Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Wind, Fog and Water Levels Delay Traffic

12/31
Strong winds in Lake Superior sent the Buckeye, Lee A. Tregurtha and at least one other vessel to anchor in Whitefish Bay Monday night. On her last trip of the season, the downbound Canadian Progress went to anchor in the lower St Marys River due to low water levels of minus 9 inches in the Rock Cut at Barbeau. The downbound Joseph H. Thompson Jr. and Roger Blough could be forced to anchor if levels remain low.

In addition to dropping water levels in the Rock Cut the area was covered in thick fog making navigation even more difficult. At mid night the water level had dropped further to minus 9.9 inches.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Burns Harbor Enters Lay-up

12/31
Captain Dave Lindmark backed the Burns Harbor into the Port of Milwaukee's inner harbor Monday afternoon ending the 2002 sailing season for the Bethlehem fleet. On Saturday afternoon Captain Dave Mathie brought the Stewart J. Cort into Milwaukee bow first. It was a "piece of cake" for both captains thanks to above average temperatures that have left the port free of ice.

Both boats were assisted by the crews of Midwest Maritime who do winter maintenance work on the boats.

Cort inbound from the Hoen Bridge Saturday.
Cort makes the turn into the inner harbor as a fish tug passes.
Cort approaches the lay up dock.
Burns Harbor backs in alongside the Cort Monday.
Burns Harbor alongside the Cort.
Midwest Maritime Company's work boat 'Leona B' awaits its return to the water.
Milwaukee dinner cruise boats Edelweiss I & II out of the water for the winter.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Tanker Traffic to Continue In Manistee

12/31
Despite the closing of General Chemical on December 31, the McKeil Marine tankers as well as the Gemini will continue to run in and out of Manistee. General Chemical will cease its Calcium Chloride production, but continue to ship brine out of its Manistee facility. The brine will come from General's drilled wells and continue to be shipped to Amherstburg, Ontario.

This is a relief to Manistee ship watchers, as it is not quite time to say goodbye to the Capt. Ralph Tucker as well as the other tankers that frequent the area. General Chemical will maintain a staff of three people to pump the brine from the shore tanks to the vessels.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Coastal Reliance Update

12/31
The Crowley ATB, Coastal Reliance and Barge 550-4 that were built in Wisconsin are receiving work at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida. The tug is out of the notch and has numerous ventilation tubes coming out aft of the house. The barge has a small work barge alongside and appears to have small cosmetic work being finished.

The tug and barge made a quick departure from the lakes early in December to leave before the closing of the Seaway.

Reported by: Brian Henesey

Twin Ports Report

12/31
As the schedules are shaping, next Wednesday may be the last day of the season for outbound cargo shipments from the Twin Ports.

Midwest Energy Terminal currently has only six more vessels scheduled, with James R. Barker scheduled to load Jan. 8. Across the bay at the DMIR ore dock, seven vessels are scheduled to load, with Oglebay Norton currently the last boat on Jan. 8. No word on when the last boat may depart the BNSF ore dock.

Monday was a slow day in the Twin Ports, with only James R. Barker arriving to load taconite pellets at DMIR. Today is expected to be busier, with Indiana Harbor due at the DMIR and Canadian Enterprise and Columbia Star due at Midwest Energy Terminal

The DMIR dock in Duluth is closing out the season loading a lot of big customers. Along with the Barker, it's ending the season with Indiana Harbor, Paul R. Tregurtha, Edgar B. Speer, George A. Stinson and Oglebay Norton. The only smaller vessels due yet are Cason J. Callaway and Reserve.

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw River Update

12/31
The Maumee passed through Bay City during the early morning hours Monday on its way up to the Saginaw Rock Products dock at Saginaw. The vessel arrived at the dock about 7 a.m. and was outbound at 2:30 p.m. This was the vessel's second visit to the river in the last three days.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

St. Lawrence Seaway & River News

12/31
Arriving for winter lay up Monday morning in Montreal at shed 3 was Quebecois, tying up alongside Algoville. Several lakers, also the Sauniere, were still in service east of the Seaway Monday afternoon. Sauniere was upbound at Batiscan for Trois-Rivières. Algoport was downbound for the Magdalen Islands from Contrecoeur. Both will eventually arrived at Sorel-Tracy for winter lay up.

Monday the Algocatalyst was docked at section 16. She will go back in service about Jan. 7. Other vessels in service are John B. Aird which was heading for Port Cartier Monday afternoon, Algocen upbound at Cap Brulé for an anchorage near Quebec City. She is expected late Tuesday night in Montreal for winter lay up. Also upbound on the river for Montreal were Nanticoke off Gaspe on her way from Halifax and CSL Laurentien was passing Les Escoumins pilot station.

The announcement by Lloyd's that Simcoe has been sold for scrapped seems to be premature. According to reports, she is to replace Griffon next year when she will have a refit, also Samuel Risley in 2004 which will have a refit also.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Today in Great Lakes History - December 31

Upon suggestion from the U.S. Maritime Commission, surplus World War II cargo vessels, many of which had laid up on the James River, were made available for sale under the Great Lakes Vessel Sales Act of 1950 (enacted September 28, 1950) to be converted for Great Lakes use. The Act allowed Great Lakes fleets to purchase up to 10 surplus ships by December 31, 1951 and receive a 90% cost subsidy to convert and refurbish them for Lakes use. The first such conversion occurred when the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Co. of Cleveland, OH bought the NOTRE DAME VICTORY on December 10, 1950.

The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY was laid up for the last time at the old Great Lakes Engineering Works slip at River Rouge, MI beginning December 31, 1983.

The QUEDOC (2) was laid up for the last time on December 31, 1984 at Toronto, Ont. along side the SENATOR OF CANADA.

On 31 December 1884, ADMIRAL (wooden propeller steam tug, 49 gt, built in 1883 at Chicago) had her boiler explode in Chicago harbor. All four of the crew was killed.

In 1884 the PERE MARQUETTE NO. 1 ran aground at Ludington.

December 31, 1919 - The entire Ann Arbor carferry fleet was tied up in Frankfort due to bad weather.

On 31 December 1889, H. M. Loud of Oscoda, Michigan sold the 551 ton wooden schooner ANGUS SMITH to Mitchell Brothers of Marine City, Michigan for $16,000. The vessel was built in 1871.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Munson in Green Bay

12/30
Sunday morning the John G Munson arrived in Green Bay with a load of coal for the C. Reiss dock. The Munson was carrying 12,500 tons of coal from South Chicago. The Munson may be the last arrival of the year in the Port of Green Bay, although a late season cement boat is still possible. The Munson was scheduled to depart around 8 p.m. Sunday evening for Two Harbors.

Pictures by Scott Best
Inbound Green Bay.
Through the rail road bridge.
Approaching Main St. Bridge.
Stern view at Walnut St. Bridge.
Stern view at C. Reiss.
Bow view at C. Reiss.

Reported by: Scott Best and Jason Leino

No early closing for Soo Locks

12/30
The Poe and MacArthur locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., will close on schedule and undergo a variety of repair work this winter, the Corps of Engineers says.

According to a story in the Soo Evening News, the MacArthur Lock was expected to close as usual on Dec. 26 while the Poe Lock likely will operate until Jan. 15, when it must close under current regulations. Anticipated ship traffic means the Poe will remain open as late as possible, unlike last season, when it closed early.

The Corps has winter work scheduled for both locks.

In the MacArthur Lock, workers will drain the chamber to investigate a mysterious noise in the 14-foot-square "tainter" valve that empties the lock at its lower level.

If possible, any repairs will be made immediately, Area Engineer Stan Jacek said. If more extensive work is indicated, Jacek said the lock will be re-filled for the winter to await a new repair plan.

In the Poe Lock, scheduled winter work involves relatively routine gate repairs.

The locks will re-open March 25 for the 2003 shipping season.

Reported by: Ed Schipper and Andy Severson

Algoway in the Holiday Spirit

12/30
The Algoway back into Grand Haven just as the sun was setting Sunday. The crew blew a salute as it was making its way up the channel with Christmas decorations on. The smoke stack had green lights looking like a Christmas tree and the top of the pilot house is decorated with lights. The lights were a spectacular sight from the Highway 31 Bridge as it unloaded salt at the Verplank Dock.

Reported by: Don Geske and David Swain

Weekly Updates

12/30
Check back tonight for the regular weekly updates.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 30

On December 30, 1987 the THOMAS WILSON under tow in the North Atlantic heading to be scrapped, parted her towline and sunk near position 34_08'N by 61_35'12"W (approximately in line with Cape Hatteras, NC) early the next day.

GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (1) was launched December 30, 1926.

The first steel carferry PERE MARQUETTE was launched in nearly completed form on December 30, 1896. The ship was built for the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad (predecessor to the Pere Marquette) and entered service just a few weeks later.

Data from: Max Hanley, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Burlington Lift Bridge Closed For Repairs Till March

12/29
Public Works Canada has announced the 40-year-old lift bridge spanning the Burlington Ship Canal, connecting Hamilton Harbor with Lake Ontario, will be closed from early January until mid-March for scheduled maintenance. The $3.7 million repair job includes replacing 80 heavy-duty steel hoisting cables used to raise and lower the structure. This is the first time the cables, each weighing more than a ton and stretching more than 180 feet in length, have had to be replaced.

Completed in 1962, the Burlington Lift Bridge replaced an older bascule-type lift bridge that was destroyed in a collision with the steamer W. E. Fitzgerald almost 10 years earlier. The steel truss bridge incorporates a span 368 feet long, which supports a four-lane road. Towers support each end of the span, providing approximately 110 feet of clearance for ships navigating the channel. The bridge operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week throughout the navigation season, and performs approximately 3,600 lifts each year.

Burlington Lift Bridge .

Reported by: Craig Ritchie

Ship built by Canadian Vickers reported sold for breaking up

12/29
Reported sold by Lloyd's for demolition is the hopper dredger Canadian Challenger built by Canadian Vickers at Montreal in 1954 as the canaller Hutchcliffe Hall. In 1972, she was renamed Ile Aux Coudres following a conversion to a self-propelled hopper scow at Sorel. In 1977, there was another conversion into a hopper dredger probably at Sorel. On June 4, 1984, she departed Sorel under tow for the Fraser River in British Columbia and was renamed Canadian Challenger. The report of her demolition by Lloyd's dates to Sept. 2002. It is unknown where she was broken up.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Twin Ports Traffic

12/29
Canadian afterenders were the dominant visitors in the Twin Ports on a somewhat warm and calm Saturday in Duluth. At DM&IR the Atlantic Erie was loading taconite stern first while across the bay the Canadian Transport was loading coal at SMET. Around 3 p.m. the Canadian Progress arrived and proceeded to the Port Terminal and tied up at the Murphy Terminal to fuel and wait for the Transport to clear. A deckhand onboard asked the small crowd that watched the Progress tie up if their Christmas had been good and then commented on how nice the weather was for them.

Around 5:30 p.m. tourists got a special treat as the Roger Blough arrivied at the Duluth Piers. They had come down to Duluth to fuel and wait for the dock in Two Harbors to be vacated by the Edgar B. Speer. Her entry into the piers was quite slow and marked by the use of both pilothouse spotlights to shine how far off of the piers they were. A few of the crew were also on deck and wished all in attendance Happy Holidays. For those lucky enough to be in The Twin Ports it was a nice relaxing day for boatwatching.

Pictures by Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Canadian Progress takes on fuel at Murphy Fuel at the Duluth Port Terminal.
Canadian Transport loads coal at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior.
Another view.
Walter J. McCarthy Jr. at her winter lay up berth.
Atlantic Erie loads taconite at the DM&IR dock in Duluth.

Reported by: Glenn Blaszkiewicz and David French

Goderich Update

12/29
The Cuyahoga loaded salt Christmas Eve and departed mid-afternoon. A few seasonal lights and a Santa made her look quite festive.

The mine was essentially closed for Christmas Day, but Thursday saw two Algoma Central Marine ships in. The Algoway docked in back of the mine about 6 p.m. She had plenty of colorful lights on and many of the crew were going into town since they were waiting for the Capt. Henry Jackman to come in and load first.

The lights of the Jackman were spotted far out on the lake about 8 p.m. She loaded overnight and then the Algoway loaded the next day.

The Canadian Enterprise arrived at the salt mine dock on Friday, but due to a power outage in the mine, was unable to load. Power was restored and the Enterprise finished loading Saturday afternoon, departing about 4 p.m.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Maumee in Saginaw

12/29
The Maumee was outbound early Saturday morning, passing through Downtown Bay City shortly before 9 a.m. She had unloaded overnight at the Wirt Dock in Saginaw.

Maumee reported that she would be back again sometime early Sunday night with another load.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Maumee downbound passing the old Bay Aggregates dock.
Bow close up.
Stern view passing Wenona Park.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Today in Great Lakes History - December 29

B.F. JONES (2) was launched December 29, 1906 as a) GENERAL GARRETSON.

KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (1) was launched in 1906 as a) WILLIAM B. KERR.

The GEORGE M. HUMPHREY (1) was christened on December 29, 1926.

The GOLDEN HIND was laid up for the last time on December 29, 1985 at Toronto.

On 29 December 1813, ARIEL (4-gun armed schooner, 112 t, built in 1813 at Erie, PA as part of Perry's fleet) ran aground in a squall at Black River (now Buffalo) and was burned by the British.

CAROLINE (wooden sidewheeler, 71', 46 t, built in 1822 at New York City) was chartered to transport arms and munitions to Navy Island near Buffalo. On 29 December 1837, she was commandeered by about 60 Canadian rebels under the command of a Royal Navy officer at Schlosser on the Niagara River. In the fight that followed, she was set afire, abandoned and allowed to drift down the river. Some sources say that she went over the Falls. This incident caused hostile feelings along the U.S. northeastern frontier for many months.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Saginaw Enters Lay-up

12/28
The Saginaw arrived at Cargill Elevator in Sarnia Friday night winter lay-up. The Saginaw ended a busy season backing to the dock.

The Agawa Canyon is expected to arrive in Sarnia over the next week also for lay-up.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

Soo Traffic

12/28
Vessel traffic continued at the Soo Friday under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-30s. The Columbia Star and John J. Boland locked downbound around 9 a.m., while the Atlantic Erie was upbound at the same time. Roger Blough passed upbound around 2 p.m., and USCG Mackinaw transited the St. Mary's River as far as the Carbide Dock, where she moored for barely an hour at 3 p.m. before returning down river.

Pictures by Roger LeLievre
Mackinaw upbound at Mission Point.
Stern view.
John J. Boland downbound.
Atlantic Erie above the locks.
Columbia Star downbound.
Passing the Atlantic Erie.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre and Jerry Masson

Twin Ports Report

12/28
The Twin Ports received visits Friday from two infrequent callers. John D. Leitch, the boat formerly known as Canadian Century, was loading coal Friday morning at Midwest Energy Terminal. Meanwhile, the Adam E. Cornelius arrived in Duluth about 7:30 a.m. to load taconite pellets at the DMIR ore dock.

Two Harbors had a busy day Dec. 26, with Burns Harbor and Philip R. Clarke loading, followed by Cason J. Callaway.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

12/28
The Lee A. Tregurtha and Algorail were at the ore dock in Marquette on Friday while the H. Lee White brought a load of stone to the lower harbor. The Armco tied up in the harbor to wait for the Lee A. Tregurtha to leave, and then for winds to die down. The Algomarine and Algosteel are both expected on Saturday.

Local media reported Friday that ten vessels have visited Marquette's harbors between Tuesday and Thursday. Another 18 are scheduled to arrive between Dec. 27 and Dec. 31.

Reported by: Lee Rowe and Art Pickering

Escanaba Report

12/28
The 1000-footer Mesabi Miner was in Friday afternoon to load taconite. There was work being done on the long laid-up tug Olive L. Moore. The Moore is docked at the ore docks, near the shore.

Mesabi Miner loading.
Close up.
Work on the Olive L. Moore.
Close up.

Reported by: Eric & Sandy Chapman

Saginaw River Update

12/28
The Saginaw was outbound the Saginaw River early Friday morning after unloading at the Saginaw Rock dock overnight.

Her fleet mate, the Maumee, was inbound Friday night passing the Front Range at 6:45 p.m. She was delayed slightly as there was no operator for the Liberty Bridge and the operator from Independence had to do double duty, leaving his bridge after allowing the Maumee to pass, and driving over to open Liberty.

Maumee was headed up to the Saginaw Wirt dock to unload.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo News

12/28
The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge was at the Sun Dock loading cargo. There was an Andrie Fleet tug and barge at the B-P Dock loading.

Two vessels have arrived for winter lay-up recently. They are the David Z. Norton at the south side of the Torco Ore Dock, and the Wolverine at the CSX #1 Dock directly across from the old ore dock. There will be several more vessels arriving here for winter lay-up over the next few days.

The next scheduled ore boats due into the Torco Ore Dock will be the Buckeye on Saturday. The Adam E. Cornelius on Monday. The Reserve on Saturday 4 Jan. The Armco on Sunday 5 Jan. followed by the Oglebay Norton on Saturday 11 Jan. As of now the Oglebay Norton will be the last ore boat scheduled into the Torco Docks.

However due to weather and dock delays vessels scheduled into the Torco Docks could change or may be delayed from the original schedule. Currently there are no vessels in at the shipyard. There will be several vessels placed into the drydock this winter for survey and repairs.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

12/28
Nelson off the Contrecoeur dock downbound from Seaway to Sorel, Dec.21.
Dimitris Manios upbound Verchères to Elevator 4 Montréal to load grain, Dec. 21.
Lake Ontario downbound from Seaway, Dec. 24.
Lake Ontario off the Verchères dock, Dec. 24.
Receeding water caused by passage of Lake Ontario at the Verchères dock attesting to the low water levels.
Federal Maas downbound from Montréal, Dec. 24.
Stern view.
Canmar Triumph upbound to Montréal from the Mediterranean, Dec. 27.
Canmar Triumph stern view, Dec. 27.
CSL Laurentien after exiting Seaway as last vessel of the season Dec. 27.
CSL Laurentien on her way to Baie Comeau, Dec. 27.
P&O Nedlloyd Auckland upbound to Montréal, Dec.27.
Stern view.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Today in Great Lakes History - December 28

The HENRY FORD II was laid up in the Rouge Steel slip at Dearborn, MI on December 28, 1988.

On 28 December 1907, CALDERA (steel propeller freighter, 504', 6328 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI.

On 28 December 1881, the steamer R. J. GORDON arrived in Port Huron from Marine City on her maiden voyage with a large number of passengers. She was powered with a steam engine with an 18" cylinder and 20" stroke. Her dimensions were 116' long with a 26' beam. She cost nearly $20,000 and was built to run between Algonac and Lexington.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Traffic Halted at Soo Locks

12/27
Thursday afternoon a problem occurred with the Poe Lock guard gate after the St. Clair passed downbound. Divers entered the water shortly after 7 p.m. to inspect the gate.

The James R. Barker and Pineglen, both upbound, tied to the piers below the locks. The Armco went to anchor in the lower river. The downbound American Mariner and Joseph L. Block were also been directed to anchor above the locks.

The problem was either repaired or not serious enough to stop traffic. At 8:30 p.m. vessels waiting to lock through were again moving to the locks.

Pictures by Roger LeLievre
Philip R. Clarke upbound Christmas morning near Frechette Point in the St. Marys River.
Clarke, stern view at Mission Point.
George A. Stinson clears the Poe Lock upbound Christmas morning.
Stinson, stern view.
Tug W.N. Twolan upbound at Mission Point.
Christmas lights on the Soo's museum ship Valley Camp.
American Mariner waits above the Poe Lock.
Joseph L. Block waits for traffic to clear before locking downbound.
James R. Barker upbound below Mission Point late Thursday morning.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre, Jerry Masson and Dave Ogden

Last Ship of the Year

12/27
The last ship of the year in the St. Lawrence Seaway was the CSL Laurentien. The Laurentien transited the St. Lambert Lock at 8 p.m. Thursday night and tied up at the lower wall for the night. She will depart Friday morning at 7 a.m. for Baie Comeau. It is interesting to note that the first ship upbound in the Seaway on opening day, March 26, was fleet mate the CSL Niagara. It was also a CSL vessel that was the first downbound ship transiting at St. Lambert in March, the Jean Parisien on March 27.

St. Lawrence Seaway, 44th season. Opening day, 2002: March 26th - closing day, Dec. 26
Number of days of commercial navigation: 276
First upbound vessel: CSL Niagara on March 26 from Montreal to Nanticoke loaded with iron ore pellets
First foreign-flag vessel: Strange Attractor on March 26 loaded with sugar for Toronto.
First new foreign-flag vessel: Ellen Knutsen on April 2 bound for Valleyfield and Clarkson.
First downbound vessel at Iroquois Lock: Jean Parisien on March 27 in ballast from Hamilton to Pointe Noire, QC
Last vessel of the season: CSL Laurentien on Dec. 26 from Thunder Bay loaded with wheat and flaxseeds for Baie Comeau.
Last Canadian-flag vessel of the season: CSL Laurentien on Dec. 26.
Last foreign-flag vessel upbound: Nelson on Dec.15 loaded with steel for Toronto.
Last foreign-flag vessel downbound: Spar Jade in ballast from Burns Harbor on Dec. 25
Last upbound vessel at St. Lambert: Canadian Mariner on Dec. 22 from Trois-Rivières loaded with sugar for Toronto.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Sarah Spencer in Midland

12/27
The barge Sarah Spencer and tug Jane Ann IV arrived in Midland, Ontario Thursday escorted through the ice by the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley.

The barge is loaded with wheat from Thunder Bay. It is unknown if the tug and barge will unload and continue trading or if they will lay-up in Midland.

Sarah Spencer inbound.
Close up of the bow.
Close up of the Jane Ann IV.
Through the ice.
Approaching the dock.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Pathfinder Arrives

12/27
The tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder arrived at Bay Ship Thursday Morning. Bay Ship's tug Bay Ship was busy breaking ice at Berth #5 to allow the barge to enter. Once the Pathfinder was in place the tug Dorothy Ann was uncoupled and moved to Berth #11 where she will remain for the winter.

After the Dorothy Ann was in place the tug Bay Ship went over to the Wilfred Sykes and broke ice around the ship. The Sykes then moved deeper into Berth #3 allowing more room in the shipping channel for incoming ships.

Pathfinder and Dorothy Ann at Berth #5.
Wilfred Sykes in Berth #3.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Twin Ports Report

12/27
The Walter J. McCarthy Jr. apparently is the first vessel to lay up in the Twin Ports this season. The boat arrived in Duluth overnight on Dec. 25-26 and pulled into the Garfield C dock, which has been used for winter layup the past couple years. The vessel isn't scheduled to load at Midwest Energy Terminal or the DMIR dock, and by the end of the day Thursday its ballast tanks were largely pumped out, leaving the bow riding high in the water.

Midwest Energy Terminal currently has 11 more vessels scheduled for this season, with the last due to load Jan. 7. Eight of the cargoes are destined for Nanticoke. Of the remainder, H. Lee White is scheduled to load Saturday for the Shiras plant in Marquette, and James R. Barker is due to load today for the Presque Isle plant near Marquette and again Jan. 7 for Taconite Harbor.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette News

12/27
The Charles M. Beeghly and Algomarine loaded taconite at Marquette on a beautiful, sunny Thursday while the Lee A. Tregurtha and Algorail waited in the harbor. The Lee A. was able to get to the dock after the Beeghly departed. The Algorail was waiting for the Algomarine to complete her load before she could approach the dock.

Schedule changes and needed repairs have the Armco as the only ship expected on Friday. The Algosteel was delayed with some type of unloading boom failure. The Algomarine is expected to return on Saturday along with the Algosteel.

Beeghly loading.
Algomarine loading.
Stern view as the Lee A. waits in the harbor.
Close up of the Lee A.
Algorail waiting.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw Update

12/27
The steamer Saginaw paid a late season visit to its namesake river on Thursday, breaking through a thin layer of ice that had formed over the past few days to deliver a load to the Saginaw Rock Products dock.

The vessel passed the Front Range mid-afternoon and had arrived at the dock by early evening. Saginaw Rock Products is located at the uppermost end of the shipping channel, adjacent to the Sixth Street turning basin in Saginaw. The Saginaw expected to be outbound early Friday morning.

The tug Mary E. Hannah & her barge departed the Triple Clean Liquifuels dock in Essexville early Thursday morning. The pair departed around 5:30 a.m. after unloading overnight.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Saginaw upbound passing Essroc.
Another view.
Bow close up.
Stern view passing Smith Park.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Cleveland Update

12/27
The Petite Forte arrived in Cleveland Thursday to leave a storage cargo of cement aboard the barge St. Marys. The Sam laud was departing the Cuyahoga River at 4 p.m. after possibly unloading stone at the Lafarge dock at W 3rd. street. The American Republic was also downbound after unloading ore at ISG upper dock.

The Petite forte may head to layup in Port Colborne rather than Port Weller as the canal is closed. Their last trip was delayed five days due to weather.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Kingston Report

12/27
After the CSL Laurentien cleared the area there was one last ships to come to Kingston. The CCGS Simcoe was working at Buoy M-6 and had turned and headed for Kingston. Her ETA was 4:35 p.m.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

St. Joe Lights

12/27
Below are animations of the St. Joseph break wall during a storm last Saturday. The marine forecast was calling for 7-11 footers on Lake Michigan and the weather didn't disappoint. The animation was shot at 4 frames per sec and shows the action in real time.

Animation of the outer light.
Another animation.

Reported by: Gary Martin

Today in Great Lakes History - December 27

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) cleared the Welland Canal Christmas night 1985 and finally anchored at Pointe aux Trembles near Montreal, Que. December 27th awaiting another load of scrap. The SAVIC remained there the entire winter, because the underwriters ordered that her hull be re-enforced by welding straps to her stress points for her overseas journey.

The THOMAS LAMONT as a single tow arrived at Aliaga, Turkey on December 27, 1987 where she was scrapped. The LAMONT was one of the last bulkers that retained her telescoping hatch covers to the very end.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Last Through the Welland

12/26
The final upbound transit of the season was the Petite Forte and cement barge Tuesday evening. The pair cleared Port Colborne Wednesday morning after a stop at the fuel dock.

The last downbound transit was CSL Laurentien Tuesday evening. It cleared Port Weller earlier Wednesday morning. Following the Laurentien in was the Peter R. Cresswell for W10, Welland Dock in the Welland Canal. It arrived later that morning

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Twin Ports Report

12/26
Christmas was a busy day at several Twin Ports docks. Buckeye was under the gravity chutes at the DMIR ore dock while across St. Louis Bay the Oglebay Norton and Columbia Star loaded at Midwest Energy Terminal. Down the harbor a couple miles, CSL Tadoussac and Great Lakes Trader were both due at BNSF ore dock. With a long wait ahead of it, John J. Boland made the rare move of backing into the long-unused Lakehead Pipeline dock next to the King Midas Flour mill and Elevator M. This dock hasn't been used since the '50s, and it's not used as a layby dock, so the move may have been made to give crew members and their families a chance get together on Christmas.

The DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors also was busy on Christmas, loading the Joe Block and then Burns Harbor, a pair of vessels that have become regulars in Two Harbors over the past couple seasons.

Mild weather has left open water in parts of the Twin Ports, easing the job of late-season loading. The DMIR dock, which often closes by mid-December, is scheduled to load vessels at least through New Year's Day. Oglebay Norton is due back from Silver Bay today to load; Atlantic Erie is due Dec. 28, James R. Barker, Dec. 29; Indiana Harbor, Dec. 31, and Armco and Reserve are both scheduled to begin 2003 loading taconite pellets.

The Two Harbors ore dock has an even busier lineup: Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway, Dec. 26; Presque Isle, Dec. 27; Edgar B. Speer and Roger Blough, Dec. 28; Edwin H. Gott, Dec. 30; John G. Munson and Oglebay Norton, Dec. 31; Arthur M. Anderson, Jan. 2.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

12/26
Calmer weather has allowed shipping to continue at the Marquette ore dock. The Algosteel, J. Thompson, American Mariner and Charles Beeghly loaded Christmas Day. Expected during the next two days are the Algomarine, Lee A. Tregurtha, Adam Cornelius, Algorail, Armco, H. Lee White, and Herbert Jackson.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Pathfinder in Milwaukee

12/26
On Christmas Eve Day the barge Pathfinder and tug Dorothy Ann were entering Milwaukee Harbor. They entered the breakwater about 2 p.m., turned and backed down to the coal dock where they began unloading at 2:45 p.m. The vessel appeared to be carrying part of a split load as she was not fully loaded.

Backing to the coal dock.
Close up of the tug.
Unloading.
Tugs Arkansas and Virginia docked at the Lafarge dock.

Reported by: Andy Hansen

Welland Traffic

12/26
Christmas Eve was a busy day along the Welland Canal, as vessels rushed to get through the system before its closure.

Captain Henry Jackman upbound . Note the Christmas lights.
Stern View.
Evans McKeil and barge Salty Dog Number 1 tied up in Port Colborne.
Comeaudoc at the Port Colborne Scrap yard.
Algogulf and Kinsman Enterprise.
Seahound and Vac tied up near the Port Colborne Pilot Boat office. The pilot boat is now in Port Weller and has been taken out of the water for the winter.
Pineglen upbound below Lock 8. She went to wharf 16 and tied up to fuel.
Close up of bow.
Halifax upbound below Lock 8. They reported that they are headed for Detroit, and then are headed for the coal run.
Stern View.
Atlantic Erie upbound in the Welland By-Pass.
Stern View.
Algobay downbound below Lock 1, cargo of coal for Hamilton.
Stern View.
Port Weller Dry Docks.
McKee Sons downbound above Lock 2. Destined for Hamilton with a storage cargo of grain.
The crew was busy taking down the Christmas tree-a day early.
Tug Invincible.
Stern View.
Cedarglen upbound above Lock 7.
Stern View.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Kingston Area Update (Seaway West)

12/26
The CSL Laurentien was eastbound and they are keeping the Seaway open until she clears. She left Port Weller Piers at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday and is due at Newcastle at 11:50 a.m. This should be the last transit for the system.

The Spar Jade was due at Beauharnois at 10:50 a.m. and the Algocen was at Cote Ste. Catherine at 10:10 a.m. The Spar Jade was reported to have struck at Lock 3 and 2 due to winds and had to tie up for some time in the Welland Canal.

The English River cleared Bath for Toronto. She was a Midlake at 10:10 a.m. The Stephen B. Roman was expected to clear Picton for Toronto at late Tuesday night.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Midland Ice

12/26
Tuesday crews from the Canadian Coast Guard Station in Perry Sound surveyed Midland Harbor by helicopter to check ice conditions prior to the arrival of the tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer.

The station has three helicopters that work between the Ontario-Quebec border and the Arctic all the way to Tuktoyaktuk.

The ice is estimate to be between 4 and 6 inches thick in Midland. The Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley will be leaving some time after Wednesday to escort the Jane Anne IV.

Pilot, George, putting on his helmet.
George carrying out pre-start checks.
Bell 206 on the pad. In Parry sound we also use a Bell 212 and an MBB 205.
Helo and tractor being used to put it in the hanger.
Backing into the hanger around the construction work.
Wilson McInnes taking off inflatable life vest after the flight.
The flight instrument panel.
Our Kuwaiti cadet, Salah, after the flight. The Canadian Coast Guard provides navigation training to young men from Kuwait and the UAE. This training is identical to the training offered to all other CCG cadets, a four year program at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia and includes sea-training. Most of the Kuwait cadets end up working for their country's marine police when they graduate.
The helo on its trailer waiting for the tractor.
Ice in the Harbor.
Close up.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

Today in Great Lakes History - December 26

In 1981 the ENDERS M. VOORHEES laid up for the last time at Duluth's Hallett Dock #5.

On 26 December 1916, the wreck of the wooden self-unloading freighter TOPEKA was leveled by dynamiting. She sank just off Windsor/Sandwich, Ontario in the Detroit River on 15 April 1916 in a collision with the small steamer CHRISTOPHER. Her machinery was removed prior to dynamiting.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Final Seaway Transits

12/25
Update
During the night the Spar Jade remained at the Snell Lock and will transit at St.Lambert tonight. The Algocen did not stop and will transit at the St. Lambert Lock much sooner than expected, at around noon Wednesday heading for section 14 at Sorel-Tracy. After unloading, it is believed she will winter there with her fleetmates Algonorth and Algocatalyst at the Fraser Ship Repairs docks recently acquired by Fraser which is a subsidiary of Algoma Central Corp.

Spar Jade will not be the last ship of the season. Transiting Lock 1 of the Welland Canal this morning was CSL Laurentien bound for Baie Comeau from Thunder Bay. She is loaded with with wheat and flaxseeds. Her estimated time at the St. Lambert Lock is late Thursday night.

Original Report
Expected to be the last ship of the season in the St. Lawrence Seaway will be Algocen late Wednesday or Thursday. Algocen is loaded with wheat for Sorel-Tracy from Thunder Bay

Ahead of the Algocen is the saltie Spar Jade. The Spar Jade is the last saltie of the year. Late Tuesday afternoon she was in the Snell Lock area. Spar Jade is in ballast for Montreal for bunkers from Burns Harbor.

Reported by: René Beauchamp, Jimmy Sprunt and Ron Walsh

Challenger Enters Lay-up

12/25
The Southdown Challenger arrived in Milwaukee early Tuesday morning for lay up. Crews were busy all day Tuesday preparing the boat for a winter nap. Life rings and survival suits were collected and inventoried, all mooring lines were put out and doubled, a shore side crane pulled the anchor chain on to the dock and engineers rigged cables for shore power.

The forward end crew will be paid off on the 25th at noon while the engine room and galley crews will be on board until Jan. 15th. The boats Unaflow engine will be getting a "ring job" this winter. The engine will have to be partially disassembled before this can take place. The 1906 built vessel will also be getting a 5 year inspection this coming spring at Bayship in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Sykes Arrives

12/25
The Wilfred Sykes arrive at Bay Ship in Sturgeon Bay Tuesday evening. She tied up at Berth 3 for winter lay-up. The tug Jimmy L. from Selvick Marine broke the ice in Berth 3 so the Sykes could work her way in.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Jane Ann IV Returns

12/25
After a short stay at the Fraser drydock in Superior, Wisconsin, the Jane Ann IV returned to the port of Thunder Bay early December 24th and hooked back up with her barge Sarah Spencer.

The pair then departed Agricore United "a" elevator on the North end of the city. Once out the Breakwall Entrance they set course for Midland, ON with their load of wheat.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Christmas Eve Traffic

12/25
The Kaye E. Barker made a final stop to unload a split cargo load in Green Bay Tuesday afternoon. The Barker loaded 29,000 tons of coal in Toledo, unloaded 11,000 tons in Milwaukee, 10,000 tons in Manitowoc and unloaded the final 8,000 tons at the Fox River Dock in Green Bay.

The Barker made quick work of her small load and cleared the Green Bay Channel around 5:30 p.m. The Agawa Canyon was still waiting out water levels about 7 miles north of Green Bay.

Reported by: Jason Leino and Wendell Wilke

Saginaw River enjoys a good year for tonnage

12/25
Shipping tonnage on the Saginaw River this season will likely match last year's totals despite an early freeze, according to local dock officials.

According to a Bay City Times story by Pati LaLonde, the shipping season started slowly but higher water levels and the use of bigger vessels helped overcome the handicap. Most of the cargo carried up the river consists of road salt, coal, sand, limestone and potash.

Tonnage hauled to the Saginaw Rock and the Sargent Dock and Terminal docks this season should just about match last year's total of 1 million tons, said Manager Michael Androl.

Road salt and potash shipped across the dock are used around most of Lower Michigan and as far south as Toledo. Limestone is distributed within a 125-mile radius while the coal and sand are used at Delphi in Saginaw, he said.

Essroc Materials, which has a dock in Essexville, also is reporting a good year in tonnage. Buzz West, plant chemist and production manager, said one fewer freighter will visit this year but tonnage of clinker (used in making concrete) has increased.

"The water is up about 10 inches this year, and we can get more of a load on ships," West told the newspaper. "This year we will get about 24,000-25,000 tons for the year. Previous years it was about 21,000 ton."

Reported by: Dan Kennedy

Toronto Update

12/25
The Canadian Mariner arrived just after noon Tuesday with raw sugar for Redpath. It was assisted into the dock by the McKeil tug Atomic.

Shortly after 1 p.m. the C. & C. Marine tug Patricia D. I returned to port from an 11 week salvage operation on Lake Simcoe. On the (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend, the spud barge Spike B. sank in Lake Simcoe, carrying a $2 million crane to the bottom with it. The barge was raised two weeks ago from 60-feet of water, and it was used to bring the lost crane to the surface. The crane was hoisted ashore at Sutton, Ontario on Sunday morning.

Carolina Borealis, the former tug Glenmont has been turned at her dock to allow the sand-blasting and painting of the starboard side. The port side painting has been completed.

CSL's Spruceglen continued loading at Pier 52 Tuesday afternoon.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Kingston Area Update

12/25
The Spar Jade passed Cape Vincent at early Tuesday Morning and was due at Crossover Island at 9:35 a.m. This should be the last eastbound saltie. However the Oligocene is also eastbound and is due at Sodas at 10 a.m.

The tug Carol C was passing through with an unknown tow, they were expected at Cape Vincent after 9 a.m. The Algonova was waiting to enter Nanticoke on Sunday evening.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Christmas Menu

12/25
Below is the menu from Christmas Day, 1946 on the carferry City of Flint 32.
Consommé or Chilled Tomato Juice
Oyster Stew
Assorted Relish
Roast Young Tom Turkey, Dressing, Cranberry Sauce $1.75
Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus $1.60
Baked Ham Southern Style Raisin $1.60
Whipped Potatoes or Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Buttered Peas or Mashed Squash
Iceberg Lettuce, Mayonnaise
Apple Pie, Mince Pie, Pumpkin Pie
Ice Cream, Fruit Cake
Coffee, Tea, Milk
Assorted Fruit and Nuts

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

Seasons Greetings

12/25
Happy Holidays to all, the web site has seen another year of amazing growth and I thank everyone for their hard work in contributing to the site and thank the regular viewers for their continued support.

Click here for my electronic Holiday greeting card.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 25

The E.G. GRACE carried 14,797 tons of taconite ore on her last trip out of Taconite Harbor, MN bound for South Chicago, IL and then was laid up at Ashtabula, OH on December 25, 1976 with engine trouble which often plagued the six "Al" ships powered with Lentz-Poppet engines. The lay-up of the E.G. GRACE lasted until April, 1984 when she became the first Maritimer to be sold for scrap.

Data from: Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

CSL Buys MacKenzie

12/24
Gerald Carter, President of Canada Steamship Lines Inc. in Montreal (CSL) has announced Monday that it had finalized its purchase of the M/V MacKenzie from Fednav Limited of Montreal.

This gearless vessel will be renamed the Birchglen and will join the current CSL bulker fleet composed of the Ferbec, the Oakglen, the Mapleglen, the Pineglen, the Cedarglen, the Teakglen and most recently, the Spruceglen. As an ocean-going vessel, the Birchglen will further enhance CSL’s current trading patterns, therefore providing greater flexibility to all customers’ delivery schedules.

Canada Steamship Lines Inc. is a major North American shipping company transporting over 20 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually. CSL, together with its affiliated company, CSL International Inc., owns and operates the largest fleet of self-unloading vessels in the world.

Fednav International Ltd. (FIL) is the main operating subsidiary of Fednav Limited. FIL is based in Montreal and it controls a fleet of more than seventy vessels.

MacKenzie on the Detroit River. Mike Nicholls
Stern view Mike Nicholls

Reported by: Canada Steamship Lines

Everlast Headed for East Coast

12/24
The tug Everlast and barge Norman McLeod are on a trip to Portland, Maine. This is the pair’s first trip off the lakes. Early this morning the tug and barge were on the St. Lawrence River heading to Dartmouth, N.S. loading for Portland and Boston, MA.

It is unknown if this trade route will become a regular run for the pair, but its operators hope to keep it active in the off season.

Reported by: Jimmy Sprunt

Roger Blough Waits on Water Levels

12/24
The downbound Roger Blough was anchored in the St. Clair River off Recor Point (Detroit Edison) on the American side Monday. The Blough is on a trip to Conneaut and is delayed by low water levels.

This is the second time in three weeks that the Blough has had to wait for water levels to rise before resuming. Last trip they were anchored in Lake Huron and got orders to turn around and head to Gary Indiana instead of Conneaut Ohio.

Reported by: Craig S. Zimmerman

Marquette News

12/24
Strong winds on Lake Superior kept boats from arriving at the Marquette ore dock on Sunday. When the winds subside an impressive lineup of ships at the dock for the next few days may include the Algosteel, Algomarine, J. Thompson, Algorail, Charles Beeghly, American Mariner, Lee A. Tregurtha, Armco and Adam E. Cornelius.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Thunder Bay Traffic

12/24
Below are images of shifting the barge Sarah Spencer in Thunder Bay. See story dates 12/23 for more details.

Tow departs from Sask Pool 7a.
Tow passing Sleeping Giant.
Approaching North Entrance.
Spencer wind blown sideways.
Robert W drops Spencer Crewman off on AU"a" dock.
Spencer then blown in opposite direction.
Straight as an arrow thru the Breakwall Entrance.
Thru Entrance and turning toward AU"a" elevator.
Approaching dock.
Glenada sliding along dock.
Close up.
Robert W pins Sarah Spencer's bow against dock.
Crewman from Robert W removes tow shackle from Spencer.
Point Valour backing out of notch normally occupied by Jane Ann IV.
The Trio prepares to leave.
Heading for home.

Other recent Traffic
Alma Marie at MacDiarmid, ON.
Former logging tug Brompton Seal at MacDiarmid, ON.
Mesissa Mae at MacDiarmid, ON.
Canadian Olympic at Pascol winter layup slip beside Algontario.
Mackenzie departs on her final trip from Thunder Bay with that name.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Green Bay Delays

12/24
Monday the Agawa Canyon was anchored just west of the Green Bay entrance light waiting for water levels in the river to rise. The wind has lowered the water level giving the Agawa Canyon only a foot of clearance off the bottom. They are expected to come in tomorrow morning as the water level rises. The Kaye E. Barker is scheduled at the Fox River Dock Tuesday morning with coal. She may also be delayed by weather.

Reported by: Jason Leino

Busy Day in Grand Haven

12/24
After one of the slowest fall seasons in recent memory, the Lake Michigan ports of Grand Haven/Ferrysburg had two vessel visits on Sunday. The Algorail was the first in, with a load for Meekhof's. The Earl W. Oglebay followed her with a load for the same Meekhof's dock. The Earl W. was still in port Monday night awaiting better weather for departure.

The visits were the first since November 15, an unheard-of 37 day hiatus for this small but fairly active port.

Reported by: David Swain

Cold Day at Stoneport

12/24
The Maumee arrived at Stoneport Monday morning. It loaded through out the day in cold winds and intermittent snow showers, departing by 7 p.m.

The Sam Laud is scheduled to load next followed by the Earl W. Oglebay later on Christmas Eve. Stoneport is expected to stay open until the first of the year.

In other news the steamer Alpena is due into port on Christmas Eve after delivering cement to Marysville, MI.

Maumee Loading.
Stern view.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain

Goderich Report

12/24
Three boats have visited the salt mine last week. The Algoway was in on Tuesday, loading for Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Agawa Canyon was in late Wednesday or early Thursday, also loading for Green Bay. The John B. Aird came in on a very mild Thursday, loaded with salt, and departed for Valleyfield and Quebec City, Quebec.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Saginaw News

12/24
The tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader was inbound the Saginaw River Sunday night, passing Light 12 of the Entrance Channel around 7:30pm. She proceeded up the Bay City Wirt Dock where she was unloading still unloading at 10:30 p.m.

The CSL Tadoussac also visited the river earlier in the week, arriving at the Essroc Terminal Late Friday night. She departed stern first, backing out for Light 12 to turn around, early Saturday morning before daylight.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Detroit Traffic

12/24
Low water levels caused many vessels to tie up around Detroit Saturday. The Algolake came down with a load of coal for Zug Island. The Carolyn Hoey assisted her into the coal dock in the Rouge Short Cut Canal.

Sea Eagle II and St Marys Cement II unloading at the St. Marys Cement Plant in the Rouge River.
Bow view.
Stern view.
Tug Karen Andrie and barge A 397 at the Michigan Marine Terminal Dock loaded with asphalt and waiting for water levels to rise so they can proceed to Monroe.
Stern view.
Close up.
Fred R White Jr tied up at Zug Island waiting for the water level to rise.
Stern view.
James R Barker tied up at Zug Island waiting for the water level to rise.
Close up.
Stern view.
Algolake downbound off the old Rouge River entrance and turning into the Short Cut Canal. The "Old Rouge" refers to the natural out fall of the Rouge River into the Detroit River. It is a narrow winding section of the river that was used before Ford dredged the "Short Cut Canal".
Turning.
Along side.
H Lee White and Sam Laud at DMT 2 waiting for the water level to rise.
Algolake at the dock, note the distance from the dock due to low water.
Wide view through the Short Cut Bridge.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Seaway News

12/24
The Spar Jade was on a quite trip down the Seaway Monday. She had to tie up Sunday night in the Welland Canal as the winds reached 36 knots at Port Weller. She transited Lake Ontario and went to anchor (AG1) Monday night. She also had an inspection in the Welland Canal.

Sunday night the Sea Eagle II and barge had to turn back and go to Long Point Bay, Lake Erie due to weather.

As of Monday evening the Sea Eagle II, James R. Barker, Mesabi Miner, Algowood, Peter R. Cresswell and tug Invincible with barge McKee Sons were anchored in Long Point Bay. The James R. Barker is waiting to go into Nanticoke.

The Canadian Mariner was at Cape Vincent Monday night but planned to run at reduced speed due to weather. She may go to Prince Edward Bay and anchor.

Gale warnings are up on Lake Ontario. The Canadian Prospector and Algosoo are laid up in Hamilton. The James Norris also appears to be laid up there. The Gordon C. Leitch was unloading at Hamilton Monday morning and then entered lay-up.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Salties Sold for Demolition

12/24
The following vessels, all visitors to St. Lawrence Seaway/Great Lakes ports under at least one name were sold a few months ago to be broken up according to the November edition of "Marine News" published by the World Ship Society. In brackets next to the name of the vessel is the year the ship transited the St. Lawrence Seaway for the first time bound for the Lakes.

Ciudad Guayana arrived Mumbai, India 5/9/2002. In the Seaway as Sylvo (1985).
The Freedom class Hai Hing was beached at Alang, India 11/9/2002. In the Seaway as Catherine V. (1989) Note: This vessel built in 1977 was originally named Titika Halcoussi (II) and never transited under that name. However, another ship named Titika Halcoussi (I), also a Freedom and built in 1971 entered the Seaway in 1972. She was renamed Indian Faith in 1975 and under that name, arrived at Alang 27/2/1991 to be broken up. Quite a coincidence that both Titika Halcoussi were sold to be demolished at the same scrap yard.
Beached at Alang 11/9/2002 was Hui Shun. In the Seaway as Heroinae (1984).
Beached at Alang 21/8/2002 was Mattheos L. In the Seaway as Helmut Hermann (1982) while on charter to Saguenay Shipping.
Mehmet Emin (1990) arrived Alang 22/9/2002. In the Seaway also under her two other names, Choho Maru (1977) and Blue Pine (1982).
Nymrod arrived Aliaga, Turkey 27/8/2002 . In the Seaway as Manchester Rapido (1971).
Beached at Chittagong, Bangladesh 28/8/2002 was Oriental Queen. In the Seaway as Laurentine (1974), Alexis (1986) and Laserbeam (1991).
Beached at Aliaga 4/8/2002 was Raeed. In the Seaway as Gregerso (1975).
Beached at Alang 27/8/2002 was Zee One. In the Seaway as Transocean Pioneer (1984) and Stella (1993).
Also reported is the sale to shipbreakers of Sasha Borodulin (1970). She arrived in India previous to 31/12/2000. Her last reported sailing was from Kochi, Japan 8/11/2000.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères & St. Laurent du Fleuve

12/24
Cedar downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Cedar abeam the Verchères dock, Dec.19.
Stern view.
Canadian Miner downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Catherine Desgagnés downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Stern view.
Vamand Wave downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Lake Michigan downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Stern view.
Nogat downbound from Montréal after emergency repairs due to grounding, Dec.19.
Stern view.
Atlantic Erie approaching Verchères, Dec.19.
Atlantic Erie downbound from Seaway, Dec.19.
Jumbo Spirit downbound from Montréal off St. Laurent du Fleuve, Dec.21.
Stern view.
Kapitonas Marcinkus downbound from Seaway off St. Laurent du Fleuve Dec. 21.
Stern view.
Goldeneye downbound from Seaway off St. Laurent du Fleuve, Dec. 21.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Today in Great Lakes History - December 24

December 24, 1969 - The CITY OF FLINT 32 made her last trip out of Ludington pulled by 2 tugs. She was sold to Norfolk and Western Railway Company to be converted into a river ferry barge and renamed ROANOKE.

On 24 December 1910, ALSAKA (wooden propeller bulk freighter, 165', 348 t, built in 1878 at Detroit, formerly ACORN) was sheltering from a storm a few miles from Tobermory, Ontario, when she caught fire from an overheated boiler and burned to a total loss. She was originally built as a sidewheel passenger vessel and when rebuilt in 1889, her engine went into the steamer FRANK E. KIRBY.

On 24 December 1875, the Port Huron Times listed the following vessels at winter lay-up at St. Clair, Michigan -- Scows: ANNA H. MOORE, A. MONROE, MYRTLE, CLIPPER VISION, J. SNADERS and B. MONROE; Steamers: BERTIE DAHLKE and HELEN; Schooners: JOHN RICE and M. R. GOFFE; Barges: MILLIN and JUSTIN R. WHITING; Tug: C. M. FARRAR; and Dredge: H. LIFIAN.

On Christmas Eve of 1979 While at her temporary dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the E.M. Ford sank when gale force winds forced her from her moorings and repeatedly slammed her bow into the dock facing. By Christmas morning her stern was settled on the bottom, her engine room flooded. Her storage cargo of powdered cement was partially flooded also. By afternoon, the proud steamer lay sunken at her dock. She stayed on the bottom for several weeks as crews had to remove a solid 3 feet of hardened cement and patch her holed bow. On January 20th, 1980 she was refloated and towed to Bay Shipbuilding where work began on rebuilding her.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Max Hanley, Todd Davidson, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Jane Ann IV Heads for Dry Docking

12/23
The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer encountered a problem with their bow thruster while lining up for the dock at Saskatchewan Pool 7a on Saturday. She anchored and called for the assistance of local tug Point Valour. The pair were successfully docked and tied up at Pool 7a.

Saturday afternoon a diver was in the water inspecting the Jane Ann IV and apparently found that the blades on the props, along with the kort nozzles, had been damaged. Shortly after the diver went into the water a containment boom was drawn into place as oil was found to be leaking from the stern of the Jane Ann IV. This damage may have occurred from the December 19 grounding, when they suffered a steering pump malfunction.

Late night Saturday, the Jane Ann IV cleared the South Piers and set course for Fraser Shipyards at Superior, Wisconsin. There she will be dry docked and have the damage repaired. The Jane Ann IV could not use the Pascol Engineering drydock in Thunder Bay.

On Sunday the Sarah Spencer was moved from Saskatchewan Pool 7a, out the South Entrance and over to the North Entrance, where she was placed dockside at Agricore United "a" elevator. Considering that Gale Force winds had been forecasted the night before and the fact that the Courtney Burton was anchored out in the Harbor for Weather, proved that this feat was a major accomplishment in itself.

Once again the services of Thunder Bay Tug Services were called upon. The tugs Point Valour (captained by Roger Hurst), Glenada (Captained by Stan Dawson) and Robert W (captained by Gerry Dawson), were put to the test. The Glenada took the head of the tow at the bow, the Point Valour entered and tied up in the notch in the back of the barge and the Robert W transferred a crewman from dock to dock and also assisted when needed. At 1 p.m. the Trio backed the Spencer out of the 7a slip and turned her around in the inner harbor.

Once out of the safety of the inner Harbour, strong winds buffeted the tow. Swaying from side to side in the wind, the barge kept moving forward by the powerful Glenada on the bow. As they turned to line up for the North Entrance the winds along with a strong current from the Current River, which had been feed by recent rains, kept pushing the Spencer one way and then the other way. As they neared the Breakwall Entrance the skill of the tug crews shinned through. With the Glenada successfully keeping the bow straight, the Robert W moved from bow to stern keeping the Spencer in line, as the Point Valour kept drag on the stern to straighten her out. The Spencer slipped through the entrance perfectly lined up.

Once up to the edge of the dock the Glenada rode the dockside keeping the bow pressed against the dock as they slid along the slip. Finally the Spencer was in position and the Robert W kept the bow pinned against the dock as the lone crewman from the Spencer hurriedly tied the bow up. Then the Robert W slid to the stern of the Spencer and snugged it up dockside. After the Spencer was tied up at 3:30 p.m. the three tugs headed back to their dock, another job well done.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

More News

12/23
Check back tomorrow for more news updates. I've fallen a bit behind with the holidays.

Weekly Updates

12/23
The weekly updates have been uploaded.
Included this week are updates to the Lay-up List and the Annual Holiday Card Gallery.
Click here to view

Today in Great Lakes History - December 23

The IMPERIAL ST. CLAIR was selected to participate in the three-year winter navigation experiment during which the Soo Locks remained open all year. On December 23, 1976, at the very onset, she ran aground entering ice-jammed Parry Sound on Georgian Bay in a blinding snow squall. One of her cargo tanks ruptured spilling 1,800 barrels of diesel oil.

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) was downbound past Detroit, MI December 23, 1985 by-passing a 15,000 ton load of scrap because of the lack of time to clear the Seaway.

CHARLES DICK was sold for scrap to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne, Ont. on December 23, 1976.

The SIR TREVOR DAWSON was laid up after the War until December 23, 1920 when she was sold to Pioneer Steamship Co. and renamed c) CHARLES L. HUTCHINSON (3).

On 23 December 1905, JAMES B. WOOD (steel propeller freighter, 514', 7159 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. In 1913, she was renamed ARCTURUS.

On 23 December 1885, MARY MARTINI (wooden propeller passenger-package freight vessel, 85', 91 gt, built in 1877 at W. Bay City) stranded on Brule Point, 13 miles east of Grand Marais, MN on Lake Superior in fair weather. A navigational error was blamed. She became a total loss but her passengers and crew were taken off by the Duluth tug T. H. CAMP.

In 1903 the PERE MARQUETTE 20 arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history

Today in Great Lakes History - December 22

The SAVIC (Cliffs Victory) finally arrived at Masan, South Korea December 22, 1986 for dismantling there which was completed in 1987.

DETROIT EDISON (2) grounded on Gray's Reef in northern Lake Michigan, December 22, 1980, inflicting heavy damage to 350 feet of her bottom.

The GORDON C. LEITCH (1) was laid up on December 22, 1981 no longer economically able to compete and was used for grain storage at Toronto.

RAYMOND H. REISS arrived at Ramey's Bend, Port Colborne, Ont. on December 22, 1980 for scrapping there.

LIGHTSHIP 103 was commissioned December 22, 1920.

On 22 December 1922, CORNELL (wooden propeller tug, 72', 66 gt, built in 1888 at Buffalo) foundered somewhere between Cleveland and Erie, PA while enroute to new owners in Syracuse, NY. She had a crew of 8. The weather was clear and mild with almost no wind. She had just been put back into service and inspected after several years of idleness. Her ice-encrusted lifeboat was found on 26 December, 25 miles east of Long Point, containing the frozen body of the fireman.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection, Wally Moroziuk, Ahoy & Farewell II and the Great Lakes Ships We Remember series

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Anderson Visits Green Bay

12/21
Friday morning the Arthur M Anderson arrived in the slip of the Fox River Dock in Green Bay, WI. The Anderson spent the day unloading 21,000 tons of coal; the coal they unloaded was a split cargo. Part was loaded in Sandusky and the rest in Toledo. Departure was set for about 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon.

This has been a very busy week at the Fox River Dock. Thursday the Algoway unloaded salt, Friday was the Arthur M Anderson and expected Friday evening was the Agawa Canyon with more salt. Also expected this weekend is the tug Gregory J Busch to unload pig iron and then load boulders. Also due Friday evening was the tug Barbra Andrie and a barge with a cargo for Construction Resources Management dock. Due early Monday December 22 is the John G Munson with coal from South Chicago for the C. Reiss Dock.

Anderson unloading about an hour after arriving.
Stern view unloading .
Close up unloading coal .
Santa rides onboard the Anderson .
Unloading later in the afternoon .
Dock view Friday afternoon.

Reported by: Scott Best

Expansion in Sight for Former LTV Property

12/21
the company, Calumet Transfer has won a bid to purchase the LTV Coke plant in Chicago. The 100 acre facility and ship dock have been on the market for some time.

Stephen Beemsterboer, one and one of the three owner-managers of Calumet Transfer, is also president of Beemsterboer Slag. This 60 year old family-owned company unloads coal and coke from barges at its Calumet docks and reloads the cargo into ships that carry it to steel mills on the Great Lakes.

Calumet Transfer in planning on initiating a long-term environmental cleanup of the property, which still could be restarted after LTV cold idled the plant in February. They also plan to expand use of the property and the dock area, which should mean continued ship activity in that area.

Reported by: Scott Spencer

Group hopes to find the Asia

12/21
A fund has been started to raise money to send an expedition to Georgian Bay equipped with side scan sonar equipment to locate the wreck of the passenger steamer Asia, which sank with the loss of more than 100 lives during a storm in September, 1882.

For details, visit findtheasia.ca

Windoc Report Release Date

12/21
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board will release their report on the August 11, 2001 accident involving the Windoc in the Welland Canal. The report will be released to the public on January 9 during a press conference in Thorold, Ont.
The full report will be available on the Transportation Safety Board's web site, check back for updates

Reported by: Alexander Paterson

Twin Ports Report

12/21
The departure of the last salties has left the Twin Ports fairly quiet. Herbert C. Jackson arrived about 7 a.m. Friday to load grain at the Cenex Harvest States elevator. Other traffic included George A. Stinson at BNSF ore dock and Canadian Transport, due late at Midwest Energy Terminal.

Midwest Energy Terminal is now scheduled to load vessels early into the new year. This is a far cry from several years ago, when the dock generally shut down about the middle of December. Currently, Algowood is scheduled to load for Nanticoke on Jan. 2 and Canadian Enterprise is due to load for Nanticoke on Jan. 5. The Paul R. Tregurtha's Dec. 30 run to Taconite Harbor is now listed as questionable.

Nanticoke is figuring prominently in the late-season scheduling for Midwest Energy Terminal. Including the two mentioned above, there are nine coal cargoes slated for Nanticoke between Friday and Jan. 5. Scheduled to carry one or more cargoes are Canadian Transport, Canadian Enterprise, Algolake, John D. Leitch, Canadian Progress and Algowood.

Reported by: Al Miller

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

12/21
Wednesday was a busy day in the St. Lawrence River. The pictures below were taken over a two hour-period after sunrise. At this time of year, ships start departing Montréal just after 7 a.m. and arrive downbound off Verchères about an hour later.

Federal Rideau downbound from Montréal to Sorel.
Lykes Winner downbound from Montréal.
Lykes Winner on her way to South Africa.
Stern view.
Pembroke Senator upbound for Montréal.
Stern view.
Panoramic view from the Verchères dock with Magdalena Green, Pembroke Senator & Orsula.
Orsula downbound from Seaway.
Stern view.
Magdalena Green downbound from Seaway.
Parade of downbound ships from the Verchères dock, Magdalena Green, Orsula & Lykes Winner.
Cedarglen downbound from Seaway.
Milo downbound from Seaway.
Stern view.
Dusita Naree downbound from Montréal Elevator no.4 with a full load of grain.
Stern view.
Cast Performance downbound from Montréal berth 78.
Stern view.
Cast Performance distant stern view.
Porto Cayo upbound from Contrecoeur dock to Montréal berth 43, Dec.19.
Porto Cayo stern view some 20 minutes after sunrise Dec.19.

Reported by: Marc Piché

Today in Great Lakes History - December 21

The 437-foot bow section of the Roger Blough was float launched December 21, 1968 less ballast tanks because the existing dry dock wasn’t wide enough to accommodate her 105-foot width.

The WILLIAM G. MATHER was laid up for the last time December 21, 1980 at the Hocking Valley coal dock at Toledo, OH.

AMOCO ILLINOIS was laid up for the last time at Bay City, MI on December 21, 1980.

HOCHELAGA (2) was laid up on December 21, 1981 for the last time at Cardinal, Ont.

The OUTARDE (3) operated until December 21, 1983 when she was laid up for the last time at Toronto.

On 21 December 1891, the whaleback steamer CHARLES W. WETMORE tied up at the dock at Everett, Washington, ending a voyage of 93 days that started in Philadelphia and went around the tip of South America.

On 21 December 1879, CITY OF TOLEDO (wooden propeller package freighter, 413 gt, built in 1865 at Ogdensburg) was carrying winter provisions from Milwaukee to Ludington. In a white squall, she struck a reef and was stranded 7 miles north of Ludington, a few hundred yards from shore. Some of the crew made it to shore and sought help. The local Lifesaving Station was only in the planning stages, but a crew captain was on hand. He hastily assembled a volunteer lifesaving crew and over a five hour period, rescued all on board. None of the 24 person crew was lost.

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

This is a small sample, the books includes many other vessels with a much more detailed history

Dual Dry docking in Sturgeon Bay

12/20
Early Thursday morning the Mississagi entered Sturgeon Bay from Green Bay inbound for Bay shipbuilding. She arrived shortly before 8 a.m. and turned 180-degrees to back into Berth 15 at the ship yard. She waited for the Calumet to arrive, the way the blocks in they dry dock are laid out the Calumet had to enter first.

As the Mississagi waited the J.A.W. Iglehart departed Berth 8 heading out bound to Green Bay with the aid of the tug Jimmy L.

A short time after the Iglehart cleared Sherwood Point, the Calumet gave a security call for the Sturgeon Bay shipping channel.

Tugs from Selvick Marine went out and took the Calumet's bow and stern towing lines, so she could come into the graving dock with out stopping. The Calumet was at the proper draft for the dock when it arrived at the gate.

After the Calumet was in the dock and tied off, the tugs assisted the waiting Mississagi, bring her into the dock stern first. The Calumet and Mississagi are in the same dry dock, staggered one to the south one to the North, over lapping about 150-feet.

Also on Thursday, the yard was turning over the hull under construction for the new Washington Island Ferry and blocked the View from the East End of the Graving Dock.

Pictures by Vic DeLarwelle
Mississagi turning.
Close up approaching Berth 15.
Iglehart departs.
Another view.
Tugs depart.
Tugs guide the Calumet in.
Calumet approaches the entrance to the dry dock.
Entering the dry dock.
Mississagi towed to the dry dock.
Mississagi backing in.
Dock Boss watching Escort II pull the Mississagi into dock.
Diagram of the docking.

Pictures by Carl Grota
In position.
Close up.
Another view.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle, Carl Grota and Wendell Wilke

Imperial Lachine in the Seaway

12/20
The bunkering tanker Imperial Lachine departed Montreal Thursday afternoon for Hamilton under tow of the tug Carrol C. I . No new name was painted on her hull yet. The tanker was recently acquired by McKeil after having been laid up in Montreal since Dec. 2001.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Jane Ann IV Upbound

12/20
The tug Jane Ann IV and barge Sarah Spencer was upbound in the St. Marys River Thursday night after running aground due to a steering pump malfunction. The barge Sarah Spencer was reported to have ran up on a shoal during the failure. Once free the pair continued upbound to Soo Harbor for inspection. The steering was determined to be back in order and the tug and barge were allowed to lock through into Lake Superior.

There was no report of damage to the Sarah Spencer.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Nogat Unloads

12/20
The small bulk carrier Nogat arrived at Sorel-Tracy Thursday docking at the grain elevator about noon. The vessel will unload her cargo of grain loaded at Duluth. After unloading, she will go to Lévis at the Davie Industries Shipyard where she will be repaired.

Last Saturday, when passing Jean Parisien, in a narrow channel in the Prescott area, she touched bottom and her forepeak was damaged causing flooding.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Last Saltie for Hamilton

12/20
Wednesday night the saltie Golden Laker close her hatches and prepare to leave Hamilton Harbor. She is reported to be the last saltie for the season.

Reported by: Wally Wallace

Invincible in Milwaukee

12/20
The tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons, under the command of Capt. Pat Hart, arrived in Milwaukee late Wednesday night. They will be taking a winter storage cargo of soy beans to Hamilton, Ontario. The Invincible/McKee Sons expects to depart Milwaukee by noon Friday. The three day trip should put them in Hamilton very early on the 24th. With a little luck the crew should be home for Christmas with time to spare.

Pictures by Tom Winsor
McKee Sons with the tug Invincible being loaded at NIDERA.
Another view.
Bow view.
Christmas tree on the boom.
Tug Edward K. Gillen II returning from an assignment and passing the McKee Sons.
Jacklyn M. and Integrity still under going repairs.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Spruceglen Unloads

12/20
CSL's Spruceglen spent Thursday unloading at the Redpath Sugar Dock in Toronto.

In other port news, the saltie Nelson was unloading at Pier 51, and what appeared to be the Canadian Mariner has joined the Canadian Voyager and Seaway Queen near Pier 35.

CSL's Spruceglen at Redpath Sugar, the vessel's first visit under this name.
Close up of name.
Stern view. Note plain black stack.

Reported by: Craig Ritchie

Coast Guard receives early Christmas present

12/20
Three of the Coast Guard’s newest response boats have arrived in Chicago. The 25-foot Homeland Security Response Boat (RB-HS) is designed to support multiple missions such as homeland security, search and rescue, law enforcement and marine environmental protection.

Two of these new craft will be located at Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor. The other one will be located at Coast Guard Station Wilmette Harbor. The multi-mission RB-HS is a 25-foot aluminum boat with a cabin and is powered by twin outboard engines. It is capable of carrying 10 persons onboard. Coast Guard crews will begin using the new boats immediately.

The boats will be on public display at the Chicago Boat Show beginning January 1, 2003.

Reported by: Paul Roszkowski

Lay Offs at Metro Marine

12/20
Metro Machine Erie, Inc. announced Wednesday that they are laying off forty employees, leaving only eight of their forty-eight person staff.

Metro Machine spokesman Ralph Ryan said that the lack of a $2.5 million federal grant promised to the company at the beginning of 2002 was to blame for the lay-offs, since there is now no work for them to do with their curved plate technology, widely used by the U.S. Navy.

The Erie yard was not the only one of Metro Machine's yards hit by the lay-offs, however. On Tuesday, Metro announced that they were laying off 200 people from their yard in Norfolk, Virginia, and an undisclosed number of employees from their Philadelphia yard. Union employees were given three days notice, as is required in their contract. Ryan stated that the company hated to lay-off so many at this time of year, but had no other choice.

This comes as a blow to the economy of the Erie area, which has been hit hard over the past year as businesses trim their operating costs to be more competitive in the manufacturing sector.

Although the Erie yard has been leased by Metro since 1996, and is one of only two yards on the Great Lakes capable of dry-docking thousand foot vessels, little ship repair work has come to the yard. The Manitoulin, Louis R. Desmarais and Jean Parisien were all dry-docked in the winter of 1996-97; however, since then only four ships have called at the yard, and none of those were dry-docked. The four vessels were the Louis R. Desmarais, James R. Barker (twice), and the Mesabi Miner.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Marquette Update

12/20
The Algosteel loaded taconite in Marquette on Thursday. Expected on Friday are the Algomarine and the Charles M. Beeghly. Saturday could see the Lee A. Tregurtha, as well as the return of both the Algosteel and Algomarine.

Algosteel loading.
Close up.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Saginaw News

12/20
The tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader were delayed in the passage upriver Wednesday night as none of the bridges spanning the Saginaw River are manned this time of year. The official navigation season ended on December 15 and any vessel requiring bridge openings must provide at least 12 hours notice of their intentions.

After contacting the Coast Guard, making the proper notifications, and spending the night at the Dow Chemical Dock, the Great Lakes Trader was able to get underway at 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning upbound for the Saginaw Rock Dock to finish unloading.

The pair arrived at about noon and were still unloading Thursday evening.

Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Joyce L. Van Enkevort - Great Lakes Trader upbound at Veteran's Park in Saginaw.
Tug close up.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Cleveland Traffic

12/20
The U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Bristol Bay and barge CGB12001 pulled the summer lighted channel markers and replaced them with the winter cans astern of the Steamship William G. Mather Museum.

The Steamship William G. Mather Museum is decorated for the Holidays and will remain lit nightly until January 3rd.

The U.S. Corps of Engineers is home this winter to the Derrick McCauley (red roof) and Tug Kozoil whose home port is Buffalo, as well as Cleveland's Derrick Simonsen (black roof in foreground) and Tug Cheraw

Bristol Bay and barge CGB12001 pulling the buoys.
Crane in action.
Close up.
Small boat passing.
McCauley and Simonsen.

Reported by: William R. McDonald

Clarkson Stockpiling Continues

12/20
Stockpiling for winter continued at St. Lawrence Cement on Thursday. Supplies received a big increase with the arrival of Canadian Provider late Thursday morning. James Norris is the usual supply vessel for the plant.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Kingston Update

12/20
The temperature at St. Lambert has dropped to 0.6 C as compared to 3.2 C for 2001 and 1.1 C for a ten year average. On Thursday there were 21 salties above St. Lambert and 8 above Port Weller. This compares to 24 and 13 last year.

The Golden Laker, Kamilla, MacKenzie and Federal Oshima, were eastbound Thursday. The Petrolia Desgagnes is westbound. As for lakers, Algoport, and the tug Everlast with barge Norman McLeod were eastbound. The Algocape and Canadian Leader were westbound.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

St. Lawrence River Traffic at Verchères

12/20
Maria Desgagnés Dec.15.
tug Coastal Reliance pushing barge 550-4, Dec.15.
Stern view.
Canmar Fortune Dec. 16.
Cicero downbound from Montréal on her regular shuttle to Newfoundland, Dec.17.
Synnove Knutsen downbound from Seaway, Dec.17.
Tony Mackay downbound from Montréal to Newfoundland, Dec.17.
Oakglen downbound from Seaway, Dec.17.
Shades of yesteryear. Oakglen's steam plume, Dec.17.
MSC Canada downbound from Montréal, Dec.17.
Stern view.
Veerseborg passing Kapitonas Andzejauskas downbound from Seaway, Dec.17.
Veerseborg, Dec.17.
Kapitonas Andzejauskas downbound, Dec.17.
Gordon C. Leitch downbound Dec.17.
Petrolia Desgagnés upbound Montréal, Dec.17.
Gordon C. Leitch & Petrolia Desgagnés nose to nose.
Gordon C. Leitch & Petrolia Desgagnés side by side.