In 2018, after urging by then-President Donald Trump, the project finally began to move forward, with funding being authorized for the early stages of construction. In November of last year, the head of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District, Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich, said the project was on schedule with work around the lock and its design underway. A contract to build the new lock, he said, could be awarded by February.

But funding, especially for projects that can take more than a decade to complete, is often a question mark since Congress is usually called on to make multiple appropriations through the years and the Army Corps doles that out across many projects underway nationally.

Passage of the infrastructure bill — which should be worth upwards of $10 billion to Michigan in road and bridge funding, mass transit investments, broadband Internet and more — guaranteed some $12 billion in funding to the Army Corps nationwide

Read more here: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/01/19/soo-locks-funding-biden-infrastructure-bill/6576070001/

Ice on Great Lakes starting to expand with recent Arctic blasts

The ice cover is starting to grow on the Great Lakes. A few of the Great Lakes even have ice cover that is right at a long-term average.

December was warmer than normal across the Great Lakes. In fact, at most Lower Michigan cities, December only had three days with below-average temperatures. Going into January, there was only about 2% of the Great Lakes covered with ice.

Now January is pacing at being a colder than average month. While December averaged around six degrees warmer than normal, January is now averaging about four degrees colder than normal.

Read more and view graphs at this link: https://www.mlive.com/weather/2022/01/ice-on-great-lakes-starting-to-expand-with-recent-arctic-blasts.html?fbclid=IwAR1B7YYZ8GO84oXpc-rU-xTV7GRuHzlbgD_XoMYNRsJMnlzWsJhsrwzsTg8

Seaway tonnage above last year’s despite challenges

Cornwall, ON – The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced today that more than 38 million tonnes of cargo transited the system during the 2021 navigation season which, despite another challenging year, is above last year’s results.

Iron ore, steel slabs and other steel products posted strong performances, contributing to over 10.5 million tonnes of the total.  This was driven by demand from both the automotive and construction industries. These results, and the fact that we traded cargo with over 50 countries, confirm the Seaway’s role as an important transportation corridor connecting North America’s largest industrial hubs to markets around the world, as well as in identifying export opportunities and contributing to the economic recovery. Petroleum products and other essential chemical products were up some 5%, and are starting to return to more normal levels.  Such varied cargoes as stone, cement, potash and aluminium were also up. Grain, at 10.6 million tonnes, is below last year’s exceptional results due to a smaller crop and drought conditions in both western Canada and the U.S. mid-west.  Canadian grain, however, was still tracking at a 5-year average.

“At the Seaway, we continue to demonstrate our resiliency and operational sustainability”, said Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC. ”In spite of the  many challenges experienced by the transportation industry this past year, the Seaway was able to maintain its operations and its position as a reliable commercial transportation corridor, ensuring consistent and predictable service for its customers and supporting the Canadian and U.S. economies during this difficult period.”

Reliability of the system is attributable in part to a robust maintenance program.  Over the past navigation season and through the upcoming winter months, close to $70 million is being invested in SLSMC maintenance and repair work. Over the past decade, the SLSMC and GLS have invested CAN$925 million in modernizing the binational Seaway infrastructure assets. This economic activity supports many local jobs and enterprises in the communities adjacent to the Seaway.

Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) said, “Throughout another year of challenges to the transportation industry, the Seaway’s performance highlighted its continued resiliency as a maritime supply chain. The Seaway handled an increase in cargo tonnage over the navigation season, and did so safely, reliably, sustainably, and in an environmentally sensitive manner. Seaway users know they can rely on the waterway to meet their domestic and international cargo needs.”

For over 60 years, the Canadian and U.S. Seaway Corporations have worked closely with stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, enhance efficiencies and drive sustainable growth. Today, the Seaway is a world-class energy-efficient waterway, an essential transportation corridor for North American goods and services, as well as a strong environmental alternative to other modes of transportation.

The last commercial transit of the 2021 navigation season through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section occurred on December 31st.  The Welland Canal had a later closing date, with the final vessel transiting on January 7th.  The Seaway canals and locks traditionally re-open for shipping in mid-March, with major maintenance programs occurring during the non-navigation season.

Lay-up reports needed

Now that the end of the shipping season has arrived, please send reports of vessel lay-ups to news@boatnerd.net. This will help us compile our annual lay-up list. Include vessel name, date, port and name of lay-up dock. Click here to view the Lay-Up List: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-layup-2021-2022/