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/

1883
1883:    R. MCDONALD  [Built-1881 US-110469 by Michael Laprise at Mount Clemens, Michigan. Renamed: IDA M. TORRENT 1883 US-110469] First enrollment issued at Port Huron, MI, June 15, 1881. Rebuilt, Grand Haven, MI, May 16, 1883 (134 x 28 x 11; 287.42 gross – 218.68 net). Rebuilt, Chicago, IL, March 21, 1889 (135 x 28 x 10.33; 338.60 gross – 250.68 net). On 12 March 1883, the steam barge R. MC DONALD was renamed IDA M. TORRENT. Burned to a total loss at Cross Village, MI, Lake Michigan, October 10, 1893. Final enrollment surrendered at Chicago, IL, November 8, 1893.

1887
1887:   C.H. HACKLEY  [Built-5992 US-5992 by Allen McClelland Co at Milwaukee, Wisconsin] First enrollment issued at Milwaukee, WI, September 4, 1868.Enrollment transferred to Mobile, AL, in 1916. Remeasured at Chicago, IL, July 6, 1877 (125 x 27 x 8; 218.03 gross – 207.13 net). Remeasured at Chicago, IL, March 12, 1887 (124.66 x 27.16 x 8.33; 206.06 gross – 197.22 net. Towed out to sea and sunk at Tampa, FL; abandoned in 1933.

1907
1907:   D.O. MILLS  [Built-1907 US-203979 by Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ecorse, Michigan.(Hull # 29) for Mesaba Steamship Co. Renamed: G.A. TOMLINSON 1960  US-203979] Converted to self-unloader by Fraser-Nelson Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Superior, WI, in winter, 1959-1960. Received bow thruster from G&W Welding, Cleveland, winter 1973-74; also converted to oil. As G.A. TOMLINSON: Aground for several hours near Detroit Edison plant, off Belle Isle, Detroit River, on April 11, 1972; released herself.Stranded near Buffalo, May 21, 1974; estimated $150,000 damage. Suffered machinery damage to Toledo on April 8, 1977; estimated cost $235,000. Sustained 6 x 10′ hole near bow in collision with a scow at Cleveland on May 24, 1979. Repaired by G&W. Was blown against the harbor breakwall at Ashtabula, OH by gusty winds on October 28, 1979. She was able to free herself. Apparently, she did not suffer any damage. Arrived under her own power at Triad Salvage Inc. of Ashtabula, OH for scrapping in late December 1979. Her scrapping was completed in December 1980. Dropped from documentation in January, 1980.

1910
1910:  The b.) RUTH HINDMAN was launched March 12, 1910, as a.) NORWAY (Hull#115) at Toledo, Ohio by Toledo Shipbuilding Co., for the United States Transportation Co. She was scrapped at Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1978.

1917
1917:   ALGONQUIN  [Built-1888 C-95051 by Naper, Shanks and Bell at Glasgow, Scotland. Renamed: Algonquin 1916 US-214637] Cut in two for transit through St. Lawrence River locks; put back together at Ogdensburg, NY, in 1888. in 1888 and saw service for several companies on the Great Lakes. The ship was torpedoed by U-62 when it was 65 miles off Cornwall, England, while west of Bishop’s Rock and en route from New York to London with general cargo. It was the first American merchant ship lost due to enemy action in World War One. Sunk by German submarine U-62, with bombs and gunfire, in position 40.5 2N X 7.32W, sixty five miles west of Biships, off Scilly Islands, March 12, 1917.

1930
1930:   FRANK EDWARD [Built-1890 US-120807 by Duncan Robertson at Grand Haven, Michigan. Renamed: ROBBINS III 1903-US-120807]  Final enrollment surrendered at Grand Haven, MI, on March 12, 1930, and endorsed \”dismantled and abandoned as unfit for further service.\”

1941
1941:  March 12, 1941 – The ferry CITY OF MIDLAND 41 arrived in Ludington, Michigan, on her maiden voyage. She loaded cars of paper at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and then picked up some cars of canned milk at Kewaunee, with Captain Charles Robertson in command.

1942:   OLGA  [Built-1919 US-218066 as CRAIGBROWNIE by Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ashtabula, Ohio Renamed: PENOBSCOT 1922-US-218066, IDA HAY ATWATER 1933 US-218066 and OLGA 1938 US-218066] As OLGA was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-126 in Caribbean Sea 20 miles off Nuevital Light, Cuba, while en route from Port Everglades, FL, to Beracoa, Cuba. One crewmember was lost but 32 were rescued and taken to Cuba.

1945
1945:   CABLE EYE  [Built-1945 US-247311 by Walter Butler Shipbuilders Inc. at Duluth, Minnesota Renamed: UNION STAR 1948-China] Launched as WILLIAM L. NELSON.Built as C1-M-AV1 class cargo vessel for U.S. Maritime Commission. Completion of hull transferred to Pendleton Shipyard, New Orleans, LA, then, on March 12, 1945, transferred again to Port Houston Iron Works, Houston, TX, where vessel was completed. Tonnage change, 1960 (3690 gross – 2047 net. Scrapped at Kaohsiung, Taiwan in June, 1968.

1947
1947:  EXANTHIA struck a mine in the Mediterranean while 12 miles from the island of Elba while traveling from Istanbul to New York. The ship was flooded and abandoned but reboarded and eventually towed to New York for repairs. The ship sailed for the American Export Lines and came to the Great Lakes on nine occasions from 1959-1961. After a few years in the James River Reserve Fleet, the vessel was taken to Brownsville, Texas, in 1975 and broken up.

1948
1948:   AM-259 (LUCID)  [Built-1943 US-Navy by American Shipbuilding Co. at Lorain, Ohio Renamed: YUNG TING 1945-Taiwan and YANG MING ?-1976-Taiwan]  Commissioned on December 1, 1943. Decommissioned on August 28, 1945, and transferred to Republic of China on loan same day. Transferred outright to China on March 12, 1948. Stricken from Navy List same date. Later renamed from YUNG TING (MSF-45) to YANG MING (362) and converted from minesweeper to survey vessel. Deleted, as survey ship, from JANE’S in 1976.

1965
1965:   CAPTAIN A. CANFIELD  [Built-1923 US-Army by Speddon Shipbuilding Co. at Baltimore, Maryland. Renamed: JULIE DEE 1965 US-298069 and WILHELM BAUM 1974 US-298069] Spent 1923-1961 in St. Marys River. First enrollment March 12, 1965. Documented measurements (47.66 x 10 x 4.5; 17 gross – 12 net. Sank at its dock, winter 2014. Raised and restored as part of the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, Michigan

1971
1971:  SUNCLIPPER, a Seaway trader in 1966, was built in 1953 as BOW BRASIL. It ran aground at Haifa Bay as f) CLIPPER when the anchors dragged in a storm. The ship was refloated April 10, and taken to Perama, Greece. It was sold “as lies” to Turkish ship breakers, and arrived at Istanbul, Turkey, for scrapping on August 29, 1972.

1980
1980:   VAASA PROVIDER  [Built-1963 Finland by Terneuzensche Schps Maats at Terneuzen, Netherlands. Renamed: LAURI-RAGNAR 1966-Finland, FINNRUNNER 1966 Finland, and MAURICE DESGAGNES 1972 C-329370] As MAURICE DESGAGNES took severe list in heavy weather on voyage from New Orleans for Sept Iles, March 12, 1980, and sank about seventy-five miles E.S.E. of Halifax, Nova Scotia; crew rescued by helicopters.

1985
1985:  LETITIA was the 96th and final addition to the British flag Donaldson Line. It made four trips through the Seaway in 1966 and three more in 1967. It was sailing as d) TEPORA when it caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico en route to Veracruz, Mexico, on March 12, 1985. The Honduran-flagged freighter was abandoned by the crew. The fire was apparently extinguished and the vessel reboarded. It was taken in tow but the blaze broke out again and the ship sank on March 14.

Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Skip Gillham, the Father Dowling Collection, “Ahoy & Farewell II” and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Soo Locks to open for 2026 shipping season March 25

   SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District will open the Poe Lock, part of the Soo Locks, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to all marine traffic at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 25, marking the start of the 2026 Great Lakes shipping season.

   Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

    “Our winter closure period is essential for conducting critical inspections, repairs and maintenance on our aging infrastructure,” Soo Locks Operations Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said. “The reliability of Great Lakes navigation and the momentum of the American industrial supply chain depend on getting this work done.”

    The locks officially closed after the last vessel of the season transited the Poe Lock on January 15, to undergo critical repairs and maintenance during the 10-week-long winter shutdown.

    Maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock, including underfloor cleanout and manhole inspection, a five-year periodic inspection, Gate 1 repairs, Gate 4 lifting lug installation, Gate 2 concrete repairs and applying an experimental ice shedding coating. Additional work was simultaneously completed on the MacArthur Lock.

    “Project staff started work well in advance of the navigational shutdown in planning and resourcing projects, getting contract actions in place, and sequencing work to optimize the short time available for critical maintenance and repairs,” Maintenance Branch Chief Tim Bartlett said. “Due to the hard work of our crews during a near-record snowfall season, we’ve been able to accomplish the required work on time.”  

    “We welcome visitors into the park for the 2026 Soo Locks season opening,” Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs said. “The lock opening always has a great energy. People travel from all around the region to watch this distinct Upper Peninsula way to mark the changing of the seasons.”

    The park and viewing platform will open at 11:30 p.m. March 24 to allow visitors to welcome the first ship from the viewing platform. The Visitor Center will also host its annual open house for the public from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25.
   Everyone entering the park is subject to a security search at the Soo Locks entry checkpoint. Firearms, weapons, drugs, pets and bicycles are prohibited.

    For those unable to attend in person, the Detroit District will host a Facebook Live of the event at https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict starting at 11:55 p.m. on March 24.

[U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District]

Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge gets funds for rehabilitation

   At its meeting Monday night, the Duluth City Council voted to accept an $11.2 million grant from the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the rehabilitation of Duluth’s iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. The bridge first opened in 1905 and has operated in its current lift configuration since 1930.
    The almost $23.3 million Aerial Lift Bridge rehabilitation project will be funded by the following sourceand come at no cost to Duluth taxpayers:
• $11,200,000 USDOT Federal RAISE Grant

• $7,000,000 State Bridge Bonds
• $2,240,000 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) State Matching Grant
• $1,500,000 National Park Service, Historic Preservation Fund Grants
• $822,000 MNDOT ADA Grant
• $500,000 MNDOT Active Transportation Grant

    “The Aerial Lift Bridge is not just any bridge – it’s arguably THE most iconic bridge in all of Minnesota. It’s also a critical gateway for the shipping industry, as well as a critical transportation and utility connection to over 2,500 Duluth residents and 1,000,000 annual visitors,” said Mayor Roger Reinert. “This rehabilitation project represents our focus on Duluth’s core infrastructure and is not optional.”

[City of Duluth]

St. Lawrence Seaway 2025 Traffic Report

You can read the full report at the link provided:   https://greatlakes-seaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/traffic_report_2025_en.pdf

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Tuesday March 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 3/11/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
3/10/2026  Bernina-ARRIVES-4:40 AM
DUE:
Strategic Harmony-DUE-3/14/2026-7:53 AM
Federal Biscay-DUE-3/16/2026-12:26 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/17/2026-8:31 AM
Federal Barents-DUE-3/18/2026-7:12 PM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/22/2026-3:26 PM
Camberwell-DUE-4/6/2026-11:23 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoterra departed for Sarnia.
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-3/11/2026-7:29 AM

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE;
BBC Tokyo-DUE-4/3/2026-1:30 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Algocanada attempted to unload at Sunoco but due to low water levels on the Cuyahoga River had to return to anchor in Lake Erie. Mark W. Barker is still on the shuttles. Alpena is making preparations to depart.

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-3/20/2026-8:00 AM 

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
Karen Andrie DUE-3/12/2026-1:10 AM

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
3/10/2026  Iver Bright-ARRIVES-5:11 PM
DUE:
USCG Bristol Bay-DUE-3/10/2026-4:11 PM
Samuel De Champlain-DUE-3/11/2026-2:26 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
3/10/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-11:28 AM
3/10/2026  Whitefish Bay-ARRIVES-3:02 PM
3/10/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-3:27 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-3/11/2026-12:01 PM

ALGONAC, MICHIGAN                               [USALG]
3/10/2026  USCG Bristol Bay-DEPARTS-12:49 PM-For-[ICE OPS]     

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
3/10/2026  Algonova-ARRIVES-9:02 AM
3/10/2026  Whitefish Bay-DEPARTS-9:45 AM-For-Windsor, Canada
3/10/2026  IVER Bright-DEPARTS-12:13 PM-For-Detroit, Michigan
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-3/11/2026-10:53 AM

ALPENA, MICHIGAN                                   [USAPN]
3/10/2026  Samuel De Champlain-ARRIVES-12:56 PM
3/10/2026  Samuel De Champlain-DEPARTS-7:03 PM-For-Detroit, Michigan

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
3/10/2026  USCG Mackinaw-DEPARTS-7:46 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
3/10/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-4:46 PM

DULUTH,MINNESOTA-SUPERIOR,WISCONSIN          [USSUW]
3/10/2026  USCG Spar-ARRIVES-3/10/2026-1:35 PM
DUE:
USCG Spar-DUE-3/11/2026-8:00 AM

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
3/10/2026  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-1:40 AM
3/10/2026  Jimmy L-DEPARTS-3:40 AM-For-Charlevoix, Michigan
3/10/2026  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-3:44 AM
3/10/2026  Jimmy L-DEPARTS-4:10-For-Charlevoix, Michigan
3/10/2026  Jimmy L-ARRIVES-4:15 AM
3/10/2026  Bradshaw McKee-ARRIVES-5:43 AM

LUDINGTON, MICHIGAN                          [USLDM]
3/10/2026  Meredith Ashton-DEPARTS-2:41 AM-For-Burns Harbor, Indiana

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee-DUE-3/11/2026-2:35 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-3/11/2026-12:08 PM

BURNS HARBOR, INDIANA                     [USBNB]
DUE:
Meredith Ashton-DUE-3/10/2026-11:54 PM

1869
1869:   AMERICA  [Built-1854 Canada-Steamer by Niagara Dock Co.(Edwards) at Niagara, Canada. Renamed: COATZACOALAS 1859 US and AMERICA 1862 US] Taken to New York via Lachine Rapids and St. Lawrence River in June, 1858. Admitted to United States registry by Special Act of Congress, January 19, 1859. Under frequent charter to U.S. Army Quartermaster Department between March 1861 and September 1862. Departed for Pacific Coast, via Cape Horn, in November 1863. Burned while refueling at San Juan, Nicaragua, on March 11, 1869, bound from Panama for San Francisco, Cal. French frigate DU CHAYLA rescued crew

1886
1886:  The tug RIVER QUEEN was sold to Ed Recor of St. Clair, Michigan on 11 March 1886.

1887
1887:   COL. FERRY  [Built-1868 US-4552 by H.C. Pierson at Ferrysburg, Michigan] First enrolled at Grand Haven, MI, June 18, 1880, by reason of License No. 30 (issued at Grand Haven, June 16, 1879) expired.Last Great Lakes enrollment surrendered at Grand Haven, MI, March 11, 1887, by reason of transfer to Lake Charles, LA, District, and endorsed \”to Brashear, LA.\” Presumed abandoned in 1895

1898
1898:   ANNIE THORNE [Built-1855 US-569 by Chris Sorenson at Manitowoc, Wisconsin] First enrollment issued at Chicago, IL, July 21, 1855. Remeasured, Chicago, IL, April 14, 1865 (80 x 20.25 x 6.33; 68.65 gross). Measures change, Milwaukee, WI, May 8, 1875 (80 x 20.5 x 7; 89.46 gross – 85.04 net). Final enrollment surrendered at Chicago, IL, March 11, 1898, and endorsed \”total loss, January 24, 1898;\” another source says \”by collision.\”

1904
1904:   SHENANGO No.1  [Built-1895 US-116688 by Craig Shipbuilding Co. at Toledo, Ohio] First enrollment issued at Toledo, OH, August 14, 1895. caught fire and burned following an engine room explosion on March 11, 1904. The vessel had been frozen in the ice off Conneaut since January 1 and one member of the crew perished in the blaze. about one mile off the Conneaut, OH, breakwater, Lake Erie, on March 11, 1904; one life lost. Hull later towed to Cleveland, OH, for dismantling

1904:   O.B. GREEN  [Built-1865 US-18913 by John Gregory at Chicago, Illinois. Renamed: COMMODORE 1882 US-18913] Received first enrollment at Chicago, IL, June 13, 1865. Abandoned and scuttled off Chicago, IL, Lake Michigan, on March 11, 1904. Final enrollment surrendered at Chicago, on April 1, 1904.

1912
1912:   DAHLIA  [Built-1874 US-U.S,L.H.S. by Neafie & Levy Ship & Engine Building Co. at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Renamed: DAHLIA 1909 US-206265 and FLORA M. HILL 1910 US-206265] First enrollment issued at Chicago, IL, May 5, 1909.Name changed from DAHLIA to FLORA M. HILL, at Milwaukee, WI, May 12, 1910. As FLORA M. HILL was crushed by ice and sank 600 feet southeast of the Two-Mile Crib, off Chicago, IL, March 11, 1912. Vessel was running Kenosha-Chicago at time of loss.

1917
1917:   F & PM NO.5  [Built-1890 US-120812 by F.W. Wheeler & Co. at West Bay City, Michigan. Renamed: PERE MARQUTTE 5 1901 US-120812 and PERE MARQUETTE 5 1916 Canada] First enrollment issued at Port Huron, MI, November 18, 1890. Name changed to PERE MARQUETTE 5 at Port Huron, MI, October 7, 1901. Foundered sixty miles east of Nantucket Island, MA, Atlantic Ocean, on March 11, 1917. Some accounts say renamed ANZAC, under Nova Scotia Steamship Co. ownership, in 1916. Newspaper accounts of loss refer to PERE MARQUETTE, under British registry.

1946
1946:   COLQUITT  [Bulit-1945 US by Froemming Brothers Inc at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Renamed: COLQUITT (AK-174 US Navy) 1945-US and KUKUI (WAK-186 USCG) 1946-US] Built as C1-M-AV1 class cargo vessel for U.S. Maritime Commission. Acquired by U.S. Navy on August 17, 1945 and commissioned on September 22, 1945. Transferred to U.S.C.G. on September 24, 1945; decommissioned by Navy on March 11, 1946 and permanently transferred to Coast Guard on that date. On April 1, 1946 assigned to Honolulu, Hawaii to supply Coast Guard Loran stations in Pacific and Far East areas.

1946:   HIDALGO  [Built-1944 US-246508 by Walter Butler Shipbuilders Inc. at Superior, Wisconsin. Renamed: HIDALGO (AK-189) 1945 US-Navy, HIDALGO 1946 US-246508, and RIZE 1947 Turky] Launched as C1-M-AV1 class cargo vessel for U.S. Maritime Commission. Acquired by U.S. Navy and commissioned on August 4, 1945. Sailed to Panama Canal on September 5, 1945, on way to Pacific area, but with ending of war, was ordered to proceed to Norfolk, VA. Arrived at Hampton Roads, VA, on March 11, 1946, and was decommissioned on April 26, 1946, for return to Maritime Commission. Operated, 1946-1947 by Dichmann, Wright & Pugh, Inc., of Norfolk, VA. onnage change, 1965 (3824 gross – 2142 net). Sold to Gumus Cubuk Kollektif Sirketi; in course of scrapping at Aliaga, Turkey, in August, 1982.

1956
1956:  Sea trials were conducted on March 11, 1956, on Paterson’s new canaller LACHINEDOC.

1976
1976:  The keel was laid March 11, 1976, for the 660-foot-long forward section of the BELLE RIVER (Hull#716) at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin by Bay Shipbuilding Corp. Renamed b.) WALTER J. McCARTHY JR in 1990.

1981
1981:   MONTCLAIR  [Built-1956 UK-188386 IMO-5278054 by Collingwood Shipyards LTD at Collinwood, Canada. Renamed: PIERRE RADISSON 1961 UK-188386, GEORGE CROSBIE 1972 UK-188386 and EDGAR JOURDAN 1977 UK-188386] Change of dimensions and tonnage, 1964 (228.42 x 37 x 20.66; 1539 gross – 1017 registered. Stranded on September 21, 1980, in position 68.45N x 81.10W, in Baffin Bay, a total loss. Registration closed on March 11, 1981; endorsed as having been stranded in September 1980.

1982
1982:  L’AIGLE was launched March 11, 1982, as a.) ERRIA PILOT (Hull#308) at Imabari, Japan by Asakawa Zosen Co. Renamed b.) KOYAMA 3 in 1983, c.) IONIAN EAGLE in 1989. Purchased by Soconav in 1991, renamed d.) L’AIGLE. Sold, renamed e.) ALAM KERISI in 1996, f.) SALDA in 1999 and, later, g.) ARAL

Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

Icebreaking operations underway on St. Marys River

   Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is set to begin ice-breaking operations in Duluth, Minn., and on the St. Marys River on Monday, March 9, in preparation for the upcoming Great Lakes commercial shipping season.
   Initial activity will focus around the Duluth Harbor, St. Marys River south of Munuscong (Mud) Lake and the Middle Neebish Channel north and east of Neebish Island.
   The Coast Guard is scheduled to extend ice-breaking activities into the southern half of the West Neebish Channel, and as the week progresses, from the Mud Lake Junction Light northward to Moon Island.
   The Coast Guard is not scheduled to disturb the ice south of West Neebish Channel Light 45, above the ferry crossing or the ice north of Moon Island below the ferry crossing.
   The targeted opening of the Soo Locks is scheduled for March 25. Coast Guard ice-breaking activities will encompass all navigable waters on the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac and Green Bay.
   The Coast Guard recommends all recreational users plan their activities carefully, use caution near the ice and stay away from charted navigation areas.

[Soo Leader]

St. Lawrence Seaway 2025 Traffic Report

You can read the full report at the link provided:   https://greatlakes-seaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/traffic_report_2025_en.pdf

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Monday March 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 3/10/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
3/9/2026  Bulk Destiny-DEPARTS-5:22 PM-For-Point Lisas, Trinidad
DUE:
Strategic Harmony-Due-3/14/2026-8:40 AM
Federal Biscay-DUE-3/17/2026-11:50 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/17/2026-8:31 AM
Federal Barents-DUE-3/18/2026-7:12 PM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/22/2026-7:45 AM
Camberwell-DUE-4/6/2026-11:23 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
3/9/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-12:39 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algocanada departed for Cleveland. Algoterra is loading at Imperial Oil.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                 [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
BBC Tokyo-DUE-4/3/2026-1:30 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker continues on the shuttles. Algocanada is due in.
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-3/9/2026-9:45 PM

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-3/20/2026-8:00 AM

GRAND RIVER-FAIRPORT HARBOR, OHIO   [[USFPT]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Stolt Innovation-DUE-3/21/2026-2:35 PM

TOLEDO, OHIO                                                            [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
3/9/2026  Samuel De Champlain-DEPARTS-1:42 PM-For-Alpena,. Michigan

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
3/9/2026  New York-Double Skin 509A-DEPARTS-10:36 AM-For-Detroit, Michigan
DUE:
Karen Andrie-DUE-3/11/2026-7:37 PM

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
3/9/2026  Iver Bright-DEPARTS-7:23 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
3/9/2026  New York-Double Skin 509A-ARRIVES-2:51 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
3/9/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-6:11 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
3/9/2026  Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-9:13 AM-For-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-3/11/2026-5:23 AM

ALGONAC, MICHIGAN                               [USALG]
3/9/2026  USCG Bristol Bay-ARRIVES-10:44 AM
DUE:
USCG Bristol Bay-DUE-3/10/2026-7:50 AM  

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
3/9/2026  Iver Bright-ARRIVES-12:58 PM
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-3/10/2026-10:18 AM

ALPENA, MICHIGAN                                   [USAPN]
DUE:
Samuel De Champlain-DUE-3/10/2026-1:29 PM

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
3/9/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-8:24 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
3/9/2026  Algonova-DEPARTS-8:33 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
3/9/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-ARRIVES-3:32 PM
3/9/2026  USCG Biscayne Bay-DEPARTS-3:56 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
DUE:
Bradshaw McKee-DUE-??
Jimmy L-Due-??

STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN               [USSUE]
3/9/2026  Jimmy L-DEPARTS-3:56 PM-For-Charlevoix, Michigan
3/9/2026  Bradshaw McKee-DEPARTS-4:33 PM-For-Charlevoix, Michigan

LUDINGTON, MICHIGAN                          [USLDM]
3/9/2026  Meredith Ashton-ARRIVES-9:27 PM

MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN                          [USMKG]
3/9/2026  Meredith Ashton-DEPARTS-4:26 PM-For-Ludington, Michigan

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
3/9/2026  Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-12:29 PM-For-Monroe, Michigan
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-3/11/2026-??

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
3/9/2026  Algoma Innovator-ARRIVES-11:49 AM
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-3/11/2026-10:35 AM

1862
1862:   NEW YORK  [Built-1852 US-18324 by John Oades at Clayton, New York] First enrollment issued at Ogdensburg, NY, July 26, 1852.Taken to coast in 1861; chartered to U.S. Army Quartermaster Dept., December 12, 1861-March 10, 1862 and July 2, 1862-May 11, 1865. Then placed on Boston-Portland-St. John’s, N.B. route. In 1880’s transferred to Boston-Salem route. Remeasured in 1865 (223 x 33 x 12; 1110.39 gross – 675.36 net). Burned at dock, Camden, NJ, May 21, 1894.

1881
1881:  On 10 March 1881, the propellers MORLEY and A. L. HOPKINS were purchased by the Wabash Railroad Company from the Morley Brothers of Marine City, Michigan.

1884
1884:  The N. K. FAIRBANK (wooden freighter, 205 foot, 980 gross tons, built in 1874, at Marine City, Michigan) was sold by Morley & Morse to Captain H. Hastings on 10 March 1884.

1885
1885:  The tug RIVER QUEEN sank at her dock in Port Huron, Michigan during the night of 10 March 1885. She was raised the following day and one of her seacocks was discovered to have been open that caused her to fill with water.

1888
1888:   M.R. SWAN  [Built-1880 US-91256 by Anderson at Buffalo, New York. Renamed: J.H.UPHAM JR. 1882 US-91256 and J.H. UPHAM 1908 C-126046] First enrollment issued at Duluth, MN, January 22, 1884, with reference to License #5, issued at Duluth, MN, January 5, 1883. Remeasured at Duluth, MN, January 22, 1884 (43.33 x 12 x 5.66; 13.85 gross – 6.93 net). Remeasured, Duluth, MN, March 10, 1888 (43.33 x 12.42 x 6.16; 17.22 gross – 10.64 net). Rebuilt at Duluth, MN, in 1908; Canadian measures, 1908 (48 x 12 x 7; 26 gross – 14 registered). Dropped from Canadian List of Shipping in 1937

1906
1906:  KINSMAN VENTURE was launched March 10, 1906, as a.) JOHN SHERWIN (Hull#617) at West Bay City, Michigan by West Bay City Ship Building Co.

1915
1915:   HERMAN WITT  [Built-1903 US-200049 by ?? at Duluth, Minnesota] First enrollment issued at Duluth, MN, July 20, 1903. inal U.S. enrollment surrendered at Duluth, MN, March 10, 1915, and endorsed \”sold alien.\” Ultimate disposition unknown.

1916
1916:   A.G. Lindsay  [Built-1889 US-106645 by Detroit Dry Dock Co. at Detroit, Michigan. Renamed: PAVLOE 1915 US-106645] First enrollment issued at Detroit, MI, July 8, 1889.Temporary enrollment issued at Cleveland, OH, July 1, 1907, as vessel fitted to proceed to West Coast. As PAVLOE stranded on Little Tugidak Island, Alaska, on February 17, 1916; no lives lost. Final enrollment surrendered at Seattle, WA, March 10, 1916.

1928
1928:  CADILLAC (steel ferry, 161 foot, 636 gross tons) was launched on 10 March 1928, by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan (Hull #260) for the Detroit & Windsor Ferry Company. The ferry company claimed that she was the largest and most powerful ferry in North American waters. When she was launched, the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel, which connects Detroit and Windsor, were being constructed. She was placed in service on 25 April 1928, and had a varied history. From 1940 to 1942, she ran as a Bob-lo steamer. In 1942, she was sold to the U. S. Coast Guard and renamed b.) ARROWWOOD (WAGL 176) and used as an icebreaker. She was rebuilt in 1946, renamed c.) CADILLAC, and served as a passenger vessel on Lake Erie. At the end of the 1947 season, she was tied up to the dock for use as a restaurant. She went through a couple of owners until she finally arrived at the scrappers’ dock in Hamilton, Ontario on May 26, 1962 for breaking up. Last name was LADY HAMILTON.

1930
1930:   CLINTON  [Built-1898 US-127245 by William Dulac at Mount Clemens, Michigan] Received first enrollment at Detroit, MI, May 27, 1898. Abandoned in 1929, at Sandusky, OH. Machinery sold to Toledo parties on March 10, 1930, who removed boiler and machinery.

1930:   COMMODORE  [Built-1875 US-125452 by Thomas Quayle & Sons at Cleveland, Ohio. Renamed: COMMODORE (IX-7) 1918 US-Navy] First enrollment issued at Cleveland, OH, August 14, 1875.Acquired by the Illinois Naval Militia in 1912. Purchased at Chicago on September 1, 1918 by U.S. Navy; used as receiving ship. Converted to Naval Reserve Armory on April 30, 1919. Decommissioned on March 10, 1930 at Chicago. Decked over as Naval Reserve Armory at Chicago, IL, 1919. Dismantled and demolished by U.S. Navy Reserve in January, 1931.

1945
1945:   CRAWL KEYS  [Built-1918 US-216727 by Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ecorse, Michigan. Renamed: CRAWL KEYS 1937-China and KEIZAN MARU 1938-Japan] Purchased at U.S. Marshal’s sale.Set an Emergency Fleet Corp. shipbuilding record by being built in twenty-six working days. Tonnage change, c.1938 (2116 gross – 1253 net. Torpedoed and sunk by U.S. submarine KETE on March 10, 1945, in East China Sea, in position 29.3N x 128.15E.

1946
1946:   PF-071 (NEW BEDFORD)  [Built-1944 US-Navy by Leathem D. Smith Shipbuilding Co.at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin] Commissioned on July 17, 1944.Built as S2-S2-AQ1 class frigate under U.S. Maritime Commission contract. Served on two convoy escort assignment to North Africa, Februrary 6 – July, 1945. Converted to weather ship at Boston Navy Yard in July, 1945. Arrived at Pearl Harbor, August 27, 1945, and three days later steamed to Guam. Sailed on weather patrols out of Guam for six months. Arrived at San Francisco, March 10, 1946, then proceeded to Seattle for decommissioning. Sold on November 16, 1947 for scrapping.

1948
1948:  The ADAM E. CORNELIUS, built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works (Hull#53) in 1908, was renamed b.) DETROIT EDISON on March 10, 1948. In 1954, she was renamed c.) GEORGE F. RAND and in 1962, the RAND was sold to Canadian registry and renamed d.) AVONDALE. She was scrapped at Castellon, Spain in 1979.

1953
1955:  FORT HENRY (Hull#150) was launched March 10, 1955, at Collingwood, Ontario by Collingwood Shipyards Ltd., for Canada Steamship Lines Ltd.

1954
1954:   LAT-1167  [Built-1953 US-Navy by Christy Corp at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Renamed: LST-1167(USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY) 1954 US-Navy and SEDAR (L-402) 1974- Turk-Navy] Rig – Landing Ship TankCommissioned on March 10, 1954. Saw service in Atlantic, Mediterranean, Pacific, and in Viet Nam. Stricken from Navy List on August 30, 1973. Arrived at Inactive Ship Facility, Puget Sound Navy Shipyard, Bremerton, WA, on November 30, 1973. Transferred to Turkish Navy on August 27, 1974.

1973
1973:  CHARLES E. WILSON (Hull#710) was launched March 10, 1973, at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin by Bay Shipbuilding Corp., for American Steamship Co. Renamed b.) JOHN J. BOLAND in 2000.

1980
1980:   JAMES A FARRELL  [Built-1913 US-210912 by American Shipbuilding Co at Lorain, Ohio] Tonnage and dimension change, 1947 (586.42 x 58.16 x 27.33; 7770 gross – 6493 net. Sold for scrapping at Duluth, MN. Removed from documentation in August, 1978. As JAMES A. FARRELL: Suffered a small fire ignited by a scrapper’s torch on March 10, 1980 while being scrapped at Duluth, MN.

1984
1984:   FORT HENRY [Built-1955 C-176118 by Collingwood Shipyards LTD. At Collingwood, Canada]  Sold for scrap March 10, 1984-reported.

2000
2000:  In 2000, the HARMONIOUS, a Panamanian freighter dating from 1977, visited the Great Lakes in 1978 and returned on several occasions through 1986. It was lost on the Arabian Sea as c) KASTOR TOO while traveling from Aqaba, Jordan, to Visakhapatnam, India, with a cargo of phosphate on March 10, 2000. The crew of 18 were rescued by the nearby container ship MILDBURG.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.

The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026

 National Museum of the Great Lakes Offers Spring Lecture Series

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

    Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

Port and vessel activity for Sunday March 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 3/9/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
Bernina-DUE-3/8/2026-5:22 AM
Strategic Harmony-DUE-3/14/2026-8:27 PM
Federal Biscay-DUE-3/17/2026-11:50 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/17/2026-8:31 AM
Federal Barents-DUE-3/18/2026-7:12 PM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/20/2026-10:54 PM

PORT COLBORNE,CANADA                    [CAPCO]-Bill Kloss
3/8/2026  CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-8:29 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algocanada and Algoterra arrived at Imperial OIl.

ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA                                [USERI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
BBC Tokyo-DUE-4/3/2026-8:00 AM

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker is running shuttles.

SANDUSKY, OHIO                                         [USSKY-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Herbert C Jackson-DUE-3/20/2026-8:00 AM

GRAND RIVER-FAIRPORT HARBOR, OHIO   [[USFPT]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Stolt Innovator-DUE-3/21/2026-2:35 PM

TOLEDO, OHIO                                               [USTOL]-Bill Kloss
3/*8/2026  Samuel De Champlain-ARRIVES-2:30 AM

MONROE, MICHIGAN                                 [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Karen Andrie-DUE-3/8/2026-5:16 AM

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
3/8/2026  Samuel De Champlain-DEPARTS-10:11 AM-For-Toledo, Ohio

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
DUE:
Whitefish Bay-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
3/8/2026  Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-4:11 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
DUE:
Iver Bright-DUE-3/9/2026-2:13 AM 

CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN                        [USCSX]
DUE:
Bradshaw Mckee-DUE-3/8/2026-7:31 AM

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-3/9/2026-12:47 PM
Frontenac-DUE-3/10/2026-11:00 AM