Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Today in Great Lakes History - December 31

In 1905, the B F JONES (Hull#15), 530 x 56 x 31 with a capacity of 10,000 tons, slid down the ways at Great Lakes Engineering Works, Ecorse, MI. The JONES was built at a cost of $400,000 for Jones and Laughlin Steel. Declared a constructive total loss after a collision with the Str. CASON J CALLAWAY in the St. Marys River on August 21, 1955. Most of the hull was scrapped at Superior, Wisconsin in 1956. Part of the hull became the crane barge SSC-1. Her forward cabins and hatch crane and covers were installed on the Str. SPARKMAN D FOSTER.

In 1952, a total of 35 boats were laid up for the season at Cleveland. The WILLIAM FAIRBAIRN, GEORGE STEPHENSON, and ANDREW S UPSON had storage cargoes of flax, the MICHAEL GALLACHER had a storage cargo of wheat, and the remaining 31 vessels were empty.

In 1941, at the close of the shipping season, the Great Lakes fleet consisted of 513 boats of U.S. Registry and 279 boats of Canadian Registry.

At 4:00 p.m., 31 December 1895, the PURITON (wooden propeller passenger/package freight steamer, 172 foot, 289 gross tons, built in 1887, at Benton Harbor, Michigan) burned at the dock in Oak Hill (Manistee), Michigan. She was a total loss.

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, Ohio bought the NOTRE DAME VICTORY on December 10, 1950.

The GEORGE M HUMPHREY of 1953, was laid up for the last time at the old Great Lakes Engineering Works slip at River Rouge, Michigan beginning December 31, 1983.

The QUEDOC, a.) NEW QUEDOC, was laid up for the last time on December 31, 1984, at Toronto, Ontario along side the SENATOR OF CANADA.

On 31 December 1884, ADMIRAL (wooden propeller steam tug, 49 gross tons, built in 1883, at Chicago, Illinois) 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, Michigan.

December 31, 1919 - The entire Ann Arbor carferry fleet was tied up in Frankfort, Michigan 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, Russ Plumb, 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.

Truck Ferry Plans Inch Closer

12/20 - Oswego, NY - The idea of launching a truck ferry between between Oswego and Hamilton, Ontario, is inching toward reality and could materialize by 2008.

“We had a meeting two weeks ago with Marine Link (the company that would operate the proposed truck ferry), the Coast Guard, customs officials, and the Department of Homeland Security. This is a very feasible project, and likely to begin in 2008 if all goes well,” said Jim Cloonan, port operations manager in Oswego.

Although the proposed ferry is still in its early stages, progress has been made since August. In mid-December, the Port of Hamilton Authority spent $17.5 million to acquire adjacent Lake Ontario waterfront property to make way for a terminal for the proposed cross-lake truck ferry.

Bob Armstrong, head of Marine Link, said that things have gone past the planning stage and into the design portion of the project. “We're at the stage where we have designed the ship and have a route mapped out,” Armstrong said. Two ferries would make one round trip each day, Monday through Saturday along the 146-mile route, Armstrong said. According to Armstrong's estimates, it would take the ferry, carrying 100 to 120 trailers, approximately 12 hours to travel from Hamilton to Oswego.

While the route and the ship's design have already been made, Armstrong said that there are a few kinks, such as public policy issues, that need to be addressed before the service could begin. He explained that customs issues as well as harbor maintenance issues were currently being discussed with officials in Washington. “We're working with customs and Homeland Security right now,” Armstrong said. “We're going to lobby in February, and hopefully the necessary changes will be made to public policy.”

Despite minor policy issues, Armstrong was confident that the truck ferry service will launch within the next two years. “If we get those issues taken care of, we'll be up and running by the fall of 2007, or the spring of 2008,” Armstrong said.

Cloonan agreed, and said that “everyone is working very hard and we'll see this to fruition.” He noted that the economic impact of the truck ferry service would be significant. “We'll be able to employ more labor, more longshoremen, and it'll also help the hotels and businesses and other areas of the local economy,” Cloonan said.

Reported by Bill Edwards from the Oswego Palladium Times

Port Reports - December 30

Milwaukee - Jim Zeirke
Friday afternoon the Peter R. Cresswell delivered 26,800 tons of road salt to the bulk dock at the Port of Milwaukee. While entering the mooring basin the Cresswell had to maneuver around the barge Integrity and her tug the G.L. Oestrander which were tied up at the Heavy Lift for what appears to be winter lay up.
While the Cresswell delivered the salt, the Pathfinder and her tug, Dorothy Ann, backed in and tied up at the Greenfield Avenue coal dock. It appeared that she had a partial load of coal for the WE Energies facility.

Sandusky - Jim Spencer
The John G. Munson loaded at the Norfolk Southern coal dock on Friday for Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Updates - December 30

News Photo Gallery updated

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, North Carolina) early the next day.

GEORGE M HUMPHREY (Hull#796) was launched December 30, 1926, for Kinsman Transit Co. at Lorain, Ohio by the American Ship Building Co. Renamed b.) CAPT JOHN ROEN in 1945, c.) ADAM E CORNELIUS in 1948 and d.) CONSUMERS POWER in 1958, scrapped at Taiwan in 1988.

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, Brian Wroblewski, 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.

Better Weather Boosts November Iron Ore Trade on Lakes
Plunging Water Levels Take Toll on Loads

12/29 - Cleveland---Thanks to significantly fewer weather-related delays, the iron ore trade on the Great Lakes in November increased 16.4 percent compared to a year ago. However, the upturn does not reflect market conditions, but rather that high winds and storms kept the U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet at anchor for more than 5,000 hours in November 2005.

The precipitous drop in water levels on Lake Superior again severely limited vessel loads in November. A 1,000-foot-long U.S.-Flag Laker that was able to carry nearly 67,600 net tons of iron ore from a Lake Superior port to an Indiana steel mill in one trip in August saw its best load fall to
62,300 net tons in November.

If Great Lakes ports and waterways were dredged to allow the vessel to load to its full marks, its cargos would top 71,000 net tons each trip.
Smaller U.S.-Flag Lakers suffered similar fates in November. A vessel delivering iron ore from Lake Superior to an Ohio steelmaker had to trim more than 1,300 net tons off its top loads of just a few months ago.

For the year, the Lakes iron ore trade stands at 54.5 million net tons, an increase of 4.2 percent compared to both the same point in 2005 and the 5-year average for the January-November timeframe.

Source: Lake Carriers’ Association

Steel industry likely target for acquisitions

12/29 - TORONTO -- The global metals giants are hungry for acquisitions and Canada's steel industry will likely be "front and centre" as a wave of consolidation rolls on, observers say, a blockbuster deal that served up Dofasco in 2006 a hint of what's to come.

"Internationally, steel remains quite fragmented in terms of a large number of producers and I think through the course of '07 the theme of consolidation will remain front-and-centre and include the North American group," says John Hughes, an analyst with Desjardins Securities. "Just about anyone is a target -- even some of the smaller to intermediate producers. Anyone producing in the two to four-million tonne range could ultimately come into the crosshairs of some of the internationals worldwide."

As 2006 draws to a close, the fate of Hamilton's Dofasco, a major steel supplier to the North American auto industry, remains in limbo. Stelco and Algoma Steel are seen as prime takeover targets and the success of Ipsco is expected to draw interest from global players. This month, Toronto-based Harris Steel Group surprised many by announcing it was in talks to sell to an undisclosed buyer, rumoured to be Gerdau Ameristeel or U.S.-based Nucor.

Since the end of 2004, when steel prices hit all-time highs, the major global steel producers have been consolidating, with more merger and acquisition activity expected amid strong demand from China, which has been producing and consuming steel at a record pace. In recent months, however, demand for steel in North America has flagged due to reduced consumption by the auto sector -- especially after production cuts by the Big Three car makers -- as well as high inventory levels.

Still, many insiders believe the drop in prices won't have a big overall impact in 2007 and that next year will probably be slightly better than 2006. "There's a fair amount of consensus view that prices have already started slipping a little bit for the end of this year and are probably going to slip a little bit for quarter one," said James Forbes, global metals advisory leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers. "There's been a couple different adjustments for inventory levels and it's probably going to be a good year next year overall."

Hughes says the plate and tubular markets have the best outlook for 2007, with plate holding near US$750 a tonne. Charles Bradford, an industry analyst with New York's Soleil-Bradford Research, believes the outlook for steel is a bit dimmer, pegging a hot-roll coil at about US$450, below other estimates that see it hitting US$530.

Even if prices continue to drop, Forbes said, the consolidation binge has taken some poorer plants out of play and made companies stronger financially, as well as prompting them to better control raw materials sources.
The year opened with a bang, with venerable Dofasco gobbled up by Arcelor SA for $4.7 billion after the Luxembourg-based firm won a bidding war against German steel conglomerate ThyssenKrupp AG. That didn't end the story and Dofasco still likely hasn't found its final buyer.

Arcelor eventually yielded to a US$31.9-billion offer from Mittal Steel Co. itself -- but not before locking Dofasco into an independent trust to prevent its sale, because it deems it a valuable entry to the North American market. Mittal has a deal to sell Dofasco to ThyssenKrupp, but cannot do it until the Dutch trust that now controls Dofasco is dissolved. "The push is to see Dofasco sold again and the momentum is moving in that direction," said Hughes.

From the London Ontario Free Press

November steel imports down, but 2006 still poised to set import record

12/29 - Duluth - Total steel imports into the United States in November were 3.3 million net tons, a 13 percent decline compared to November 2005, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Finished steel imports in November were 2.7 million net tons, a 10 percent decline compared to November 2005.

On a year-to-date basis, total steel imports are up 45 percent and finished steel imports 46 percent compared to 2005, poised to set a new all-time annual record, according to the AISI. Total imports would reach 46 million net tons and finished steel imports 36.5 million net tons, surpassing all-time records of 41.5 million net tons and 34.7 million net finished tons set in 1998, according to the AISI.

China in November for the fifth straight month was the single largest exporter of steel into the United States with 521,000 net tons. Steel imports from China in November were 274 percent higher than in November 2005 and at current levels, would exceed 5 million tons in 2006.

From the Duluth News Tribune

Trip Raffle to Benefit BoatNerd

12/11 - Through the generosity of the Interlake Steamship Co., BoatNerd is offering the chance to to win a four-six-day trip for four to take place during the 2007 sailing season (between the months of June and September) on the winner's choice of the classic Lee. A. Tregurtha or the Queen of the Lakes Paul R. Tregurtha.

The trip is the Grand Prize of BoatNerd¹s first ever raffle and fundraising event. Other prizes will also be given away.

All proceeds from this raffle will benefit Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online, the non-profit support organization for the BoatNerd.Com Web site. Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online, Inc. is a non-profit 501(C)(3) corporation. Funds raised will be used to upgrade our equipment, expand our services and pay monthly Internet connection charges.

The drawing will take place at 2 p.m. on June 2, 2007 at the BoatNerd.Com World Headquarters in Port Huron, Mich.

Donation: $10 per ticket, 3 for $25, 6 for $50 or 12 for $100.

Click here to order, or for more information. Tickets are also available by mail, or in person at Boatnerd World Headquarters in Port Huron.

Port Reports - December 29

Sandusky - Jim Spencer
The American Courage loaded in the predawn hours Wednesday at the Norfolk Southern coal dock. Her next port of call was not known.

Cote. St. Catherines - Kent Malo
Nanticoke will be departing Cotr Ste Catherines Wharf at approximately 9:00pm Thursday for lay up in the Port of Montreal Sec 56-South,
Voyageur Independent will be leaving the elevator 4 at 9:00pm Thursday, for Hamilton Ontario.

Updates - December 29

News Photo Gallery updated

Today in Great Lakes History - December 29

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

KINSMAN INDEPENDENT was launched in 1906, as a.) WILLIAM B KERR (Hull#72) at Chicago, Illinois by Chicago Ship Building Co. for the Weston Transit Co.

Kinsman's new GEORGE M HUMPHREY was christened on December 29, 1926.

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

The 425-foot Finnish tanker KIISLA ran aground while transiting the North Entrance of Buffalo Harbor on the 29th of December, 1989. The ship was inbound with Xylene for the Noco Product Terminal in Tonawanda when it strayed from the navigation channel due to reduced visibility from heavy snow squalls and grounded near the #1 green buoy of the Black Rock Canal. She was towed off the rocks by tugboats from Buffalo and then tied up at the Burnette Trucking Dock (formerly the Pen Dixie Dock) on the Buffalo River for Coast Guard Inspection. A diver found a 47 inch X 5 inch crack below the waterline at the #1 ballast tank, with a large rock firmly wedged in the outer hull plating, but with no damage to the inner hull or cargo tanks. The ship was cleared to head back to Sarnia to off load her cargo before repairs could be made.

On 29 December 1813, ARIEL (4-gun armed schooner, 112 tons, built in 1813, at Erie, Pennsylvania 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 foot, 46 tons, built in 1822, at New York City, New York) 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, Brian Wroblewski, 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.

Port Reports - December 28

Milwaukee - Paul Erspamer
On Monday, Algorail delivered salt to the bulk cargo dock on Jones Island in Milwaukee's inner harbor. Across the turning basin, Tug Rebecca Lynn and barge A-410 unloaded fuel.
On Tuesday, American Mariner backed into the harbor, docked and unloaded at the WE Energies coal yard near Greenfield Avenue.
Tug Barbara Andrie and its barge A-390 delivered to the Jacobus liquid cargo terminal in the outer harbor.

Stoneport - Ben & Chanda McClain
Wednesday afternoon brought sunny skies along with vessel activity at Stoneport. The Philip R. Clarke finished loading and departed the dock, while the Agawa Canyon and McKee Sons waited nearby. The Canyon was next in line, and carefully approached the dock to tie up and begin loading.

Saginaw River - Todd Shorkey
The Olive L. Moore & Lewis J. Kuber finished their unload overnight at the Wirt dock in Saginaw, turned and were outbound for the lake. The pair made a quick stop at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee to take on fuel and then continued outbound passing through the Bay City Bridges around 2:30pm on Wednesday

Updates - December 28

News Photo Gallery updated

Today in Great Lakes History - December 28

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

On 28 December 1907, the CALDERA (steel propeller freighter, 504 foot, 6,328 gross tons) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan.

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 feet long with a 26 foot 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.

Calcite Closes for Season

12/27 - Rogers City - On December 23 the port of Calcite closed for another shipping season.

The tug Undaunted with barge Pere Marquette 41 departed with limestone around 7 p.m. headed for Verplank's dock in Muskegon.

Earlier in the day the American Fortitude had loaded and departed for Cleveland. She was scheduled to unload in Cleveland and then head for lay-up in Toledo.

Lightship to offer virtual museum tour

12/27 - Port Huron - Those with limited mobility or special needs will soon be able to better enjoy the Huron Lightship museum in Port Huron's Pine Grove Park.

The Lake Huron Lore Marine Society, which raises money for the grounded ship, is giving the museum $4,000 for a high-definition, 37-inch monitor to be installed on the quarterdeck, or the ship's entryway. A taped tour of the ship will be played on the monitor for people who are physically unable to navigate some of the ship's small spaces and steep stairs, said Jerry Rome, the lightship's site manager.

The goal is to have the monitor, which has been ordered but not delivered, installed by the time the Port Huron Museum site reopens in April, Rome said. The ship closed for the season on Saturday.

Frank Frisk, a member of the marine society's board, said he was inspired to do something about the ship's accessibility problems about two years ago. "This way people with special needs will be able to see the inner workings of the ship and all the same things we see when we crawl though the boat," he said.

The taped tour to be played on the monitor was filmed by John Hill of Port Huron, a retired St. Clair County Community College TV and radio professor and the former voice of WPHM AM-1380. Hill taped Rome giving a tour of the ship while visiting for a segment of the DVD he created to help celebrate Port Huron's upcoming sesquicentennial.

Rome said the ship's volunteers also could use the new monitor to play the 150th anniversary film, other films or to show live underwater images. Acheson Ventures installed an underwater camera near the lightship earlier this year. Since November, live images from the camera have been piped onto a monitor in the ship's senior petty officer's quarters.

The entryway monitor could show underwater views and the pre-recorded tour simultaneously, Frisk said. There are many things that can be done with new technology while maintaining the ship's historic appeal, Rome said. "We want to do things that will make things more accessible for people without taking away from the 1970s history of the ship," Rome said.

Marci Fogal, president of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the museum draws touring motor coach groups of senior citizens. She said the ship's new accessibility and features could help the bureau promote the spot. "The more we can offer to individuals, the better," she said.

From the Port Huron Times-Herald

Port Reports - December 27

Hamilton - Eric Holmes
Tuesday the Canadian Transfer departed at 10:00am to clean holds in the lake. They returned at 5:30pm going to Pier 26 for winter lay up.
The Algoisle departed at 12:30pm to clean holds in the lake. They returned at 7:30pm going to Pier 25 for winter lay up.
The BBC Ems departed at 5:30pm from Pier 26 after unloading windmills and headed down the lake.

Saginaw River - Todd Shorkey
The tug Olive L. Moore & barge Lewis J. Kuber were inbound the Saginaw River Tuesday evening calling on the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City to lighter. The pair then headed up to the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw to finish unloading. They were expected to be outbound on late Wednesday morning.

Goderich - Dale Baechler
Peter R. Cresswell made an early Wednesday morning entry into port and is now loading at Sifto Salt.

Updates - December 27

News Photo Gallery updated

Historical Perspective - The Wiltranco
by Brian Wroblewski

12/27 - The concept of the lake freighter turned tug-barge is a fascinating subject that doesn't get much coverage in local Buffalo historical circles.

Back in 1962 the Wilson Marine Transit Company took on a project that in hindsight appeared to have been about 30 years ahead of its time. The aging 588-foot steamer HORACE S WILKINSON had run its course as a powered vessel. Having been built in 1917 she was mechanically worn out to the point that Wilson could no longer run her at a profit.

The company had been known for their forward thinking when it came to technology with many past ships having introduced firsts such as bow thrusters, radiotelephones, and one-piece hatch covers to the Great Lakes. Wilson decided at that time to try and convert the WILKINSON to a 535-foot prototype laker-tug-barge, which, if proven successful, would be copied throughout the fleet.

The ship's old superstructure was removed, a stern notch created for a push tug, and auxiliary power installed to run her deck equipment. The old engine room housed water pumps, electric generators, and an air compressor to run the deck winches. In the bow it had a 500hp diesel to run the bow thruster. The large tug BRIAN MCALLISTER was contracted to push her on the Great Lakes, and the combination went into service in June of 1963. The barge was then renamed WILTRANCO as an abbreviation of the Wilson Transit Company.

The first season ended uneventfully with the barge being sent to Buffalo with a grain storage cargo for the winter. At only 1,600 horsepower the MCALLISTER proved to be underpowered since she had trouble handling the WILTRANCO and was eventually returned to her owning company in favor of a new build tug called the FRANCIS A. SMALL. This tug was a better match for the WILTRANCO since she was rated near 3,000 HP but the barge had a mind of her own and proved to be even too much for the SMALL.

As far as handling the WILTRANCO, that seemed a mystery. Even with her adjustable skegs, the barge was a tough pusher. She also liked to wander all over the lake when being towed and the wires had to be kept short to maintain headway using all the tug's available power. When moving through Buffalo Harbor on her dedicated coal run from Toledo to Tonawanda, the SMALL would tow the barge, and have a G tug was on the stern, the reason was that they did not have the proper cables to rig up the SMALL in the notch.

On the way downbound in the Black Rock Canal, the SMALL and G tug would tie up the barge at the East wall before the lock. The SMALL and the G tug would then lock through together with out the barge. The barge winched itself into the lock for passage, when she reached the proper water level the lock gate would open and the SMALL would hook up on the bow of the barge. The G tug would wait until the barge cleared the lock gates and would get the stern towline on the fly.

They turned her around just at the red buoy abreast of Semet Solvay dock. She was docked pointing up river. There were a couple of plant employees waiting to help tie up, and there was a catwalk to land on across the mooring dolphins at the coal dock. The tug SMALL would tie up alongside the barge as she was worked over by the unloading rig. The overhead unloading crane was stationary, so they just shifted up and down the dock to be unloaded.

It took between 16 to 18 hours to unload. The unloader was a bridge type with a small cab with an operator inside that road on two rails under the tramway that extended over the barge. The small cab had a couple of spools of cable with a clam bucket to lift the coal to a conveyer belt that ran over River Road to a pile on Semet Solvay property.

The WILTRANCO's first major accident took place on June 30, 1967 while they were coming back to Buffalo loaded with coal for Semet Solvay. It was found that there was a hole in the WILTRANCO due to grounding on some unknown object and that she had been taking on water. The Captain beached the barge on the West side of canal just before Peace Bridge heading north. There, a salvage diver stuffed the hole with old bed mattresses and they proceeded to Semet Solvay to unload.

The tug-barge combination was doing pretty well until they lost the WILTRANCO on October 26, 1967, in some bad weather. By this time the SMALL had the proper cables rigged in the notch, and she was going out the North Entrance light. Bad weather kicked up the lake making the going rough, a cable parted and the barge broke loose from her tug. The WILTRANCO drifted, and ended up stuck on a shoal near Wanakah.

Wilson's insurance carrier wrote off the barge as a total loss. The tug SMALL ran out of work to do, was eventually sold off lakes, and then lost in the Atlantic Ocean off the East Coast. The WILTRANCO was salvaged by Clyde Van Enkevort and placed back in service after repairs were made in 1970. She was pushed by the tugs OLIVE L MOORE and LEE REUBEN before being taken out of service in 1973 for the last time. The barge was towed to Santander Spain for scrapping in September of 1973.

Hindsight is 20-20 but looking back on the WILTRANCO, some small improvements may have made her a more viable carrier for her timeframe. Even though modern tug-barge coupling technology was still years away, a few modifications may have helped the WILTRANCO.

A deeper notch and a better cable system might have given her push tugs a more secure connection at the stern of the barge. A higher horsepower tug with better cable handling equipment on deck right from the start may have given her more control over the barge.

A slightly larger crew of possibly 10 men instead of 8 may have lessened the workload and made her a more efficient carrier. All these factors have been worked out over the last 30 years resulting in the very successful articulated and integrated tug-barge units we have today based on almost the same concept as the WILTRANCO, but with a slight tweak here or there. Information from the lake operations of the WILTRANCO was eventually applied to Litton Industries Integrated Tug-Barge Unit PRESQUE ISLE, originally designed for operation by Wilson Marine Transit Company.

Many people have the impression that the WILTRANCO's short career was a disaster, and rumors of harsh conditions for the tug crew persist to this day. Most of this can be attributed to the fear of something new coming along since the tug-barge concept at that time was initially seen as a threat to lake sailors used to working on powered vessels.

Time has proven this untrue since there are currently a growing number of tug-barges in service with more on the way, but still peacefully co-existing with ships of all types on the Great Lakes and Ocean trades. Once seen as a failure, the WILTRANCO was a concept far ahead of its time that represented the look of things to come.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 27

The SAVIC, b.) CLIFFS VICTORY cleared the Welland Canal on Christmas night 1985, and finally anchored at Pointe aux Trembles near Montreal, Quebec on December 27, 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 W 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.

Ocean Hercule tows Clipper Tobago to Montreal

12/26 - LeGroup Ocean Inc.'s tug Ocean Hercule departed Montreal Friday night for Hamilton Ontario and was due to arrive early Sunday. The tug will tow the tanker Clipper Tobago, who has serious engine problems, to Montreal before the Seaway closure.

The Clipper Tobago has a partial load of 3000 tonnes of tallow. This load requires a powerful tug to bring Clipper Tobago to Montreal.

A second tug is required for leaving Hamilton and when the tow arrives at Kingston to negotiate the final leg of the voyage to Montreal.

Reported by Kent Malo

Mac Lock Closed for Season, Reopens

12/26 - Update - Lockmaster announced today that the Mac lock will reopened today due to special permission. No word how long the lock will remain open. It could hinge on vessel traffic.

Christmas Day was a busy day for the lockmaster and crew, as ten up bounds and at least a dozen down bounds kept the Poe lock non stop for most of the day.

12/25 - The MacArthur Lock at Sault Ste. Marie is now closed for the current shipping season.

The Poe Lock will remain open for another 20 days until the normal closing date of January 15.

Port Reports - December 26

Marquette - Rod Burdick
On Christmas Eve, Marquette was busy. Strong winds on eastern Lake Superior delayed vessel arrivals. Lee A. Tregurtha and Earl W. Oglebay loaded ore first while Kaye E. Barker and Herbert C. Jackson waited off the Upper Harbor breakwall for a clear dock.
Christmas day in Marquette, Herbert C. Jackson had a long delay but was loading taconite at sunset.

Saginaw River - Todd Shorkey
The tug Olive L. Moore & barge Lewis J. Kuber were outbound from the Bay Aggregates dock on Saturday after unloading there on Friday. The pair had spent the night at the dock after unloading due to high winds.
The tug Mark Hannah and her tank barge were inbound Sunday morning calling on the Dow Chemical dock in Bay City. They were outbound from the Dow Chemical dock early Monday morning.
Christmas Day saw two passages on the Saginaw River as both the Wolverine and CSL Tadoussac called on the river. First in early Monday morning was the Wolverine, who unloaded at the Essroc stone dock in Essexville. She was outbound later in the morning, passing the inbound CSL Tadoussac, who also unloaded at Essroc, further up the dock at the domes. The Tadoussac was outbound later on Monday.

Hamilton - Eric Holmes
Christmas Eve had the Birchglen departing at 12:45 p.m. with slag from Pier 26 for Montreal.
The tug Ocean Hercule arrived at 3:30 p.m. and proceeded to Pier 12.
On Christmas Day, the Algoisle arrived at 12:30 p.m. with iron ore pellets for Dofasco. After unloading she will winter at Pier 25. Tug Ocean Hercule towing the Clipper Tobago departed Pier 12 at 3:30 p.m.
The tug John Spence and barge McAsphalt 401 arrived at 9 p.m. with fuel oil for Pier 24. They have decided to stay in port until the 27th because of bad weather before heading to Sarnia.

Halifax - Mac MacKay
The ferry Spirit of Ontario 1 is due in Halifax at 8 p.m. local time December 26. The vessel stopped in Matane over Christmas day according to reports. On arrival in Halifax the ferry will tie up at the Halifax Shipyard.

Boatnerd Equipment Needs, Looking for Films

1. Betamax format deck
Boatnerd is in the process of converting old movies over to digital format. Our old Beta deck failed and we need a new one. If anyone would like to donate a working Betamax format deck we would appreciate it.

2. Server Rack
We are in need of a Sever Rack for one of our locations. Any size will work and we would prefer something that is enclosed with sides and doors.

3. Original 16mm shipping movies
Specifically looking for the Conversion of the Cliffs Victory, we have a copy but would prefer an original. These movies are something we would like to convert to digital (we can return the original) and make available to the BoatNerd viewers. If any individual or group has any shipping related films please contact us for details.

BoatNerd is a 501 (c) (3) non profit and items donated are normally tax deductible. We can make arrangements for shipping or pick up.

If you or your organization are able to help please e-mail donate@boatnerd.net

Updates - December 26

News Photo Gallery updated

Seneca under tow on Saturday

Seneca Returned to Soo

12/25 - The Seneca was successfully raised and was floating on her own Saturday. There was no damage to the hull, the tug sunk due to water entering from waves breaking over the cabin and finding its way in from multiple sources.

The tug was towed to the Carbide Dock in the Soo Saturday evening around 6:30 p.m. The Seneca is expected to be moved to the MCM Shipyard where the damage to her machinery will be checked over before a decision will be made as to the final disposition.

The tug was pumped out and a trench was dug to deeper water to allow the Seneca to be pulled free.

Today in Great Lakes History - December 24

In 1973, a crew man of the Cleveland Cliffs steamer FRONTENAC fell overboard at 11:41 p.m. while the boat was at anchor off Stoneport. The FRONTENAC launched a lifeboat to search for the missing man. When the missing man could not be found and the lifeboat had trouble returning to the FRONTENAC, a distress call went out. The American Steamship Company steamer MC KEE SONS, Captain Robert J. Laughlin, responded and received a Citation of Merit for rescuing the six sailors in the lifeboat on Christmas morning.

December 24, 1969 - The CITY OF FLINT 32 made her last trip out of Ludington, Michigan pulled by 2 tugs. She was sold to Norfolk and Western Railway Company to be converted into a river ferry barge and renamed b.) ROANOKE by Nicholson's Terminal & Dock Co. at Ecorse, Michigan. She is currently in the Frog Pond in Toledo, Ohio.

On 24 December 1910, ALASKA (wooden propeller bulk freighter, 165 foot, 348 tons, built in 1879, at Detroit, Michigan) 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 side-wheel passenger vessel, her engine came from the JOHN SHERMAN of 1865 and went into the steamer FRANK E KIRBY of 1890.

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 steamer 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.

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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, Minnesota bound for South Chicago, Illinois and then was laid up at Ashtabula, Ohio 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.

The 421-foot lake tanker GEMINI spent the Christmas holiday of 1989 stuck in heavy pack ice 20 miles West of Buffalo. The ship had dropped off a load of fuel at Noco Oil in Tonawanda on Christmas Eve and was on her way toward Toledo when they ran into windrowed ice just outside the Buffalo Breakwall. The G-tug DELAWARE was sent from Buffalo to help and she managed to get the GEMINI moving again. The tanker was able to use her high horsepower and clipper bow to make it to a point about 10 miles off Port Colburne before becoming stuck fast, only a half mile from open water. The Canadian Coast Guard Ice Breaker GRIFFON was sent to help the GEMINI after breaking a track out of Port Colborne for the ALGORAIL. The GRIFFON arrived on scene with the GEMINI and had her out to open water on the evening of December 27th. An early cold snap and heavy snow fall were to blame for this and other ice trouble experienced by ships in Buffalo at the end of the 1989 season.

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Today in Great Lakes History - December 26

In 1981, the steamer ENDERS M VOORHEES laid up for the last time at the Hallett Dock #5 in Duluth, Minnesota.

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, Brian Wroblewski, 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. History compiled by Mike Nicholls.

Christmas Break

Beginning Saturday at noon, the staff and crew of the BoatNerd.Com News will be taking a break for the Christmas holiday to spend time with family and friends. We will be back on the job on the 26th.

We will continue to monitor the news reports and will post any news of an urgent nature.

To all of our volunteers reporters, editors, and our many readers around the world, we wish you the very Merriest of Christmases, and thank you for your support all year long.

12/24 - The 8th Annual Holiday Card Gallery is now closed. Thank you to all who submitted cards making this Gallery a success again this year.

New Navy Ship to be Commissioned in Milwaukee

12/23 - Washington, DC - Milwaukee beat out Chicago to commission the new Navy warship, Freedom, next year, the Navy announced Thursday.

"We're very happy," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, in a telephone interview. "It's great for the city, and it's a victory for the whole state."

The selection was made by Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter after "a thorough analysis of the many factors involved in selecting a site," said Lt. Cmdr. John T. Schofield, a spokesman for the Secretary of the Navy's office, in a statement. Schofield added that although the ship won't be commissioned in Chicago, "we hope to have the ship make a port visit to Chicago before departing the Great Lakes for its homeport of San Diego."

The building of the ship in Marinette, Wis., is pretty much completed, with a few minor modifications to be made before the commissioning, which is expected to happen next summer. It was officially launched in September. The 377-foot, $300 million ship, whose speed can reach more than 40 knots, will be capable of missions such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and humanitarian relief, according to the Navy.

The ship - the Navy's first littoral combat ship - was designed and built by a team led by Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin. The company says it will help the Navy defeat growing littoral, or close-to-shore, threats. The team includes naval architect Gibbs & Cox, ship builders Marinette Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. and Bollinger Shipyards.

"The commissioning of a ship is a significant event," Schofield said in a telephone interview. "The details of this particular commission have yet to be determined." Barrett said he expected the event to last close to a week. VISIT Milwaukee, which markets the area to tourists and planners of conventions and meetings, said it expects 5,000 people from across the country to attend.

"Milwaukee knows how to roll out the red carpet and throw a party for its guests," said the group's president and CEO, Doug Neilson. "This will be a great celebration and an honor for the city to host." The group has not yet calculated the economic impact of the event.

From the Belleville News Democrat

Ferry Awaits Sale in Nova Scotia Port

12/23 - Rochester - The ferry is gone. But it is not sold.

By Friday morning, the Spirit of Ontario likely completed the trip from the Port of Rochester to Cape Vincent and entered the St. Lawrence Seaway, leaving behind the Great Lakes en route to an eventual Atlantic voyage.

Mayor Robert Duffy, with ferry board approval, ordered the ship moved through the seaway on Thursday to a temporary stop in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Negotiations continue to close a $29.8 million sale to Euroferries Ltd., first announced in May. The British buyer has informed the city of a new wrinkle in its financing woes.

The hurried departure — which came with just four hours' notice — was dictated by weather and time, officials said. So two years, seven months and 25 days after hundreds gathered to greet the ferry's arrival, hundreds again lined the Genesee River channel to watch the ship slip into the darkness and disappear. The Spirit could reach Shelburne as early as Christmas Eve. "The vessel is not coming back," Duffy said, adding: "It was not our intention to move this quickly. ... I wish that we would have had the flexibility of more time."

Going into Thursday, the mayor said, officials thought they still had a few days, until the middle of next week, to finalize details, close the sale and give people ample notice of the ship's departure. But former ferry manager Bay Ferries Great Lakes LLC, which is transporting the ship, notified the city that the weather was right, and it would be best to move quickly.

Winds cannot exceed 15 knots while the ship is squeezing through the seaway, a portion of the trip estimated to take nearly 24 hours. The forecast calls for winds of 10 knots today, increasing to 20 knots by tonight. While the National Weather Service expects wind speeds to die down again next week, city officials said Bay Ferries was less certain. The seaway closes next Friday, and Duffy said the ship would not sell over the winter months if it were stuck on Lake Ontario. "We do not want to be boxed in with the seaway closing," Duffy said.

The ferry project was more than four years in the making, and one of the most anticipated projects in Rochester's recent history. City, state and federal governments chipped in millions of dollars to buy the ship and build the terminal. The ferry was viewed as an economic engine for the city's struggling economy. Instead, the Rochester-to-Toronto venture drove one operator out of business and lost the city more than $10 million in 10 months last year.

Duffy, who pulled the plug after taking office this year, described the ferry's final day as a scramble, marked by hours of meetings that concluded with the ferry board gathering in special session in a second-floor City Hall conference room. The board, which oversaw operations during 2005, needed less than 20 minutes before voting unanimously to send the ship on its way. Duffy said he later called former Mayor William A. Johnson Jr., who had championed the ferry idea, and left a message to inform him of the developments. Johnson did not return phone messages seeking comment. Others from the Johnson administration declined comment.

"It's a sad day for the city," said Bill Nojay, one of the ferry's harshest critics, "because (the ferry's departure) represents failure, and a fairly public and embarrassing failure." Nojay is former chairman of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, which at one time entertained the idea of assisting with the ferry service. With the ferry now departed, he said: "It's time for the city to pick itself back up and move forward."

That won't be possible just yet. The city still owns the ship and still is paying its expenses. City Corporation Counsel Thomas Richards, who is negotiating the sale, said the city only learned about four days ago of the Shelburne port, where expenses to dock the ship are much cheaper than at the city-owned Port of Rochester. He estimated berthing expenses at $300 a day, but the big savings comes from lesser staffing requirements, cutting those expenses — wages alone were $28,961 in October — by one-third.

Latest financial snag
Euroferries has committed to reimbursing the city $100,000 to cover costs in moving the ship. As with all previous agreements, no money has been exchanged and payment is not due until closing. Officials said Euroferries' latest financial snag, announced one day after the mayor said it appeared the company's finances were in order, involves a new requirement from the company's financiers, this dealing with how the vessel is owned and controlled. At least three other bidders still could step in if Euroferries fails to close on the deal.

"To Euroferries' credit, they have been the most persistent," Richards said. "(But) we have been roundly disappointed in them a number of times." City Councilman and ferry board member Dana Miller said he "would have preferred to have gotten all the details in place and completed the sale before moving the boat." But he was comfortable with Euroferries' commitment.

Back in Rochester, the empty port and terminal building are now ready for rebirth. In brief remarks to the crowd that gathered at the port to bid the vessel adieu, Duffy several times stated he was confident that the private sector would someday operate a smaller ferry here. "For anyone who thinks this is a loss, a step backward, it is not," Duffy said. "Better days are ahead. We'll get a boat back here."

The ferry's temporary home in Shelburne is considered a warm-water port, and Nova Scotia is home base for Bay Ferries. Additionally, Shelburne is a short distance from Halifax, where the ship can be dry docked if inspectors decide any repairs need to be made. Richards noted a crack in the hull that was patched last year and cleared inspection earlier this year when the ship initially was cleared to travel to Europe. He said it is not certain to pass the same inspection again.

Once in Shelburne, the four crewmembers who have watched over the ferry while docked at the Port of Rochester will be out of a job. "That's the life of a mariner," Richards said.

From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Slows Again In October
Vessels’ Capacity Utilization Rates Slipping Too

12/23 - Cleveland---Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes in October again dipped below their level of a year ago. Loadings totaled 5.6 million net tons, a decrease of 90,000 net tons. The October total also was more than 200,000 net tons off the month’s 5-year average.

While steel production has slowed, the dredging crisis and falling water levels again limited operators’ ability to load vessels to their designed draft. Illustrative of the problem are the iron ore cargos carried by a 1,000-foot-long U.S.-Flag Laker during October. Although the vessel is designed to carry more than 71,000 net tons of iron ore each trip, its first load of the month totaled only 64,105 net tons. With water levels on Lake Superior in a near freefall, its next load slipped to 63,745 net tons. The vessel’s third ore cargo plunged to 62,972 net tons. Its final load of the month, 62,603 net tons, represented only 88 percent of its rated capacity.

The vessel is in a dedicated trade route. All four cargos were taken on at the same loading port and discharged at the same receiving port. Falling water levels and lack of adequate dredging are to blame.

For the year, the Lakes iron ore trade stands at 48.9 million net tons, an increase of 4.3 percent compared to both the same point in 2005 and the 5-year average for the January-October timeframe.

More information is available at www.lcaships.com

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Port Reports - December 23

Hamilton - Eric Holmes
Friday had the refueling ship Hamilton Energy depart at 8 a.m. and return from Toronto at 3 p.m. The Atlantic Huron departed Stelco at 3 p.m. heading to the Welland Canal. Atlantic Erie departed JRI Elevators ( Pier 25 ) at 4:30 p.m. with wheat for Halifax. Tug Evans McKeil and barge Labrador Spirit arrived at 6 p.m. going to Pier 12 with the barge and the tug going to Pier 15.
The BBC Ems arrived in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. with windmills from Southampton England. Because of the poor weather unloading will become a problem with the Seaway closing shortly. They were heard discussing using the crew to unload the windmill blades and possibly taking the remaining parts back to Montreal to unload.
Bornholm arrived at 8 p.m. from Detroit in ballast. Her next port is Norway.

Sandusky - Jim Spencer
Canadian Transport, a frequent sight in Sandusky Bay of late, loaded Friday at the Norfolk Southern coal dock for Hamilton.

Milwaukee - Paul Erspamer
On Thursday, barge St. Mary's Conquest and its tug Susan Hannah arrived in Milwaukee and inched upriver to deliver cement at about 2 p.m.
On Friday, barge Integrity and its tug G. L. Ostrander arrived in the inner harbor at about 8:20 a.m., turned and docked at the Heavy Lift dock, north of its usual berth at LaFarge. At nightfall, Integrity appeared to be inactive.

Saginaw River - Todd Shorkey
The Olive L. Moore & Lewis J. Kuber were inbound the Saginaw River Friday morning, calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. There pair were still at the dock as of 11 p.m. Friday night.

Goderich - Jacob Smith
On Saturday, Algorail came in and now it is loading at Sifto salt.

Updates - December 23

News Photo Gallery updated

Westcott Lay-up Photo Gallery

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, c.) CLIFFS VICTORY was down bound past Detroit, Michigan 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, Ontario on December 23, 1976.

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

On 23 December 1905, JAMES B WOOD (steel propeller freighter, 514 foot, 7,159 gross tons) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan. In 1913, she was renamed b.) ARCTURUS.

On 23 December 1885, MARY MARTINI (wooden propeller passenger-package freight vessel, 85 foot, 91 gross tons, built in 1877, at W. Bay City, Michigan) stranded on Brule Point, 13 miles east of Grand Marais, Minnesota 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.

Michigan ballast water law takes maiden voyage; has legal implications for other states

12/22 - For the first time, a state plans to regulate ballast water beyond national standards. On January 1, Michigan Senate Bill 332 goes into effect.

Although the new law has raised legal questions about a state's right to regulate international commerce and provoked criticism from the shipping industry, it is lauded by some as an important step towards curbing the movement of aquatic invasive species.

"Commerce on navigable waters is typically the domain of the federal government, not state government," said Dale Bergeron, Minnesota Sea Grant's maritime transportation extension educator. "I suspect that the new ballast water law, if it isn't defeated in a legal challenge, could deter shipping traffic from Michigan's ports."

The Michigan bill mandates that all ships with ballast tanks that have floated on salt water and then expect to use Michigan ports must either keep their ballast onboard or use a state-approved method to treat the aquatic life in outgoing water. To show their compliance, each vessel must carry a $150 annual ballast permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

"Similar ballast laws are being considered in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana," said Bergeron. "What happens with the Michigan law will likely impact what these states attempt."

Bergeron consulted with staff at the National Sea Grant Law Center in Mississippi to evaluate the rights of a state regulating shipping. They concluded that although states have a right to protect their waters, an international ballast water treaty, four Congressional bills, and several clauses in the U.S. Constitution could preempt Michigan's ballast water law. Since many fleet operators would need to install new equipment, retrofit existing infrastructure, and train personnel to comply, legal challenges may cite that Bill 332 damages international commerce.

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards shoulder the burden of keeping aquatic invasive species out of the Great Lakes. They require ocean-going ships carrying ballast water to either exchange the water offshore, or keep it onboard. Of the roughly 500 ocean-going vessels entering the Great Lakes in a year, about 90 percent are exempt from these regulations because they are cargo-laden and report no ballast onboard (NOBOB). NOBOB vessels must submit ballast water reporting forms and are encouraged to flush their ballast tanks mid-ocean (swish and spit) but they may still carry residual water or sediments into the

Great Lakes.
By ratifying Bill 332 two years ago, Michigan legislators indicated dissatisfaction with the efficacy of mid-ocean ballast flushing and endorsed four ballast treatment systems considered experimental by many experts.

Among Michigan ports, Detroit and Menominee could be most affected by the new law since they handle the majority of saltwater ships in the state. However, the number of ships is very small since most of the salties on the Great Lakes are bound for Canadian ports and terminals in other states. To date, no shipping companies have applied for a Ballast Water Control General Permit from Michigan -- although there is still time, since the ocean-going shipping season doesn't begin until late March.

A virus responsible for massive fish die-offs in the Lower Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway has fueled additional ballast water discussions across the Great Lakes. In November, Michigan requested that the federal government order an emergency ban on freighters filling their ballast tanks in waters where the VHS virus has been found. Shipping industry representatives fear that such a ballast ban would cripple shipping within the Great Lakes.

A copy of the National Sea Grant Law Center's ballast water white paper is available online: http://seagrant.umn.edu/downloads/ballast.pdf

From BusinessNorth.com

Duluth's "new" crib washes ashore

12/22 - Duluth - There's a new attraction on the Duluth waterfront. It washed ashore just after Thanksgiving. City officials are trying to figure out what to do with it. It's a giant structure, an impressive reminder of Duluth's industrial past. But it could also present a liability problem.

Lake Superior's notorious northeasterly winds pelted Duluth for several days in late November. One morning, people noticed a wooden structure about the size of a three-car garage wedged into a bed of gravel just below Duluth's Lakewalk.

Apparently the winds and waves ripped it loose from the bottom of the lake, just outside the Duluth harbor. It probably weighs 40 or 50 tons. But no one knows yet what will become of this gigantic relic. Or who will pay for dealing with it. The Coast Guard says it's onshore, so it's Duluth's responsibility. The city attorney is looking into the records to try to figure out who really owns this piece of land: the city, the state, or perhaps the North Shore Scenic Railroad.

In the meantime, the city is a bit nervous about what will happen if someone climbed on it and injured themselves. Already, daring teenagers make a habit of diving from the concrete box that sits at an odd angle in the water just off Canal Park. That's another remnant of Duluth's early harbor that Lake Superior turned into history.

And there's more history out there, according to City Gardener Tom Kasper. "People will see, when they're out here kayaking on clear calm day, you can actually see some of these structures still in the water," he says. "There's still stuff out there besides this." Kasper says with a laugh that a whole museum could float ashore.

Maybe next time, people will know what to do with it.

From Minnesota Public Radio

Historical society ensures Harrisville lighthouse will keep shining

12/22 - Harrisville, MI - There's some light at the end of the tunnel for an old Alcona County lighthouse in danger of being shut down.

The U.S. Coast Guard has agreed to keep the beacon at Sturgeon Point shining until a local historical group can take over operation of the 136-year-old tower and its Fresnel lens light. The Alcona Historical Society plans to operate the lighthouse as a private aide to navigation. ''We would maintain it, and the tower and the property would be owned by the state (of Michigan),'' said Gordon Bennett III, president of the Alcona Historical Society.

The Guard decided earlier this year that the lighthouse was obsolete and the agency planned to turn it off. That sparked protest from Bennett and others, who said the light still helped small boaters and that the lighthouse was a tourist attraction.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources owns the light keeper's residence and surrounding property at Sturgeon Point, which is located about fives miles north of Harrisville and 25 miles south of Alpena. The Alcona Historical Society acts as a caretaker of the property under a lease agreement with the state and the Coast Guard. Plans call for the state to assume ownership of the 70-foot light tower, then lease it for 25 years to the Historical Society, Bennett said. The society has applied to operate the lighthouse from April 1 to Nov. 1 each year, he said.

Doug Sharp, of the Coast Guard's Cleveland District Office, said there are a number of property transfer issues to resolve before anything will happen, such as a soil cleanup around the tower due to the presence of lead-paint chips. Those issues aren't expected to jeopardize the lighthouse's operation before it gets new owners, he said Monday. ''We will not turn off that light, however long it takes,'' Sharp said.

The Coast Guard hopes to have the tower in the hands of the state sometime next year. The Times could not reach a DNR spokesman for comment.

From the Bay City Times

Port Reports - December 22

Duluth - Dusty Bjornstad
The Duluth Shipping News is reporting that the Wilfred Sykes is expected to make a rare trip to Duluth. The Sykes is expected to arrive Superior at 06:00, on Tuesday, for Burlington Northern to load taconite.

Saginaw River - Stephen Hause
Late-season shipping continues on the Saginaw River with recent visits by Agawa Canyon and Wolverine to docks at Saginaw.
Agawa Canyon arrived in the river on Wednesday and delivered a split load to the Buena Vista Dock at Zilwaukee and the Valley Asphalt Dock adjacent to the Sixth Street turning basin in Saginaw.
As the Agawa Canyon was departing late Wednesday evening, the Wolverine was upbound for the Saginaw Rock Products dock at Saginaw, with the two ships meeting at the Burroughs dock near the I-75 bridge. Wolverine unloaded overnight and was outbound from Saginaw early Thursday afternoon.
Strong currents which had caused difficulty for several vessels in the past week have subsided, and both the Canyon and the Wolverine were able to complete their turns in the Sixth Street basin within about 30 minutes.

Detroit/Rouge River - Nathan Nietering & Mike Koprowicz
Thursday was a busy day in Detroit's Rouge River. The Algomarine unloading a cargo of salt above the National Gypsum dock, across from the old Peerless Cement Co beside the Conrail Bridge. G tug Wyoming was tied up nearby. Around 4:00pm, the tug Wyoming tied onto the stern of the Algomarine, and they departed their dock through the Jefferson Ave. and Shortcut bridges for the Detroit River. Following their departure, the river was clear for two Interlake boats.
The steamer Kaye E. Barker had passed the Lee A. Tregurtha while down bound in the Detroit River., and led their twinned procession up the river for the Severstal Mill. They passed the Fort Street Bridge around 5:45pm. It is unclear if they will both unload at the Severstal ore dock simultaneously, or if one will hold back and wait for the first to unload.
The Maumee was making the Windsor Southwest Sales stone dock to unload a cargo there.

Goderich - Dale Baechler
Algomarine made an early Friday morning entry into port and is loading at Sifto Salt.

Hamilton - Eric Holmes
The Clipper Tobago arrived at 3:15 pm Thursday. Maritime Trader departed JRI Elevators ( Pier 25 ) at 5:00pm. Atlantic Erie moved from the anchorage to take the Maritime Trader's spot at JRI. Ocean Group tug Omni Richelieu arrived at 5:30 pm. The Atlantic Huron arrived at 7:30 pm with coal for Stelco from Sandusky.
The tug Jane Ann IV escorted by the tug Seahound because of steering problems arrived at 8:00 pm and went to the Heddle Dry Dock.

Grand Haven - Dick Fox
The Cuyahoga came in about 10:20 on Wednesday. It unloaded at the D&M dock on Harbor Island and backed out about 2:00 am.

Updates - December 22

News Photo Gallery updated

BoatNerd Freighter Raffle Tickets on Sale

Westcott Lay-up Photo Gallery

Today in Great Lakes History - December 22

The SAVIC, b.) CLIFFS VICTORY finally arrived at Masan, South Korea December 22, 1986, for dismantling there which was completed in 1987.

DETROIT EDISON 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 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, Ontario on December 22, 1980, for scrapping there.

LIGHTSHIP 103 was commissioned December 22, 1920.

On 22 December 1922, CORNELL (wooden propeller tug, 72 foot, 66 gross tons, built in 1888, at Buffalo, New York) foundered somewhere between Cleveland and Erie, Pennsylvania while enroute to new owners in Syracuse, New York. 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.

Rochester Ferry Leaving Tonight at 6:30

12/21 - 2:32 pm - Rochester, NY — The City of Rochester has been advised by Bayferries Inc. that, due to approaching unfavorable weather on the St. Lawrence Seaway, the departure of the ferry needs to occur today in order to assure the ship leaves Rochester before the closing of the Seaway. The City has set the tentative time of departure as 6:30pm tonight.

The City had hoped for more notice of departure for the ferry, but weather conditions dictate a departure today. The city's ferry board will meet at 3:30pm this afternoon, and Mayor Robert Duffy has scheduled a news conference for 4:00 p.m. Exactly what will be discussed remains unclear.

"There will be a ferry board meeting, to my understanding, this afternoon," City Councilman and ferry board president Benjamin Douglas said. "I'm not sure there is an agreement yet, but there are things to consider."

City Hall officials described developments with the high-speed ferry sale as minute-to-minute today. Mayor Robert Duffy has said the sale to British-buyer Euroferries Ltd. is nearly complete and an announcement on when the ferry will depart could come as early as today. Duffy announced in May that Euroferries would buy the ship for $29.8 million.

Douglas deferred further questions to the administration. Administration officials were in meetings and could not immediately be reached for comment. Asked to clarify, Douglas continued: "I'm not sure the agreement is what's on the docket at this point. I'm not saying it is bad news. It's just very touch and go."

"Everything is falling into place," the mayor said yesterday. The deal had yet to be completed and no money had changed hands as of Wednesday evening, causing Duffy to leave open the possibility the ship still could stay the winter. But he said Euroferries has resolved matters with its financier, finally clearing the hurdle that has kept the upstart British company from closing on the $29.8 million sale.

City officials also confirmed that they have a contingency plan to take the ship to the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, should the deal not close before the St. Lawrence Seaway closes Dec. 29.

The ferry sailed into Rochester two years ago, heralded as an economic engine for the city's struggling economy. The 774-passenger vessel was likened to a cruise ship. But delayed startups in 2004 and 2005, limited marketing and other problems plagued the Rochester-to-Toronto service. The city took over the vessel last year and lost more than $10 million in 10 months.

Duffy decided to shut down the operation shortly after taking office last January. He announced the sale to Euroferries in May. City officials have blamed Euroferries' delay in closing the sale on the company's dissatisfaction with lending terms.

Duffy said Wednesday that the total payment due the city hasn't changed significantly. In addition to the $29.8 million sale price, Euroferries had pledged to reimburse the city $6,000 a day, dating from June 1, for maintaining the ship at the Port of Rochester. But when Euroferries failed to close the deal, the city reopened the bidding, calling the maintenance agreement — now worth more than $1 million — into question.

If the city cannot close the sale before the St. Lawrence Seaway closes, the ship could head to Halifax, said city spokesman Gary Walker. "We're not going to take it there unless we have a financial commitment here," Walker said. "We have to have the finances in place, locked down before we move the boat. But we are open to closing the deal in a warm-weather port, if we have a deal, so we can beat the seaway closing."

Walker said the ferry has a full crew on board, has been fueled and other preparations are completed. U.S. Coast Guard inspectors are scheduled to arrive this morning. The Great Lakes Pilotage Authority, which must have a pilot onboard monitoring the ship because it still sails under the Bahamian flag, is planning to send that pilot to Rochester today as well.

All this is part of a sequence of things that need to happen before the ship can depart, and still requires a few days, Duffy said. He estimated the deal is 85 percent complete. Walker said the administration would take any final agreement back to the city's ferry board. The city also is considering some type of public event to mark the ship's departure.

From the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Last Saltie Leaves Thunder Bay

12/21 - Thunder Bay - The last saltwater ship of the year is set to sail from the Port of Thunder Bay Wednesday, marking the end of the 2006 saltwater shipping season. The Federal Asahi will be loaded with over 20,000 tons of potash and heading to Spain and Italy.

General Manager of the Lakehead Shipping William Hryb says although the Port of Thunder Bay has struggled in recent years, cargo totals have rebounded in the past two seasons. He says the warm weather is also providing a boost creating a longer shipping season.

''It's been a trend that's been developing over the last few years, where it's been...where the season has been starting a lot earlier and ending a lot later. This has to do with the climate changes in the world, I would say.''

Hryb says while the longer shipping season is beneficial, the extremely low water levels cause some concern, adding the next season should start around April, depending on the weather and cargo sales. Federal Asahi will set sail on Wednesday, with an IMAX film crew on board to record video for a piece on the Great Lakes.

From the Thunder Bay Source

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Slips in September
Light Loading Still the Order of the Day

12/21 - Cleveland---With steel production slowing, demand for iron ore on the Great Lakes reacted accordingly in September. Shipments totaled 6 million net tons, a decrease of 4.8 percent compared to a year ago. Loadings were, however, on par with the month’s 5-year average.

Lack of adequate dredging again affected the efficiency of iron ore deliveries on the Lakes in September. The largest iron ore cargo loaded during the month totaled less than 65,000 net tons. When high water levels offset the shortfall in dredging in the late 1990s, the same vessel was able to carry nearly 71,000 net tons of iron ore in a single trip.

High water levels are, however, no longer a factor. Lake Superior’s water level has been in a virtual free fall and verges on shattering record lows set in 1925. Water levels on the Lakes normally decline in the fall, but the plunge on Lake Superior is almost without precedent.

As of the end of September, the Lakes iron ore trade stood at 43.3 million net tons, an increase of 5 percent compared to both a year ago and the 5-year average for the first three quarters.

Source: Lake Carriers’ Association

Mail Boat Enters Lay-up - Will Return to Limited Service Thursday

12/21 - Detroit - The J. W. Westcott Co. ended their 111th season on Wednesday with the lay-up of the Westcott Fleet. In an unusual turn of events the Westcott II will be returned to limited service to support the Zug Island Water Taxi.

First vessel in the Westcott fleet to head to lay-up was the Pilot Boat Huron Maid. It departed the Westcott dock for lay-up in Port Huron around noon after a pilot change on the saltie Sonja Maya. Next to depart was the J.W. Westcott II.

This year's trip to the lay-up dock was the most pleasant in recent memory with warm temperatures and an ice free river. Recent seasons have seen the Westcott battle heavy ice conditions as the mailboat made its way to the lay-up dock at Gregory's Marina behind Belle Isle.

The Westcott made the short trip with temperatures near 50 degrees under command of Capt. L. Tanner. The trip was uneventful and ice free until the mailboat reached Gregory's marina where they found light ice in the marina. The Westcott II was met by Gregory's employees ready to hoist the mailboat from the water.

The Westcott II was pulled from the water and was followed Wednesday evening by the back up mailboat Joseph J. Hogan which laid up in the basin at Gregory's Marina and will be pulled on Thursday.

In an unusual turn of events the Westcott II will be returning to the water to work the water taxi run between the Westcott dock and Zug Island until sometime in early 2007. The water taxi service transports crew members from freighter's unloading at Zug Island to the Westcott Co. dock below the Ambassador Bridge. The ice free river and number of vessel's scheduled to unload at Zug made the extended schedule possible.

Last Section Lifted Into Place for New Toledo Bridge

12/21 - Toledo - After years of work, the Veterans' Glass City Skyway hit a major milestone on Wednesday. Crews lifted the last pre-cast concrete sections into place, connecting the two sides of the bridge for the first time.

At a construction cost of $220 million dollars, the Skyway is the largest single construction project in ODOT history. When completed, the cable-stayed, precuts segmental concrete bridge will carry six lanes of Interstate 280 across the Maumee River in Toledo. It replaces the Craig Memorial Bridge, one of the few remaining drawbridges in the U.S. interstate system.

Construction on the span has been going on for years now, causing traffic tie-ups on both sides of the river. Wednesday morning, crews lifted the last sections into place, connecting the spans. "Today we'll be grabbing two segments from below and raising them up into position. At that point, they'll find the stray. Next couple of weeks, put last ten inches of concrete in and you'll be able to walk right across it," said Mike Gramza, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation.

But was there a chance the two sides wouldn't meet? "Oh, they're gonna match. We have adjustments with these cable stays," said Jerome Laub, an ironworker. "Either that or we'll have a big speed bump."

Reported by Alan Baker from WTOL.com

Ports of Indiana backing IMAX film on Great Lakes

12/21 - Portage, IN -- The Indiana Port Commission has agreed to co-sponsor a new IMAX film on the Great Lakes. Members of the commission, the governing board for the Ports of Indiana, agreed to participate in the project and will have the right to host screenings of the large-format film, said spokesman Jody Peacock.

The film, currently in production by Science North Large Format Films of Sudbury, Ontario, and scheduled for release in spring 2008, will follow several interlocking stories, including that of maritime commerce and the ships that move cargo through the waterways.

Geography, ecology, science and history will be featured as well as information on the Americans and Canadians who live on the Great Lakes.

The 40-minute film will have an international release, with special emphasis placed on showing the movie on IMAX screens in the Great Lakes region, co-producer Paul Globus said. Producers have not yet decided whether to include footage of Indiana ports in the film, he said. But Ports of Indiana officials are optimistic the state will be featured in the film, Peacock said.

"Indiana does more oceangoing shipping than any other port on the Great Lakes, and we handle 15 percent of all U.S. steel trade," Peacock said. Officials hope to screen the film at a new IMAX theater in Portage, he said.

Reported by Angie Williams from WAVE-TV5

Port Reports - December 21

Buffalo - Brian Wroblewski
The English River must have only brought in a partial load of cement last night because she was gone from Buffalo Harbor and already downbound in the Welland Canal Wednesday morning.
The American Fortitude was unloading at General Mills at 11 a.m. Wednesday, judging from her draft readings, she seemed to be down by the stern quite a bit, with what looked like about another half day's worth of work to do before she'll be ready to go.
The first 3 turbine bases have been erected at the Steel Winds site behind the old Bethlehem Coke Ovens in Lackawanna. A long crane boom, at least 200 feet high was positioning another tubular base section this morning. The windmills are going to have a huge footprint along the lakefront skyline once completed.

Goderich - Dale Baechler
Algomarine entered the harbour sometime through the night and was loading at Sifto Salt on a cool, clear Wednesday morning.

Milwaukee - Paul Erspamer
Tuesday evening John B. Aird from Algoma Marine was berthed at General Cargo Terminal 4 in Milwaukee's outer harbor, delivering salt.

Sandusky - Jim Spencer
Vessel traffic into Sandusky Bay continues at an accelerated pace this week.
On Monday, the Atlantic Huron loaded at the Norfolk Southern coal dock for Hamilton, Ont. She followed in the wake of the Canadian Progress and the Canadian Transport.
Loading Tuesday was the H. Lee White, which delivered its cargo of coal to the Rouge.
Wednesday morning, the Adam E. Cornelius departed amid bright sunshine and warming temperatures for Wyandotte, Mich., arriving about noon.
Posted for arrival over the next 48 hours are the Canadian Transport and the Buffalo.

Hamilton - Eric Holmes
Wednesday saw the Canadian Transport depart at 3:45 p.m. for Sandusky. The Jadestar arrived at 6 p.m. with a cargo of jet fuel.
Hamilton Energy departed at 6 p.m. The tug Gerry G arrived at 8 p.m. for winter lay up. Captain Henry Jackman departed at 8:15 p.m. for Windsor. James Norris arrived at 10 p.m. for winter lay up at Pier 10.

Alpena - Ben & Chanda McClain
On Tuesday at sunset, the Calumet carefully made its way into the mouth of the Thunder Bay River. It unloaded a cargo of salt from Goderich, ON. This will likely be the last load of the season at the Alpena Oil Dock. The Calumet departed around 10 p.m. and was headed for Calcite.
The tug G. L Ostrander and barge Integrity arrived at Lafarge Wednesday evening to take on cargo. The Samuel de Champlain was also expected in port later in the night.
Manistee finished loading and departed Stoneport at 10 am on Wednesday morning.

Grand Haven - Nathan Leindecker
On Wednesday around 1 p.m., the Wilfred Sykes came into Grand Haven bound for the Verplanks dock in Ferrysburg with a load of stone. She left around 4 p.m. backing down the Grand River.

Marquette - Lee Rowe
The American Mariner brought coal to Marquette's WE Power Plant on Wednesday. No boats were expected for ore.

Toledo - Jim Hoffman
The CSX Coal and Ore Docks will be closing down for the season late next week. As of now the Cason J. Callaway is scheduled to be the last coal boat of the
season arriving on Saturday.
The Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin is scheduled to be the last ore boat of the season on Wednesday, December, subject to change due to
dock or weather delays.
The Goviken was the last saltwater vessel of the season, she loaded grain at the ADM Elevator she departed around December 16th.

Toronto - Charlie Gibbons
Canadian Leader arrived during the night Wednesday and tied up for the season at Pier 52. She has a storage cargo of raw sugar aboard.
The salty Scoter finished unloading sugar at Redpath Wednesday afternoon, and was assisted out of the slip by the Groupe Ocean tugs Omni Richelieu and Jerry G.
CSL Tadoussac arrived around 10:00 a.m. Wednesday and went down the Turning Basin to unload a cargo of salt.

Job Openings at The Great Lakes Towing Company

12/21 - Cleveland - The Great Lakes Towing Company is now accepting applications for both day and evening Operations Dispatchers. If interested, please download our standard application at our corporate website (http://www.thegreatlakesgroup.com/index.php?page=Careers), attach a resume, and submit to:
Edward C. Hertz, Operations Manager, The Great Lakes Towing Company, 4500 Division Avenue. Cleveland, Ohio 44102-2228, or Email: ech@thegreatlakesgroup.com

Job Title: Dispatcher / Operations Coordinator - General Job Description:
Schedule and coordinate flow of work. Dispatch tugboats to guide ships entering or leaving port and to tow barges. Select and schedule crews for tugboats and barges. Maintains records and prepares bills for services. May notify captain of tugboat of order changes via telephone or radio. May dispatch crews to tugboats to respond to emergency requests from captain. Track company and crew performance activities, and safety statistics.

Representative Duties:
Schedules and coordinates flow of work based on customer orders, establishes priorities and availability of personnel, equipment, and resources. Ensure tugs and barges are properly crewed and operated. Maintain records and prepare bills for services. Develop and monitor procedures and programs to track company and crew activities.

Skills and Abilities:
Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Access, Web-based Knowledge of maritime industry.
Ability to deal with others using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
Maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive communications.
Ability to understand and execute complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to work independently with minimal or no guidance.
Ability to get along with office staff and vessel crew members.

Equipment and Machinery Used:
Computer, Fax Machine, Copier, Telephone, Radio Telephone

Job Conditions:
Once training is completed scheduled dispatchers work twelve (12) hour shifts, 3.5 to 4 days per week. Day Operations Dispatchers work 0600-1800 and evening Operations Dispatchers work 1800-0600.

Work Experience, Education, and Training:
Maritime experience, military experience, dispatcher experience, and/or four-year college education or equivalent experience.

Updates - December 21

News Photo Gallery updated, and more News Photo Gallery updates

Westcott Lay-up Photo Gallery

BoatNerd Freighter Raffle Tickets on Sale

Today in Great Lakes History - December 21

In 1987, the ASHLAND and THOMAS WILSON departed Quebec bound for a Taiwanese scrapyard. The tow line parted on 12/30 and the THOMAS WILSON sank on 12/31 off the coast of North Carolina. The ASHLAND was found 300 miles off course on January 2 1988. Due to sustained damage, the ASHLAND was resold to Columbian shipbreakers where she arrived in critically leaking condition on February 5 1988.

On 21 December 1901, the MUSKEGON (composite propeller carferry, 282 foot, 1,938 gross tons, built in 1895, at Toledo, Ohio as SHENANGO NO 2) sank at Ludington, Michigan with a 10 foot crack on her starboard side. She was raised a week later and repaired.

The 437-foot bow section of the ROGER BLOUGH was float launched December 21, 1968, at Lorain, Ohio, 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, Ohio.

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

CSL's HOCHELAGA was laid up on December 21, 1981, for the last time at Cardinal, Ontario.

The OUTARDE of 1906, 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 gross tons, built in 1865, at Ogdensburg, New York) 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, Russ Plumb, 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.

Mackinaw's buoy season ends; bring on the ice

12/20 - Cheboygan - The buoy-tending season has ended for the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw. The ship returned to Cheboygan at 9:00 p.m. Saturday after a quick trip into Lake Michigan, following a week-long journey to Saginaw Bay in lower Lake Huron.

“We were only here for about five hours Thursday, just long enough to unload the buoys we brought back from Saginaw Bay,” said Cmdr. John Little, the Mackinaw's skipper. “Then we headed right back out to work Gray's Reef Passage on Friday.”

The Mackinaw completed its first-ever buoy run and now awaits its debut as an ice cutter. “Our crew has taken a few days off,” Little continued. “We'll take on fuel and water and begin prepping for ice season, which isn't far away. It was important for us to be on time to be ready for ice season.”

Little said the time off will be good for his team, with no guarantees that they will be in port for the holidays. “They were so proud,” he said. “They worked incredibly hard. It's a coordinated effort with all the buoy-tenders. We teamed with Alder and Hollyhock.

The Mac's captain said the focus now changes to the ship's role as an icebreaker. “The air temperatures have been unseasonably warm, but the water temps are cold,” he explained. “It won't take much for there to be ice. There have already been some reports of ice along the shores of the St. Mary's River. I would expect that we'll be busy between Christmas and New Year's but we'll get underway when the ice starts.”

Little said he wants to get his crew into areas they may be working before the time actually comes to do the job. “It would be great to get our drills in and see some ice before we have to assist ships,” he said. “We'll be ready to go when we're needed.”

The Mackinaw's crew will be back to work today, unloading the buoy deck and storing the marks for work crews who will service them in preparation for their return to the lakes in the spring. “They will check the electronics, the solar panels and paint them,” Little said. “They'll be ready to go for us to put them back.”

By Mike Fornes for the Cheboygan Daily Tribune

Slight Rise In Lakes Coal Trade In November
Increase Not In Line With Other Trades

12/20 - Cleveland—Coal shipments on the Great Lakes in November rose 200,000 net tons compared to a year ago, but the increase was surprisingly small given that heavy weather kept the U.S.-Flag fleet at anchor more than 5,000 hours in November 2005. Other trades’ November totals have represented significant increases over a year ago, but high inventories have generally dampened coal shipments on the Lakes this year. In fact, the November 2006 total is nearly 9 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

The dredging crisis continued to affect the efficiency of coal deliveries. The largest coal cargo shipped from Lake Superior through the Soo Locks was 64,256 net tons, or only 94 percent of the vessel’s rated capacity. The problem was also evident on the lower Lakes. A U.S.-Flag Laker that carried more than 16,000 net tons from a Lake Erie coal dock to a Canadian customer in November 2005 was only able to lift 14,900 net tons when making the same voyage this November.

For the year, the Lakes coal trade stands at 37.7 million net tons, a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to a year ago. Only two of the seven coal loading ports are outpacing their 2005 levels: Superior, Wisconsin, and Sandusky, Ohio. The coal trade is also slightly behind its 5-year
average for the January-November timeframe.

From the Lake Carriers’ Association

DM&IR pays fine for air pollution from taconite dust

12/20 - Duluth - The Duluth Missabe and Iron Range Railway Co. has paid a $58,000 civil penalty for alleged air quality violations for unhealthy dust levels at the railroad’s Duluth and Two Harbors taconite facilities.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced the fine Monday, saying the company, now owned by Canadian National Railway, also has agreed to upgrade dust control measures.

The DM&IR moves taconite pellets from three Iron Range plants to docks in Duluth and Two Harbors for loading and shipment on the Great Lakes. The PCA said pellets can generate dust during the loading and unloading of railcars and ships. Air quality monitors at the Duluth and Two Harbors facilities recorded eight air quality violations because of high dust levels during 2005 and the first seven months of 2006.

It’s the sixth time since 2000 that the company has paid fines for air pollution violations at the two facilities, PCA officials said. DM&IR officials in Duluth could not be reached Monday evening.

From the Duluth News Tribune

Scientists explore land bridge, petrified trees in Lake Huron

12/20 - Pontiac, MI — Scientists hope to learn more about what the Great Lakes’ shorelines looked like about 10,000 years ago.

They explored a limestone land bridge that went from Alpena, Mich., to Goderich, Ontario — a distance of about 125 miles — and an underwater forest of petrified trees in Lake Huron. The 2006 research, in which more than 500 dives were made, is the subject of a documentary film, “Great Lakes, Ancient Shores, Sinkholes.” It premiered recently at the Cranbrook Institute of Arts in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., the Oakland (Mich.) Press reported in a story published Monday.

Another study is planned for 2007 and should result in a second film, “Great Lakes, Ancient Shores,” said Luke Clyburn, lieutenant commander of the Great Lakes Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and a Great Lakes ship captain. “What we are learning about the Great Lakes of several thousand years ago may change the way we think of this area,” Clyburn said. Clyburn and other scientists have been filming in the Great Lakes for at least 25 years.

There is a petrified forest in 40 feet of water in Lake Huron about two miles offshore from Lexington, Mich., he said. Some of the trees have been carbon-dated to indicate they are 6,980 years old.

The Straits of Mackinac, a passage between lakes Michigan and Huron, have been spanned by the Mackinac Bridge since the mid-1950s but didn’t exist several thousand years ago, Clyburn said. “Lake Michigan was much higher than Lake Huron, and the two did not join as they do today at the straits,” he said. But water from Lake Michigan seeped underground toward Lake Huron and the two bodies of water eventually became connected.

Reported by Frank Frisk from the Duluth News Tribune

Port Reports - December 20

Buffalo - Brian Wroblewski
The American Fortitude arrived off Buffalo at 6:17 p.m. Tuesday.
The tug Sandra Mary made up her tow with the Derrick Boat #1 and departed Buffalo for Port Colburn at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Her captain told the Seaway dispatcher that he did not want a ship inspector called to meet him at the Welland Canal at that time because he did not know exactly how long it would take him to tow the #1 across the lake. They eventually arrived off Port Colborne at 4:35 p.m. Tuesday evening and proceeded in. Another unknown tug and barge departed Buffalo, again for Port Colborne at 4:45 p.m. that evening. They were soon followed by the tug Carl M. and her barge at 5:35 p.m.. All the contractor work tug and barge traffic was ordered by the Seaway to take their tows to Wharf 19 West for Seaway inspection before they would be allowed to transit the Welland Canal.
The English River was in the Welland Canal on Tuesday and is headed for Buffalo after departing Port Colborne.

Grand Haven - Dick Fox
The Maumee came in early Tuesday morning with a load for Verplank's Dock in Ferrysburg. As soon as it finished unloading, it backed down river to the Construction Aggregates dock to load sand for Cleveland.

Milwaukee - Paul Erspamer
Tuesday evening John B. Aird from Algoma Marine was berthed at General Cargo Terminal 4 in Milwaukee's outer harbor, delivering salt.

Toronto - Charlie Gibbons
The salty Scoter is unloading raw sugar at Redpath.
Algosteel sits at Pier 27 waiting for Scoter to finish unloading.
Canadian Miner arrived in port on Sunday with a storage load of sugar. It is berthed at Pier 35 south - her crew has gone home.

Goderich - Dale Baechler
Algomarine entered the harbour sometime through the night and is now loading at Sifto Salt on a cool, clear Wednesday morning.

Trip Raffle to Benefit BoatNerd

12/20 - Through the generosity of the Interlake Steamship Co., Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping (BoatNerd.Com) is offering the chance to to win a four-six-day trip for four to take place during the 2007 sailing season (between the months of June and September) on the winner's choice of the classic Lee. A. Tregurtha or the Queen of the Lakes Paul R. Tregurtha.

The trip is the Grand Prize of BoatNerd¹s first ever raffle and fundraising event. Other prizes will also be given away.

The drawing will take place at 2 p.m. on June 2, 2007 at the BoatNerd.Com World Headquarters in Port Huron, Mich.

Donation: $10 per ticket, 3 for $25, 6 for $50 or 12 for $100.

Click here to order, or for more information. Tickets are also available by mail.

Updates - December 20

News Photo Gallery updated

BoatNerd Freighter Raffle Tickets on Sale