Boatnerd News
Today in Great Lakes History – February 17
1897
1897: PERE MARQUETTE [Built-1897 by Weller F.W. & Co, West Bay, Michigan US-150740] Made maiden voyage, Ludington-Manitowoc, on February 17, 1897. Scrapped at Manitowoc, WI, in winter, 1935-1936.
1916
1916: PAVLOE Built-1889 US-106645 as A.G. LINDSAY by Detroit Dry Dock Co. at Detroit, Michigan. Renamed: PAVLOE-1915 US-106645] As PAVLOE stranded on Little Tugidak Island, Alaska, on February 17, 1916; no lives lost. Final enrollment surrendered at Seattle, WA, March 10, 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.
1942
1942: LAKE OSWEYA [Built 1918 By Saginaw Shipbuilding Co. US-216914] Departed New York on February 17, 1942, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia and Reykjavik, Iceland, but never arrived at former. Presumed torpedoed by German submarine on February 19, 1942, off Halifax.
1944
1944: USCG BLACKHAW [Built-1944 By-Marine Iron & Shipbuilding Corp., Duluth, Minnesota] Was Commissioned on February 17, 1944.Buoy Tender.
1964
1964: POLARIS [Built as: LST-1063 by Bethlehem Ship Building Co, Hingham, MA. 1945 Other Name: POLARIS-1949 ] As POLARIS: Ran aground on bar off Two Rivers, WI, Lake Michigan, February 17, 1964. Released by U.S.C.G., MESQUITE, on February 19th.
1967
1967: ARNO [Built-1943 US-169665 as GURDEN GATES by Walter Butler Shipbuilders Inc. at Superior, Wisconsin. Renamed: BALTIC QUEEN-1949 US-169655, CESARE CARSINI-1950 Italy, ARNO-1953-Italy, IRIDA-1964-Greece, O. KALOS SAMARITIS-1965-Greece, and THREE SISTERS-1966-Greece] As ARNO abandoned by crew after fire in engine room, February 17, 1967, off Cape Gata, Cyprus, on voyage Tripoli, Lebanon, for Tripoli, Libya. Beached on south coast of Cyprus, off Akrotiri Peninsula, a constructive total loss
1977
1977: February 17, 1977 – The CITY OF MIDLAND 41 shortly after departing Ludington encountered a heavy ridge of ice that snapped all the blades off her starboard propeller. One of the blades ripped a hole two feet long by three inches wide which caused the 41 to take on water, but pumps were able to keep her afloat. SPARTAN came out to free her but also became mired in the ice. On February 18 the cutter MACKINAW freed them.
1981
1981: WITSUPPLY [Built-1935 as TRANSITER by Northern Iron Works LTD at Fort Erie, Ontario. Renamed: TRANSTREAM-1942 C-158633, WITSUPPLY-1969 Bermuda, and WITSUPPLY-1974 Panama] As WITSUPPLY sank off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia, Caribbean Sea, on February 17, 1981, in heavy weather; bound for Cartagena, Colombia. She was on her way to be scrapped. Was under tow and sank in position 12.12N x 72.11W.
2019
2019: On February 17, 2019, ALGOMA CONVEYOR departed the shipyard in Jiangsu, China enroute to Canada on its delivery trip
2024
2024: Algoma Endeavour launched in Croatia. A 225-metre-long ship for the transport of bulk cargo, commissioned by Canada’s Algoma Central Corporation, was launched Feb. 17 at Rijeka’s 3.maj shipyard.
Data from: Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series.
Port Report – February 16, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Sunday February 15. 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 2/16/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
DUE:
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-10:45 PM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/26/2026-9:49 PM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/7/2026-7:27 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algonova departed for Sarnia escorted by icebreaker Judy Lamarsh. Algoterra and Algocanada are loading at Imperial Oil.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
USCG Bristol Bay-DUE-2/15/2026-6:49 PM
WINDSOR, CANADA [CAWND]
2/15/2026 Lois M-DEPARTS-5:48 PM-For-Windsor, Canada
2/15/2026 Frontenac-ARRIVES-5:53 PM
2/15/2026 Lois M-ARRIVES-5:59 PM
2/15/2026 Leo A McArthur-ARRIVES-6:52 PM
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
2/15/2026 CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-5:22 AM
2/15/2026 CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-7:07 AM-For-Goderich, Canada-[Anchor]
2/15/2026 Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-7:14 AM-For-Chicago, Illinois
2/15/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-10:14 AM
2/15/2026 Algoma Niagara-ARRIVES-10:26 AM
DUE:
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
DUE:
Algonova-DUE-2/16/2026-2:34 AM
Baltic-DUE-2/16/2026-11:57 AM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/15/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-7:40 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/15/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-7:55 AM
2/15/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-8:55 AM AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
2/15/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-9:11 AM
2/15/2026 Baltic-DEPARTS-10:38 AM
2/15/2026 USCG Mackinaw-ARRIVES-12:47 PM
STURGEON BAY, WISCONSIN [USSUE]
2/15/2026 uscg Mobile Bay-DEPARTS-10:35 AM-For-[ICE OPS]
SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS [USOUS]
DUE:
Algoma Intrepid-DUE-2/17/2026-12:45 PM
Frontenac-DUE-2/18/2026-9:00 AM
Today in Great Lakes History – February 16
1883
1883: The little tug JAMES ANDERSON burned on Long Lake near Alpena, Michigan, on the morning of 16 February 1883. Arson was suspected.
1910
1910: JAMES E. FERRIS was launched February 16, 1910, as the ONTARIO (Hull#71) at Ecorse, Michigan by Great Lakes Engineering Works.
1939
1939: February 16, 1939 – The state ferry CHIEF WAWATAM was fast in the ice in the Straits of Mackinac. She freed herself the next day and proceeded to St. Ignace.
1943
1943: WAR OSIRIS was built at Port Arthur, Ontario, now part of Thunder Bay, in 1918. It was mined and sunk as c) LISTO near Spodsbjerg, Denmark, while enroute from Larvik, Norway, to Emden, Germany, with iron ore.
1952
1952: American Shipbuilding Co., Lorain, OH, launched the steamer ARTHUR M. ANDERSON on February 16, 1952 for the Pittsburgh Steamship Div., U.S. Steel Corp., in Cleveland, OH, by Mrs. Anderson in honor of her husband. Arthur Marvin Anderson was a director of the United States Steel Corp., a member of its finance committee and vice chairman of the J. P. Morgan and Co. at the time of the launch.
1977
1977: On February 16, 1977, a four-hour fire caused major damage to the crews’ forward quarters aboard the W.W. HOLLOWAY while at American Ship Building’s South Chicago yard.
1979
1979: EDWIN H. GOTT sailed on her maiden voyage February 16, 1979, in ballast from Milwaukee, bound for Two Harbors, Minnesota. This was the first maiden voyage of a laker ever in mid-winter. She was in convoy with three of her fleet mates; CASON J. CALLAWAY, PHILIP R. CLARKE and JOHN G. MUNSON each needing assistance from the U.S.C.G.C. MACKINAW to break through heavy ice 12 to 14 inches thick the length of Lake Superior. The GOTT took part in a test project, primarily by U.S. Steel, to determine the feasibility of year around navigation.
2019
2019: On Sunday, February 16, 2019, a devastating fire swept through the American Steamship Co, self-unloader ST. CLAIR while she was docked at the Torco dock in Toledo, OH, for winter lay up. The fire burned the length of the ship along the unloading belts and also destroyed the superstructure. No one was injured, but the vessel was declared a total loss. On December 7, 2021, the McKeil Marine tug MOLLY M 1 took the ST. CLAIR under tow to the Marine Recycling Corp. scrapyard at Port Colborne, ON.
2025
2025: All crew members of the MSC Baltic III have been rescued after their vessel ran aground close to the Lark Harbour shoreline off Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast.
Conditions were not in the crew’s favor. A winter storm warning was in effect in the region at the time of the incident, with winds up to 120 km/h. Ferry crossings to Nova Scotia from nearby Port aux Basques had been cancelled for the day.
As such, the crew were unable to secure an anchor, leaving them adrift.
According to the Canadian Coast Guard, shortly after losing power, the ship ran aground in Wild Cove, west of Lark Harbour, with 20 crew members aboard.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Max Hanley, Joe Barr, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Port Report – February 15, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Saturday February 14. 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 2/15/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
DUE:
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-10:45 PM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/26/2026-9:49 PM
Bulk Endeurance-DUE-3/5/2026-3:32 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 PM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algonova is loading at Imperial Oil.
PORT DOVER, CANADA [CAPDV]
Escorted by icebreaker Judy Lamarsh, Algoterra and Algocanada arrived at the Long Point anchorage.
MONROE, MICHIGAN [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is still unloading at Michigan Paving.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
DUE;
USCG Bristol Bay-DUE-2/13/2026-4:52 PM
WINDSOR, CANADA [CAWND]
DUE:
Frontenac-DUE-2/15/2026-7:00 AM
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
2/14/2026 Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-11:41 AM
DUE:
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
2/14/2026 Frontenac-DEPARTS-11:41 AM-For-Windsor, Canada
DUE:
Algoberta-DUE-2/15/2026-8:10 AM
ROGERS CITY [USRCY]
2/14/2026 Kimberly Joy-DUE-2/14/2026-2:51 PM
2/14/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-8:14 AM-For-Cheboygan, Michigan
CALCITE, MICHIGAN [USMI3]
DUE:
Kimberly Joy-DUE-2/14/2026-2:51 PM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/14/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-12:22 PM
2/14/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-12:35 PM-For-Rogers City, Michigan
DUE:
Baltic-DUE-2/14/2026-1:19 PM
Today in Great Lakes History – February 15
1943
1943: MANITOU (WYT-60) [Built-1943 at Curtis Bay, Maryland for USCG] MANITOU was Commissioned on February 15, 1943; served on Greenland waters, out of Boston, MA, and Philadelphia, PA. Decommissioned on November 19, 1980. Arrived at St. Clair, MI, in June, 1984, to be rebuilt by Malcolm Marine. Today operates for Malcom Marine as the KIMBERLY JOY.
1961
1961: HARRY R Jones [Built-1903 US-157696 as D.G. KERR by Superior Ship Building Co. at Superior, Wisconsin. Renamed: HARRY R JONES-1916 US-157696] As HARRY R JONES towed out Seaway, fall, 1960, by tugs JAMES BATTLE and HELEN MCALLISTER. Broke tow line and grounded off southwest coast of Scotland, at Ardrossan, January 6, 1961. Released on February 15, 1961, and arrived at Troon, Scotland, on same day. Scrapped there by West of Scotland Shipbreaking Co., Ltd.
1981
1981: EMPIRE SANDY [Built-1943 UK-16967 by Clelands LTD at Willinton Quaye-on-Tyne,Great Britain. Renamed: ASHFORD-1948 UK-169167, CRIS M-1952 C-169167,and EMPIRE SANDY-1979 C-169167] \”Tug/whatever EMPIRE SANDY\” damaged in fire at Toronto’s Pier 6. The tug was evidently lying in a slip near a freight shed which caught fire on February 15, 1981. Pier 6 lies at the foot of York Street. (Scanner, March 1981, p 4)
1990
1990: The tug LOIS T. was swamped while docked at Hamilton and sank in a storm. The vessel was pumped out, refloated and repaired. It now serves as the Port Colborne based tug CHARLIE E.
1993
1993: BELLE ISLE, an SD-14 cargo carrier, visited the Seaway when new in 1971. It was sailing as g) VAST OCEAN when it reported in on this day as sailing on the Sea of Japan. It was never heard from again and disappeared with all hands on a voyage from Vanimo, Russia, to Shanghai, China.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Boatnerd News February 14, 2026
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
LSSU’s Great Lakes research boosted by $3 million gift
David Lyden
02-12-2026
SAULT STE MARIE — Lake Superior State University is expanding its Great Lakes research capacity through a $3 million investment from donors Dick and Theresa Barch. The gift establishes the Richard and Barch Endowed Executive Directorship, which is the first named directorship in the university’s history.
The donation supports the university’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education in Sault Ste. Marie. The funding will be used to create an Excellence Fund for student research, acquire advanced equipment and purchase a larger research vessel for applied fieldwork.
The investment establishes an Excellence Fund at the university’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education, known as CFRE. This fund will support student research projects and the purchase of advanced scientific equipment. It will also provide a new, larger research vessel to give students more opportunities for fieldwork on the Great Lakes.
The center serves as a regional hub for freshwater research and workforce development. Staff and students regularly collaborate with tribal, federal and state agencies to address environmental challenges. Dr. Ashley Moerke serves as the executive director at CFRE and noted the gift’s regional significance.
“This investment strengthens our ability to grow research and student training at a scale that impacts not only LSSU, but all those who appreciate the Great Lakes and freshwater ecosystems,” Moerke said. She added that the resources will help the center gather data to inform conservation and resource management across the region.
The donation arrives as the university expands its academic offerings in natural resources. Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski is a professor and the holder of the Vanderploeg Endowed Assistant Directorship at CFRE. He emphasized the importance of the timing for the university’s new accelerated degree options.
“This level of support enables us to expand the scope of our research and involve more students directly in applied fieldwork,” Kapuscinski said. He noted that the upgraded equipment will help protect the Great Lakes while training students for careers in the management of natural resources.
LSSU recently launched an accelerated 4+1 Master’s Program in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. This program allows students to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in five years. Aiden Cardwell is a senior Fisheries and Wildlife Management student and is among the first to enroll in the program.Cardwell has worked at the center for two years analyzing water quality and sampling fish. “The Barch Center and all that it facilitates, has been instrumental in shaping my professional and personal life, my sense of place and my appreciation for freshwater and fishery sciences —an impact this generous gift will ensure is felt by many others to come,” Cardwell said.
The center also leads specific research projects with international partners. One current project involves oil spill research using mesocosms to replicate freshwater conditions. This study is conducted in partnership with Algoma University, the University of Windsor and the U.S. Coast Guard.Richard Barch, who has a long history of supporting the university with Barch, said the center provides experiences that textbooks cannot replicate. He described the value of students working directly in wetlands and marshes.
“Turning over rocks in a river or along a lake bottom brings a kind of personal satisfaction that deepens learning and reveals the complexity of ecosystems,” Barch said. “Getting wet, cold and muddy in waders isn’t a side note at LSSU, but a defining part of the student experience and one you won’t find in an urban campus setting.”
Students in the new accelerated Master’s Program in Fisheries and Wildlife Management will continue to complete research-based theses using the new equipment and vessel. The endowed directorship is expected to assist the university in pursuing future external funding and research partnerships.
Bill to make Apostle Islands Wisconsin’s first national park clears House committee
By Eric Nordrum
Feb. 11, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Northern News Now) – A bill that would redesignate the Apostle Islands as Wisconsin’s first national park advanced out of the House Committee on Natural Resources in a narrow vote this week.
The panel approved the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act on a 20-17 vote. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., would elevate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park, while keeping current boundaries intact.
“The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s greatest natural treasures. With their sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses, and iconic ice caves, they are worthy of becoming our state’s first National Park. Upgrading them from a National Lakeshore to a National Park would honor our heritage, protect these Lake Superior gems, and strengthen local communities for generations,” said Congressman Tom Tiffany.
Supporters say the change would highlight the area’s sandstone cliffs, historic lighthouses and ice caves, while boosting tourism and local economies. The bill would designate Sand Island as a National Preserve to maintain hunting access. Management would remain with the National Park Service.
Chairman Bruce Westerman said, “The Apostle Islands are Wisconsin’s Crown Jewel. By elevating this special area to a National Park, more Americans will experience the joys of visiting this natural wonder and nearby communities will reap the economic benefits. I applaud Rep. Tiffany for his leadership to designate Wisconsin’s first and only national park in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.”
The Apostle Islands, located on Lake Superior, were designated a National Lakeshore in 1970. If approved by Congress and signed into law, the change would make the site Wisconsin’s first national park. You can read the full act here. https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5497
As we have reported before, the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act has received strong opposition since Rep. Tiffany first proposed it in the Summer of 2024.
The Washburn City Council passed a resolution formally opposing the bill back in October of 2024. At the time, a lack of public information meetings and public infrastructure worries prompted the resolution.
Washburn Mayor Mary Motiff said, “I am very disappointed in the lack of communication regarding this topic prior to the bill being introduced. I certainly hope that area stakeholders will be able to participate in the important discussions that I hope will still happen if this bill progresses.”
The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa issued this statement in August of 2024, saying “To the Tribe’s knowledge, there has been no environmental impact study; no economic impact study; no infrastructure impact study; no cultural and treaty rights impact study; and no mention of what specific federal fiscal resources this change would bring to the area.”
Northern News Now will provide updates and reactions to the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act vote as they become available.
Port Report – February 14, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Friday February 13. 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 2/14/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
2/13/2026 CCGS Martha L Black-DEPARTS-6:43 AM-For-Sorel, Canada
DUE:
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-9:32 PM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/23/2026-8:15 PM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/9/2026-3:44 PM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
Algonova is loading at Imperial Oil. Algoterra and Algocanada are due in.
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-2/14/2026-3:40 PM
Algoterra-DUE-2/14/2026-4:06 AM
MONROE, MICHIGAN [USMOI]-Bill Kloss
New York/Double Skin 509A is still unloading at Michigan Paving.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
2/13/2026 Iver Bright-ARRIVES-3:52 PM
DUE:
USCG Bristol Bay-DUE-2/13/2026-4:52 PM
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
2/13/2026 CCGS Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-12:37 AM-For-Goderich, Canada- [Anchor]
2/13/2026 Algoma Intrepid-ARRIVES-1:48 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-8:06 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-8:52 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-9:27 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-9:41 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-10:26 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-10:45 AM-For-Goderich, Canada-[Anchor]
2/13/2026 Algoma Intrepid-DEPARTS-10:47 AM-For-Goderich, Canada-[Anchor]
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-11:03 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-11:36 AM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-11:46 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-12:26 PM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-12:45 PM-For-Goderich, Canada-[Anchor]
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-ARRIVES-1:12 PM
2/13/2026 CCGS-Vincent Massey-DEPARTS-1:24-For-Goderich, Canada
DUE:
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
2/13/2026 USCG Bristol Bay-DEPARTS-10:29 AM-For-Harbortown
2/13/2026 Algoterra-DEPARTS-10:36 AM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
2/13/2026 Iver Bright-DEPARTS-10:41 AM-For-Detroit, Michigan
2/13/2026 Algocanada-DEPARTS-10:48 AM-For-Nanticoke, Canada
DUE:
Leo A McArthur-DUE-2/13/2026-9:30 AM
Frontenac-DUE-2/13/2026-7:03 PM
Algoberta-DUE-2/14/2026-11:23 PM
ROGERS CITY [USRCY]
DUE:
Kimberly Joy-DUE-2/13/2026-1:09 PM
Baltic-DUE-2/13/2026-1:36 PM
CALCITE, MICHIGAN [USMI3]
2/13/2026 Kimberly Joy-ARRIVES-1:13 PM
2/13/2026 Baltic-ARRIVES-1:19 PM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/13/2026 Kimberly Joy-DEPARTS-9:07 AM-For-Rogers City, Michigan
SAULT STE. MARIE [CASSM]
2/13/2026 USCG Katmai Bay-ARRIVES-12:15 PM
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
2/13/2026 Algoberta-DEPARTS-9:05 AM-For-Sarnia, Canada
Today in Great Lakes History – February 14
1892
1892: CITY OF CLEVELAND [Built-1880 US-125808 by Detroit Dry Dock Co. of Wyandotte, Michigan. Renamed STATE OF OHIO in 1892 US-125808 and CITY OF ALPENA in 1885 US-125808] Renamed STATE OF OHIO At Cleveland, OH, February 14, 1892.
1895
1895: KEWEENAW [Built-1891 US-161010 by-F. W. Wheeler & Co. at West Bay City, Michigan] Last Enrollment surrendered at San Francisco, CA, on February 14, 1895, and endorsed “Vessel lost about December 7, 1894. Supposed to have foundered. Has not been heard from since”.
1923
1923: ANN ARBOR NO.4 [Built-1906 US-203695 by American Shipbuilding Co. at Cleveland, Ohio. Renamed: CITY OF CHEBOYGAN-1937 US-203695, and EDWARD H ANDERSON-1960 US-203695] As ANN ARBOR NO.4 struck south pier at Frankfort, MI, February 14, 1923, while entering harbor in gale, and sank alongside pier. Raised that spring.
1927
1927: NORTHERN No. 35 [Built-1920 By Manistee Shipbuilding Co, Manistee, Michigan US-219829] Foundered off Five Fathoms Bank Lightship, NJ, February 14, 1927; no lives lost
1935
1935: CONNERSVILLE [Built-1918 US-217071 By Great Lakes Engineering Work, Ashtabula, Ohio. Other names: SPEC-1929 Reg:-Norway] As SPEC departed River Clyde, Scotland, February 14, 1935, with cargo of coal. Reported by wireless to Sable Island that she was encountering severe storm and ice off Newfoundland; never heard from again.
1946
1946: LAKE CRYSTAL [Built-1918 US-216168 by Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ecorse, Michigan] Foundered February 14, 1946, under tow from New York for Boston with coal, three miles off Watch Hill, RI.
1947
1947: LAKE SAPOR [Built-1919 US-217657 by Detroit Ship Building Co. at Wyandotte, Michigan. Renamed: LAKE SAPOR-1946-Panama] Stranded on Mina Shima Reef, Pacific Ocean, in position 24.25N x 41.30E, on February 14, 1947; crew of thirty saved. Vessel on voyage Honolulu for Shanghai with gasoline and freight at time of loss.
1966
1966: Ford Motor Co., looking to expand its fleet, purchased the JOSEPH S. WOOD, a.) RICHARD M. MARSHALL on February 14, 1966, for $4.3 million and renamed her c.) JOHN DYKSTRA. In 1983, she was renamed d.) BENSON FORD. Renamed e.) US.265808, in 1985, she was scrapped at Recife, Brazil in 1987.
1973
1973: On February 14, 1973, the LEADALE’s forward cabins burned during winter lay-up at Hamilton, Ontario and were later repaired. Built in 1910, at Great Lakes Engineering Works (Hull#77) as a,) HARRY YATES, for the American Steamship Co. renamed b.) CONSUMERS POWER in 1934, c.) FRED A. MANSKE in 1958 and d.) LEADALE in 1962. Scrapped at Cartagena, Columbia in 1979.
1977
1977: MESABI MINER (Hull#906) was launched on this day in 1977, at Lorain, Ohio by American Ship Building Co. becoming the fourth 1,000-foot bulk carrier on the Great Lakes and Interlake’s second. She had been built under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 at a cost of $45.1 million.
1997
1997: The SD 14 cargo ship PATRICIA M. was a Seaway trader in 1974 and returned as c) SELATAN in 1991. It was sailing as d) NIKA II when it stranded on a breakwall near Veracruz, Mexico, while inbound, in ballast, to load sugar. The hull was refloated on March 8, towed to an anchorage and declared a total loss. It was broken up for scrap at Tuxpan, Mexico, beginning on April 27, 1997.
2000
2000: ZAFIRO, a Seaway trader in 1984, sank as d) ZAFIR off Calabria, Italy, after a collision with the ESPRESSO CATANIA while carrying 6000 tons of cement clinker. Thirteen sailors were lost or missing.
Data from: Skip Gillham, Ahoy & Farewell II and the “Great Lakes Ships We Remember” series.
Boatnerd News February 13, 2026
The 2025-2026 winter layup list is now up and running at https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026
Saltchuk Expands Maritime Portfolio with $1.5 Billion Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Acquisition
Mike Schuler
February 11, 2026
Seattle-based Saltchuk Resources, Inc. has agreed to acquire Nasdaq-listed Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, the largest dredging contractor in the United States, in an all-cash deal valued at $1.5 billion.
Under the terms announced Tuesday, Saltchuk will launch a tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of the Houston-based company for $17.00 per share in cash. The offer represents a 25% premium to Great Lakes’ 90-day volume-weighted average price as of February 10 and a roughly 5% premium to its all-time high closing price.
“This transaction delivers immediate and certain value at a premium to our highest valuation,” said Great Lakes Chairman Lawrence R. Dickerson, adding that the board determined the deal to be in shareholders’ best interests after an extensive review.
The acquisition marks another major expansion for Saltchuk, which completed its $950 million purchase of Overseas Shipholding Group in July 2024. The privately held, family-owned company reports annual revenue of about $5.6 billion and employs roughly 8,800 people across its freight transportation, marine services, and energy distribution businesses. Other major brands include TOTE Maritime and Foss Maritime.
Great Lakes President and CEO Lasse Petterson said the deal aligns the company with a long-term owner that shares its focus on safety and people. “Our growth strategy will continue with a partner who shares our vision while preserving our leadership position in U.S. dredging and global offshore energy,” he said.
Saltchuk Chairman Mark Tabbutt said the company plans to retain Great Lakes as a standalone operation and welcomed its roughly 1,200 employees. “Our goal is to provide a permanent home for great companies that serve their communities, and Great Lakes is a strong fit,” he said.
Great Lakes operates the largest and most diverse dredging fleet in the U.S., with about 200 specialized vessels, and says it has never failed to complete a marine project in its 136-year history.
The transaction is backed by fully committed financing from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and PNC, and is not subject to a financing condition. Closing is expected in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and the tender of a majority of outstanding shares.
Following the deal, Great Lakes will continue operating under its existing brand as a Saltchuk subsidiary, and its shares will be delisted from Nasdaq.
Guggenheim Securities and Sidley Austin are advising Great Lakes, while Evercore and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson are advising Saltchuk.
[gCaptain]
Fednav places order for four new ocean-going Lakers
Fednav Limited, Canada’s largest dry bulk shipping group, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Oshima Shipbuilding to build four 35,000‐dwt ocean‐going Lakers. The vessels will be constructed at Oshima’s shipyard in Japan, with the first vessel expected to be delivered by mid‐2029.
These Fednav‐Oshima‐designed super‐eco Lakers will be built to specifications similar to vessels recently delivered and will replace older ships, which will retire upon delivery. They will achieve at least a 7% improvement in fuel consumption compared with Fednav’s previous generation and at least a 33% improvement over first‐generation models.
“This newbuilding program is a strategic investment in our core Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway trades and in the future of our fleet,” said Paul Pathy, President and CEO of Fednav. “Working once again with Oshima, these vessels will support our ongoing decarbonization journey while ensuring we continue to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient maritime transportation in our niche markets.”
Fednav Ltd. adds new Federal Phoenix to its Laker-Class fleet
MONTREAL – Fednav Ltd. has recently taken delivery of another new vessel for its Laker-Class fleet of ships. Federal Phoenix, IMO 1072610, built in 2026 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Shipyard in Oshima, Japan, is the newest addition to the Fednav fleet. The Federal Phoenix is 199.98 meters or 656 feet in length and 23.760 meters or 78 feet wide. It is an Ice Class 1C vessel and it is also listed as being 34,763 SDWT.
Upon joining the Fednav fleet, the Federal Phoenix will also become a chartered vessel to Fednav Ltd. joining four other chartered vessels in the Fednav Ltd. Laker-Class fleet. The others are Federal Yukina IMO 9476977 built in 2010, Federal Alster IMO 9766164 built in 2016, Federal Mosel IMO 9766188 built in 2017and the Federal Ruhr IMO 9766176 built in 2017.
The new Federal Phoenix recently departed from Oshima Nagasaki, Japan, on January 27th to begin her maiden voyage. They are expected to stop in Dangjin, Korea next.
[Denny Dushane]
Port Milwaukee: Sees positive cargo growth in 2025
Growth across key commodities, new vessel traffic
MILWAUKEE – Port Milwaukee is an important driver of our region’s economy and is pleased to report a successful 2025 shipping season with overall cargo volumes rising across nearly every major category and new maritime partners calling on the Port for the first time.
Total municipal port tonnage increased by 3%, while total all-cargo tonnage rose 4% compared to the previous year, reflecting continued strength in regional trade activity and the Port’s expanding role in international and domestic supply chains.
Dry bulk, Port Milwaukee’s largest commodity category, experienced a 6% increase year over year. Though salt tonnage was down, increases in limestone, agricultural products, and other dry bulk materials made up the deficit and positively drove the category’s overall growth. Dry bulk cargo is a significant employer for truck drivers, packagers, and heavy equipment operators in the area.
Steel volume saw a 2% increase, mostly attributed to customers inventorying earlier in the international shipping season in an effort to get ahead of anticipated tariff increases.
Seaway tonnage increased by 78%, which was driven largely by movements of steel and agricultural products. The majority of this activity involved trade with European markets, with additional shipments moving between Port Milwaukee and the Middle East and Northern Africa.
The Port also welcomed one new carrier and 10 first-time vessel visits in 2025. The additional traffic demonstrates growing awareness of Port Milwaukee as a reliable shipping option for new maritime partners.
“Port Milwaukee demonstrated resilience and adaptability in a changing global trade environment in 2025,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “The Port’s growth in international vessel traffic and an increase in key commodities proves the Port’s value to suppliers and manufacturers who depend on efficiency, reliability, and access to global markets.”
“Port Milwaukee’s successful year is due to strong partnerships with terminal operators, carriers, and customers who continue to see the Port as a strategic hub for both Great Lakes and international trade,” Port Director Benji Timm said. “As we head into 2026, Port Milwaukee will continue to work closely with our partners to have a positive impact across the city, state, and region.”
Additional details on Port Milwaukee’s 2025 season will be shared in the coming weeks.
[See Chart in gallery below]
Port Report – February 13, 2026
Port and vessel activity for Thursday February 12. Port reports done by Tom Geiger unless otherwise noted. Please send future port reports and pictures to news@boatnerd.net
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PORT REPORT 2/13/2026
BECANCOUR, CANADA [CABEC]
2/12/2026 Martha L Black-ARRIVES-6:27 PM
DUE:
Stevie-DUE-2/17/2026-10:04 PM
Federal Sable-DUE-2/19/2026-9:32 PM
Federal Alster-DUE-2/23/2026-8:15 PM
Bulk Endurance-DUE-3/2/2026-8:52 AM
Rudolf-DUE-3/8/2026-10:41 AM
NANTICOKE, ONTARIO [CANAN]-Bill Kloss
DUE:
Algocanada-DUE-2/13/2026-8:04 AM
DETROIT, MICHIGAN [USDET]
2/12/2026 Algoma Niagara-DEPARTS-5:17 AM-For-Goderich, Canada
GODERICH, CANADA [CAGOH]
DUE:
Algoma Niagara-DUE-2/12/2026-4:29 PM
Oakglen-DUE-3/1/2026-11:00 AM
Frontenac-ARRIVES-2/12/2026-5:17 PM-Anchor]
SARNIA,CANADA [CASNI]
2/12/2026 Iver Bright-ARRIVES-10:24 AM
2/12/2026 Baltic-DEPARTS-12:53 PM-For-Rogers City, Michigan
ROGERS CITY [USRCY]
DUE;
Baltic-DUE-2/13/2026-8:35 AM
CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN [USCHG]
2/12/2026 USCG Mackinaw-DEPARTS-9:05 AM-For-Mackinac Island, Michigan
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN [USMKE]
2/12/2026 Algoberta-ARRIVES-8:38 AM
SOUTH CHICAGO-CALUMET HARBOR, ILLINOIS [USOUS]
2/12/2026 Karen Andrie-ARRIVES-1:04 AM
2/12/2026 Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-1:55 PM-For-Indiana Harbor, Indiana
INDIANA HARBOR-INDIANA [USECH]
2/12/2026 Karen Andrie-DEPARTS-12:36 AM-For-Calumet Harbor, Illinois
2/12/2026 Karen Andrie-ARRIVES-2:21 PM
