USCG to begin ice breaking on St. Marys River

Editor’s Note: We have removed a reference in this story about the Soo Locks opening early, on March 21, because that date has not been confirmed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

SAULT STE. MARIE — Ice breaking operations will begin next week on the St. Marys River as the launch of the 2025 shipping season is set to begin later this month. To make sure that freighter traffic will be able to make it through without issue, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin ice breaking on March 10.

According to the Coast Guard, initial operations will begin in the lower St. Marys River, south of Munuscong Lake and in the Neebish Channel. After that route is clear, operations will move to the southern half of West Neebish Channel working their way from Mud Lake Junction Light towards Moon Island to the north.

The efforts will be avoiding 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 Coast Guard is planning to cover all of the navigable waters of the St. Marys River before the locks open.

While ice breaking efforts are taking place, the Coast Guard recommends that recreational users of the ice plan accordingly, use caution and stay away from charted navigation areas.

Sault Ste. Marie News

St. Lawrence River ice-clearing to begin March 15

Ice-clearing activities will begin on or about March 15, 2025, throughout the St. Lawrence River, including the area between the Eisenhower and Snell Locks in preparation for the Seaway’s upcoming navigation season.

All ice fishermen, snowmobile operators, and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) operators should refrain from using the areas where ice has been cleared to avoid numerous open water leads and unstable ice cover caused by the clearing.

All persons are to refrain from using the canal in the area between the Eisenhower and Snell Locks due to the possibility of unstable ice cover.

The Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the St. Lawrence Seaway is scheduled to open at 8 a.m., March 22. For more information on the opening of the 2025 navigation season, read Seaway Notice #2 at https://bit.ly/4bzNIaZ

Polsteam welcomes Polsteam Rudno to its Laker-class fleet

The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) has welcomed another new vessel to its Laker-class fleet of ships, Polsteam Rudno (IMO 9984821), built in 2025, registered in Portugal.

She is the sixth of 12 vessels being built at the Shanhaiguan Shipyard in Qinhungdao (Hebei Province) in China as part of the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC) Group. The new vessels are all 37,000 DWT and 199.99 meters in length and 23.700 meters in width. or 656 feet in

length and 78 feet in width.

The first in the series was Polsteam Dabie (IMO 9971850) built in 2024. Next was Polsteam Koprowo IMO 9971862 and following them was Polsteam Lebsko (IMO 9971874). These ships are Liberian registered, with each being built in 2024 and all three making their first Inland voyages that year.

Others in the series are Polsteam Pile (IMO 9971886), and Polsteam Okra (IMO 9984819), built in 2025 and is registered in Portugal. Polsteam Okra is expected to be making its first Inland voyage sometime in 2025, as will Polsteam Rudno.

Both Polsteam Okra and Polsteam Rudno have departed from China on their delivery voyages for Polsteam. These new ships for Polsteam replace older obsolete vessels in their fleet. Each of the new ships is also namedfor a lake in Poland.

Denny Dushane

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary braces for possible cuts

ALPENA, MI – The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and its studies and programs will be either directly or indirectly impacted by the cuts imposed by the Trump administration.

The same applies to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife office in Alpena and potentially other federal agencies in northern Michigan, like the National Weather Service office in Gaylord.

It is still not known if there have been cuts to the staff to the sanctuary staff because administrators and spokespeople of the agencies are reluctant to speak about personnel matters to the media.

So far, about 800 NOAA employees have lost their jobs around the country and a second wave of layoffs is possible.

Last week, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, who represents Michigan’s 6th congressional district, confirmed in a letter to Vice Admiral Nancy Hann, deputy undersecretary for operations for NOAA, that 15 probationary employees at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor had been fired.

The research lab has a direct connection to the Sanctuary and the cut in jobs could impact Sanctuary operations and initiatives in Alpena.

The research lab partners with the Sanctuary and helps with research and exploratory projects, as well as monitoring webcams, and real-time weather status updates. It also shares research vessels with the NOAA staff in Alpena and has a dive team to assist local scientists in Alpena.

The 20% cut of staffing could trickle down to Alpena and impact operations, discoveries, and mission goals if the job loss is long-term.

Chuck Wiesen, president of Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, described the cuts to NOAA staff as devastating for the Sanctuary and people need to contact their elected officials to speak out against them.

“The agency, its mission, and staff are under attack,” Wiesen said in an email to The News. “The firings and proposed budget cuts could be devastating to the sanctuary, the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, and our community.

“ For 25 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the hard work, dedication, and creativity of the NOAA team. Our board is urging that every resident of Northeast Michigan take a few minutes to call or write to your federal and state elected officials and let them know how important NOAA is to our community and Great Lakes. This is the least we can do for an institution that has done so much for all of us.”

U.S. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat, has been a strong supporter of the Sanctuary and has made numerous visits to it and even scuba-dived some of the shipwrecks NOAA is trying to preserve. He said the NOAA staff and all of its partners do much more than research. He said, in an email to The News, that funding cuts and a reduction of staff could have a negative impact on Alpena and the entire region.

“From educational opportunities and historic preservation to increased economic development and tourism, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a critical component of Michigan’s maritime cultural landscape,” Peters said. “Reckless cuts to staff and funding for Thunder Bay have serious consequences for the local community and to preservation efforts across the Great Lakes. I’ll always fight to protect the people and the resources that help support Michigan communities and our Great Lakes.”

Congressman Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, said employees at federal agencies need to continue to show Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency their value and importance. He said it is not unprecedented to have a president force large job cuts to shrink government and spending, but he said he will continue to watch closely all developments with cuts to federal employees and funding in northern Michigan and fight to restore jobs that are needed.

“I’ve long supported much of the work being done by NOAA and Fish and Wildlife Services which have been a large topic of discussion across the 1st District,” Bergman said. “Over the next few weeks and months it will be critical for each agency to show what the added value of each position lost is, and when and where it makes sense, we will work to make sure those jobs are restored. Just like the taxpayer has had to do over the past few years during record high inflation, the government must find all of the areas where we are overspending, over-hiring, or jobs that are just straight up not the role of the federal government.

“Historically, rightsizing the government has not been a partisan issue – in fact, President Clinton cut the federal workforce by nearly 270,000 people,” he continued. “Our Nation’s government is in dire need of reform and President Trump is doing just that.

“As this process takes place, there will undoubtedly be, at least temporarily, some cuts that need to be backfilled or replaced – and that is something I’m keeping a close eye on, especially in areas concerning our national security and our natural resources.”

The National Weather Service, which falls under NOAA’s umbrella, is also experiencing cuts to staff which includes forecasters. Northeast Michigan depends on the weather office in Gaylord for its weather information, and it is not known if there have been cuts to staff.

Susan Buchanan, a public affairs specialist with the Weather Service said in an email to The News, that she could neither confirm nor deny any job cuts at the Sanctuary in Alpena or at the weather station in Gaylord.

“Per long-standing practice, we are not discussing internal personnel and management matters,” she said. “NOAA remains dedicated to its mission, providing timely information, research, and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nation’s environmental and economic resilience. We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission. Thanks for your understanding.”

Laury Marshall, a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also had little to say about any job cuts in Alpena.

“The USFWS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the American public and the fish, wildlife and natural resources we manage,” Marshall said in an email. “We are working closely with the Office of Personnel Management to ensure we are prioritizing fiscal responsibility for the American people.”

Details on the cuts are sure to come to light at some point, but for now, Wiesen said it is too early in the process and it is still unknown how deep the cuts and layoffs could go. He said it is hard to predict how severe the damage, if any, to the sanctuary and museum could be.

“The firing and cuts are happening in real-time and it seems things are changing by the moment. It is too early to know the full impact,” he said.

The Alpena News

2025 “Know Your Ships” launches

Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest

Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in. 

To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.

Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

Polsteam sells another former lakes visitor

The Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam) Szczecin, Poland, has sold another of its former lakes visitors. Iryda (IMO 9180384), built in 1999 and which last visited in the 2024 shipping season, now sails as the AK Carl of Sierre Leone registration.

This makes 4 out of 5 Polsteam vessels that Polsteam has sold from their I-series vessels that were built from 1999 to 2000. Thus far the only one of the series that has yet to be sold and renamed is the Irma (IMO 9180396) which was built in 2000 and last visited during the 2024 shipping season.

Already sold and renamed are Isolda (IMO 9180360), now the Hismir Reis of Tuvalu flag; Isadora (IMO 9180372) is now the Tomkar of Panamanian flag; the Isa (IMO 9180358), now the Selvana also of Panamanian flag. It is unknown if any of these vessels will return inland.

Denny Dushane

City of Mackinac Island to countersue ferry companies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Days after Shepler’s Inc. and Mackinac Island Ferry Company filed a joint lawsuit against the city of Mackinac Island, Mayor Margaret Doud has announced the city will file a countersuit.

According to the Mackinac Island Town Crier, Doud made a public announcement following a special city council meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The ferry companies filed their lawsuit in federal court on Monday. They argue that the city is overstepping its authority set in their franchise agreements by refusing their proposed fare increases to help cover rising costs and a $6 million investment to upgrade MIFC’s aging fleet.

The city, likewise, has argued that what traditionally was a small but open industry has turned into a monopoly. Historically, at least three ferry companies have provided service to the island: Arnold Transit Company, Star Line Ferry and Shepler’s. Star Line bought Arnold in 2016 and rebranded to the MIFC. Now, since the Hoffmann Family bought Shepler’s in 2022 and MIFC in 2024, they are owned by one corporation.

The City Council sought out a legal opinion and published the response to the city website. Representatives from Detroit law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone believe the ferry companies could be challenged under antitrust laws.

“A parent corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries are, except in very rare circumstances, treated as a single entity under the antitrust laws,” the letter states. “As a single entity, Shepler’s and Arnold have market power and would be considered a monopoly in the relevant market. If Shepler’s and Arnold were actually independent companies (or were seriously held out as such), they could be found liable for fixing prices and dividing markets.”

As part of the franchise agreement between the city and the companies, both ferry services must submit their proposed fares for the upcoming season. Citing the tumultuous 2024 season and other economic factors, the two companies proposed a “slight increase” for ticket rates in 2025.

The City Council rejected the proposed rates, accusing the Hoffmanns of trying to “monopolize” the market and raise prices. Lawyers representing Shepler’s and MIFC reject that claim and say financial stresses must be addressed.

Read more here: https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/city-of-mackinac-island-to-countersue-ferry-companies/

WOOD TV

2025 “Know Your Ships” launches

Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest

Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in. 

To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.

Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

VIDEO: Edward M. Cotter breaking Buffalo River ice

Capt. Michael Kick and his crew are spending the day breaking up the ice on the Buffalo River to help prevent flooding during the upcoming thaw. The Edward M. Cotter has been serving the City of Buffalo for 125 years.

Video from WIVB Chief Photographer Chris Broadbent: https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=2545250585820604

New Algoma Endeavour leaves
shipyard for Canada

The new Algoma Endeavour has left the 3.maj shipyard, Rijeka, Croatia, enroute to Canada. She’ll make a stop in Garrucha, Spain, for cargo (to cross the Atlantic it must take on a load, it cannot sail empty on the open sea for stability).

The Algoma Endeavour is the longest ship launched at the Rijeka shipyard, at 225 metres long and 24 metres wide and has a carrying capacity of 29,300 tonnes and it will sail on the Great Lakes. After the disintegration of the Uljanik Group, this is the second vessel built by the Rijeka shipyard for the Canadian client (the first one was the Algoma Intrepid).

Janey Anderson – Ship Junkies

Shepler’s, MIFC ferry companies
sue City of Mackinac Island

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After several years of changes, a rift has formed between the Mackinac Island City Council and the island’s top ferry services.

Shepler’s Inc. and Mackinac Island Ferry Company filed a joint lawsuit against the City of Mackinac Island on Monday in federal court, accusing the city council of overstepping its bounds by trying to control ferry schedules and fares and meddling in their other businesses.

Part of the issue stems from big changes in the local industry. The Hoffmann family joined Shepler’s as partners in 2022, then purchased MIFC in 2024.

According to the lawsuit, the Hoffmann family knew that the MIFC fleet was outdated and needed repairs, but it apparently underestimated the amount of work necessary to stay afloat.

“Shortly after its purchase, the Hoffmann Family discovered that MIFC ferry fleet required significant repairs, many of which raised critical safety concerns,” Shepler’s representatives said in the lawsuit. “During the first several months of ownership, the Hoffmann Family invested approximately $6 million in MIFC, the majority of which went to repair and modernize the fleet.”

While the repairs were done, the lawsuit claims the Hoffmann’s worked closely with the city, expanding Shepler’s services to make sure the island’s ferry needs were met.

As part of the franchise agreement between the city and the companies, both ferry services must submit their proposed fares for the upcoming season. Citing the tumultuous 2024 season and other economic factors, the two companies proposed a “slight increase” for ticket rates in 2025.

The City Council rejected the proposed rates, claiming the Hoffmann’s are trying to “monopolize” the market and raise prices. Lawyers representing Shepler’s Ferry reject that claim.

“In addition to the substantial capital investments that need to be recouped over time, both Shepler’s and MIFC were experiencing a significant increase in expenses, including a $500,000 increase in fuel prices, an increase in local taxes of $50,000, a $1,900,000 increase in payroll and approximately $420,000 in lost ticket value that Shepler’s and MIFC, in conjunction with the City, gives away for purposes of promotion,” the lawsuit reads.

The city council also mandated that the two companies must also submit a proposal for their parking fees, which customers pay when they leave vehicles on the ferry company’s property in St. Ignace or Mackinaw City.

The lawsuit claims that the companies submitted parking proposals “in the interest of continued cooperation” while claiming that the city council has no say over their parking rates under the current franchise agreements.

The city council formally rejected the parking rates last month.

Mark W. Barker opens Cleveland for season

Mark W. Barker of The Interlake Steamship Co. became Cleveland’s first ship of the 2025 season Sunday (3/02/2025) when it arrived to load ore at Cleveland Bulk Terminal. She will be captive in Cleveland for a while running the ore shuttles from the lakefront up the Cuyahoga River to the steel mills.

Tom Habak

Trump jobs purge at NOAA hits Great Lakes staff in Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI — Great Lakes researchers and communicators with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Michigan are the latest federal employees to be axed amid the ongoing nationwide purge of government workers.

According to Congressional Democrats, at least 15 employees at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Ann Arbor were among 1,300 federal workers fired by the Trump administration this week at NOAA, an environmental research agency which generates and sends weather, water and climate data across the federal government.

The agency, which is housed under the U.S. Department of Commerce, manages the National Weather Service. The NWS lost hundreds of forecasters amid the purge of “probationary” workers Thursday that mirrors an earlier mass firing which a federal judge in California said was probably illegal.

Agency supporters condemned the cuts as Trump’s latest execution of the conservative Project 2025 blueprint, which calls for privatizing the weather service and dismantling NOAA as “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.”

They say the move threatens America’s ability to plan for and guard against severe weather, solar flares and flooding with tornado and hurricane season around the corner.

In Michigan, NOAA researchers study toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie and help the shipping industry forecast water level changes and ice cover on the Great Lakes. Their research supports lake restoration activities and undergirds emergency response.

The NOAA cuts are “cruel and dangerous,” said Mike Shriberg, a University of Michigan professor with a longtime focus on Great Lakes policy and planning. “These are the people and programs that protect the water but also protect our economy and our ability to safely use the lakes.”

In a March 1 Facebook post, GLERL science writer Brie Farina said that the lab’s ability to monitor algal blooms and ecosystems to support the Great Lakes fishery is severely reduced.

“Our terminations were not performance-based, and the decision was made by someone in D.C. who has no idea what we do,” Farina wrote. “We were fired (illegally, I might add) simply because it’s easier to fire newer employees and employees who were recently promoted.” The extent of NOAA cuts in Michigan isn’t immediately clear.

The agency has a field station in Muskegon focused on Lake Michigan research which also helps state and federal efforts restore the ecological health of Muskegon Lake.

NOAA also operates a system of National Marine Sanctuaries, which function as underwater parks in unique coastal areas. The system includes the Thunder Bay sanctuary in Lake Huron at Alpena, the Lake Ontario sanctuary off upstate New York and the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast sanctuary in Lake Michigan.

Democrats in Congress condemned the NOAA cuts and representatives from Great Lakes states sent letters demanding more information on the Ann Arbor lab cuts.

“We have heard directly from those who were terminated, and they are distraught about what this means for the future of the lab and for the Great Lakes in general,” wrote U.S. Reps. Debbie Dingell of Michigan and Marcy Kaptur of Ohio.

The GLERL research plays an essential role in planning and preparing for the effects of severe weather, pollution, invasive species and other ecosystem threats, the two Congress members wrote. Lab innovations help safeguard water resources, inform sustainable practices and drive regional conservation efforts.

“The recent layoffs jeopardize the continuity and depth of this work and could have long-term repercussions for the future of the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them,” Kaptur and Dingell wrote.

Former NOAA officials joined Democrats on a call with reporters Friday to condemn the agency cuts, saying the mass firings will delay or undermine emergency response at a time when extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe.

Rick Spinrad, NOAA administrator during the Biden administration, said the agency supplies data used by everyone from farmers making spring planting decisions to drivers who rely on global positioning satellites being safe from space debris.

Spinrad said the agency’s Office of Space Commerce helps keep the objects in the increasingly dense field of satellites orbiting the Earth from colliding with one another. The “indiscriminate” firings this week cut 30 percent of that office staff despite a Project 2025 recommendation that the office be “elevated.”

“We fought every year to get additional people,” Spinrad said. “If anything, the agency needs more highly-qualified employees, not less.”

The NOAA cuts are part of a drastic downsizing effort across the federal government led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Probationary worker layoffs preceded larger-scale reductions in the civil service which are being set in motion by the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which directed federal agencies this week to submit plans for extensive reductions in force and restructuring. Trump has has described the federal workforce as bloated and an impediment to his agenda.

In the Great Lakes, NOAA has been sonar-mapping the lakebeds recently to modernize nautical charts which, in some heavy-use areas, haven’t been updated since the 1940s.

“Is that just going to end?” asked David Ruck, a Muskegon videographer and filmmaker who was trained as a diver by NOAA while working at the agency during the Obama administration. “It takes governments to do these things.”

The 12,000-person agency isn’t a bloated, wasteful bureaucracy, Ruck argued. It functions as a backbone for public safety on a nationwide scale.

The U.S. Coast Guard calls NOAA and asks for current modeling when a freighter spills diesel fuel next to a heavily-used beach — which happened in 2023 off Manistee — or when a swimmer goes missing and they need a search-and-rescue grid, Ruck said.

“Is that something that’s waste, fraud and abuse?” he asked.

“By breaking up this agency, demoralizing its workforce and casting them as deep state bureaucrats, you’re demonizing people who have dedicated their lives and careers to protecting life and property for all Americans,” Ruck said. “Wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tidal surges — this isn’t all climate related. The trends are, but the basics of just alerting people to a significant atmospheric event is the bread and butter of public safety on a large scale.”

Garret Ellison | gellison@mlive.com

Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest

Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in. 

To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.

Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/

Mark W. Barker departure opens season for Interlake

Badger Wheelsman Joe DeBusk Receives Customer First Award

LUDINGTON, MI –  SS Badger Wheelsman Joe DeBusk recently received the Interlake Maritime Services Customer First Award, presented during the company’s annual winter meeting in Savannah, Ga. Interlake Maritime Services, which operates the largest shipping fleet on the Great Lakes, acquired Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC) in 2020.

DeBusk, who lives in Reed City, Mich. has worked for LMC for 10 years. He was nominated for the award by Sara Spore, LMC general manager.

“Each year Interlake honors an employee for each of our core values,” Spore said. “Those values include innovation, customer first, passion to perform, and one-hand (a crew member who embraces the idea of always willing to lend a hand to a shipmate).

The recipient is selected by the Interlake executive committee as well as some of the company’s captains.

“Joe has worked his way up through the company and always has a smile on his face,” Spore said. “He is the first to greet a passenger and is there to comfort those who may not be feeling well during a crossing. He does an amazing job as wheelsman and never hesitates to go above and beyond.

“This winter season Joe worked to decorate the ship for the holiday season in our festive lights, which was well received by the Ludington community.”

DeBusk’s love of the Badger began in 2004 when his grandparents began a tradition of taking him on an annual trip on the Badger. “I have ridden on the Badger every year since.”

He began his career at the Badger in 2015 working as a deck hand assistant, a position now known as deck security. His job was to make sure the deck was clean and secured.

He then attended the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, located on the campus of Northwest Michigan College in Traverse City, Mich., where he earned certification as an able body (AB) seaman, qualifying him to be a wheelsman. An AB also assists in loading and unloading the ship as well as performing deck maintenance.

Last December, he earned certification as a radar observer, which is a step closer to his goal of earning a bachelor’s degree with a major in maritime – deck officer, which will also allow him to be licensed as a third mate. With a Third Mate Great Lakes license, he will qualify to serve any of the mate positions on the Badger, third mate, second mate, and first mate.

“I’m hoping to have that done by the end of the year,” DeBusk said. “It will be kind of bitter-sweet because I really enjoy stirring the ship. But, my ultimate goal is to earn my captain’s license.”

DeBusk’s love of carferry and maritime history extends beyond his job. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Society for the Preservation of the SS City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia in Manistee, Mich. The Society oversees the museum ship SS City of Milwaukee, a carferry that was built in 1930 and served in the Grand Trunk Railroad fleet out of Grand Haven, Mich. and Muskegon, Mich. until 1978 when it briefly served the Ann Arbor Railroad fleet out of Frankfort, Mich. The US Coast Guard Cutter Acacia began service on the Great Lakes during World War II and was decommissioned in 2006. Many present and past members of the Badger’s crew have volunteered on the City of Milwaukee.

The Badger offers a variety of year-round and season jobs and is currently hiring. Visit ssbadger.com/join-the-crew for more information.

Interlake Maritime Services

2025 “Know Your Ships” launches

Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest

Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in. 

To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.

Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

2025 “Know Your Ships” launches

Enter Duluth’s 42nd Annual First Ship Contest

Birds chirping. Snow thawing. Groundhogs emerging. There are many signs of spring across the country. In Duluth, it’s when the season’s first oceangoing vessel, known as a “saltie,” enters the city’s harbor. Begone ice! The ships are coming in. 

To celebrate the occasion, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Visit Duluth are partnering for the 42nd Annual First Ship Contest. Correctly guess when the season’s first saltie sails into our seaport and you could win an epic prize package of Duluth goods and experiences. The second-place winner will also receive a prize package.

Here’s the link: https://visitduluth.com/first-ship/

Information Search, Forum Pages Restored

Due to a large-scale attack originating from Brazil, Boatnerd’s Information Search and Forum pages (Search.Boatnerd.Com) were down most of Friday. Our tech team has identified and corrected the issue and those pages are back online. Thanks for your patience. We have deployed new security measures to prevent this in the future, please let us know if you have any problems accessing the site.

Expensive to enter, easier to win: The St. Clair Rotary Club’s freighter trip contest

There’s nothing cheap about entering the St. Clair Rotary Club’s annual contest to win a trip for six aboard a Great Lakes freighter. One raffle ticket runs $600. But only 200 tickets will be sold.

“The St. Clair Rotary Club is currently rolling out its favorite longtime fund raiser,” announced Ralph Livingston III, president-elect of the club, on Feb. 6. “The raffle to win a trip for six adults on a Great Lakes freighter vessel is back. This has been a steady fund raiser for our club going back over 20 years. However, we could be nearing the end of this campaign, since the local power plants may not be coal-fired in the future.”

The trip is aboard one of nine self-unloading freighters owned by the Interlake Steamship Company, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

The winner and five companions will enjoy three staterooms, each designed for two people, on the multi-day journey. The winning passengers will feast on hearty freighter fare in the captain’s galley.

Four of the freighters in the Interlake fleet are 1,000 feet or longer, including the Paul R. Tregurtha, the longest freighter on the lakes at 1,013.5 feet – the Lakes’ so-called Queen; the Tregurtha has a cargo capacity of 68,000 gross tons and is powered by a 1,710-horsepower engine.

“We are taking this opportunity to generate capital for our newly established St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund,” said Livingston. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County will manage the fund. “The fund will help ensure the St Clair Rotary can continue to provide service projects well into the future,” he said.

The Interlake Steamship Company has been moving raw materials on the Lakes to fuel the Midwest’s industries for more than a century. It is the largest privately-owned U.S.-flagged fleet on the Lakes.

“This raffle is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a trip of a lifetime,” said Livingston. “These trips cannot be purchased and they are highly sought after by enthusiasts of the Great Lakes cargo vessels.”

Ticket purchases may be made online. “The Freighter Raffle is now live and ready for ticket sales,” said Livingston. “The link to the web page is very informative and provides direct access to the ticket sales: https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/. Your ticket will be generated from the site.”

The winner will be selected during the Rotary’s Gala at the Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

“You do not need to be present to win,” Livingston said. “You will receive an email confirmation with a unique ticket number for the drawing. The winner receives six passes (three staterooms) for a Great Lakes Freighter Trip on an Interlake Freighter between Memorial and Labor Day, 2025.

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

Information Search, Forum Pages Restored

Due to a large-scale attack originating from Brazil, Boatnerd’s Information Search and Forum pages (Search.Boatnerd.Com) were down most of Friday. Our tech team has identified and corrected the issue and those pages are back online. Thanks for your patience. We have deployed new security measures to prevent this in the future, please let us know if you have any problems accessing the site.

Water levels in Great Lakes drop throughout
winter. When will seasonal rise occur?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts that water levels for the Great Lakes will continue a seasonal drop until April. Once spring-like weather begins, most of the Great Lakes are predicted to see a rise in water levels.

All of the Great Lakes this winter are below the 2023-2024 levels.

See Great Lakes data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers here: https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/02/28/great-lakes-water-levels-drop-february-erie-superior-michigan-huron-ontario/80235662007/

Repairs start on historic steamship SS Badger for 2025 cruise season

MASON COUNTY, Mich. – Repairs are underway on the SS Badger. Maintenance happens every winter to prepare for the upcoming season.

The last coal-fired passenger steamship in the United States is still up and running and happens to be right here in Michigan. The SS Badger is a national historic landmark that has learned to adapt to the changing world since she first entered service in 1953.

“Originally, it was built as a car ferry that carried rail cars across Lake Michigan,” SS Badger Public Relations Thom Hawley said. “But today, it carries only passengers and their automobiles. We also carry a lot of truck truck traffic, and a number of busses come aboard every year as well.”

During the winter, crew members spend hours making repairs ahead of the upcoming season.

“Every year is its own set of challenges. Some things we do every year, like the maintenance and the engines. But things like the motorcycle parking areas, that’s an upgrade that’s scheduled for this year,” SS Badger Chief Engineer Andy VerVelde said. “Next year will be another set of improvements and maintenance, and it’s good, you know. It’s necessary to keep up on things, and we want to make sure that she’s reliable day in and day out.”

This year, the Badger is sailing over to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for a propeller shaft repair. “It’s kind of a unique opportunity. The crew is excited. It’s a big investment, but it’s neat to see the boat taken out of the water,” VerVelde said. “Usually, it only happens about every six years.”

Although repairs still preserve her historic character, the work isn’t always smooth sailing.

“We still use vintage engine order telegraphs to communicate engine commands from the pilot house down to the engine room. The engine controls and machinery are the same as it was when it was built. Occasionally, we do have to bring in modern technology,” VerVelde said.

In addition to the accommodation of passengers and vehicles, the Badger also houses the ship’s crew.

“Most people don’t think about that, but the people who staff the boat, this is their home. So, we’re also doing changes and upgrades,” VerVelde said. “Our engineering crew is getting air conditioning. That’s a big improvement for those guys.”

Even after countless hours of work, crew members know the importance of keeping her afloat.

“We’re the last major ferry of size on Lake Michigan, and we’re one of the last steamships,” VerVelde said. “And so keeping that tradition alive, keeping steam engineering in the marine world going, being able to share that with people, I think that’s something I take a lot of pride in, and my crew as well.”

The maintenance for the SS Badger is expected to wrap up just before the first sail on May 16.

WPBN/WGTU

Trump Administration Proposes Massive
Port Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels

Editor’s note: These measures could impact trade on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, since many vessels – including some owned by Canadian operators – that call on U.S. ports are built in China.

Reported by gCaptain

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced sweeping new measures targeting China’s growing dominance in global maritime sectors, including potential fees of up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese-built vessels, $1 million per port call for operators of Chinese-built ships, and mandatory U.S.-flag shipping requirements.

The proposed actions, published to the Federal Register on Friday by Acting U.S. Trade Representative Juan Millan, come after a recent USTR Section 301 investigation found that “China’s acts, policies, and practices to be unreasonable and to burden or restrict US commerce.”

The investigation was initiated following a petition filed in March 2024 by five major U.S. labor unions, including the United Steel Workers and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.

The USTR’s findings reveal China’s dramatic rise in global ship production—from less than 5% in 1999 to over 50% in 2023. China also dominates the maritime supply chain, controlling 95% of global shipping container production and 86% of the world’s intermodal chassis supply. Additionally, China’s ownership of the global commercial fleet has reached over 19% as of January 2024.

“China frames its targeting for dominance in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors in nationalistic terms as a zero-sum contest pitting companies it controls against all others,” states the USTR report, which also highlights how China’s state-backed entities benefit from extensive subsidies, preferential financing, and regulatory advantages that distort global competition.

In response, the USTR has now proposed a series of aggressive measures that could significantly reshape the maritime trade landscape.

The proposed measures not only include a flat fee of $1,500,000 per port call of a Chinese-built vessel to a U.S. port, but also tiered fees per U.S. port call for operators with exposure to Chinese-built ships and newbuild orders at Chinese yards. For example, operators with fleets comprising more than 50% Chinese-built vessels could face fees up to $1 million per U.S. port call, while those with 25-50% Chinese-built vessels would pay up to $750,000 per call. Vessel operators with shipbuilding orders in China could also face fees up to $1 million per port call, based on orderbook composition.

The proposal would also mandate increasing percentages of U.S. exports to be carried on American-flag vessels. Starting at 1% of cargo immediately upon implementation, the requirements would rise to 15% within seven years, with specific allocations for U.S.-built vessels.

The action also targets China’s LOGINK logistics platform, citing concerns about sensitive data access. The proposal suggests potential restrictions or bans on LOGINK’s use in U.S. ports.

In the initial petition, the five labor unions called for fees on Chinese-built vessels docking at US ports, with costs varying based on vessel tonnage and age, with higher fees on newer and larger ships. A proposed “US Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund” would collect these fees to support the Construction Differential Subsidy program, which historically supported domestic shipbuilding before its 1982 defunding.

The U.S. government’s proposed trade actions mark one of the most significant attempts to curb China’s growing dominance in global shipping and shipbuilding. However, the proposed measures also carry risks, including potential supply chain disruptions and retaliatory actions from Beijing.

Industry stakeholders can provide feedback on the proposed measures at a public hearing scheduled for March 24, 2025, at the International Trade Commission. Written comments must be submitted by the same date.

Summary of Proposed Actions:

Fees on Services:

    Service Fee on Chinese Maritime Transport Operators:

        Up to $1,000,000 per entrance of any vessel operated by a Chinese company to a U.S. port.

        Alternatively, up to $1,000 per net ton of the vessel’s capacity.

    Service Fee on Maritime Transport Operators with Fleets Comprised of Chinese-Built Vessels:

        Flat Fee: Up to $1,500,000 per entrance of a Chinese-built vessel to a U.S. port.

        Tiered Fees Based on Fleet Composition:

            50%+ Chinese-built fleet: Up to $1,000,000 per entrance.

            25–50% Chinese-built fleet: Up to $750,000 per entrance.

            0–25% Chinese-built fleet: Up to $500,000 per entrance.

        Additional Fee: Up to $1,000,000 per entrance if the operator’s fleet consists of at least 25% Chinese-built vessels.

    Service Fee on Maritime Transport Operators with Prospective Orders for Chinese Vessels:

        Tiered Fees Based on Orders from Chinese Shipyards:

            50%+ of vessels ordered: Up to $1,000,000 per entrance.

            25–50% of vessels ordered: Up to $750,000 per entrance.

            0–25% of vessels ordered: Up to $500,000 per entrance.

        Additional Fee: Up to $1,000,000 per entrance if 25% or more of total vessels ordered are from Chinese shipyards.

    Service Fee Remission for Maritime Transport via U.S.-built Vessels:

        Operators subject to fees can receive a refund of up to $1,000,000 per U.S. port entrance for using U.S.-built vessels.

Restrictions on Services to Promote U.S.-Built and U.S.-Flagged Vessels:

    Mandatory Use of U.S.-Flagged Vessels for U.S. Exports (Phased Implementation):

        Year 1: At least 1% of U.S. exports must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels.

        Year 2: At least 3% of U.S. exports must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels.

        Year 3: At least 5% of U.S. exports must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels, with 3% on U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged vessels.

        Year 7: At least 15% of U.S. exports must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels, with 5% on U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged vessels.

    U.S. Goods Transport Restriction:

        U.S. goods must be transported on U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built vessels.

        Operators may use non-U.S.-built vessels only if they commit to transporting at least 20% of their U.S. exports on U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged ships.

Expensive to enter, easier to win: The St. Clair Rotary Club’s freighter trip contest

There’s nothing cheap about entering the St. Clair Rotary Club’s annual contest to win a trip for six aboard a Great Lakes freighter. One raffle ticket runs $600. But only 200 tickets will be sold.

“The St. Clair Rotary Club is currently rolling out its favorite longtime fund raiser,” announced Ralph Livingston III, president-elect of the club, on Feb. 6. “The raffle to win a trip for six adults on a Great Lakes freighter vessel is back. This has been a steady fund raiser for our club going back over 20 years. However, we could be nearing the end of this campaign, since the local power plants may not be coal-fired in the future.”

The trip is aboard one of nine self-unloading freighters owned by the Interlake Steamship Company, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

The winner and five companions will enjoy three staterooms, each designed for two people, on the multi-day journey. The winning passengers will feast on hearty freighter fare in the captain’s galley.

Four of the freighters in the Interlake fleet are 1,000 feet or longer, including the Paul R. Tregurtha, the longest freighter on the lakes at 1,013.5 feet – the Lakes’ so-called Queen; the Tregurtha has a cargo capacity of 68,000 gross tons and is powered by a 1,710-horsepower engine.

“We are taking this opportunity to generate capital for our newly established St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund,” said Livingston. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County will manage the fund. “The fund will help ensure the St Clair Rotary can continue to provide service projects well into the future,” he said.

The Interlake Steamship Company has been moving raw materials on the Lakes to fuel the Midwest’s industries for more than a century. It is the largest privately-owned U.S.-flagged fleet on the Lakes.

“This raffle is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a trip of a lifetime,” said Livingston. “These trips cannot be purchased and they are highly sought after by enthusiasts of the Great Lakes cargo vessels.”

Ticket purchases may be made online. “The Freighter Raffle is now live and ready for ticket sales,” said Livingston. “The link to the web page is very informative and provides direct access to the ticket sales: https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/. Your ticket will be generated from the site.”

The winner will be selected during the Rotary’s Gala at the Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

“You do not need to be present to win,” Livingston said. “You will receive an email confirmation with a unique ticket number for the drawing. The winner receives six passes (three staterooms) for a Great Lakes Freighter Trip on an Interlake Freighter between Memorial and Labor Day, 2025.

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

Expensive to enter, easier to win: The St. Clair Rotary Club’s freighter trip contest

There’s nothing cheap about entering the St. Clair Rotary Club’s annual contest to win a trip for six aboard a Great Lakes freighter. One raffle ticket runs $600. But only 200 tickets will be sold.

“The St. Clair Rotary Club is currently rolling out its favorite longtime fund raiser,” announced Ralph Livingston III, president-elect of the club, on Feb. 6. “The raffle to win a trip for six adults on a Great Lakes freighter vessel is back. This has been a steady fund raiser for our club going back over 20 years. However, we could be nearing the end of this campaign, since the local power plants may not be coal-fired in the future.”

The trip is aboard one of nine self-unloading freighters owned by the Interlake Steamship Company, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

The winner and five companions will enjoy three staterooms, each designed for two people, on the multi-day journey. The winning passengers will feast on hearty freighter fare in the captain’s galley.

Four of the freighters in the Interlake fleet are 1,000 feet or longer, including the Paul R. Tregurtha, the longest freighter on the lakes at 1,013.5 feet – the Lakes’ so-called Queen; the Tregurtha has a cargo capacity of 68,000 gross tons and is powered by a 1,710-horsepower engine.

“We are taking this opportunity to generate capital for our newly established St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund,” said Livingston. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County will manage the fund. “The fund will help ensure the St Clair Rotary can continue to provide service projects well into the future,” he said.

The Interlake Steamship Company has been moving raw materials on the Lakes to fuel the Midwest’s industries for more than a century. It is the largest privately-owned U.S.-flagged fleet on the Lakes.

“This raffle is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a trip of a lifetime,” said Livingston. “These trips cannot be purchased and they are highly sought after by enthusiasts of the Great Lakes cargo vessels.”

Ticket purchases may be made online. “The Freighter Raffle is now live and ready for ticket sales,” said Livingston. “The link to the web page is very informative and provides direct access to the ticket sales: https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/. Your ticket will be generated from the site.”

The winner will be selected during the Rotary’s Gala at the Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

“You do not need to be present to win,” Livingston said. “You will receive an email confirmation with a unique ticket number for the drawing. The winner receives six passes (three staterooms) for a Great Lakes Freighter Trip on an Interlake Freighter between Memorial and Labor Day, 2025.

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeks Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited. More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN

MSC Baltic III Grounding: Hull Breaches Confirmed, But Fuel Tanks Holding For Now

February 25, 2025

The containership MSC Baltic III remains firmly grounded on the seabed off Newfoundland’s coast following a power loss incident, with Canadian Coast Guard crews reporting no pollution despite significant hull breaches.

The vessel ran aground in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour, on Saturday, February 15, after losing power approximately 12 nautical miles from Bay of Islands, Newfoundland. Weather conditions prevented the crew from anchoring before the grounding.

“An assessment of the hull confirmed significant breaches or holes are present. The vessel appears to have settled firmly on the seabed, and is stable at this time,” stated Coast Guard officials.

Tank soundings have revealed approximately 1.7 million liters (50,000 gallons) of heavy fuel and marine gas oil remain aboard the vessel. The CCGS Jean Goodwill is maintaining position at the scene with spill response equipment ready for deployment.

All 20 crew members were safely evacuated by Cormorant helicopter immediately after the grounding. The vessel was carrying approximately 470 containers at the time of the incident, with more than half reported empty. The cargo consists primarily of food, lumber, and paper supplies.

Maritime authorities have established a two-nautical-mile restricted zone around the vessel, with drone operations currently prohibited due to ongoing helicopter activities. The vessel was en route from Montreal to Corner Brook, Newfoundland, when the incident occurred.

Response efforts face ongoing challenges due to adverse sea conditions, which have hampered various operations including safe vessel access. The salvage team continues their assessment of the MSC Baltic III as conditions permit, conducting further tank soundings and cargo hold inspections.

“No pollution has been observed,” Coast Guard officials emphasized following multiple shoreline and aerial assessments of the site.

The situation remains under close monitoring, with authorities promising additional updates as the response efforts evolve.

Mike Shuler

Transport Canada investing $87M towards Trois-Rivières terminal infrastructure projects

The Port of Trois-Rivières, QC, has received major funding of $87.1 million from Transport Canada as part of the National Trade Corridors Fund for the Terminal 16 and 17 project. This investment will make it possible to refurbish Pier 17, build a new Pier 16 and develop adjacent terminals, in addition to consolidating and enhancing the activities of two Port users, Alcoa and G3 Canada. Total investment will amount to $312 million.

This project will support the aluminum and agri-food industries, which are key sectors of the Quebec and Canadian economies. It also represents a unique opportunity to make improvements to the Port’s road and rail networks, and to introduce new technologies that will reduce waiting times for the various modes of transport, thus contributing to the efficiency of the supply chain.

The funding announcement was made today by François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice – Champlain.

The Port of Trois-Rivières will build the new wharves and terminals in collaboration with its partners, Alcoa and G3 Canada, who will install new loading and unloading equipment with improved energy, environmental and operational performance. The project also includes the redevelopment of traffic lanes to improve the flow of traffic to and from the Port.

It should also be noted that Quebec-based Pomerleau won the bid for tenders issued to contractors earlier this year. Work has begun and will continue until December 2026, when both terminals will be fully operational.

By Maritime Magazine

Great Lakes water levels drop below long-term average for first time in a decade

GREAT LAKES, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — The official start of spring is around the corner and before you know it, you’ll be back on the water and enjoying time at the beach. New data shows water levels on our Great Lakes are not the same as they were even a year ago.

Back in 2020, water levels on the Great Lakes rose to an all-time high causing a number of problems. Fast forward to 2025, this is no longer the case.

“We have over a hundred years of data, and Michigan-Huron has the same lake level across the whole area,” Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Mark Breederland said. “It’s actually gone below the long-term average for the first time in 10 years last fall.”

The fall of 2024 was so dry the lake levels dropped significantly.

According to the Detroit District US Army Corps of Engineers, our current Michigan-Huron levels are 7-9 inches below the long-term average and 10-13 inches below last year’s levels.

Breederland said this isn’t causing problems now, but that doesn’t mean we’re all clear.

“Most people in Michigan-Huron, plus or minus a foot from that long-term average is kind of the sweet spot,” Breederland said. “If we have a dry spring or summer and a big evaporation is coming fall, if it goes down a bit more, it might be problematic and more concerning.”

Some may wonder if all our snow this winter will help increase lake levels. But research shows that it normally does not.

“People that I know that work on the modeling of the Great Lakes say that it’s kind of a neutral impact,” Breederland said. “Although, I look at it a little bit and I think that some of that, when it melts, it’s going to go down into the groundwater through our sandy soils and help recharge the river systems. And so I think there’s a short-term loss a little bit in that, but in terms of the big picture, it’s probably relatively insignificant in terms of a factor.”

According to the forecast on the levels for the next six months, a very wet season can at least get us close to normal, but the most probable scenario suggests we will stay below average for the foreseeable future.

View the report here: https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/great-lakes-water-levels-drop-below-long-term-average-for-first-time-in-a-decade

Expensive to enter, easier to win: The St. Clair Rotary Club’s freighter trip contest

There’s nothing cheap about entering the St. Clair Rotary Club’s annual contest to win a trip for six aboard a Great Lakes freighter. One raffle ticket runs $600. But only 200 tickets will be sold.

“The St. Clair Rotary Club is currently rolling out its favorite longtime fund raiser,” announced Ralph Livingston III, president-elect of the club, on Feb. 6. “The raffle to win a trip for six adults on a Great Lakes freighter vessel is back. This has been a steady fund raiser for our club going back over 20 years. However, we could be nearing the end of this campaign, since the local power plants may not be coal-fired in the future.”

The trip is aboard one of nine self-unloading freighters owned by the Interlake Steamship Company, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

The winner and five companions will enjoy three staterooms, each designed for two people, on the multi-day journey. The winning passengers will feast on hearty freighter fare in the captain’s galley.

Four of the freighters in the Interlake fleet are 1,000 feet or longer, including the Paul R. Tregurtha, the longest freighter on the lakes at 1,013.5 feet – the Lakes’ so-called Queen; the Tregurtha has a cargo capacity of 68,000 gross tons and is powered by a 1,710-horsepower engine.

“We are taking this opportunity to generate capital for our newly established St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund,” said Livingston. The Community Foundation of St. Clair County will manage the fund. “The fund will help ensure the St Clair Rotary can continue to provide service projects well into the future,” he said.

The Interlake Steamship Company has been moving raw materials on the Lakes to fuel the Midwest’s industries for more than a century. It is the largest privately-owned U.S.-flagged fleet on the Lakes.

“This raffle is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a trip of a lifetime,” said Livingston. “These trips cannot be purchased and they are highly sought after by enthusiasts of the Great Lakes cargo vessels.”

Ticket purchases may be made online. “The Freighter Raffle is now live and ready for ticket sales,” said Livingston. “The link to the web page is very informative and provides direct access to the ticket sales: https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/. Your ticket will be generated from the site.”

The winner will be selected during the Rotary’s Gala at the Boardwalk Theatre in St. Clair on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

“You do not need to be present to win,” Livingston said. “You will receive an email confirmation with a unique ticket number for the drawing. The winner receives six passes (three staterooms) for a Great Lakes Freighter Trip on an Interlake Freighter between Memorial and Labor Day, 2025.

Help Wanted: Interlake Logistics
Solutions Seeking Chief Engineer

The Interlake Logistics Solutions team has an immediate need for an experienced Chief Engineer Limited.

More details about the position, pay and schedule can be found via the link below. You can apply directly through through ADP and if you have additional questions and genuine interest, you can reach directly to General Manager Chuck Leonard at 231-590-8695 or cleonard@interlakems.com

Apply here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=85105d21-298e-4548-924a-61f5e162090e&ccId=9200178423575_2&lang=en_US&source=EN