1916
1916:   EMPRESS OF FORT WILLIAM [Built 1908 C-125443 by Swan, Hunter &Wigham Richardson, Great Britain as MOUNT STEPHEN. In 1910 name Changed to EMPRESS OF FORT WILLIAM] AS The EMPRESS OF FORT WILLIAM, Struck a mine and sank two miles south of Dover Pier, Great Britain, in English Channel, February 27, 1916; no lives lost.

1916:   CRESCENT  [Built-1881 US-76204 as JOHN C GAULT by Union Dry Dock Co. at Buffalo, New York. Renamed: FELIX CARBRAY-1908 US-76204 and CRESCENT-1916-US-76204] As CRESCENT foundered off Cape Hatteras, NC, Atlantic Ocean, on February 27, 1916.

1917
1917:   GEORGETOWN was built at Buffalo in 1900 and sank on this day enroute from New York to Le Havre in heavy weather while carrying barreled oil. The ship went down as b) ETRETAT off Ile D’Yeu, Bay of Biscay, and there was lingering suspicion of enemy action being involved.

1930
1930:  GOLDEN SABLE was launched February 27, 1930, as a.) ACADIALITE (Hull#170) at Haverton-Hill-on-Tees, United Kingdom by Furness Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

1966
1966:  In 1966, the Greek Liberty ship EUXEINOS was abandoned in the Atlantic 360 miles southwest of the Azores after developing leaks the previous day. She had made three trips through the Seaway as MOUNT ATHOS in 1959. The crew was picked up by a passing tanker and delivered to Halifax.

2022
2022:   In an earnings call last month, Canadian National Railway shared a desire to sell off its Twin Ports-based Great Lakes Fleet of ore carriers. The Great Lakes Fleet of lake freighters features nine ore boats, including three 1,000-footers. Its base of operations is located in offices at the CN ore docks in Duluth, near 34th Avenue West.

2023
2023:   Firefighters were called to the Algoma Central Corp.’s Algoma Discovery Monday just after 9 a.m.  She is laid up for the winter and undergoing maintenance at Wharf 16. Preliminary reports indicate the fire is in the engine room area.  Fire crews activated the ship’s fire suppression system in the engine room (sprinklers). They also requested foam be used.

2025
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.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Steve Haverty, “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

Iron ore port shipments reflect pellet production decline

By LEE BLOOMQUIST FOR MESABI TRIBUNE
   As goes Iron Range iron ore pellet production, so goes the iron ore docks in Duluth and Superior.
   Iron ore tonnage shipped from the Port of Duluth-Superior fell 14.9 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.
   Total iron ore tonnage out of the port for the 2025 navigation system was 16,502,877 short tons, according to the port authority.
   That compares to 19,394,793 short tons shipped from the port during the 2024 navigation system, according to the port authority.
   “The shipping season began under a dark cloud of mine layoffs and reduced domestic steel demand, so a decline in iron ore tonnage wasn’t surprising,” Kevin Beardsley, Duluth Seaway Port Authority executive director said. “Then conditions worsened with changes at Algoma Steel, which ultimately resulted in decreased export tonnage to Canada. The combination of those two factors and other market trends made it a tough year. For the whole region’s sake, we’re hoping for a rebound in 2026.”
   Across the entire Great Lakes, year-end iron ore shipments fell 12.8 percent to 43.4 million tons, according to the Cleveland-based Lake Carriers Association.
   The Port of Duluth Superior shipments are a reflection of a difficult year of iron ore pellet production primarily due to idlings at two northeastern Minnesota taconite plants.
   Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s Minorca Mine near Virginia was indefinitely idled in the spring.
   Cliffs’ Hibbing Taconite Co. was partially idled, operating only one pellet production line as the taconite plant is running out of crude ore.
   Total iron ore pellet production for the year for all six northeastern Minnesota taconite plants was forecast to be 28.5 million tons, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue Minerals Tax Office.
   That’s a large decline from 34.6 million tons produced in 2024 and 34.5 million tons in 2023.
   Minorca Mine produced 550,000 tons in 2025, far below the nearly 2.6 million tons it produced in 2024, according to the minerals tax office.
   Hibbing Taconite was expected to produce 2.8 million tons, down nearly half from the more than 5.2 million tons it produced in 2024, according to the minerals tax office.
   “It’s unfortunate,” Mike Jugovich, a St. Louis County commissioner and Duluth Seaway Port Authority board of directors vice president said of the shipping tonnage decline. “But it’s the reality of it. With Hibbing Taconite and Minorca Mine down indefinitely, that doesn’t seem to be what we’re looking for. Hopefully, Mesabi Metallics starts producing in 2026, but we want everyone to be at full capacity. We’re looking for better things in the future.”
   On the bright side, United States Steel Corp.’s Minntac Mine in Mountain Iron and Keetac in Keewatin ran throughout the year.
   But the company ended up in a legal dispute with Canadian steelmaker Algoma Steel.
   Algoma Steel refused to take pellets from U.S. Steel produced at its Minnesota Ore Operations under a 2020 contract that extended to 2027, according to the Northern Ontario Business Journal.
   U.S. Steel then filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Algoma in Pittsburgh, according to the business journal.
   Algoma Steel sought to have the contract voided in an Ontario Superior Court of Justice, according to the business journal.
   A Western District of Pennsylvania judge in December denied an Algoma Steel motion to dismiss the lawsuit and send the case to arbitration, according to the business journal.
   U.S. Steel claimed the missed iron ore pellet payments would potentially put the company out of pocket close to $100 million over the term of the contract, according to the business journal.
   Algoma Steel on Jan. 17 announced the decommissioning of its blast furnace #7 and three coke batteries as the company converted to electric arc furnace steelmaking.
   Blast furnaces use iron ore pellets to make steel.
   Electric arc furnace steelmaking uses higher-grade iron products such as hot-briquetted iron and scrap to make steel.
   Algoma Chief Executive Officer Michael Garcia said decommissioning of the blast furnace was due to a unprecedented 50 percent tariff on steel as imposed by the United States.
   The tariff closed off a steel market essential to the company’s viability and accelerated electric arc furnace plans that had for years been in the works, he said.
   Along with the blast furnace and coke battery closures, Algoma Steel announced plans to layoff 1,000 workers in 2026, according to the Northern Ontario Business Journal.
   At the Port of Duluth-Superior, iron ore export tonnage to Canada declined by about 2.5 million tons in 2025 year-over-year, according to the port authority.
   Domestic iron ore tonnage declined 3.8 percent year-over-year from 13.7 million tons to 13.2 million tons, according to the port authority.
   And iron ore exports from the port to countries other than Canada climbed to nearly 100,000 short tons from 11,074 short tons in 2024, the port authority said.
   Cleveland-Cliffs’ United Taconite in Eveleth and Forbes and Northshore Mining Co. in Babbitt and Silver Bay, ran throughout 2025.

Now available for application! “Mate Tug Class 1” position for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers onboard the tug Demolen

   The job announcement is now open, please find the announcement information below.
   Click on the link below in this e-mail to apply. Also can be found at “usajobs.gov” website.  “DHA” for the general public and “Merit” for current or former federal employees.
   Please see the job announcement links below for XH-5782-11 Mate, Tug, Class 1 position within the Detroit District.  These announcements will be used to fill the vacancy at the Detroit Project Office on the Tug DEMOLEN.
               DUTIES:             

• Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
• Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew’s performance.
• Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
• Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
• Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
• Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
• Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
• Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Conditions of employment
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver’s license.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification
• This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
• Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

OVERVIEW:
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates 02/17/2026 to 03/03/2026
Salary $47.96 to – $55.94 per day
Pay scale & grade XH 11
Location 001 vacancies in the following location: Detroit, MI
Remote job: No
Telework eligible: No
Travel Required: 75% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type: Permanent
Work schedule: Full-time – Seasonal
Service: Competitive
Promotion potential: None
Job family (Series): 5782 Ship Operating
Supervisory status: No
Security clearance: Not Required
Drug test: Yes
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure: No
Bargaining unit status: Yes
Merit:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857902000

DHA:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857899800

Memories of sailing for the Ford fleet featured at GLMI dinner April 12

   The Great Lakes Maritime Institute presents its annual dinner at 2 p.m. April 12 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Featured speaker will be Greg Rudnick, who will talk about his time sailing on the Ford Motor Co. vessels Henry Ford II and Benson Ford. See the flyer posted in the gallery for details. Reservations required by March 31.
[You can see the billing for this in the gallery below]

Make your reservation for a stay on the City of Milwaukee today

It’s time to plan your summer getaway aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee!
   Book a room and spend the night on a floating National Historic Landmark, then explore all six decks of this 95 year old railroad car ferry.
   Step back in time, experience Great Lakes history up close, and make it a stay you won’t forget.

See you aboard! Link to site;  https://www.carferry.com/boatel?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJgrxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJUOWJ6bVljek5zVE8wbVRrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp09bZhg2J1_QTU2qcbLcdS7M2ZwXeUqQneAsczgLqjpCmkQQBe_O6-SGKDp_aem_wHFOXWoMgm4wqI_FHzJTSw

Chance to win a trip on a lakes freighter

Port and vessel activity for Tuesday February 25.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 2/26/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
2/25/2026  Federal Sable-DEPARTS-9:22 AM
DUE:
Harbour Progress-DUE-3/6/20263:52 AM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/8/2026-10:38 AM
Albanyborg-DUE-3/7/2026-2:43 PM
Bernina-DUE-3/8/2026-12:38 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/16/2026-6:31 PM
Federal Nakagawa-DUE-3/23/2026-10:18 AM
Bulk Destiny-DUE-3/6/2026-1:01 PM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-2/26/2026-10:13 AM

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
2/25/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-8:31 AM-For-Goderich, Canada [Anchor]
2/25/2026  Iver Bright-DEPARTS-8:39 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
2/28/2026  USCG Bristol Bay-ARRIVES-1:16 PM
2/25/2026  USCG Bristol Bay-DEPARTS-3:14 PM-For-Harbor Town
DUE:
Iver Bright-DUE-2/25/2026-8:03 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
2/25/2026  Frontenac-DEPARTS-7:29 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-2/26/2026-8:09 AM
Algoma Niagara-DUE-2/25/2026-6:56 AM
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM

AMHERSTBURG, CANADA                       [CAAMH]
2/24/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-9:44 PM
2/25/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-4:58 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
2/25/2026  Algoterra-DEPARTS-8:15 AM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
2/25/2026  Iver Bright-ARRIVES-1:59 PM
2/25/2026  Algonova-ARRIVES-3:38 PM
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-2/25/2026-5:00 PM
Baltic-DUE-2/26/2026-5:54 AM
Algocanada-DUE-2/26/2026-8:51 AM

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
2/25/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-7:24 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/25/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-7:37 AM
2/25/2026  Baltic-DEPARTS-9:02 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada

SAULT STE. MARIE                                        [CASSM]
2/25/2026  USCG Katmai Bay-DEPARTS-3:56 PM-For-[ICE OPS]

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
2/25/2026  Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-8:06 AM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-2/26/2026-12:06 PM
Frontenac-DUE-2/27/2026-1:05 PM

INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA                  [USECH]
2/25/2026  Karen Andrie-ARRIVES-8:31 AM

1874
1874:  On 26 February 1874, the tug WILLIAM LIVINGSTONE JR. was launched at Port Huron Dry Dock. Her dimensions were 151 feet overall, 25 foot 6 inches beam, and 13 foot depth. Her machinery was built by Phillerick & Christy of Detroit and was shipped by rail to Port Huron. She cost $45,000. Her master builder was Alex Stewart.

1876
1876:  On 26 February 1876, the MARY BELL (iron propeller, 58 foot, 34 gross tons, built in 1870, at Buffalo, New York) burned near Vicksburg, Michigan.

1915
1915:   BUCKEYE STATE [Built-1873 US-2858 By: Thomas T. Arnold, Saginaw, Michigan] The Rig changed to barge at Buffalo, NY, February 26, 1915.

1918
1918:   ANNA C MINCH [Built-1903 US-107846 by American Shipbuilding Co. at Cleveland, Ohio, Renamed: ANNA C MINCH-1926 C-153113] As ANNA C MINCH suffered mooring damage against Cleveland, OH, breakwall, when struck by steamer MATTHEW ANDREWS and PHILIP MINCH, February 26, 1918.

1947
1947:  The T-2 tanker ROYAL OAK came to the Great Lakes in 1966 as b) TRANSBAY and was rebuilt at Lorain. The vessel departed later in the year as c) TRANSHURON. But as a) ROYAL OAK, it caught fire on this day in the Pacific off Esmeraldas, Ecuador, and had to be abandoned by the crew. The vessel was later reboarded and the fires extinguished. The listing vessel almost sank but it was salvaged and rebuilt for Cities Service Oil.

1965
1965:  The Liberty ship BASIL II  IMO-5372800 came through the Seaway in 1960. It ran aground on a reef off New Caledonia as d) EVER PROSPERITY. The vessel was traveling in ballast and had to be abandoned as a total loss.

1976
1976:  JOSEPH L. BLOCK (Hull#715) was launched February 26, 1976, at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin by Bay Shipbuilding Corp.

1977
1977:  The completed hull of the BELLE RIVER (Hull#716) was floated off the ways February 26, 1977, at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin by Bay Shipbuilding Corp. Renamed b.) WALTER J. MC CARTHY JR in 1990.

1981
1981:   MONTCLIFFE HALL [Built-1959 Liberia-383572 as EMS ORE by Schlieker-Werft Willy H Schlieker K.G. at Hamburg, Germany. Renamed: MONTCLIFF HALL-1977 C-383572, CARTIERDOC-1988 C-383572 and CEDARGLEN-2002 C-383572] As MONTCLIFF HALL a worker’s torch started a fire which severely damaged the navigation bridge and the two decks below it. The incident occurred on February 26, 1981, while the vessel was in winter lay-up at Sarnia, Ontario. The fire did major damage to the pilothouse and accommodations area, but the repairs were completed in time for the ship to resume trading on May 27, 1981. It resumed sailing as CARTIERDOC (ii) and, later CEDARGLEN (ii).  She was scrapped in Turkey in 2019.

1982
1982:   TUSKER [Bulit-1958 UK by A. Hull & Co. LTD. At Aberdeen, Scotland. Renamed: TUSKER-1958 C-178473 and BODE-2001-Nigeria] As TUSKER she encountered many mechanical problems, including the dismantling of her main engines, when contaminated lubricating oil was discovered in her main engines on February 26, 1982 at St. Catharines.

1986
1986:  ANGELA SMITS, a Seaway trader for the first time in 1983, developed a severe list and was abandoned by the crew on a voyage from Norway to Australia. The hull was sighted, semi-submerged, later in the day in position 47.38 N / 07.36 W and was believed to have sunk in the Atlantic.

1998
1998:   FLORIDA SEAHORSE [Built-1938 C-171702 by Marine Industries LTD of Sorel, Canada as NIPIGON. Renamed: FLORIDA SEAHORSE in 1998 Reg-Panama] SEA HORSE no longer registered in Canada. The vessel also saw work on construction projects for different owners, and left the Seaway for the sea on December 12, 1988. She was the FLORIDA SEAHORSE when it sank in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Louisiana coast, February 26, 1998. Crew rescued.

2011
2011:  Fire broke out on the bridge of DINTELBORG while enroute from the Netherlands to Virginia. The ship was taken in tow the next day by the ROWAN M. McALLISTER out of Providence, R.I. The repaired Dutch freighter was back through the Seaway later in 2011. The tug was also a Seaway caller in 2012, coming inland to tow the fire ravaged PATRICE McALLISTER back to Providence.

2025
2025:   Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added three new vessels to its Handy-size laker class of vessels. They are Federal New York, built in 2024 (IMO 997543), Federal Lexi Rose (IMO 9975442), built in 2025 and Federal William Paul (IMO 9975454) also built in 2025. All were built in Oshima, Japan at the Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Each new vessel is registered in the Marshall Islands and are 199.98 meters in length and 23.760 meters in width or 656 feet in length and 78 feet in width. The new vessels are all sisterships, with each having a very large funnel and four deck cranes. These new vessels are very similar in appearance to the Federal Hamilton (IMO 9975363), built in 2023.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, 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

Now available for application! “Mate Tug Class 1” position for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers onboard the tug Demolen

   The job announcement is now open, please find the announcement information below.
   Click on the link below in this e-mail to apply. Also can be found at “usajobs.gov” website.  “DHA” for the general public and “Merit” for current or former federal employees.
   Please see the job announcement links below for XH-5782-11 Mate, Tug, Class 1 position within the Detroit District.  These announcements will be used to fill the vacancy at the Detroit Project Office on the Tug DEMOLEN.
               DUTIES:             

• Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
• Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew’s performance.
• Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
• Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
• Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
• Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
• Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
• Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Conditions of employment
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver’s license.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification
• This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
• Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

OVERVIEW:
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates 02/17/2026 to 03/03/2026
Salary $47.96 to – $55.94 per day
Pay scale & grade XH 11
Location 001 vacancies in the following location: Detroit, MI
Remote job: No
Telework eligible: No
Travel Required: 75% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type: Permanent
Work schedule: Full-time – Seasonal
Service: Competitive
Promotion potential: None
Job family (Series): 5782 Ship Operating
Supervisory status: No
Security clearance: Not Required
Drug test: Yes
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure: No
Bargaining unit status: Yes
Merit:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857902000

DHA:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857899800

Memories of sailing for the Ford fleet featured at GLMI dinner April 12

   The Great Lakes Maritime Institute presents its annual dinner at 2 p.m. April 12 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Featured speaker will be Greg Rudnick, who will talk about his time sailing on the Ford Motor Co. vessels Henry Ford II and Benson Ford. See the flyer posted in the gallery for details. Reservations required by March 31.
[You can see the billing for this in the gallery below]

Make your reservation for a stay on the City of Milwaukee today

It’s time to plan your summer getaway aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee!
   Book a room and spend the night on a floating National Historic Landmark, then explore all six decks of this 95 year old railroad car ferry.
   Step back in time, experience Great Lakes history up close, and make it a stay you won’t forget.

See you aboard! Link to site;  https://www.carferry.com/boatel?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJgrxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJUOWJ6bVljek5zVE8wbVRrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp09bZhg2J1_QTU2qcbLcdS7M2ZwXeUqQneAsczgLqjpCmkQQBe_O6-SGKDp_aem_wHFOXWoMgm4wqI_FHzJTSw

Chance to win a trip on a lakes freighter

Port and vessel activity for Tuesday February 24.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 2/25/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
2/24/2026  RF Stella-DEPARTS-9:38 AM-For-Quebec, Canada
DUE:
Harbour Progress-DUE-3/6/2026-4:50 AM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/6/2026-2:20 PM
Berhina-DUE-3/6/2026-6:02 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/16/2026-6:53 PM
Bulk Destiny-DUE-3/4/2026-7:35 Am

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoberta and Algonova are loading at Imperial Oil.

PORT DOVER, CANADA                             [CAPDV]
Cutter Vincent Massey and tanker Algocanada departed for Sarnia.

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker is running the second shuttle to the Cliffs mill on the Cuyahoga River.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
2/24/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-10:45 AM
DUE:
Iver Bright-DUE-2/25/2026-1:30 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
2/24/2026  Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-10:13 AM
2/24/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-10:44 AM-For-Detroit, Michigan

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
2/24/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-7:51 AM
2/24/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-9:46 AM-For-Goderich, Canada [Anchor]
2/24/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-9:58 AM
2/24/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-10:17 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
2/24/2026  Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-10:31 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-2/25/2026-10:02 PM
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM

SARNIA,CANADA                                          [CASNI]
DUE:
Algoterra-DUE-2/24/2026-3:30 PM
Algonova-DUE-2/25/2026-6:52 AM
Algocanada-DUE-2/25/2026-8:51 AM

CALCITE, MICHIGAN                                  [USMI3]
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-6:28 AM-For-Calcite, Michigan
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-6:29 AM
2/24/2026  Baltic-DEPARTS-8:18 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-8:19 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan

CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN                        [USCHG]
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-12:11 PM
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-1:46 PM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/24/2026  Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-2:08 PM
2/24/2026  Baltic-ARRIVES-2:19 PM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
2/24/2026  Algoma Innovator-ARRIVES-3:17 AM
2/24/2026  Algoma Innovator-DEPARTS-3:40 PM-For-Goderich, Canada

SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS       [USOUS]
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-2/26/2026-2:02 AM
Frontenac-DUE-2/26/2026-10:00 PM

1876
1876;   COMET [Built-1857 US-5683 by Peck & Masters of Cleveland, Ohio] The COMET was sunk by collision with Canadian propeller MANITOBA August 26, 1875, above Whitefish Point, Lake Superior; ten lives lost. Final enrollment surrendered at Cleveland, OH, on February 25, 1876, and endorsed \”abandoned.\”

1888
1888:   J.A. SMITH  [Built-1871 US-45966 By Abram Smith, Algonac, Michigan] Vessel reportedly wrecked in Straits of Mackinac in fall, 1887. Final enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, February 25, 1888, and endorsed \”abandoned.\”

1910
1910:  CREEK TRANSPORT was launched this day in 1910, as a.) SASKATOON (Hull#256) at Sunderland, England, by Sunderland Shipbuilding Co.

1918
1918:   SANTA MARIA  [Built 1901 US_93224  by American Shipbuilding Co. of Cleveland, Ohio as MINNETONKA US-93224. Renamed: SANTA MARIA-1906 US-93224] As SANTA MARIA was torpedoed by German submarine U-19 on February 25, 1918, in position 55.14N x 6.19W, about one mile from Loch Swilly; no casualties.

1924
1924:   FRONTENAC [Built-1889 US-120750 By Cleveland Ship Building Co of Cleveland, Ohio Other name: VAUDREUIL-1919-C-141484]  As VAUDREUIL she was sold to German buyers on February 25, 1924 and scrapped in Germany that same year.

1964
1964:  CISSOULA, a Greek freighter that visited the Seaway in 1961 and 1965, was abandoned after a collision in fog with the Swedish vessel SOLKLINT off Selsey Bill in the English Channel. The damaged freighter was taken in tow and repaired. It was delivered to shipbreakers at Hsinkang, China, on September 24, 1969.

1968
1968:  AZAR first came to the Great Lakes as c) CELESTE in 1960 and returned with one trip under this, her fifth name, in 1967. The Liberian-registered, but Canadian-built freighter went aground off Cuba enroute from Venezuela to Tampa, Florida. The ship suffered extensive damage when it caught fire on February 29 and was declared a constructive total loss. It is believed that the hull was dismantled locally.

1978
1978:  The Italian freighter ANTONIO was the last saltwater ship to transit the Welland Canal in 1965. It ran aground off Chios Island, Greece, enroute from Constanza, Romania, to Vietnam as e) OMALOS. The ship was refloated on March 1 but laid up at Piraeus, Greece, and subsequently sold, at auction, for scrap. The vessel was broken up at Megara, Greece, beginning on June 13, 1983.

1979
1979:  The Panamanian freighter d) FENI was damaged in a collision on the Black Sea at Sulina Roads, Romania, with ATLANTIS STAR and had to be beached. The ship was refloated on February 28 and repaired. It had been a Seaway trader as a) DEERWOOD in 1960 and returned as b) SEBASTIANO in 1969. The ship was scrapped as f) SIRLAD at Split, Yugoslavia, following an explosion off Algeria, on January 3, 1982.

1994
1994:  BANDERAS visited the Great Lakes from 1975 through the 1980s. It was abandoned by the crew off the coast of Brazil as b) AEGEAN TRADER due to a fire in the accommodation area. The vessel was towed to Valencia, Spain, to be unloaded and arrived at Aliaga, Turkey, for scrapping as c) EGE TRADE on August 11, 1994.

2021
2021:  On February 25, 2021, it became known that Rand Logistics was chartering five American Steamship Co. vessels to Grand River Navigation Co. Both firms share the same parent company, Rand Logistics Inc. Involved are the smaller vessels AMERICAN COURAGE, AMERICAN MARINER, SAM LAUD, H. LEE WHITE and JOHN J. BOLAND. ASC will still run the 1,000-foot ships.

Data from: Skip Gillham, 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

Lake Ontario shipwrecks could get the ‘extended reality’ treatment

WXXI News | By Jeremy Moule
   Lake Ontario was once an important gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of the Great Lakes. As a result, it has a few dozen shipwrecks below its surface, many dating to the 1700s and 1800s.
   And now, the New York Department of State plans to hire the nonprofit Coastal States Stewardship Foundation to develop an immersive extended reality experience and modular exhibit highlighting at least two of the “iconic” shipwrecks in what’s now the federally designated Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.
   The St. Peter, a schooner that sank in 1898 near Pultneyville in Wayne County, is one of the possible subjects.
   “This exhibit is going to allow visitors of all ages and abilities the ability to enter the sanctuary, so to speak, and to experience shipwrecks in a really transformative new way,” said Kisha Santiago, deputy secretary of state.
   Extended reality is an umbrella term for immersive technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality (think Pokémon GO), and mixed reality, according to computing technology giant NVIDIA. They essentially create a virtual world for users.
   Santiago said there is a large collection of high-resolution and 3D video of the wrecks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, as well as from recreational divers and other sources. There are also recorded stories from divers and oral histories passed down among family members.
   The sanctuary is a 1,700-square-mile stretch of eastern Lake Ontario beginning at the border between Monroe and Wayne counties and continuing to Cape Vincent in the Thousand Islands. It received the federal marine sanctuary designation in 2024, something a coalition of governments and community partners pursued for a decade.
   Marine sanctuaries are akin to national parks, but underwater.
   “We want to draw people in to be more interested in the history of New York,” Santiago said. “And you know, what … cooler way to do that than to tell some folkloric history of these shipwrecks themselves.”
   The project has a $420,000 budget; $50,000 of the funding is coming from the state Environmental Protection Fund while the rest is federal money.
   A notice posted by the Department of State to a state contract registry said that the immersive videos and exhibit would be designed for public education and outreach. They would be used in museums, schools, libraries, visitor centers, and public events across the region and state.
   “One thing that’s really important to us is inclusivity,” Santiago said. “And so we want to make sure people with different abilities and sensory sensitivities are able to experience different exhibits, as well as the ability for some of it to be loaned out.”

Now available for application! “Mate Tug Class 1” position for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers onboard the tug Demolen

   The job announcement is now open, please find the announcement information below.
   Click on the link below in this e-mail to apply. Also can be found at “usajobs.gov” website.  “DHA” for the general public and “Merit” for current or former federal employees.
   Please see the job announcement links below for XH-5782-11 Mate, Tug, Class 1 position within the Detroit District.  These announcements will be used to fill the vacancy at the Detroit Project Office on the Tug DEMOLEN.
               DUTIES:             

• Ensures vessel is prepared to sail at the scheduled time, is seaworthy, properly crewed and fitted to accomplished assigned mission.
• Serves as timekeeper for the crew members and assists the Master to evaluate the crew’s performance.
• Navigates the vessel during assigned watch.
• Observes weather conditions, forecasts, barometer, wind velocity, and other weather indicators to determine suitableness for operation.
• Works from plans or field notes showing location and extent of work to be performed in removing shoals from channel. Locates area and makes necessary arrangement for accomplishing work.
• Enforces safety regulations and instructs crew both on safety work procedures and work practices peculiar to floating plant.
• Assigns port watches for safety and security of vessel and creates the schedule and insures equitable assignment of these duties to employees.
• Sets port watch schedule for safety and security of vessel. Ensures equitable assignment/rotation of workers.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Conditions of employment
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: a Mate of Self-propelled vessels not including auxiliary sail of less than 500 gross register tons (GRT)upon Great Lakes and Inland Waters (or greater/equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Master of towing vessels upon Great Lakes and inland waters (or equivalent).
• Must have a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential endorsements of: Radar Observer (Unlimited)
• This position is covered by the Civilian Drug Abuse Testing Program. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019-R. Individual must pass drug test.
• This position requires a pre-employment physical exam AND annual physical due to the physical requirement of the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle driver’s license.
• This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain a First Aid Certification
• This position requires incumbent to wear safety equipment and/or use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
• This position requires Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) up to 75% of duty time.
• Shift work is required during open-water (lake) towing operations.

OVERVIEW:
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates 02/17/2026 to 03/03/2026
Salary $47.96 to – $55.94 per day
Pay scale & grade XH 11
Location 001 vacancies in the following location: Detroit, MI
Remote job: No
Telework eligible: No
Travel Required: 75% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed: Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type: Permanent
Work schedule: Full-time – Seasonal
Service: Competitive
Promotion potential: None
Job family (Series): 5782 Ship Operating
Supervisory status: No
Security clearance: Not Required
Drug test: Yes
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process: Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure: No
Bargaining unit status: Yes
Merit:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857902000

DHA:
Open: 2/17/2026
Close 3/3/2026
Link: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857899800

Memories of sailing for the Ford fleet featured at GLMI dinner April 12

   The Great Lakes Maritime Institute presents its annual dinner at 2 p.m. April 12 at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Detroit. Featured speaker will be Greg Rudnick, who will talk about his time sailing on the Ford Motor Co. vessels Henry Ford II and Benson Ford. See the flyer posted in the gallery for details. Reservations required by March 31.
[You can see the billing for this in the gallery below]

Make your reservation for a stay on the City of Milwaukee today

It’s time to plan your summer getaway aboard the S.S. City of Milwaukee!
   Book a room and spend the night on a floating National Historic Landmark, then explore all six decks of this 95 year old railroad car ferry.
   Step back in time, experience Great Lakes history up close, and make it a stay you won’t forget.

See you aboard! Link to site;  https://www.carferry.com/boatel?fbclid=IwY2xjawQJgrxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJUOWJ6bVljek5zVE8wbVRrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp09bZhg2J1_QTU2qcbLcdS7M2ZwXeUqQneAsczgLqjpCmkQQBe_O6-SGKDp_aem_wHFOXWoMgm4wqI_FHzJTSw

Chance to win a trip on a lakes freighter

Port and vessel activity for Monday February 23.  Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
You can Now visit Matt Miner’s Saltie page at  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/foreign-vessels-on-the-lakes-2024
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at;  https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026/

PORT REPORT 2/24/2026

BECANCOUR, CANADA                             [CABEC]
DUE:
Harbour Progress-DUE-3/3/2026-7:55 AM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/6/2026-7:41 PM
Albanyborg-DUE-3/7/2026-2:37 AM
Bernina-DUE-3/6/2026-5:55 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/17/2026-1:29 AM
Bulk Destiny-DUE-3/4/2026-7:35 AM

NANTICOKE, ONTARIO                             [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algoberta and Algonova are loading at Imperial Oil.

Port Dover, ON                                                (CAPDV)-Bill Kloss  
Cutter Vincent Massey and tanker Algocanada arrived at the Long Point anchorage

CLEVELAND, OHIO                                      [USCLE]-Bill Kloss
Mark W. Barker is running the first of many shuttles to the Cliffs mill on the Cuyahoga River.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN                                  [USDET]
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-1/23/2026-12:19 PM

WINDSOR, CANADA                                   [CAWND]
2/23/2026  Frontenac-ARRIVES-2:51 PM

GODERICH, CANADA                                 [CAGOH]
2/23/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-ARRIVES-2:02 AM
2/23/2026  CCGS Judy LaMarsh-DEPARTS-2:12 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
2/23/2026  Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-2:29 AM-For-Detroit, Michigan
DUE;
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN                      [USMKE]
DUE:
Algoma Innovator-DUE-2/24/2026-3:12 AM

1900
1900:  The founder of Arnold Transit Co., long-time ferry operators between Mackinac Island and the mainland, George T. Arnold filed the Articles of Association on Feb. 24, 1900.

1903
1903:   JOHN T MOTT [Built-1869 US-75157 by George Goble at Oswego, New York. Reg change: JOHN T MOTT 1903-Canada] First enrollment issued at Oswego, NY, August 27, 1869.Final U.S. enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, February 24, 1903, and endorsed \”sold foreign.\” Apparently abandoned c.1913.

1919
1919:   MELVIN S BACON [Built-1874 US-90657 by Peter S Crosler at Vermilion, Ohio. Reg changed: MELVIN S. BACON C-140964 in 1919] Final U.S. enrollment surrendered at Cleveland, OH, February 24, 1919, and endorsed \”sold alien.\”

1920
1920:   TALLAC  [Built-1895 US-116684 by F.W. Wheeler & Co. at West Bay City, Michigan as SIMON J  MURPHY Renamed: MELVILLE DOLLAR-1901 US-116684 and TALLAC in 1906 US-116684] AS TALLAC was on a voyage from Colon, Panama to Baltimore, Maryland, when she stranded and wrecked, February 24, 1920, eighteen miles south of Cape Henry, VA, on voyage from Colon for Baltimore.

1923
1923:  The Pittsburgh Steamship Co.’s RICHARD V. LINDABURY (Hull#783) was launched February 24, 1923, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co. Purchased by S & E Shipping (Kinsman) in 1978, renamed b.) KINSMAN INDEPENDENT. She was scrapped at Aliaga, Turkey in 1988.

1974
1974:   JULIUS H BARNES [Built-1940 US-239491 By Charleston Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co. at Charleston, South Carolina. Renamed: ABOCOL-1963 UK-316334] As ABOCOL: Ran aground at entrance to Cartagena, Spain, on November 17, 1973, inbound from Tampa, FL. Later refloated and arrived at New Orleans, LA, on February 24, 1974, where examination showed her to be a constructive total loss. Vessel was laid up.

1975
1975:  The MOHAMEDIA  IMO-5274773 foundered in the Red Sea enroute from Djibouti to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with a cargo of livestock that included 1300 cattle, 700 sheep and 118 camels. One member of the crew was also lost. The vessel had been a Seaway trader as b) ULYSSES CASTLE in 1969 and c) ITHAKI CASTLE in 1973.

1976
1976:  FRAMPTONDYKE visited the Seaway in 1969. It sank following a collision with the ODIN in the English Channel enroute from Rotterdam, Netherlands, to Cork, Ireland, as b) WITTERING. All on board were rescued.

1985
1985:   CEDARBRANCH [Built-1951 C-192529 IMO-5066774 By Marine Industries LTD. At Sorel, Canada. Renamed: SECOLA-1978 C-192529 and KITO MARU-1980-Mexico] As KITO MARU sold to Gulmar, Inc.; arrived at Brownsville, TX, February 24, 1985 and scrapping began in March, 1985.

Data from: Skip Gillham, Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, “Ahoy & Farewell II” and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.