Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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Southdown Conquest Waits

02/28:
The barge Southdown Conquest and tug Mark Hannah remain tied up at the Southdown dock in Ferrysburg, MI. Having unloaded her cement cargo, the Conquest continues to await the arrival of the tug Susan W. Hannah, her normal tug. The Susan W. Hannah was expected to arrive on Monday but had not arrived as of Tuesday morning.

Reported by: David Swain




Toledo Update

02/28:
The John J. Boland is sitting high in the Toledo Shiprepair drydock, the vessel is expected to come off the drydock in the next day or two. Once out of the dry dock she will go back to her lay-up berth at the old Interlake Iron dock, north of the shipyard.

The yard crew will then reset the blocks at the bottom of the dry dock for the next vessel, the Armco.

The tanker Gemini has been at the B-P Oil Dock for the past several days. It appears the tanker brought in a cargo to be unloaded, once unloaded she reloaded a different type of petroleum cargo and should be departing soon.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman




Return Trip for the Spence

02/28:
The tug John Spence with the barge McAsphalt 401 is expected to make a return trip to Bay City Triple Clean Liquifuels Dock today. Last week the tug and barge visited the Saginaw River dock to unload, at that time she was escorted by the tug Manitou and Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley.

Pictures of the visit last week. Todd Shorkey
Close up at the dock.
Passing the Consumers Energy Plant as heavy snow starts to fall.
Approaching the Manitou at the Front Range Light.

Reported by: Dan McNeil




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02/28:
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Today in Great Lakes History - February 28

INCAN SUPERIOR was launched February 28, 1974

OUTARDE (2) was launched February 28, 1906 as a) ABRAHAM STEARN.

In 1929 the Grand Trunk carferry MADISON, inbound into Grand Haven in fog and ice, collided with the Army dredge General G.G. MEADE, berthed on the south bank of the river for the winter. Damage was minor.

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

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




Fred R. White Loads for LTV

02/27:
The Fred R. White was loading in Cleveland Monday as the vessel started her shuttle run from the Cleveland Bulk Terminal on Whiskey Island to LTV. The White is expected to make 8 trips before the begging of the normal season.

Pictures by TZ
Stern view at the dock.
Taconite is loaded.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy




Opening of the Seaway

02/27:
The opening of the 2001 navigation season is scheduled to take place on the following dates and times:
Montreal-Lake Ontario March 23, 2001 - 0800 hours (E.S.T.)
Welland Canal March 23, 2001 - 0800 hours (E.S.T.)
Vessel transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Navigation may be restricted to daylight hours in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed.

The Seaway entities also announce that, for the 2001 navigation season, the clearance date for the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section has been designated as 2400 hours December 20. The closing date will be no later than December 24, provided that weather and ice conditions permit.

The Soo Locks will open March 25.

Allowable Draft
In the Montreal Lake Ontario Section, the draft will be 79.2 dm (26’0”) until the South Shore Canal is ice free at which time the draft will be increased to 80 dm (26’3”), this will occur no later than April 15. Draft of 80 dm (26’3”) will be in effect in the Welland Canal for the full season.

Reported by: Ron Walsh




Last of the Sugar

02/27:
The Canadian Mariner is under the rigs at Redpath Sugar in Toronto and will be unloaded this week. The Mariner holds the last storage cargo of sugar for the winter. When the Seaway opens next month, salties will be bringing in most of the sugar.

Reported by: Bill Bird




Escanaba Totals

02/27:
Escanaba loaded 243 cargoes of taconite into 18 different vessels in 2000 and shipped over 7 million tons. By comparison, Escanaba loaded 247 vessels in 1999.

Vessel Name Visits
Joseph L. Block 69
Wilfred Sykes  66
Joseph H. Thompson  23
Great Lakes Trader  19
Lee A. Tregurtha  14
Charles M. Beeghly  9
Kaye E. Barker  8
Herbert C. Jackson  8
Reserve  5
Elton Hoyt 2nd  5
Mesabi Miner  4
James R. Barker  3
Columbia Star  3
Pathfinder  2
Buckeye  2
Oglebay Norton  1
Armco  1
Fred R. White Jr.  1


Reported by: Rod Burdick




More Bayship Pictures

02/27:
Below are images of the Bay Shipbuilding lay-up fleet taken over the weekend.
Bow and stern, Jackson and Anderson rafted together.
Stern view of the Anderson.
Thousand footers, close up of the Presque Isle, Burns Harbor and Paul. R. Tregurtha.
American Mariner.
Panoramic of the Tregurtha.
Sam Laud.
Side view of the Sikes' pilot house.
Bow view.
Edward L. Ryerson.
Close up of her bow.
Close up of propeller and rudder.
View from across the river.
Selvick tug dock.
Detroit based U.S.C.G. Cutter Bristol Bay docked after towing the cutter Bramble.
Wide view as the sun sets.

Reported by: John Monefeldt




Shipwreck Quest 2001 An Evening Beneath The Inland Seas

02/27:
Great Lakes historians and those who seek “ships gone missing” will gather in Holland on Saturday, March 17 for the 5th annual “Evening Beneath The Inland Seas” sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve.

Five exciting shipwreck programs will be presented including a documentary on the Titanic‘s relationship to the Great Lakes and a personal tour of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by a Michigan diver and videographer.

The proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will benefit “Shipwreck Quest 2001” an effort to locate shipwrecks and other activities of the non-profit Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve.

Doors will open at 7:00 PM at the historic Knickerbocker Theatre at 86 East 8th Street in downtown Holland where visitors will be treated to five separate multi-media presentations beginning at 7:30 PM. They include:
Final Port of Call - an award winning program which will set the scene for the evening.
The Titanic - Great Lakes Connections by Cris Kohl - This presentation highlights the connections the ship and its passengers had to the Great Lakes region and the impact this tragedy had on our local communities.
The Southwest Michigan Underwater Preserve by Ric Mixter -- Learn about the unusual historic and geological sites located in West Michigan’s own underwater preserve through the work of SWMUP volunteers.
The Edmund Fitzgerald by Ric Mixter -- Accompany Ric as he descends 550 feet below Lake Superior in a submersible to explore this famed shipwreck which claimed 29 lives in 1975.
Zion Mystery Shipwreck by Tony Kiefer - Discovered in 1998 just off shore from Zion, Illinois, this shallow shipwreck presents divers with an incredible journey of discovery as they attempt to identify it.

The program runs from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM. The cost is $8.00 for members, $10.00 in advance by March 9, or $12.00 at the door. Children 11 and under are $5. For more information call 616-494-3483 (days) or 616-842-6010 (evenings).




Today in Great Lakes History - February 27

GOLDEN SABLE was launched February 27, 1930 as a) ACADIALITE.

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
Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




Fred R. White Sails

02/26:
The Fred R. White Jr. was on Lake Erie yesterday preparing to open the Cuyahoga River season. The White will make eight trips from the Cleveland Bulk Terminal on Whiskey Island to LTV's steel mill at the end of the commercially navigable section of the River.

Last year, the White opened the 2000 shipping season for iron ore began on Feb. 28 making the same run.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy




Sturgeon Bay Lay-up

02/26:
Below are images of the Bay Shipbuilding lay-up fleet taken from the air on Friday.
Wide view of the ship yard and surrounding area.
Close up with the vessel names added.

Reported by: Orrin Royce




"Big 3" Trades Up 1 Percent In 2000

02/26:
Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 149,413,803 net tons during the 2000 navigation season, an increase of 1 percent compared to 1999. Shipments of the "Big 3" cargos stretched from March 13, 2000, when the first iron ore cargo was loaded at Escanaba, Michigan, until February 8, 2001, when the final coal cargo was loaded at Conneaut, Ohio.

Iron ore cargos decreased by 1 percent to 68.1 million net tons. Steel production actually increased in 2000, but the continued deluge of dumped foreign steel so reduced prices that 8 American steelmakers are currently in bankruptcy.

The Lakes coal trade increased 5.3 percent to 43.3 million net tons. That is the highest level since 1979 and reflects high demand for Lake Erie coal from Ontario Hydro.

The stone trade decreased 1 percent to 38.1 million tons.

All of these trades were impacted by the now 4-year decline in Great Lakes water levels. The top iron ore cargo loaded at a Lake Superior port last season was 58,017 gross tons (64,979 net tons). In 1997, the last year of high water, the largest iron ore cargo was 64,554 g.t. (72,300 n.t.). The 1,000-footers in the western coal trade at times last year were lightloading by nearly 10,000 tons compared to 1997.

Visit the Lake Carriers' Association home page for more details.




Earnings Down for Algoma

02/26:
Algoma Central Corp posted disappointing results for 2000 because of problems with its domestic and ocean vessels. Algoma is the only publicly-traded Canadian shipping line on the Lakes but its performance is regarded as indicative of the other companies’ experiences. Net income for last year was reported to be C$2.2M down from C$7.4M in 1999.

President and CEO Peter Cresswell cited the unsatisfactory performance of some of the ships in the Marbulk fleet co-owned with Canada Steamship Lines, low water levels in the Great Lakes and continuing under-utilisation of its bulker fleet on the lakes.

Reported by: John Stark




Dive Attraction

02/26:
Local government in Kewaunee County, WI. is considers a request to sink ferry in Lake Michigan to be used as a diving attraction according to the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram newspaper.

Two committees will review the proposal before it is presented to the Kewaunee County, WI. Board. The sinking is proposed by the Neptune's Nimrods Dive Club who would like local government to assume ownership once the vessel is sunk.

If approved the 72-year-old ferry Straits of Mackinac would be sunk near Algoma next spring to serve as both a recreational dive site and training ground for other divers. The unused ferry has been docked at Kewaunee for several years, reports the newspaper.

Reported by: Heidi Viar




Grants to help restore lighthouses

02/26:
The Michigan Secretary of State announced last week that the Michigan Historical Center is awarding $115,000 in Michigan Lighthouse Assistance grants to eight lighthouse projects.

"We are the caretakers of vast historical resources scattered throughout our magnificent state and, therefore, we have an obligation to preserve them for generations to come," Secretary Candice S. Miller said.

"None of these are more captivating than Michigan's 124 lighthouses, which stand as picturesque reminders of our state's rich maritime history," said Secretary Miller. She added that "Lighthouses draw tourists from around the nation and the world, proving that history continues to play an important role in our state's development."

The lighthouses receiving Lighthouse Assistance grants are:

  • Presque Isle Lighthouse, Presque Isle Township ($15,000)
  • St. Helena Lighthouse, Great Lake Lighthouse Museum ($5,500)
  • Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum ($14,500)
  • Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinac State Historic Park ($20,000)
  • DeTour Reef Lighthouse, DeTour Reef Light Association ($20,000)
  • Crisp Point Lighthouse, Luce County EDC ($10,000)
  • Tawas Point Lighthouse, Michigan Department of Natural Resources ($20,000)
  • Point Betsie Lighthouse, Benzie County ($10,000)

    This marks the second year Michigan has offered grants for lighthouse restoration projects under the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, which Secretary Miller established in 1999 with funding approved by the Michigan Legislature.

    Public and nonprofit organizations were eligible for the Lighthouse Assistance grants in amounts of up to $20,000 to pay for planning or restoration work. Grant recipients are required to provide a local match of 50 percent of the grant award.

    Reported by: Mike Flint




    • Weekly Updates

    02/26:
    The weekly updates have been uploaded. Updates include many new pictures and a new self scoring quiz to test your Great Lakes knowledge.

    Click here for easy to navigate updates




    News Reporters Wanted

    02/26:
    We would like to invite anyone interested in reporting from their area to send in reports for this news page whenever they see anything interesting. Reports can be sent by e-mail or by using a form if the sender does not want credit.

    If you would like credit your name (or company name) will be listed on the news page and we can also add links to any web sites you like. This is also a good way to link more traffic to a web site.

    If you become a regular contributor we can create an About the Author web page about you.

    For more information please e-mail.
    Click here to send news using the form. If you would not like to have your name used remember click the "no" button




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 26

    The completed hull of the BELLE RIVER (b) WALTER J. McCARTHY JR.) was floated off the ways February 26, 1977.

    JOSEPH L. BLOCK was launched February 26, 1976.

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

    On 26 February 1876, the MARY BELL (iron propeller, 58', 34 gt, built in 1870 at Buffalo, NY) burned near Vicksburg, Michigan (.

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

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




    Bramble Arrives

    02/25:
    The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble was secured at Berth #9, Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI. at 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

    The Selvick tugs Jimmy L. and Susan L. towed the cutter in from Lake Michigan after relieving the Cutter Bristol Bay. The Bristol Bay made excellent time towing the Bramble from Cleveland. The Bramble has a shaft problem that requires work at the ship yard.

    Reported by: Orrin Royce




    Algoeast Arrives

    02/25:
    The Algoeast and Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley were in Long Point Bay Saturday afternoon. The East was expected to arrive in Nanticoke at about 2:00 p.m. She was expected to make it into port before the area was hit by a major winter storm with high winds.

    The Algoeast reported some heavy going in ice just north and east of the Long Point light station. The ice field proved no match for the unstoppable Samuel Risley as she was seen in the lead at almost full speed.

    Reported by: Dave Otterman




    Toronto Update

    02/25:
    On Friday Canadian Prospector was turned around at the Redpath Sugar dock so that her bow now sits facing into the harbor.

    Construction has begun on a new steel upper deck on the excursion vessel Jaguar II.

    On Saturday the C. & C. Marine Services tug was at the Fire Department replacing the bubbler in the Wm. Lyon MacKenzie's slip.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Rouge Lay-up

    02/25:
    Docked for the winter at the Rouge Steel plant in Detroit are the Lee A. Tregurtha and Kaye E. Barker. The Detroit Fire Boat Curtis Randolph can be seen in front of the Kaye E. Barker.

    Barker and Randolph.
    Close up of the Lee A.




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 25

    CREEK TRANSPORT was launched this day in 1910 as a) SASKATOON (1).

    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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Armco Receives New Plating

    02/24:
    Crews working on the Armco in Toledo Thursday began the repair of sheet plating on the left forward side of the vessel. The plates were damaged last season at the Soo and the repairs involving cutting out a 12-foot by 6-foot section of the hull and fitting new plating. The repairs also appear to include an insert on one of the frames and a few vertical channel irons. The Armco is expected to enter the Toledo Shipyard dry dock for her 5 year inspection in the next two weeks.




    Sharp Increase for St. Joseph

    02/24:
    The Lake Michigan port of St. Joe experienced a sharp increase in tonnage during the 2000 sailing season. The Herald-Palladium newspaper reports that tonnage delivered to the three commercial docks increased from 553,019 tons in 1999 to 770,189 tons last year. The paper reported that the 39.2 percent increase was due to demand for materials for a reconstruction project on Interstate 94 and sand shipments.

    The Lafarge dock in St. Joe received 212,344 tons of cement, the McCoy Docking Co. reported 217,030 tons of stone and 34,451 tons of road salt. Consumers Asphalt Co. in Benton Harbor received the most tonnage with 306,364 tons of stone and sand.

    A total of sixty-nine vessels visited the port in southwest Michigan during the 2000 season, up from 49 in 1999 and 59 in 1998. The total shipping tonnage for 2000 was reported to be the highest for the past six years.

    Reported by: Erdean Kelly




    Interesting facts about Twin Ports vessel traffic

    02/24:
    The latest edition of North Star Port, a magazine published by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, includes some interesting facts about Duluth-Superior vessel traffic:
    The Twin Ports' busiest docks in 2000:
  • Midwest Energy Terminal: 362 vessel visits
  • Clure Public Marine Terminal: 307 (includes 214 vessel visits to the Murphy Oil USA fueling terminal)
  • BNSF ore dock: 219
  • DMIR ore dock: 147

    Reported by: Al Miller




    • Today in Great Lakes History - February 24

    The KINSMAN INDEPENDENT (2) was launched February 24, 1923 as a) RICHARD V. LINDABURY.

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

    On 24 February 1920, TALLAC (formerly SIMON J. MURPHY and MELVILLE DOLLAR, steel propeller, 235', built in 1895 at W. Bay City, MI) was on a voyage from Colon, Panama to Baltimore, MD, when she stranded and was wrecked 18 miles south of Cape henry, VA.

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

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




    Algoeast Loses Power

    02/23:
    Early Thursday afternoon the tanker Algoeast became stuck in ice 1 mile north of the Lake St. Clair Crib Light. As she became stuck she reported that she lost engine power and was pushed 200-300 feet outside the channel by the ice and possibly aground. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley quickly got underway from Sarnia to assist. The tanker is in ballast heading for Nanticoke, Ontario.

    She dropped anchor and waited for the Risley who arrived at 3:10 p.m. Sounding were done to determine if she was aground. It was determined she was not aground and shortly after 4:00 p.m. the Risley completed two passes by the Algoeast to move the ice. At 5:50 p.m. the East pulled up her anchor freed herself using her own power.

    Shortly after 6:00 p.m. the tanker was downbound at the Lake Clair Crib Light behind the Risley. The Risley was planning to take the East as far as the Detroit River Light. The East decided to anchor for the night in the Belle Island Anchorage off Detroit at 8:48 p.m. Once anchored, the Risley proceeded upbound to Sarnia to meet and escort the tanker Gemini downbound. The Algoeast will wait for daylight and for the Risley and Gemini to continue her trip.

    Reported by: Philip Nash and Ron Locke




    Late Fit Out for the Barker

    02/23:
    The Kaye E. Barker is expected to make a late start to the season due to problems in the steel industry and mounting losses at Rouge Steel. No specific date was giving for the late departure, this report comes a day after it was announced that fleet mate Elton Hoyt 2nd would not sail in 2001. Announcements of other vessels not sailing or departing late from other fleets are expected as these season draws closer. Record levels of unfairly traded steel imports, a slowing economy in the United States and Canada and low steel prices are to blame.




    John Spence Departs

    02/23:
    The tug John Spence and barge McAsphalt 401 completed unloading Thursday afternoon and departed the Triple Clean Liquifuels Dock in Essexville around 1:00 p.m. The tug and barge met up with the tug Manitou who had departed the Triple Clean Dock about an hour earlier to break up the ice that formed overnight in the shipping channel. The trio was outbound at the Saginaw River Front Range at 1:45 p.m.

    Close up at the dock.
    Passing the Consumers Energy Plant as heavy snow starts to fall.
    Approaching the Manitou at the Front Range Light.

    Reported by: Todd Shorkey




    Tug and Barge in Manistee

    02/23:
    The tug Doug McKeil and barge Ocean Hauler finally entered Manistee harbor on Thursday night after being tied to the North Pier head since last Friday. The duo had been waiting for repairs to the CSX Railroad Bridge that crosses the Manistee River. The bridge was unable to open due to the needed repairs. The tug and barge broke through heavy ice in Manistee Lake on its way to the General Chemical Dock, formerly AMBAR.

    This is the earliest visit to Manistee by a commercial vessel ever. The duo will be loading a cargo of calcium chloride for the General Chemical dock in Amherstburg, Ontario. The tug and barge should depart on Saturday evening if weather permits. The first freighter will be in Manistee on the first week of April.

    Reported by: Chris Franckowiak




    Alpena set to Depart

    02/23:
    After a brief lay up in Cleveland, the Alpena is scheduled to depart for her namesake port on March 1. She is due to stop in Detroit on her way up to unload about 600 tons of her remaining storage cargo. She will then load her first cargo of the new season in Alpena for Detroit. The J.A.W. Iglehart is expected to return to service on April 1.

    Reported by: Gary Schweitzer




    Shell Fuel Dock Repairs Underway

    02/23:
    Sarnia based Gordon's Marine has begun repairing the damaged Corunna fuel dock catwalk that was struck by the Kaye E. Barker in December. Equipment at the scene on the St. Clair River is the tug Menasha, workboat Duke, and a crane barge.

    Reported by: George Lee




    USS Winter Work

    02/23:
    The six vessels from USS Great Lakes Fleet that are laid up in Duluth-Superior this winter are undergoing substantial maintenance and upgrades.

    Major work includes:
    Roger Blough: Replace several plates damaged last fall at the Soo and paint hull.
    Edgar B. Speer: Main engines overhauled
    Edwin H. Gott: Main engines overhauled
    John G. Munson: In drydock at Fraser Shipyards undergoing 5-year inspection
    Philip R. Clarke: Replacement of more than 1,000 boiler tubes at an estimated cost of $500,000.
    Cason J. Callaway: Installation of new automated system to run its steam plant; boiler upgrade; and turbine blade refurbishing. Estimated cost is $3 million.




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 23

    The e) U.S.S. ROTARY (YO-148) was commissioned on February 23, 1943 at Sullivan's Dry Dock & Repair Co., Brooklyn, NY and assigned duty with the Service Force, Third Naval District, Atlantic Fleet. The tanker was renamed h) DETROIT early in 1955 and traded on the lakes until. Her partially dismantled hull was abandoned in 1985 in the back waters of Lake Calumet.

    On 23 February 1843, SANDUSKY (wooden side-wheeler, 148', 377 t, built in 1834 at Sandusky, OH) caught fire at her dock on Buffalo Creek in Buffalo, New York and burned to the hull. She was recovered, rebuilt as a 3-masted bark and lasted another two years.

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

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




    Bramble Tow Update

    02/22: 8:30 a.m. updte
    The unusual tow of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble by the cutter Bristol Bay began late Wednesday. At 7:30 a.m. the tow was upbound at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse entering Lake Huron. The Bramble has a shaft problem that requires work at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

    Reported by: Ed Moore Jr.




    Hoyt Will Sit Out 2001

    02/22:
    Crews working on the Elton Hoyt 2nd have been informed that the vessel will not sail in the 2001 season. The Hoyt is the first vessel to be known not to sail in the coming season. With record levels of unfairly traded steel imports, a slowing economy in the United States and Canada and low steel prices other vessels could join the Hoyt sitting out the season.

    Last summer the Hoyt began a series of occasional trips carrying grain from Duluth to Buffalo. The Herbert C. Jackson is expected to take her place in the grain trade in the 2001 season.

    Elton Hoyt 2nd heading to winter lay-up in January. Image by Don Coles




    John Spence Update

    02/22:
    The tug John Spence arrived Wednesday afternoon with a barge at the Triple Clean Liquifuels dock in Essexville. The tug and barge were escorted into the Saginaw River by the tug Manitou, which assisted with ice breaking. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley escorted the Spence and barge through the heavy ice in the Saginaw Bay.

    While recent warm weather has weakened the ice cover on the Saginaw River, the two vessels experienced some slow progress during the morning in thicker ice on the Saginaw Bay. The John Spence had been expected to arrive in the Saginaw River on Sunday, but the trip was apparently delayed several days by adverse weather.

    Radio traffic indicated that the vessel might be scheduled for a second trip into the Saginaw River this winter.

    Reported by: Stephen Hause and Pat Ruhland




    Conneaut Update

    02/22:
    Damage from Monday's belt fire at the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Co. upper coal facility in Conneaut is estimated at $1 million by fire officials. About 300 feet of belt burned plus damage to the coal car dumper. This should not affect storing coal or loading boats in a few weeks when the shipping season starts. The fire did not affect the lower coal facility where ships are loaded.

    Reported by: M. Smothers




    Two steelmakers post fourth-quarter losses

    02/22:
    Ispat International, owner of the Minorca taconite plant near Virginia, Minn., and Rouge Industries Inc., partial owner of EVTAC near Eveleth, Minn., have posted net losses for the final quarter of 2000.

    Ispat reported a loss of $14 million, or 12 cents per share; Rouge recorded a loss of $105 million, or $4.73 per share.

    The companies are not alone. Many steelmakers suffered losses during the final quarter of the year, including Bethlehem Steel Co., National Steel Corp. and U.S. Steel Group.

    Rouge, which owns 45 percent of EVTAC, finished the year $117.3 million in the red, despite sales of nearly $1.1 billion. Ispat, headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, posted $99 million in net income on sales of $5.1 billion.

    Both companies were hit with unique expenses during 2000. Rouge attributes a fourth-quarter loss of $23.7 million to the 1999 explosion of a power house. It recouped $22.1 million from insurance. The company also took a noncash $63 million charge for the year as a reserve against deferred tax assets -- a move that allows the company to hedge against a continued downturn in the steel industry.

    Ispat paid $15.5 million in the final quarter of 2000 to settle a civil lawsuit with the state of Louisiana and $4 million because of work-force restructuring costs.

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Thunder Bay Pictures

    02/22:
    Below are images taken last weekend at Pascol Engineering in Thunder Bay. Crews were moving some of the vessels in Thunder Bay's lay-up fleet. The Algorail was taken out of dry dock and left in the harbor while the Algosteel went into dry dock and the Canadian Navigator took its place at the lay by dock. The Algorail was then put into the space left by the Navigator between the dock and the Algoway. The tugs Peninsula and George N. Carleton participated.

    Algorail waits in the ice behind the Algoway.
    Tug George N. Carleton.
    Algosteel and Algorail.
    Tugs Peninsula and George N. Carleton working with the Algorail.
    Tug Peninsula on the stern of the Algorail.
    Carleton on the bow of the Algosteel.
    Tug Peninsula on the stern of the Algosteel.
    George N. Carleton flushes ice from the dry dock.
    Algosteel approaching the dry dock.
    Algosteel moved into the dry dock.

    Reported by: Rob Farrow




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 22

    February 22, 1925 - The ANN ARBOR NO. 7 made her maiden voyage.

    On 22 February 1878, the 156' wooden freighter ROBERT HOLLAND was purchased by Beatty & Co. of Sarnia for $20,000.

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

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




    John Spence Update

    02/21:
    After weather delays and a minor engine problem, the tug John Spence and barge got underway early Tuesday morning. The Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley is escorting the tug and barge to Saginaw where they are expected about 7:00 a.m. today. The barge's cargo of oil will be unloaded at Bay City Triple Clean fuels.

    Reported by: Dan McNeil and Roger Ritchie




    Season Opens for Grand Haven

    02/21:
    The Lake Michigan port of Grand Haven/Ferrysburg got off to another early start in the shipping season as the tug Mark Hannah and barge Southdown Conquest arrived Tuesday morning with a load of cement. The pair was expected to remain at the Southdown terminal for a day or two. The Conquest's usual mate, the tug Susan W. Hannah, is undergoing repairs and is scheduled to rejoin the barge in a few days.

    Reported by: David Swain




    Prospector Moved

    02/21:
    Tuesday the Canadian Prospector was shifted from Pier 51 to the Redpath Sugar dock in Toronto. Crews then began unloading her storage cargo of sugar. Each season a few vessels enter lay-up with a storage cargo of sugar that is used by Redpath over the winter.

    Bucket taking a 3 ton bite of sugar from the hold of the Canadian Voyager at the dock last month. Bill Bird

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Unusual Tow

    02/21:
    An unusual tow will take place today as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay will be towing Cutter Bramble to the Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The Bramble has a shaft problem that requires work at the ship yard. The tow will depart from Cleveland today.

    Reported by: Brian Kloosterman




    More Sturgeon Bay Lay-up Pictures

    02/21:
    Below are images of Sturgeon Bay's lay-up fleet taken on Monday.
    Sturgeon Bay's crowded lay-up fleet.
    Arthur M. Anderson, Herbert C. Jackson and Wilfred Sykes.
    Close up of the Anderson.
    Wilfred Sykes and bow of the Arthur M. Anderson.
    Bow view of the Herbert C. Jackson.
    Joseph L. Block in dry dock.
    Paul R. Tregurtha and Burns Harbor.
    Buffalo.
    Tug Dorothy Ann in the notch of the barge Pathfinder.
    Stern view of the American Mariner.
    The super structures of the Tregurtha and Burns Harbor tower over the ship yard.
    U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay.
    Edward L. Ryerson.
    Selvic tugs at their dock.
    Close up of tug Jimmy L.

    Reported by: Scott Best




    Toledo Lay-up

    02/21:
    Below are images of some of Toledo's lay-up fleet taken earlier in the month.
    Mesabi Miner at the TWI dock.
    The Miner is having highly skewed blades installed. In this image a small work boat is clearing ice from her stern.
    Close up of the Miner's stern.
    Close up of the Miner's propeller. (this will be replaced with the highly skewed type)
    Oglebay Norton at the TWI dock behind the Mesabi Miner.
    Work in the Oglebay Norton's bow thruster.
    Crews were busy painting the Norton's cargo holds.
    The departure board on the Norton.
    Columbia Star docked behind the Oglebay Norton.
    The St. Clair and Armco at CSX.
    Stern view of the St. Clair.
    St. Clair's propeller.
    Armco, stern view.
    George A. Stinson.
    Stern view of the American Republic.
    Close up of one of the Republic's Cort Nozzles and four rudders. With two engines that's eight rudders.
    The highly maneuverable Republic has two rudders positioned in front of each Cort Nozzle. these are used to maneuver the vessel when backing.
    Stern view of the tanker Gemini.
    Bow view of the Gemini and the stern of the Middletown.
    New steel is welded near the Gemini's bow.
    The deer living at the Torco Dock were more interested in us than the boats.
    Buckeye and Courtney Burton at the Torco dock.
    Stern view of the Burton.
    Bow view of the Wolverine docked behind the Burton.
    Stern view of the Wolverine.
    Close up of the propeller.
    Close up of the Wolverine's bow, Earl. W. Oglebay in the back ground.

    Reported by: N. Schultheiss




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 21

    The EDWIN H. GOTT arrived at Two Harbors (her first trip) February 21, 1979 with the loss of one of her two rudders during her transit of Lake Superior. Also the other rudder post was damaged. She was holed in her bow and some of her cargo hold plating ruptured as a result of frozen ballast tanks. Even the MACKINAW suffered damage to her port propeller shaft on the trip across frozen Lake Superior.

    The keel of the new bow section for the HILDA MARJANNE was laid on February 21, 1961 while at the same time the tanker hull forward of her engine room bulkhead was being cut away.

    On 21 February 1929, SAPPHO (wooden propeller passenger ferry, 107', 224 gt, built in 1883 at Wyandotte, MI) burned at her winter lay-up dock in Ecorse, Michigan. She had provided 46 years of service ferrying passengers across the Detroit River. She was neither repaired nor replaced since the Ambassador Bridge was nearing completion.

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

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




    John Spence heading for the Saginaw River

    02/20:
    The tug John Spence with a barge are expected to unload at Bay City Triple Clean fuels with #6 oil. The Canadian Coast Guard ship Samuel Risley will escort the tug and barge into dock as ice chokes the mouth of the Saginaw River. This is the first visit since December 28 when CSL's FRONTENAC called.

    The tug and barge were expected to arrive on Sunday afternoon but may have been delayed by weather.

    Reported by: Brian Ferguson and Dan McNeil




    Fire in Conneaut

    02/20:
    Monday afternoon an intense fire burned at the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Co. upper coal facility. Coal from the dock was shipped late into the season to Ontario power stations.

    The fire started in a transport complex at the dock company's upper coal facility as crews were unloading western coal, a new type of coal for the facility. The complex is home to a massive machine that turns railroad coal cars upside down, discharging their contents into a pit.

    Equipment and personnel from three city fire stations and two neighboring communities were sent to the scene. The 60 firefighters spent about three hours fighting the fire.

    The fire burned a lengthy stretch of belts that move coal to storage piles at the dock, as well as a train dumper station and tower. "The whole complex was on fire," Fire Chief Bim Orrenmaa told the Star Beacon Newspaper. "The heat bent I-beams and burned belts, rollers and motors. I suspect there was a lot of damage."

    Reported by: M. Smothers




    U.S.-Flag Carriage Down 2.1 Percent In 2000

    02/20:
    U.S.-Flag lakers hauled 113.3 million net tons of dry-bulk cargo during the 2000 navigation season, a decrease of 2.1 percent compared to 1999. The decrease would have been more, but the 2000 season was one of the longest on record. It began on February 7, 2000 with the sailing of the cement carrier Southdown Conquest and ended 363 days later when the self-unloader Lee A. Tregurtha laid-up in River Rouge. In comparison, the 1999 dry-bulk shipping season stretched from February 22, 1999 to January 25, 2000, or 337 days.

    Iron ore for the steel industry remained the primary cargo for U.S.-Flag lakers. Shipments totaled 58.5 million tons, a slight decrease compared to 1999. There was a major fall-off in the Lorain/Cleveland shuttle, but that is not surprising - the shuttle feeds LTV Steel's Cleveland Works and that steel maker filed for bankruptcy in December following another year of unfair trade in steel. Nearly 38 million tons of foreign steel flooded the U.S. in 2000 and drove prices down to the point that LTV became the 14th American steel company to seek protection under the bankruptcy laws in the past three years.

    Coal cargos in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 21.1 million tons, a decrease of 3.9 percent. Much of the decrease stems from increased rail deliveries of steam coal to a Michigan utility. The decrease would have been larger, but U.S-Flag lakers kept loading coal until February 3.

    The stone float in U.S. bottoms totaled 27.9 million tons, again a slight decrease.

    In addition to the above factors, all Great Lakes trades were affected by the continuing decline in water levels. At the beginning of the 2000 season, the 1,000-footers were losing nearly 10,000 tons per trip compared to the start of the 1997 campaign. Water levels began to fall in the summer of 1997 and have now reached their lowest levels in decades. Low water levels will continue to impact shipping in 2001.

    Click here for more details

    Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 20

    On February 20, 1959, the Herbert C. Jackson was launched at Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan.

    The DES GROSEILLIERS was launched February 20, 1982.

    On 20 February 1903, G. WATSON FRENCH (steel propeller, 376', 3785 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI. She lasted until 1964 when she was scrapped by Lakehead Scrap metal Co. in Fort William, Ontario. The other names she had during her career were HENRY P. WERNER (1924), JOHN J. BOLAND (2)(1937), and ALGOWAY (1947).

    On 20 February 1903, G. WATSON FRENCH (steel propeller freighter, 376', 3785 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan. She was later named HENRY P. WERNER (1924), JOHN J. BOLAND (2)(1937) and ALGOWAY (1947). She lasted until 1964 when she was scrapped by Lakeland Scrap Metal Company in Fort William, Ontario.

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

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




    Algoeast Returns to the Soo

    02/19:
    Sunday the tanker Algoeast docked in the Canadian Soo to discharge a petroleum cargo. The tanker arrived in the Soo harbor under escort of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay.

    Reported by: Brian Kloosterman and Lee Rowe




    New Poe Size Lock at the Soo

    02/19:
    Michigan Governor John Engler's intends to commit $5 million next year towards Michigan's share of a second Poe size lock to connect Lake Huron and Lake Superior. A major failure in the Poe Lock could have catastrophic results on the shipping industry. This lock is the only one capable of handling vessels over 730-feet, including the fleet of 13 thousand-foot vessels. If the Poe were to be taken out of service these giants would be left trapped above or below the locks.

    The federal government has put $1 million into planning this year. Lock advocates hope to see another $5 million in next year's federal budget and a commitment as early as the fall for the entire $225-million project.

    The federal government agreed to the need for a new lock way back in 1986, but progress has been slow. The federal OK requires a match from the Great Lakes states, which will be divvied up according to where the boats using the Soo load and unload. Michigan's share is second only to Minnesota's.

    The key point is that the new lock must match the Poe's dimensions, or boats will be built bigger to fit, and 30 years down the road the same issues will arise.

    Construction of a new lock will be an economic bonanza for the eastern Upper Peninsula. But the more important point is that after 30 years of 1,000-footers being launched, a backup lock has become essential.

    Reported by: Kirk Tews




    Integrity Enters Lay-up for a Second Time

    02/19:
    The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity were expected to re-enter lay-up in Milwaukee on Sunday. The pair departed lay-up early in the month as demand for cement warranted their fit out. The tug and barge carried cement from Alpena to South Chicago. They are expected to remain in lay-up until early March.

    The pair first entered lay-up in Milwaukee on Jan. 7.

    Reported by: Robin Greathouse




    Toledo Activity

    02/19:
    Toledo's Hocking Valley Dock (Sunoco) saw activity over the weekend as a Hanna barge visited it. Two tugs accompanied the barge, the Mary Hanna and the James Hanna. The tugs and barge departed Sunday morning after loading a blend of heavy oils.

    Reported by: Scott Ousky




    Summer Cruises

    02/19:
    This summer 10,000 people are expected to cruise the Great Lakes on 56 sailings by six of the larger cruise ships, according to Cruising the Great Lakes.

    The Detroit Free Press reports that the number of people cruising this season will be more than triple the number who enjoyed cruising the lakes last season. Six years ago, lake-cruising passengers numbered only a few hundred.

    Ships new to the lakes this summer will be the Arcadia, based in Detroit-Windsor, a moderately priced ship that will complete 24 sailings. The recently built Cape May Light of Delta Queen Coastal will visit lakes Ontario and Erie for eight sailings.

    Familiar ships returning to the lakes will include the four-star c. Columbus, and the five-star French ship, Le Levant. The two will complete a total of 12 cruises. The Nantucket Clipper is expected for two cruises, and the Niagara Prince will travel through the lakes to Chicago, for eight trips around Lake Michigan and then return to its homeport in Rhode Island.

    The small cruise ship Georgian Clipper will run three, four and seven-night cruises of Lake Huron's Georgian Bay.

    For more information visit www.cruisingthegreatlakes.org

    Reported by: Mike Flint




    Milwaukee Lay-up

    02/19:
    Below are recent images of Milwaukee's lay-up fleet.
    Bow view of the Paul H. Townsend. Chris Hecht
    Tug Presque Isle. Andy LaBorde
    Close up of the tug. Chris Hecht
    Paul H. Townsend and Stewart J. Cort. Andy LaBorde
    Close up of the Townsend's pilot house. David Borzymowski
    Close up of the Cort's pilot house. David Borzymowski
    Stern of the Cort and Townsend. David Borzymowski
    The Townsend at dock from the Cort. Chris Hecht
    Close up of the Southdown Challenger's pilot house. David Borzymowski
    Lake Guardian at dock. Chris Hecht
    Tug Edward E. Gillian III. Chris Hecht




    Weekly Updates

    02/19:
    The weekly updates have been uploaded.

    Click here for easy to navigate updates




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 19

    The b) TROY H. BROWNING (c. THOMAS F. PATTON) was towed from the James River with two other C4s, the LOUIS McHENRY HOWE (b. TOM M. GIRDLER) and MOUNT MANSFIELD (b. CHARLES M. WHITE), to the Maryland Dry Dock Co., Baltimore, MD, February 1951, to be converted to a Great Lakes bulk carrier according to plans designed by J.J. Henry & Co., New York, NY.

    Wolf & Davidson of Milwaukee sold the JIM SHERIFFS (wooden propeller, 182', 634 gt, built in 1883 at Milwaukee, QI) to the Kelley Island Line on 19 February 1887.

    Data from: Joe Barr, 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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Dry Docking in Sturgeon Bay

    02/18:
    A double docking took place on Thursday in the 1000-foot Graving dock at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay. The Andrie barge A-390, pushed by the tug Rebecca Lynn entered into the forward end of dock for its 5 year survey. The tug returned to Berth #11 after bring the barge to the graving dock gate. The graving dock crew and the tug Bayship then placed the barge over the blocking.

    The Joseph Block was brought up to the gate by tugs from Selvick Marine and was placed over the blocking set for her in the graving dock.

    Both the barge A-390 and the Joseph Block were held in place with lines from the graving dock wall, as the dock was pumped out to allow both to rest on the blocking.

    The moves took place in late afternoon or evening. With out enough light to photograph, the following morning the images below were taken.

    Rebecca Lynn pushes the barge up to dock.
    In dock, shot down side wall of Graving dock.
    Another view.
    Bow of Barge A-390 and ice.
    Front end loader lowered into the dock to clear ice.
    In bottom of dock under bow of A-390.
    Rebecca Lynn at berth #11.
    Selvick tug and tug Bay Ship placing Hanna Barge 3601 next to berth #9 for bottom deicing prior to going into the Graving dock.

    Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 18

    IMPERIAL ST. CLAIR participated in an historic special convoy with DOAN TRANSPORT, which carried caustic soda, led by CCGS GRIFFON arriving at Thunder Bay, Ont. on February 18, 1977. The journey took one week from Sarnia, Ont. through Lake Superior ice as much as six feet thick, and at one point it took four days to travel 60 miles. The trip was initiated to supply residents of the Canadian Lakehead with 86,000 barrels of heating oil the reserves of which were becoming depleted due to severe weather that winter.

    The JOSEPH S. YOUNG (1) was towed to the Great Lakes via the Mississippi River and arrived at the Manitowoc Ship Building Co., Manitowoc, WI on February 18, 1957 where her self unloading equipment was installed. This was the last large vessel to enter the Lakes via the Mississippi. She was the first of seven T2 tanker conversions for Great Lakes service.

    The Murphy fleet was sold on 18 February 1886. The tugs GLADIATOR, KATE WILLIAMS and BALIZE went to Captain Maytham, the tug WILLIAM A. MOORE to Mr. Grummong, the schooner GERRIT SMITH to Captain John E. Winn, and the tug ANDREW J. SMITH to Mr. Preston Brady.

    Data from: Jody Aho, Joe Barr, 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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Tug and Barge in Manistee

    02/17:
    The tug Doug McKeil and barge Ocean Hauler arrived in Manistee early Friday morning. The duo was to head in to Manistee to load calcium chloride at the General Chemical (former Ambar) facility.

    The weather and wind were too rough for safe navigation, so the duo tied up to the North pier. This is the first time a vessel has done that since the USS Boulder in the early 90's, and the tug portion of the Presque Isle in the 80's. The tug and barge will make there way through the ice in Manistee Lake as soon as weather conditions allow the tug to switch to pushing mode.

    Reported by: Chris Franckowiak




    Toronto Harbor Update

    02/17:
    Ferry service to the Island continues with Ongiara to Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point, and Maple City servicing the Island airport.

    Conversion of the tug Glenmont is slowly moving forward. The new bulbous bow section has been started.

    The schooner Empire Sandy is having her below deck lounge and bar areas renovated.

    New concrete was being poured for the counter-weights on the Cherry Street Bridge Friday.

    Reported by: Gerry O.




    Raffle Winner

    02/17:
    It was 1965 when Herbert Carlson was last aboard a Great Lakes freighter, just before the Vietnam War prompted him to join the Navy. But Carlson, now a St. Paul police officer, held the lucky raffle ticket Wednesday and will get to spend 10 days on the Paul R. Tregurtha in June as a guest of the Interlake Steamship Co.

    The company donated the trip to the International Ship Masters' Association and the money from the raffle will be used to offset the cost of a recent ISMA convention in Duluth.

    Carlson said his wife, Linda, would join him and he was ecstatic about winning on Valentine's Day. Carlson has entered several drawings to win a lake cruise but wasn't successful until Wednesday.

    A uniformed Captain Ray Skelton, National Grand Lodge President of the International Ship Masters' Association, drew the winning ticket at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board room.

    The ISMA Twin Ports Lodge #12 would like to thank all who purchased tickets. Thanks also to The Interlake Steamship Company, Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping, Duluth Shipping News and the Duluth Visitors and Convention Bureau web sites.

    Picture of Captain Ray Skelton (left) preparing to draw the ticket with assistance from Captain Ed Montgomery.

    For your chance to win a trip on a Great Lakes freighter click here.

    Reported by: Capt. Ed Montgomery




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 17

    In heavy weather on February 17, 1981 the WITSUPPLY (b. TRANSTREAM) foundered in the Caribbean Sea off Cabo de la Vela, Colombia. She was being towed to the scrap yard at Cartagena, Columbia when she sank.

    February 17, 1977 - The CITY OF MIDLAND 41, shortly after departing Ludington encountered a heavy ridge of ice that snapped all the blades off her starboard propeller. One of the blades ripped a hole two feet long by three inches wide which caused the 41 to take on water, but pumps were able to keep her afloat. SPARTAN came out to free her but also became mired in the ice. On February 18 the cutter MACKINAW freed them.

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

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




    Algowest Enters Lay-up

    02/16:
    The Algowest arrived for winter lay-up in Owen Sound yesterday. She arrived dockside about 9:00 p.m. and tied up north of cement silos on east wall.

    She turned in open waters about half a mile out and backed into the harbor. A bit of frozen pack ice at the mouth of the harbor was easily navigated but solid ice between and to the south of the Agawa Canyon and Mapleglen required a few runs to make it to her winter berth. The movement is the latest tie-up for Owen Sound in recent memory.

    Reported by: Peter Bowers




    More Conversions

    02/16:
    The expected conversion of the Atlantic Huron next winter appears to have been pushed back to the winter of 2002/2003. Port Weller Dry Docks is expected to rebuild the center section of Atlantic Huron to a width of 78-feet. This conversion will be different than the forebody replacement of the Louis R. Desmarais. The original hull will be used in the widening but retain the unloading gear, this will increase the cargo capacity by about a 1000 tons.

    Next winter the Canadian Olympic is expected to enter the dry dock where crews will install a new center section widening the vessel to 78-feet, similar to current Tadoussac project.

    Reported by: Roger Tottman




    Welland Canal Update

    02/16:
    Winter work continues at a fast pace on the Welland Canal as well as to the winter lay-up fleet in Port Colborne and Port Weller Dry Docks.

    At Port Weller Dry Docks work on the former Louis R. Desmarais and Tadoussac is progressing rapidly. The transition section of the new hull on the former Desmarais is now attached to the stern and welding of the two sections has begun. The stern is now almost completely repainted. Finish welding aboard the new hull is mostly completed and is receiving paint along the welds. The Tadoussac is coming along nicely. New sections of her hull are already being moved into place. Wednesday her port bow was beginning to be painted red.

    Work the canal its self is moving at a rapid pace. There appears to be many structural upgrades taking place, with many lock sills being renewed, particularly in the Flight Locks and Lock 8.

    The winter lay-up fleet in Port Colborne is, for the most part, receiving a lot of work. The Halifax seems to be undergoing engine room work, it also looks as if she is receiving some propeller or rudder work. The Canadian Enterprise appears to be having her cargo holds sandblasted and the Canadian Olympic is receiving a fresh coat of paint. The Canadian Progress, docked at wharf 18.3 is also receiving some work. The CSL Niagara is sitting idle with very little work apparent from the exterior.

    The stern section of the former CSL vessel Tarantau has almost been entirely scrapped. For boatwatchers wishing to take pictures of the vessel it would be a good idea to do it soon, as she is slowly disappearing into history.

    Click here for images of the work at Port Weller Dry Docks.

    Reported by: Jason Junge




    Integrity Update

    02/16:
    The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity continue carrying cement to South Chicago. The pair are scheduled to load in Alpena tonight and then re-enter lay-up until early March.

    The pair first entered lay-up in Milwaukee on Jan. 7.

    Reported by: Robin Greathouse




    Toledo Report

    02/16:
    The John J. Boland remains in drydock at the Toledo ship yard undergoing survey and miscellaneous repairs. The Armco is expected to be the next vessel to enter dry dock for survey and repairs.

    The tanker Gemini had activity aboard the vessel. There was quite a bit of smoke coming out of her stack, this may be a sign that she may be sailing soon if needed in the petroleum trades.

    The Maumee River and Bay are virtually ice free. The recent warm spell, heavy rains, and high winds have broken up and melted the ice in the area.

    Reported by: Jim Hoffman




    Seaway News

    02/16:
    Thursday morning an unusual tow left Montreal for Section 5 at Sorel. The tug Bonnie B. III towed the floating crane VM/S Hercules. The tug Bonnie B. III has been in lay-up at Montreal since Dec. 22. The tug arrived from Hamilton and has not been painted in McKeil Marine colors. McKeil acquired the Bonnie B. III and sister tug Carrol C. I in June 2000 from interests in Newfoundland.

    The Petrolia Desgagnés returned to service Wednesday going to the nearby Hydro-Quebec dock at Tracy to load for the Ultramar dock in the Port of Quebec. The vessel had entered lay-up in Sorel on Jan. 31 along side the Manitoulin. As the Desgagnés depart it was replaced the same day by Algocatalyst.

    Reported by: René Beauchamp




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 16

    The EDWIN H. GOTT sailed on her maiden voyage February 16, 1979 in ballast from Milwaukee, bound for Two Harbors, MN. This was the first maiden voyage of a laker ever in mid-winter. She was in convoy with three of her fleetmates; CASON J. CALLAWAY, PHILIP R. CLARKE and JOHN G. MUNSON, each needing assistance from the U.S.C.G. MACKINAW to break through heavy ice 12 to 14 inches thick the length of Lake Superior. The GOTT took part in a test project, primarily by U.S. Steel, to determine the feasibility of year around navigation.

    The JAMES E. FERRIS was launched February 16, 1910 as the ONTARIO (4).

    On February 16, 1977 a four hour fire caused major damage to the crews' forward quarters aboard the W.W. HOLLOWAY while at American Ship Building's Chicago yard.

    February 16, 1939 - The state ferry CHIEF WAWATAM was fast in the ice in the Straits of Mackinac. She freed herself the next day and proceeded to St. Ignace.

    The little tug JAMES ANDERSON burned on Long Lake near Alpena, Michigan on the morning of 16 February 1883. Arson was suspected.

    Data from: Max Hanley, Joe Barr, 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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Minntac to reopen production line, return to full capacity

    02/15:
    In a rare bit of good news for the Great Lakes iron ore industry, U.S. Steel's Minntac Mine announced two moves that will significantly increase its production of taconite pellets. However, company officials warned that production levels still depend on the uncertain future of the steel industry and the nation's economy.

    Minntac, located near Mountain Iron, Minn., will resume operation Monday of a taconite pellet production line that's been idle since November. The plant's Line 3 accounts for 12 percent -- or about 650,000 tons -- of the Minntac's annual production.

    In addition, Minntac will turn on the pre-heat burners of its largest production lines. The burners were turned off this winter to cut the use of increasingly costly natural gas. Turning the burners back on will increase production on the lines.

    At full capacity, Minntac operates five pellet production lines, capable of producing more than 16 million tons of taconite pellets per year. It ships most of its pellets through Two Harbors aboard vessels of USS Great Lakes Fleet. It also ships some pellets by rail to Utah.

    "We will be at full production,'' Manager Jim Swearingen told the Duluth News Tribune. "But we are still concerned about the import situation and the overall economy."

    Restarting the line and increasing production rates on Minntac's other production lines means Minntac is expected to produce about 13.6 million tons of taconite pellets this year, Swearingen said.

    Some productions lines will be shut down for maintenance during the year, and Line 3 is scheduled to shut down during the summer. Employment at Minntac -- North America's largest taconite plant -- will remain at about 1,400 hourly workers.

    The news from Minntac is one of the few positive signs coming from the Iron Range taconite industry in months. The industry has been hit hard by the closing of LTV Steel Mining Co. in Hoyt Lakes, a six-week shutdown at Hibbing Taconite Co. and financial problems at EVTAC Mining Co.

    Mike Dixon, a USX spokesman in Pittsburgh, told the News Tribune that some steel industry analysts believe steel prices have hit bottom and may soon rebound. Several domestic steel producers, including U.S. Steel, recently raised prices on steel products. USX is the parent company of U.S. Steel.

    "We think the market may have possibly bottomed out," Dixon said. "We think we may be starting to see signs of recovery."

    However, both Swearingen and Dixon warned that the domestic steel industry and Iron Range taconite producers are far from being out of danger.

    "I don't see any reason for great optimism," said Swearingen. "We're kind of at the bottom of the trough and trying to come out of it."

    Reported by: Al Miller




    Jackman Delayed by Ice

    02/15:
    The Capt. Henry Jackman ran into heavy ice on Lake St. Clair Thursday as the vessel sailed from Detroit to Sarnia for lay-up. Early Thursday morning the Jackman backed down Lake St. Clair when it became clear the vessel could not make it across the lake with out icebreaker assistance.

    The Jackman anchor in the Belle Isle Anchorage and waited for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley to arrive from Sarnia. The Risley was expected to escort the Jackman to Sarnia for lay-up, they were due to arrive Thursday afternoon.

    The Algowest finished unloading in Ashtabula, Ohio and was upbound for lay-up in Owen Sound Thursday. The West is scheduled to fuel in Sarnia early this morning and arrive in Owen Sound early Friday morning.

    Reported by: Philip Nash




    Algoeast at the Soo

    02/15:
    Thursday the Algoma tanker Algoeast departed the former Government dock in the Canadian Soo after discharging her petroleum cargo. The tanker arrived in the Soo harbor at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday evening under escort of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay.

    Reported by: Jerry Masson




    Seaway News

    02/15:
    On Sunday vessels operated by Fednav of Montreal were working in several St. Lawrence River ports. Federal Fuji was at Quebec City, Federal Franklin was at Sorel, Federal Agno and Lake Erie were at Trois-Rivières, Federal Yukon and Federal Hudson were in Montreal, Federal Saguenay was at Baie Comeau. In addition, Federal Baffin was upbound in the Cabot Strait for Baie Comeau and Federal Oshima was upbound in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for Montreal.

    Beginning her winter lay up in Montreal was Sauniere on Feb. 2 at section 25 after delivering a cargo of salt the previous day. Arriving at Sorel on Jan. 31 was Petrolia Desgagnés tying up alongside Manitoulin at section 17. A visit to Sorel on Feb. 11 revealed that no work seems to be done on Manitoulin so it is doubtful she will return to service in the spring for another season.

    Expected to arrive in Montreal on Feb. 16 will be the very recently built Wolgastern owned by Rigel Shipping of Bremen, Germany. At 14,331 gross tons, she will be the largest of their tankers to ever dock in Montreal. There are rumors that Rigel Shipping will reflag another of their chemical tankers to the Canadian flag but nothing official was released yet. Other rumors include that the Algoscotia will be offered for sale in a few weeks.

    The G.T.S. Katie is currently under tow of Simoon with a destination in India where she will not be broken up but rather will have new engines installed to replace the present ones which are not economical to operate.

    Reported by: René Beauchamp




    Hamilton Lay-up

    02/15:
    Crews are busy in Hamilton preparing the port's lay-up fleet for the coming season.

    The tug Everlast is being prepared to push her new barge this spring.
    Serviceman arrives at the big tug.
    Looking past the Everlast at the Sea Eagle II.
    Everlast looking past Heddle Marine's small floating dry dock
    The McKeil Marine Docks.
    The barge St. Marys Cement III in the Heddle Marine floating dry dock.
    The notch of the barge St. Marys Cement III.
    Zebra Mussel on the Sea Eagle II.
    Close up of the Sea Eagle's propeller.




    Boatnerd Quiz

    02/15:
    To help pass the time until the locks open we have add a new Boatnerd Quiz. 22 new questions.
    Click here for the quiz




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 15

    In 1961 the D.G. KERR (b. HARRY R. JONES) arrived at her final port of Troon, Scotland where she was cut up for scrap the same year.

    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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Algoma Update

    02/14:
    The final vessels running in the late season salt trade will be entering lay-up in the next 2 days. The Capt. Henry Jackman unloaded in Detroit Tuesday and departed late that night for lay-up in Sarnia.

    While the Jackman was sailing for the Rouge, fleet mate Algowest had finished loading salt in Windsor and departed downbound for Ashtabula, Ohio. The West was expected to arrive late last night and begin unloading. Once unloaded, the Algowest will sail upbound for lay-up in Owen Sound, Ontario.

    Reported by: Philip Nash




    A Job Well Done

    02/14:
    The Gaelic Tugboat Company tugs Patricia Hoey and William Hoey assisted the Capt. Henry Jackman into the Rouge River Osborne salt dock just after noon on the 13th. The Tug Patricia Hoey later assisted the Jackman out of the river as it sails for lay-up.

    The Jackman concluded Gaelic's 2000 ship assist season. The Company has begun a quick but extensive maintenance program.

    The Tug Susan Hoey is presently on Nicholson’s Drydock in Ecorse, MI. undergoing a propeller change along with sandblasting and fresh coat of paint. The Tug Carolyn Hoey will follow to repair the damage to her rudder caused by this winter's harsh ice. All the tugs undergo a full machinery inspection every spring, before being dispatched to their assigned ports.

    The Tug Roger Stahl is expected to depart Ashtabula after breaking ice for the Algowest this morning.

    Gaelic heard from several of the masters complimenting the tug and its crew for their "professionalism and experience." Capt. Jim Ryerse and his crew departed Detroit for Ashtabula on Jan 1st.

    Gaelic Tugboat Company would like to thank its employees, customers, and the crews of the vessels we assisted to help make this harsh winter a tolerable one. A "JOB WELL DONE"

    Reported by: William A. Hoey IV, Gaelic Tugboat Company




    Preparing the Dry Dock

    02/14:
    Crews at Bay Ship have been busy preparing the large Graving Dock for the dry docking of the Joseph L. Block. Once the dry dock is drained crews move the giant blocks that will support the incoming ship. Crews normally work off the blue prints of a ship to get the blocks placed in the exact spot. A misplaced block could punch holes in the bottom of the ship.

    Graving dock being pumped out.
    Empty dock.
    Over head crane pulling blocks.
    View from the gate at the end of the dry dock.
    Dock Master Doug Welch talking with his lead man on the bottom of dock.

    Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle




    Ice Breaking on the River Rasin

    02/14:
    On Sunday the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay conducted flood control ice breaking on the River Raisin in Monroe, MI.

    The Bristol Bay coming up the River Raisin from Lake Erie. The buildings on the right are the Monroe Detroit Edison Plant.
    Close up of the Bristol Bay. Note just in front of the pilot house you can see reporters from Channel 24 in Toledo, OH who were aboard doing a story.
    Bristol Bay entering the turning basin at the Port of Monroe Michigan.
    Heading for the river channel, exiting the turning basin. Buildings on the right are the Ford Motor Co. Monroe Plant.

    Reported by: Dean J. Frazer




    Sarnia Lay-up

    02/14:
    Vessels in Sarnia's lay-up fleet are in various stages of winter work. In the North Slip the three USS boats have the American flag flying off their sterns and appear to have had no work done to them. Rumors have the sale of these ships to Grand River Navigation still in the works with a final sale in the next few weeks.

    The Algolake appeared to have some type of cargo hold work going on with new gate sections installed. Two sections were brought in by truck and there were two large cranes lowering the sections through the hatch openings. There was also a large roll of a new unloading belt waiting to be installed.

    Below are images taken on Monday
    Bow view of Algolake.
    A section of the new cargo hold arrives by truck.
    Lowered into the cargo hold.
    Algonova at the Sidney E. Smith Dock.
    Black and white view of the Calcite II, Myron C. Taylor and George A. Sloan.
    Cuyahoga waits for the Spring.

    Reported by: Matt Miner




    Love Those Ships? Win A Trip

    02/14:
    What cruise destination is nearly impossible to get, worth over $4,000, can be won with a raffle ticket and will be drawn on Valentines Day? The Twin Ports Ship Masters Lodge 2001 Great Lakes ship trip! The ships trip raffle was created to help defray the cost of hosting the Ship Masters National Convention, recently held in Duluth.

    A cruise on a working Great Lakes Freighter is all but impossible to attain. This special trip, complete with the near legendary food, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience normally reserved only for special guests of shipping company executives and their largest customers. However, in a special event recently, a Great Lakes freighter trip was auctioned off for over $4,000 on the E-Bay.com's internet auction site.

    A uniformed Captain Ray Skelton, National Grand Lodge President of the International Ship Masters Association, will draw the four (4) lucky winners from the hundreds of raffle tickets sold in the last six months. Captain Ed Montgomery and other Ship Master members will be present as well. This drawing will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 14th at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board room.

    The actual trip will be on the "Queen Of The Lakes", the 1,013 foot "Paul R. Tregurtha". The Master of the vessel is former Duluthian, Captain Mitch Hallin, and the ship is owned by Interlake Steamship Company of Cleveland.

    The "Paul R. Tregurtha" is a frequent visitor to the port of Duluth-Superior and the trip will be likely departing Duluth Superior, in June. She will be down bound toward the lower Great Lakes and the trip will last up to 10 days, depending on the ships actual working orders at the time of the trip.

    For more information, click here to visit the Raffle's Web Site.

    Or contact Capt. Ed Montgomery at 715/392-6287 or seasrvc@cpinternet.com




    Bradshaw McKee

    02/14:
    Bradshaw C. McKee passed away Friday in Grosse Pointe, MI at age 75. He was chairman of Sand Products Corporation. Sand Products mines and distributes sand in various port on the Great Lakes, with the main loading dock in Brevort, MI in the Upper Peninsula.

    Mr. McKee was instrumental in the conversions of both the Aquarama and Milwaukee Clipper as well as the Joseph H. Thompson and McKee Sons. He was one of the original "McKee Sons" that the ship was named for.

    He is survived by his wife Caroline, sons Max, John and Patrick, daughter Eula Marie Benson, a sister and brother and 3 grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for later this spring in Brevort.

    Reported by: Wade P. Streeter




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 14

    The MESABI MINER was launched on this day in 1977 becoming the fourth thousand foot bulk carrier on the Great Lakes and Interlake's second. She had been built under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 at a cost of $45.1 million.

    Ford Motor Co., looking to expand its fleet, purchased the JOSEPH S. WOOD on February 14, 1966 for $4.3 million

    On February 14, 1973 the LEADALE's forward cabins burned during winter lay-up at Hamilton, Ont. and were later repaired.

    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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Algoma Update

    02/13:
    The Algowest passed downbound Monday sailing for the Ojibway Salt Dock in Windsor. The West will load salt for Ashtabula, Ohio. The west is scheduled to unload her cargo at Chicago on Friday.

    The Capt. Henry Jackman was loading salt in Goderich and expected to depart Monday afternoon. She will also head downbound for a dock in Detroit.

    Reported by: Philip Nash, Rob Cioletti and William Jenuwine




    Twin Ports coal tops iron ore for first time since 1932

    02/13:
    For only the second time in more than a century, coal has eclipsed iron ore as the No. 1 cargo through the Port of Duluth-Superior, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced last week.

    Spurred by another record-setting year at the Midwest Energy Resources Co. (MERC) dock in Superior, the port handled 15.04 million metric tons of coal compared with 14.7 million metric tons of iron ore pellets shipped via the DM&IR Ore Docks in Duluth and the BNSF Ore Docks in Superior.

    MERC moved 14.9 million metric tons in 2000 while inbound coal through other facilities added 70,250 tons to the overall total.

    The Port Authority reported that iron ore was first shipped through Duluth-Superior in 1892 and became the port's dominant cargo in 1895. Since then, the only prior year it had not been the principal cargo was 1932 in the midst of the Great Depression.

    The leading cargo in 1932, the Port Authority said, was also coal, but all of the port's coal at that time was inbound. Outbound low-sulfur coal from Montana and Wyoming began in 1976 with the opening of the MERC facility while inbound coal-which often exceeded 10 million tons a year in the 1920's-has steadily declined to an average of less than 100,000 tons annually.

    This was the seventh consecutive year that MERC has broken the port's coal-handling record. Of its nearly 15 million tons handled this past season, 11.8 million tons were shipped to other U.S. ports while 3.2 million tons moved to Canada.

    All Duluth-Superior cargo in 2000 totaled 37.4 million metric tons, a five percent decrease from 1999's total of 39.5 million and four percent below the port's five-year average.

    Reduced iron ore demand and a drop in Great Lakes water levels held domestic cargoes at 25.7 million tons, a six percent decrease from last year's 27.3 million tons. Despite strong western coal shipments to Canada, all international commerce reached 11.7 million tons, three percent below last year's record volume for international trade of 12.1 million tons. Duluth-Superior's previous international trade record stood at 11.8 million tons in 1978.

    Low water levels in Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan had a major negative impact on most cargo categories, the Port Authority reported. Most ships were unable to load to maximum Great Lakes drafts because of depth restrictions in lakes' connecting channels.

    Following coal and iron ore among Duluth-Superior's leading cargoes was bulk grain at 4.4 million tons.

    Twin Ports 2000 shipping activity began with the March 16 departure of Interlake Steamship Company's Paul R. Tregurtha from MERC with 58,000 metric tons of coal destined for Marquette, Mich. Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Stewart J. Cort opened the port's 2000 Great Lakes commercial navigation season, arriving March 26 at Superior's Burlington Northern Santa Fe taconite facility for 49,300 metric tons of iron ore destined for Burns Harbor, Ind.

    The port's 2000 St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season officially opened April 3 with the arrival of the Greek vessel Morias at Duluth's Cargill Inc. grain facility for about 16,000 metric tons of corn for Tunisia.

    Algoma Central Corporation's bulk carrier Algosound closed the port's St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season with her December 18 departure from Superior's General Mills and Cenex Harvest States grain facilities with 23,392 metric tons of soybeans destined for Port Cartier, Quebec.

    Duluth-Superior's last outbound cargo vessel of the season was Upper Lakes Group, Inc.'s, Canadian Olympic that departed January 5 from MERC with about 25,000 metric tons of coal destined for Ontario.

    The port's last vessel movement of the season occurred January 13 with the arrival of USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.'s Philip R. Clarke for winter berthing at Superior's Fraser Shipyards, Inc. Her arrival brought the total number of vessels wintering in the port to 14.

    Total vessel arrivals for the season of 1,107 showed a decrease of 15 from last year. There were 620 U.S.-flag, 302 Canadian-flag and 185 overseas vessels visiting the port.

    Reported by: the Duluth Seaway Port Authority and Al Miller




    Ferry runs last trip

    02/13:
    The Madeline Island Ferry Lines ferry "Island Queen" completed operations for the season last week. The ferry, which runs the 2.5 mile route from Bayfield, Wisconsin to Madeline Island in Lake Superior's Apostle Islands, made two round trips Saturday to carry the La Pointe postmaster and mail with the final trip scheduled for 4:00 PM from Bayfield. This was the latest date for the last trip before ice-up since the "El Nino" winter of 1997-98 when the ferry ran through the winter.

    The 200 or so residence of Madeline Island will now have to rely on an ice road connection to the mainland at Bayfield. Snowmobile traffic has been steady for several weeks. In the last week the maintenance crew from the Town of La Pointe used pickup trucks to set a line of used Christmas trees to mark the trail from the Island to Bayfield. Trucks from the contract road plower, Nelson Construction of La Pointe, were also on the ice last week opening a trail and then clearing additional snow.

    Although ice conditions are generally safe, a chronic crack just off the shore from Bayfield has kept traffic from having a complete path from shore to shore. A pickup truck crossing from Bayfield fell into the crack last week. The driver escaped with only wet feet.

    Normally the period between ferry travel and auto traffic lasts several weeks with transportation provided by "wind-sled", a hybrid boat with an airplane propeller. This winter will see the unusual jump direct from ferry to car travel. No one, including the windsled operator, objects to not having to ride the very noisy, very bumpy, and very cold windsled.

    Click here for more information on windsleds.

    Reported by: T.W.Eldred




    Weekly Updates

    02/13:
    The weekly updates have been uploaded. In addition to the normal Photo Gallery updates, new this week are updates to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Files. More than 1000 pieces of new information including nearly 50 entirely new entries. On the Great Lakes Book Shelf are the new publications: "Seaway Ships 2000", "The Arteries of Commerce" and "Mail by the Pail." Something for everyone to help pass the time until the locks open.

    Click here for easy to navigate updates




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 13

    The POINTE NOIRE was launched February 13, 1926 as a) SAMUEL MATHER (4).

    February 13, 1897 - The PERE MARQUETTE (later named PERE MARQUETTE 15) arrived in Ludington on her maiden voyage. Captain Joseph "Joe" Russell in command.

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

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




    Computer in Dry Dock

    02/12:
    A small crash in my main computer kept me from uploading the Monday's regular updates. All news stories for Feb. 12 were added to the Feb. 13 news. I have a large number of pictures I will be adding during the week. Thank you for you patience.




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 12

    RED WING (2) was launched February 12, 1944 as a) BOUNDBROOK.

    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
    Please e-mail if you would like to contribute a significant event in Great Lakes history




    Tregurtha Moved

    02/11:
    Saturday morning the Paul R. Tregurtha was floated out of the thousand foot dry dock at Bay shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI. after Repairs to her hull and 5 year survey were completed. She is now ready to start the 2001 shipping season for The Interlake Steamship Co. Her tentative Departure date is March 18. This move will raft together three 1000-footers at one berth.

    Pulled from the dry dock.
    Tregurtha as she slips out of dock.
    Selvick tugs flushing ice away from graving dock's gate.
    Opening gate on the graving dock.
    Tugs working brash ice allowing Tregurtha to move.
    Selvick tugs pulling Tregurtha in to Berth 15.
    Another view.
    Tregurtha and Burns Harbor stern shot.
    Empty Graving Dock, being pumped out for reblocking for Joseph L. Block.
    After Fridays ice storm, all ships decks and hatches are covered with 1/2" to 3/4" of ice.


    Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle




    Norgoma Vandals Apprehended

    02/11:
    The young people who broke 85 windows and numerous deck lights on the museum ship Norgoma last fall were turned in by their peers. The ship is on display at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is hoped they will be dealt with accordingly. Ontario has a new Parental Responsibility Law that may be effective in providing restitution.

    Several local business owners generously contributed to repair the damage.

    Reported by: George Lee




    Liberty Ship John W. Brown Featured in Television Show

    02/11:
    The Liberty Ship John W. Brown will appear in the television show "Haven" tonight. The show appears to have many scenes aboard and from a distance of the Brown, including fly overs of planes from the World War II era. The filming was done when the Brown visited the lakes this past summer in Toronto. CBS will air the show at 9:00 p.m. EST tonight and 9:00 p.m. Wednesday.

    Click here for more information.

    Reported by: Gerry Ouderkirk and Tom Moriarty




    Today in Great Lakes History - February 11

    The E.B. BARBER was launched in 1953 at Port Arthur, Ont.

    The NIXON BERRY was sold to Marine Salvage for scrap on in 1970, she was the former MERTON E. FARR.

    BEN W. CALVIN was launched in 1911.

    The keel was laid for the ROY A. JODREY on February 11, 1965.

    IMPERIAL CORNWALL was retired on February 11, 1971.

    Albert Edgar Goodrich, the founder of the Goodrich Steamboat Line, was born in Hamburg, NY, near Buffalo on 11 February 1826.

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

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




    Transport Unloads

    02/10:
    Friday the Canadian Transport unloaded 29,000 tons of coal at Ontario Hydro’s power plant in Nanticoke, Ontario. This was the final load of coal for the 2000 - 2001 season and brought an end to the late season coal run on Lake Erie.

    Transport unloading Friday.
    Loading the cargo Thursday in Conneaut, Ohi