Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

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Canadian Olympic Update
03/31
Saturday afternoon as the Canadian Olympic was upbound to Courtright, the tug Annie M. Dean and her barge arrived at Buoy D43 to begin salvage operations. Divers would attempt to recover the Olympic's starboard anchor which was lost during the grounding. The anchor was not yet recovered at 3:30 p.m. when operations were suspended for the day.

Reported by: Lawrence Yost and David Cozens

First Saltie Greeted by Ice
03/31
The first saltie arriving at the Soo Locks for the new season was greeted by heavy ice in the St. Marys River. The Chios Pride was given permission to dock at the locks for the night as Coast Guard icebreakers try to restore traffic.
Other vessel traffic was starting to back up in the river. Upbound was the Neah bay, tug Scott Purvis, Algobay, Biscayne Bay, Mesabi Miner, Canadian Prospector and Atlantic Cedar. Downbound included the Algonova, Pineglen, Algomarine, Columbia Star, Samuel Risley and Indiana Harbor.
The two downbound thousand footers were pushing too much ice into the lock approach area resulting in double lockages. With the lock gates open the footer starts into the lock then backs clear of the gates and this ice is locked through. The double lockage system works well but causes delays with only one lock in operation. Because of the long delay to lock through.
Ice breaking efforts are begin handled by the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Mackinaw, Neah Bay, Biscayne Bay and the Katmai Bay.
In other news, the Algoville was downbound in Lake Superior Friday but went to anchor four miles north of Gros Cap. Saturday morning the tug Scott Purvis got underway from the Soo to the Algoville's location. It is unknown why the Algoville required the tug.
Chios Pride upbound in the river.
Pineglen downbound on her first trip under CSL ownership.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Pathfinder Departs
03/31
The tug Dorothy Ann and Barge Pathfinder departed winter lay-up at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wi. early Saturday morning heading upbound.
The USCG cutter Mobil Bay was leading, breaking a track in the ice where required.
Thursday Morning the tug James A. Hanna arrived at Bay Ship to deliver the Barge 5101 for dry docking. The James A. with the aid of Selvick Marine tugs Escort II, Sharon M. and the tug Bay Ship uncoupled the barge and was placed into the Graving Dock for survey and repairs if required.
Bow of Pathfinder leaving berth.
Dorothy Ann in notch.
Close up.
Out to Green Bay.
Off Sherwood Point upbound.
Mobil Bay outbound.
James A. Hanna delivering 5101 to the graving dock.
James A. Backing out of Notch.
Clear of Notch.
Tug Bay Ship going to take the stern line off Barge.
Sharon M. preparing to push the bow of the James A. around in the high wind.
View of Notch.
Sharon heading back to the 5101 after helping the James A.
Stern View heading for dock.
Escort II holding back on bow.
In dock.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Season Begins in Green Bay
03/31
Friday the Great Lakes Trader arrived in Green Bay with a load of coal for the Reiss Dock. The First arrival in Green Bay has been a cement boat for the past few years, and the Trader is a rare visitor to Green Bay. Coal is normally brought to the Reiss dock by an American Steamship or LLT vessel.
Saturday afternoon the John G Munson arrived at the Fox River dock near the mouth of the Fox River to unload coal from Toledo. After unloading the Munson is leaving for Twin Ports.
The Trader was spotted upbound off Menominee at 4:00 p.m. Saturday after a long unload in Green Bay.

Reported by: Jason Leino, Scott Best and Tim Nixon

Erie Opener
03/31
Erie's first boat of the season arrived early Saturday morning and surprisingly was not an American Steamship or Oglebay Norton vessel. The Lee A. Tregurtha arrived from Stoneport at midnight with a load of gravel.
The Tregurtha first docked at the Mounfort Terminal to unload part of her cargo before shifting to the Old Ore Dock to complete the unload. The Tregurtha pulled in very close to the J.S. St. John, which is currently fitting out for another season. At 7:30 am, the Tregurtha started another pile, finishing at 9:00 a.m. and departing.
At 826-feet the Tregurtha is the largest vessel to unload in Erie in recent years. Although the Interlake thousand footers have laid up in Erie the Tregurtha is the first boat bigger than 806-feet to unload in port in recent years. The Lee A. Tregurtha is due in Toledo to load coal.
The Coast Guard Cutter Bramble was replacing buoys in Erie harbor, a month earlier than last year.
Lee A Tregurtha at the Old Ore Dock.
Another view.
J.S. St. John.
Lee A. outbound.
Stern View.
Bramble at the Public Dock.
Outbound.
Viking 1 at dock.
Lee A. passing the lighthouse.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Broken Belt Results in Unusual Unload
03/31
A broken unloading belt at the P&C Ore Dock in Conneaut, OH. forced the Edgar B. Speer to stop unloading and allow the Lee A. Tregurtha to move in and unload directly onto the dock.
The Speer's short 52-foot unloading boom is designed to only reach the unloading hopper on the dock and does not allow the vessel to discharge cargo directly onto a dock.
To complete the unload the Speer positioned the boom over an open cargo hold on the Lee A. As the Speer dropped the cargo into the Lee A. her 250-foot unloading boom dropped the taconite to the dock.
Speer unloading into the Tregurtha.
Close up.

Reported by: Tom N.

Cuyahoga at Stoneport
03/31
The Cuyahoga made a rare stop on its first trip of the season to load at Stoneport on Friday morning. This was the first trip with its new variable pitch propeller. There was some ice around the dock area but she had no trouble getting through.
The classic ship was sporting a new paint job and looked very sharp.

Reported by: Ben and Chanda McClain

Today in Great Lakes History - March 31
Christening ceremonies took place on March 31, 1979 for the d) CANADIAN PROSPECTOR.
ROGER M. KYES (Renamed b) ADAM E. CORNELIUS) was launched March 31, 1973.
WILLIAM R. ROESCH was renamed b) DAVID Z. NORTON (2) in christening ceremonies at Cleveland on March 31, 1995. The PAUL THAYER was also renamed, EARL W. OGLEBAY, during the same ceremonies.
JOSEPH S. WOOD was sold to the Ford Motor Co. and towed from her winter lay-up berth at Ashtabula, OH on March 31, 1966 to the American Ship Building's Toledo, OH yard for her five-year inspection. A 900 hp bow thruster was installed at this time. She would be rechristened as the c) JOHN DYKSTRA (1) two months later.
J. CLARE MILLER was launched March 31, 1906 as a) HARVEY D. GOULDER. On March 31, 1927, the William McLauchlan (later Samuel Mather (5), Joan M. McCullough, and finally Birchglen) entered service, departing Sandusky, Ohio for Superior, Wisconsin on her maiden trip.
On 31 March 1874, E. H. MILLER (wooden propeller tug, 62', 30 gt) was launched at Chesley A. Wheeler's yard in E. Saginaw, Michigan. The power plant from the 1865 tug JENNIE BELL was installed in her. She was renamed RALPH in 1883 and spent most of her career as a harbor tug in the Alpena area. She was abandoned in 1920.
On 31 March 1890, EDWARD SMITH (wooden propeller, 201', 748 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan by F. W. Wheeler (hull #67). In 1900, her name was changed to ZILLAH. She lasted until she foundered four miles off Whitefish Point on 29 August 1926.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Jody Aho, Father Dowling Collection and the 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

Olympic Loses Power, Grounds
03/30 10:30 a.m. Update
Shortly after 10:00 a.m. the Canadian Olympic was back in the Amherstburg Channel and underway. The tugs Stormont, Salvor and Doug McKeil assisted in freeing the vessel with no apparent damage. The Olympic continued upbound for its destination with out stopping. The vessel reports that they lost an anchor in the incident, the tug Annie M. Dean with a barge is going to try to retrieve the anchor.
Original Report
Early Friday evening the Canadian Olympic experienced a power failure while upbound in the Amherstburg Channel. Anchors were dropped, but the vessel grounded with her stern protruding about 25 feet into the channel. Upbound traffic was diverted to the Livingstone Channel.

Reported by: Lawrence Yost, Mike Nicholls and Roger LeLievre

New Soo Lock
03/30
Preliminary construction work could begin later this year on a $227 million demolition and reconstruction project at the Soo Locks.
Stanley Jacek, area engineeer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, told a meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario) Transportation Committee on Thursday night that cofferdam construction on the Davis and Sabin locks could begin in 2002.
That would mean permanent closure later this year of the two locks, built in 1914 and 1919, Jacek told SooToday.com.
The two old locks will be demolished and replaced with one new lock capable of handling 1,000-foot vessels. The cofferdam design work is scheduled for completion this year, and if sufficient funds remain, tenders will be called and construction could begin in 2002, Jacek said.
Of the four U.S. locks, Davis and Sabin are the oldest and closest to Canada. Despite their 1,350-foot length, they're neither wide nor deep enough to accomodate thousand-footers.
As a result, Sabin has not been used at all in recent years and Davis is used only rarely. Seventy percent of the Soo's tonnage now goes through the much-larger Poe lock, Jacek said.
"If we have any problems, we have big trouble on the lakes," he told committee members.
Proposed lock.
Visit SooToday.com for more information.

Reported by: David Helwig

Later Fit Out
03/30
Getting a late start to the 2002 season the steamer Middletown will have crews report for fit out on March 30. Fleet mate Earl. W. Oglebay will begin on April 10.

Ice Conditions Shut Down Ferry Service
03/30
Regularly scheduled trips to Neebish Island in the St. Marys River have been temporarily halted due to heavy ice in the Rock Cut.
On Friday neither the Neebish Islander II nor the backup "40300" used for foot traffic only has been able to make the crossing between Neebish Island and the mainland. The ice is beginning to stack up to two and three layers thick and does not appear to be "candling" which would make the ice chunks more brittle and easier to break up.
Last year, Islanders were "stuck" on the island for 14 days, the longest recorded to date.

Reported by: Mary Ann Schallip

Buoys in Place
03/30
USCG Bramble was setting buoys in Erie, PA on Friday. The upper sections of the Lansdown seem to be falling apart due to the weather. A large section of the top deck has fallen down, likely due to heavy winds the blew through the area a few weeks ago.

Reported by: Joe James

Twin Ports Report
03/30
More vessels of Great Lakes Fleet resumed sailing March 29 when Edwin H. Gott and Cason J. Callaway left their layup berths in Duluth. The Gott departed the Duluth port terminal on Friday afternoon and will load pellets at the DMIR dock in Duluth. It's due in Gary on April 2. The Callaway headed to Two Harbors to load. It's expected in Lorain on April 1.
Other GLF vessel movements are
Edgar B. Speer due in Conneaut on March 29 and Two Harbors on April 1
Presque Isle due in Two Harbors on March 31 and Conneaut on April 3
Roger Blough due at Two Harbors on March 30 and Gary on April 2
Philip R. Clarke is due at Gary on March 30 and Two Harbors on April 2
John G. Munson is due at Green Bay on March 30, ice permitting. From there it goes to Two Harbors.
The fleet's only idle vessel is Arthur M. Anderson, which is due out in early to mid-April after undergoing a boiler refit over the winter.

Reported by: Al Miller

Detroit River Traffic
03/30
The USCG Sycamore (WLB 209-209) passed Detroit on Friday. The new cutter is on her delivery trip to her home port of Cordova, Alaska. The Sycamore was launched on July 28, 2001 at Marinette Marine.

Reported by: Lawrence Yost

Toledo Update
03/30
The CSL Laurentien finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed Friday morning. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Kaye E. Barker, and Algolake today. The Canadian Transport, Lee A. Tregurtha, and Buffalo on Monday, followed by the Algomarine on Tuesday.
The H. Lee White is the first ore boat of the season due in at the Torco Ore Docks on Tuesday, followed by the Adam E. Cornelius on Thursday.
The CSL Tadoussac remains in drydock at Toledo Shipyard undergoing rudder repairs. There are no other active vessels in port at the time of this report other than the winter lay-up fleet.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland News
03/30
Friday the barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible were arriving in Cleveland. The tug and barge were in port to unload at West Third.
Pictures by TZ
McKee Sons inbound.
Looking down on the pilot house of the barge.
Close up of the tug Invincible.
Another view.
Passing under the N&S Bridge.
Heading into the Flats.
Farther up river.
Bow view.
Close up.
Stern view.
Cleveland Fire Boat Anthony J. Celebreeze.
High winds a few weeks ago toppeled a large crane working on the N&S Bridge.
Crews working to dismantle the crane.
Crushed trailor under the crane.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

New Development for Duluth
03/30
A lease agreement with a domestic wood products company for the last undeveloped lot at Duluth's Clure Public Marine Terminal was approved Wednesday by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority at its annual meeting.
Innovative Pine Technologies, Aitkin, Minn., will lease a nine-plus acre lot for construction of a 20,000-square-foot remanufacturing and distribution facility for both foreign and domestic forest products. The balance of the land will be used for outdoor storage and material staging.
Company officials said the new facility will initially employ about 25 workers.
Innovative Pine Technologies will sell wood in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, the Dakotas and Illinois. In addition to buying wood from domestic and Canadian producers, the company plans on booking European lumber shipments as part of its ongoing operations.
"This shows strong promise for becoming a staple of future port commerce," said Port Director Davis Helberg. "Although we are primarily an export outlet, imports are extremely important in helping provide two-way cargoes for our ocean carriers, especially those in the outbound grain trade."
Port Authority Business Development Director Andy McDonough said the Port Authority will invest about $250,000 for infrastructure improvements, while the company will pay for the cost of the building construction and storage yard improvements.
The addition of Innovative Pine Technologies brings the total number of businesses operating at the Clure Public Marine Terminal to 16. Altogether, 55 companies employing about 850 people now operate on Port Authority properties at the Terminal and at Airpark, an industrial complex adjacent to the Duluth International Airport.
The Port Authority also owns the 28-acre Garfield C&D development site, former home of a large grain elevator complex that has been prepared for conversion into a cargo-handling facility, and the Erie Pier dredge disposal facility.

Reported by: Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Picture Updates
03/30
I have my full connection restored and shall add the back log of pictures during the next few days. Sorry for the delay.

Today in Great Lakes History - March 30
The CHEMICAL MAR arrived at Brownsville, TX on March 30, 1983 in tow of the tug FORT LIBERTE to be scrapped there.
The ERINDALE was pressed into service after the LEADALE (2) sank in the Welland Canal. She was towed out of Toronto on March 30, 1983 by the tugs G.W. ROGERS and BAGOTVILLE for repairs at Port Weller Dry Docks. The ERINDALE re-entered service two months later.
March 30, 1985 - The CITY OF MIDLAND's departure was delayed when her anchor snagged one which she had lost in Pere Marquette Lake the previous summer.
On 29 March 1888, D. D. JOHNSON (wooden propeller tug, 45', 17 gt) was launched at E. Saginaw, MI. She was built for Carkin, Stickney & Cram and lasted until 1909.
100 years ago today, on March 30, 1900, the carferry Ann Arbor No. 2 grounded on the rocks east of the approach to the channel at Manistique, MI. She was pulled off quickly by the Ann Arbor No. 3 and the tug Gifford. She was found to have bent a propeller shaft and broken her rudder, resulting in a trip to the drydock at Milwaukee.
On 30 March 1917, GERMANIC (wooden propeller passenger/package freight vessel, 184', 1014 gc, built in 1899 at Collingwood, ON) was destroyed by fire at her winter berth at Collingwood, Ontario while she was being prepared for the upcoming season. She was the last wooden ship built at Collingwood.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Shawn B-K, 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

Ice Stops Traffic
03/29
Thursday the USCG Mackinaw requested all upbound vessels in the St. Marys River to anchor or remain at the Soo until daylight hours today. Ice conditions are not favorable due to winds shifting ice flows in Whitefish Bay. The downbound Steamer Alpena called for icebreaking assistance early Thursday morning when stuck, north of Gros Cap. The Canadian Progress, upbound in the lower river was allowed to lock through and tie above the locks until daylight. The cutter Neah Bay was ecpected to escort the Progress and three upbound vessels due to lock through last night.
The Mackinaw was expected to escort the Burns Harbor downbound last night to the Soo. Thousand footers with their 105-foot wide hulls and high horse power engines leave a clear track when passing through smaller tracks broken by the Coast Guard Cutters. They are preferred to be the first to pass through a newly opened track.
Normally there are two courses used in Whitefish Bay, one downbound and one upbound. Earlier in the week the Mackinaw and Neah Bay had both tracks open but winds have caused the ice to shift, closing the tracks.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Hamilton Opener
03/29
Stelco's first shipment of iron ore for 2002 was brought in by the Frontenac Thursday afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. That evening, the Hamilton Energy was refueling the Frontenac.
About 6:00 p.m. Thursday the tug John Spence and barge McAsphalt 401 entered Hamilton Harbor and within half an hour were moored to the north face of Pier 12.
Earlier in the week the Gordon C. Leitch departed Hamilton after a being in lay-up since Dec 15, 2000. Last year extensive work was completed on the vessel assuring many years of future service for the straight decker. Her first trip was upbound to Thunder Bay where she will load grain.
Over at Heddle Marine, work is still underway with the modifications of McKeil's tug William J. Moore (ex Alice A.). Also at Heddle Marine, in the floating drydock, is the CCG Limnos.
The Calumet is the only vessel left of the trio of Lower Lakes vessels moored at Pier 11 at the Canamera facility.
The Canadian Miner, Canadian Navigator and Montrealais are still in lay-up status at the Dofasco docks. Over at Piers 25-27, the Canadian Prospector has departed. The Algolake and the Capt. Henry Jackman both of which have exhaust coming from their stacks, will probably be leaving shortly. The Canadian Provider and the James Norris are still in lay-up.
The Frontenac passed through the Welland Canal earlier that day. This was her first downbound transit sporting a long needed paint job in CSL red and looking very good. She was transiting from Thunder Bay after her winter work was completed and she loaded her cargo.
Pictures of the Frontenac passing on the Welland Canal by Jason Junge
Frontenac on the Welland Canal.
Close up of the bow.
Another view.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon, Jason Junge and Bill Bird

Bridge Troubles
03/29
The South Park Ave. Bridge over the Buffalo River has been closed to all vessel traffic for the time being due to a set of bad bearings in the lift towers. This has been an on going problem for the city ever since the bridge deck was paved over a few years ago. The City felt that the upper Buffalo River vessel traffic was so infrequent that they could eliminate the old steel mesh type decking and pave over the entire lift span of the bridge. The added weight of the asphalt has caused serious stress on the left system that it was not originally designed for.
This will result in possible problems for Mobil Oil should they need a gas cargo or require the fire fighting services of the Edward M Cotter.
In other news the Charles M. Beeghly made a rare visit to Buffalo on Tuesday. The J.A.W. Iglehart is expected in port in the next few days.
Gemini heading under South Park Bridge.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

First Saltie Arrives in Toronto
03/29
It was a buys day in port Thursday with the season's first saltie Strange Attractor arriving at Redpath Sugar dock, escorted by McKeil tugs Atomic and Glenevis.
Dredging began earlier this week in the Ward's Island lagoon. Returning to service Thursday were the tour boat Shipsands, the Royal Canadian Yacht Club tender Kwasind, and the Island Yacht Club tender Prince II, which was towing finger docks to the club today.
Winter tarps were removed from the Centre Island ferry Thomas Rennie today.
Tuesday will see the launch of the four vessels: tug Torville, sloop Blue Dragon, tug Miss Kristy and houseboat Cordraulic - which have wintered on Toronto Drydock. The sail training vessel Pathfinder will then be dry docked.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Clarkson Begins 2002 Season
03/29
The 2002 shipping season has opened in the port, located on the north shore of Lake Ontario west of Toronto.
Just after noon Thursday the Algocape arrived at the St. Lawrence Cement pier. She sailed from her winter berth in Toronto. The straight deck bulker is loading cement clinkers or cement powder.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Top Hat Recap
03/29
Captain Hugh Pink of the Lower Lakes Towing vessel Mississagi was presented with the ceremonial top hat Tuesday, when the St. Lawrence Seaway officially re-opened for its 44th consecutive shipping season.
Guy V�ronneau, President of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, declared the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland Canal officially open.
The ceremony was attended by Transport Minister David Collenette, Albert Jacquez, Administrator of the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, local politicians and Captain Scott Bravener, President and CEO of Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., owner of the first vessel to pass through the locks this year.
�In many ways, our Seaway has become a world leader in the use of technology to improve marine transportation,� said Mr. V�ronneau. �Just to give two striking examples: the infrastructure for automatic vessel identification (AIS) is now in place. The system will be extensively tested this season and be made mandatory next year. It is a most modern system and, linked with DGPS, it will eventually revolutionize navigation in restricted waters.�
Speaking further about security measures for the Seaway, Transport Minister David Collenette said, �The American and Canadian governments, along with the Seaway Authority have worked together to enhance marine security and shave intelligence of ships entering the Seaway and the Great Lakes. These updated measures that will be in effect are going to be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that they reflect new and emerging realities.�
Measured against the last five years, the 2001 navigation season was an average one for the Welland Canal and the Seaway generally. Combined Seaway cargo reached 41.71 million tonnes, a drop of 10% from 2000 levels caused by a sluggish North American economy, less activity in the steel industry, with corresponding reductions in related commodities (iron ore, coal and steel imports), and fewer Canadian and U.S. grain export shipments. Despite the reduced traffic, Mr. V�ronneau pointed out, �The Seaway has met its business plan targets for the fourth year in a row, and we plan to do so again this year, though we expect no better than average traffic to continue. Again this year we are able to offset our mandatory 2% toll increase with a 1.5% rebate.�
Opened in 1959, the 3,700 kilometer St. Lawrence Seaway allows uninterrupted navigation nine months of the year from Duluth, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Mississagi proudly decorated to honor the event. Dan Sweely
Capt. Pink receives the honors for the first ship through. Alex Howard

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp.

Twin Ports Report
03/29
Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior is already off to a fast start this season, and over the next few days it will be loading a wave of ships bound for Nanticoke. The line-up includes Indiana Harbor and John B. Aird, loading March 29; Canadian Enterprise, March 30; Algobay, March 31; and Canadian Olympic and Paul R. Tregurtha, loading April 1.
After several days of delay in Thunder Bay, Atlantic Huron reached Duluth. It loaded taconite pellets at the DMIR ore dock and departed early Thursday morning.
Canadian Prospector now looks like the best candidate to be the Twin Ports' first grain boat of the season. First saltie presently appears to be Menominee, which is scheduled to arrive next week with a load of lumber for the port terminal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Cleveland Update
03/29
The Stephen B. Roman was unloading cement at the Blue Circle dock on the river Thursday. The tugs Delaware and Mississippi were standing by at 1:00 p.m. to assist in the departure.
The St. Marys Cement Barge and the Fred White have left their winter lay-up berths as well. The Earl Oglebay was transferred last week from the old river to the Whiskey Island terminal for an extended lay-up. The move was necessary so ships could unload at the Ontario Stone docks and load at the salt mine. There are three Grand River boats due over the next few days.
Pictures by TZ
Tow moves down the river.
Close up.
Delaware leads the tow.
Wide view.
Mississippi trails on the bow.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Radio Message
03/29
The Seaway Authorities have issued their last message, #5, for the 2002 opening season. The navigation channels are mainly ice free. The essential aids from Snell Lock to Lake St. Francis were to be established by the end of the day Thursday and 24 hour navigation will commence. Both sides of the flight locks in the Welland canal are now open to navigation.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Attacks prompt tighter security for lakers, salties
03/29
Pleasure boats will need to give a wider berth to lake freighters and salties entering the St. Lawrence River will face increased scrutiny in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
The U.S. Coast Guard and other police agencies are expected to crack down on pleasure boats that get too close to lake freighters -- especially those carrying petroleum or chemical cargoes.
In addition, Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette said the United States and Canada have agreed that foreign ships will be screened before they arrive in the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes system and will be inspected before they proceed to port. Boarding protocols have also been refined to improve response to any threats.
Keeping pleasure boats farther away from freighters is part of a heightened enforcement plan to provide added security following Sept. 11, said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Hall, of the U.S. Coast Guard, said it
"We don't have any added restrictions, but will be improving enforcement of the current restrictions," Hall said.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been instrumental in creating River Watch -- a program to be launched on Great Lakes waters this spring. Although no Canadian agencies are yet involved, River Watch will be a joint effort that includes the Coast Guard, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Customs, FBI, Border Patrol and the Michigan State Police.
"We want the public to be the eyes and ears for these law enforcement agencies," Hall said. "We want everyone to be more aware of what's going on the water and report any suspicious activities."
There are plans for an aggressive advertising campaign following a kickoff in Michigan on May 13.

Reported by: Al Miller

Aerial Views
03/29
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over the St. Clair River Thursday and sent in the pictures below. All photographs are available for purchase. Don's company, Great Lakes Aerial Photos, is available for hire for any aerial photography need.
Presque Isle underway.
Stern view.
Paul R. Tregurtha.
Unloading at the Lambton Power Generating Station.
Sarnia lay-up.
North Slip.

Reported by: Don Coles

Today in Great Lakes History - March 29
The PRINDOC (3) was sold off-lakes during the week of March 29, 1982 to the Southern Steamship Co., Georgetown, Cayman Islands and was renamed b) HANKEY.

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

Tadoussac Arrives for Repairs
03/28
The tug John Spence with CSL Tadoussac in tow arrived in Toledo Wednesday morning. The tow was escorted upbound the Maumee River by several Great Lakes Towing Company tugs headed for the drydock at Toledo Shipyard to have repairs made to her rudder. It is unknown at this time how long she will remain in drydock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

First boats from the lower lakes arrive in the Twin Ports
03/28
The Twin Ports shipping season "officially" began March 26 when the Mesabi Miner arrived to load 51,000 metric tons of coal at Midwest Energy Terminal. Although ships have been loading in Duluth-Superior for about a week, the season traditionally does not officially begin until the first boat from below the Soo arrives in port. The Mesabi Miner is bound for the generating station at St. Clair, Mich.
In other port news, Philip R. Clarke departed its lay-up berth in Superior's Fraser Shipyards on Wednesday. The vessel was in Two Harbors late in the day loading taconite pellets for Gary.

Reported by: Al Miller

Thunder Bay Opener
03/28
The Port of Thunder Bay had its first arrival Wednesday to officially start the 2002 shipping season. At 6:00 p.m. the barge Sarah Spencer and tug Jane Ann IV entered port through the North Breakwall piers and slowly moved into the Richardson Elevator slip. The skies were sunny and a few people were on hand to greet the Spencer as she tied up to the dock wall. She will load grain.
Work on the Atlantic Huron is finished and she departed berth Wednesday morning and sailed out of Thunder Bay headed for Duluth.
The newly named Pineglen left her winter berth on Wednesday and moved under the loading chutes at Saskatchewan Pool 7a.
The Algoville also left her winter lay-up at Pascol and shifted over to Richardson Elevator early Wednesday morning. By afternoon she had moved over to Cargill Elevator at the mouth of the Mission River.
Pictures taken Saturday by John Kuzma
Paterson before the name was painted out.
"P" comes down from the stack.
Work on the stack.
Halifax powers up.
CCG Samuel Risley.
Atlantic Huron and Oakglen.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Stone Port Opens
03/28
On Wednesday the Charles M. Beeghly loaded a cargo of stone, with fleet mate Lee A. Tregurtha next in line to load at the dock. The Saginaw was at anchor and will load sometime this morning after the Tregurtha departs.
The Alpena is returning from Heron Bay (on Lake Superior) and is due into the Lafarge dock in Alpena this evening to load. The J.A.W Iglehart is heading for Buffalo.

Reported by: Ben and Chanda McClain

Indiana Harbor Visits Muskegon
03/28
The Indiana Harbor made its first trip to Muskegon Tuesday. The vessel's captain, James Van Dongen, is a Muskegon resident. The 1000-foot ship docked at the B.C. Cobb Plant at 8:00 a.m. and unloaded 58,517 tons of western coal. After the unload she departed at 8:50 p.m. In past years vessel from the Oglebay Norton Fleet have served the Lake Michigan port. This visit by an American Steamship Company vessel is believed to be the result of the pooling agreement between the fleets.

Reported by: Scott Golin

Donner Ready for New Season
03/28
The Selvick Tugs Jimmy L and Susan L arrived in the Menominee River about 2:00 p.m. Wednesday with two barges that will be used for a dredging and dock reconstruction at Marinette Marine Corp. The tugs then shifted to K&K dock in Menominee and towed the crane ship William H Donner to Marinette Fuel and Dock where it is normally docked.
Last December the Donner was brought to K&K dock in Menominee to have its deckhouse removed. The 140-foot USCG Mobile Bay assisted the Selvick tugs from Sturgeon Bay through thick ice to the mouth of the Menominee River. It took almost seven hours for the tugs and barges to cross the bay.
Tugs and barges arrive in the Menominee River.
Tow of the Donner with K&K dock in the background.
Close up.
Jimmy L leads tow through Menekaunee Bridge.
Through the bridge.
Making the turn and approach to Marinette Fuel and Dock.
Tugs move the Donner into place.
Susan L pins the Donner to the dock.
Selvick Tugs head home after a busy day.
USCG Mobile Bay waiting to assist the Selvick Tugs back to Sturgeon Bay.

Reported by: Scott Best and Dick Lund

Tugs Depart
03/28
That morning the tugs Jimmy L. and Susan from Selvick Marine departed Sturgeon Bay towing the Roen Salvage work barges from Bay Ship to Marinette. They became stuck in a pressure ridge at the mouth of Sturgeon Bay, at Sherwood Point, and the USCG Cutter Mobil Bay was called to the aid of the tugs and barges.
After breaking through the ridge the Mobil Bay broke the tugs and tow free and was leading the way up Green Bay.
The pressure ridge is a build up of ice is due to the way the water flows in Green Bay. The water flows down the Marinette/Menominee side of the bay until it reaches the end of Green Bay. There it turns and flows up the Door County side. When the flow reaches Sherwood Point the water flows out into Green Bay which causes a ridge. The water is flowing out carrying the ice which plies up into the pressure ridge, some times feet high. The Mobil Bay gets another "job well done" for keeping the shipping traffic moving.
Mobil Bay to the rescue.
Breaking a track.
Another pass.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Toledo Update
03/28
The Adam E. Cornelius finished loading coal at the CSX Docks and departed early Wednesday morning. The tug/barge combo Joyce L. Van Enkevort/Great Lakes Trader shifted over to the coal dock to load coal, waiting to follow the Trader is the Fred R. White Jr. to load later that evening. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the CSL Laurentien and John G. Munson today. The Algolake on Friday, followed by the Kaye E. Barker on Saturday.
There are no ore vessels scheduled into the Torco Ore Dock at this time. No grain vessels were in port at the time of this report.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Westcott Update
03/28
The work being done to the Detroit River Mail boat, J. W. Westcott II continues to progress. The hull has been patched of any holes; the average thickness of the hull is about � inch. Paint has also been added over the gray primer, Coal tar was used to coat the underside of the hull, and the remaining was painted the typical black with red below the waterline.
The Westcott II looks like a new boat. Water run-offs along the gunwales have been increased in size from approximately 2 X 6 inches to approximately 4 X 12 inches. Rubber D-rail is to be added around the bow for protection from passing ships.
On Wednesday the 20, the newly rebuilt Detroit Diesel 6-cylinder was reinstalled into the engine compartment. This was done by means of a boat hi-lo. The engine, painted alpine green, is expected to be completely functional within the next 2 weeks.
Wiring on board the Westcott II is nearly complete now. There will be a new depth finder added this year to the boat, as well as all new electronics and navigational lights.
J. W. Westcott Company Office
Work was done at the company building as well. Mostly cleaning was carried out, however the heating system within the office was worked on. Work in the lobby consisted of cleaning of rugs and moping of floors, as well as moving the employee�s lockers.
The J. W. Westcott Company will officially begin operation on Wednesday, April 8th.

Reported by: Justin Kreimes and Capt. Sam Buchanan

Picture Updates
03/28
I have my full connection restored and shall add the back log of pictures during the next few days. Sorry for the delay.

Today in Great Lakes History - March 28
On 28 March 1848, COLUMBUS (wooden sidewheeler, 391 tons, built in 1835 at Huron, OH) struck a pier at Dunkirk, NY during a storm and sank. The sidewheeler FASHION struck the wreck in November of the same year and was seriously damaged.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze

Mississagi Opens Welland Canal
03/27
In a wintry mix of rain and snow Mississagi opened the shipping season on the Welland Canal Tuesday. The traditional presentation of a top hat took place inside the Lock 3 Visitors Center due to the bitter weather out side. Capt. Hugh Pink of St. Catharines, was presented with the top hat for taking the first vessel through the canal.
This year marks the historic Welland Canals 173rd consecutive year in operation through four canals that have transported national and international commerce since the first canal opened in 1829.
Mississagi proudly decorated to honor the event. Dan Sweely
Passing the Rt. Hon Paul J. Martin. Dan Sweely
In Lock 3. Dan Sweely
Steam winches on deck hiss in the cold. Dan Sweely
Looking down on the stern. Alex Howard
Capt. Pink receives the honors for the first ship through. Alex Howard
Press takes pictures on the viewing platform.
Opening the canal and heading for Lock 4. Alex Howard
Close up of the freshly painted Mississagi. Alex Howard
Mapleglen above Lock 7 arriving from Windsor with a load of Soya Meal for trois Rivi�res, Que. Alex Howard
Close up. Alex Howard
Stern view downbound. Alex Howard
Stephen B. Roman approaches Lock 2. Alex Howard
Close up "Essroc" on her hull. Alex Howard
Close up of the stack. Alex Howard
Entering Lock 2. Alex Howard
Striking CMOU members picket.

Reported by: Alex Howard and Dan Sweely

Seaway Opens
03/27
The St. Lawrence Seaway opened at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday with the Jean Parisien passing as the first eastbound vessel. The first westbound vessel was the CSL Niagara.
The Parisien was at Sodus at 10:12 a.m. and Cape Vincent at 2:00 p.m. She originally gave at time of 5:00 p.m. for the Crossover but was forced to anchor east of Quebec Head as the American Narrows were shut down due to poor visibility in heavy snow.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Name Change Complete
03/27
The Paterson is now the Pineglen. Work on changing the name and painting CSL colors on the stack is complete. The Pineglen sports a home port of Montreal under her new name on the stern. Tuesday, fuel was being delivered to the boat as well as supplies as she prepares to depart her winter berth at Keefer Terminals. She is expected to move Wednesday sometime, at the soonest, to load at grain before heading out onto Lake Superior.
In other Thunder Bay Shipping news, work on the Atlantic Huron continues over at Keefer Terminals. She is having Propeller work done before she departs. She is tied to the Oakglen who is dockside in winter lay-up.
The Halifax continues to sit at the Keefer Terminal dock despite a couple of attempts to leave the dock. Unknown problems have plagued her since having engine work done over the winter lay-up. She is scheduled to head to Duluth once the problems are corrected.
Loading has begun on the Barge McAllister 132 at the Great West Timber dock. Workers are loading bundles of lumber in preparation for her first trip of the season. Her tug WN Twolan was still in winter lay-up as of Tuesday afternoon but is expected to be freed shortly to join her barge at dockside.
The USCG Mackinaw was in the Port of Thunder Bay recently. She was in port to assist in ice breaking effort and stayed in port for a few days before returning to operations in White Fish Bay.
End of an era as the Paterson "P" is removed from the stack.
Frontenac turns on the power.
Frontenac backing into Thunder Bay harbor.
Another view.
Tugs W.N. Twolan and Radium Yellowknife wait for the new season.
George N. Carleton breaking ice.
Point Valour breaks ice at Richardson.
Mackinaw in port.
Algosoo heads for the dry dock.
Entering. In the dry dock.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

LTV mills renamed International Steel Group
03/27
The new owner of bankrupt LTV Corp.'s steel mills said Monday that the steel business will be renamed International Steel Group Inc. and will resume limited production in about eight weeks.
A federal bankruptcy judge on Feb. 28 approved the purchase by W.L. Ross of LTV steel assets for $127 million plus the unspecified cost of assuming environmental liabilities. The sale is expected to close before April 15.
ISG will provide management and financial oversight to its integrated flat-rolled steel plants in Cleveland, East Chicago, Ind., and Hennepin, Ill., and a coke plant in Warren, Ohio, said Wilbur L. Ross, chairman and chief executive of the New York-based Ross investment firm.
"The new company's name conveys the fact that international competition is a permanent part of the steel business,'' Ross said. "This new venture will apply the most effective management and operating practices and seek opportunities worldwide to achieve long-term profitability and value for our investors.''
Rodney Mott has been appointed president and chief executive officer of ISG. He previously was vice president of Nucor Corp., which has flat-rolled minimill steel plants. He began his management career at U.S. Steel.
The new company, once it starts production, will increase operations based on market conditions, Mott said.
"We will enter the marketplace in a gradual, disciplined manner, with each plant focusing on the products it makes best, as defined by the market,'' Mott said.
Mott also said each steel plant would establish its own name to reflect its identity in its community.

Reported by: Al Miller

Columbia Star Opens Season for Oglebay Norton
03/27
The Columbia Star departed her winter lay-up at the T.W.I. Dock on Tuesday bound for the Soo. The Star is the first vessel in the Oglebay Norton fleet to sail in the 2002 season.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Tracks Hold, Shipping Continues
03/27
Light traffic in the St. Marys River and White Fish Bay continue to move quickly through the area thanks to the preventative ice breaking efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard. The weather has cooperated with little wind that could blow the tracks closed.
The Mackinaw and Neah Bay have established both upbound and downbound tracks in the ice. These "highways" through the ice will permit traffic to move through unassisted unless wind conditions close the tracks.
The Mighty Mac spent part of the morning powering through heavy ice north of the Gros Cap Light in White Fish Bay. At times the massive ice breaker would only move 40 yards before it would be stopped by a pressure ridge in the ice. The Mackinaw would then back up and power forward crushing the heavy ice.
Upbound Tuesday was the cement carrier Alpena. Downbound was the Roger Blough, Paul R. Tregurtha and Presque Isle. The Mackinaw dock early afternoon at the Sault Ste. Marie Coast Guard Base for a crew change and the Neah Bay remained in White Fish Bay to maintain the tracks.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Challenger Waits for Fit Out
03/27
Engine room crew members aboard the classic cement carrier Southdown Challenger have not yet received notice to return to work. The Challenger may not fit out until the end of April or the beginning of May depending on demand.

Reported by: John Cull

Toledo Update
03/27
With two back to back snowstorms and strong Northeast winds on Lake Erie several vessels were delayed arriving in port. Early Tuesday morning the Canadian Enterprise was able to make it into the CSX Docks to load coal. Sailing right behind her was the Adam E. Cornelius, she was able to proceed to the old CSX Ore Dock and will follow the Enterprise loading coal.
Following the Cornelius was the tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort and barge Great Lakes Trader. They arrived and headed for the CSX Stone Dock and will follow the Cornelius loading coal.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Fred R. White Jr. today. The CSL Laurentien, John G. Munson, and Algolake on Thursday, followed by the Kaye E. Barker on Saturday.
The crane barge has been removed from the large drydock at the Shipyard. The drydock is now being prepped to handle the CSL Tadoussac when she arrives for rudder repairs from Port Colborne. The CSL Tadoussac tow has been delayed arriving In Toledo due to the strong winds on Lake Erie. Unknown at this time when the tow will begin.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Olympic Loads
03/27
Canadian Olympic docked at P & C Coal Dock in Conneaut, Oh about 11:00 p.m. Monday and was loading coal a short time later.

Reported by: Tom N.

Picture Updates
03/27
I have my full connection restored and shall add the back log of pictures during the next few days. Sorry for the delay.

Today in Great Lakes History - March 27
EDWARD S. KENDRICK was launched March 27, 1907 as a) H.P. McINTOSH for the Gilchrist Transportation Co., Cleveland, OH.
Nipigon Transport Ltd. (Carryore Ltd., mgr., Montreal, Que.) operations came to an end when the fleet was sold on March 27, 1986 to Algoma Central's Marine Division at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
On 27 March 1841, BURLINGTON (wooden sidewheeler, 150 t, built in 1837 at Oakville, Ontario) was destroyed by fire at Toronto, Ontario. Her hull was later recovered and the 98 foot, 3-mast schooner SCOTLAND was built on it in 1847 at Toronto.
On 27 March 1875, the steamer FLORA was launched at Wolf & Davidson's yard in Milwaukee. Her dimensions were 275' keel x 27' x 11'.
On 27 March 1871, the small wooden schooner EMMA was taken out in rough weather by the commercial fishermen Charles Ott, Peter Broderick, Jacob Kisinger and John Meicher to begin the fishing season. The vessel capsized at about 2:00 PM, 10 miles southwest of St. Joseph, Michigan and all four men drowned.
C. E. REFERN (wooden schooner, 181', 680 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan by F. W. Wheeler (hull #65) on 27 March 1890.

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

Mackinaw Keeps Traffic Moving

03/26
The USCG cutter Mackinaw spent Monday doing track maintenance in Whitefish Bay, assisted by the USCG Neah Bay. Scheduled downbound vessels this morning include John G. Munson, Frontenac, Halifax and Roger Blough. The Paul R. Tregurtha and Presque Isle are due at noon today. The cement carrier Alpena also locked upbound this morning around 8 a.m. Vessels are experiencing little trouble with ice, thanks to the tracks established by the Mackinaw. The Mighty Mac is expected to lock downbound around noon today.
The Indiana Harbor, which opened the shipping season at the Soo Locks just after midnight Monday, was assisted through the lower St. Marys River later Monday morning by the USCG cutter Biscayne Bay. Near Neebish Island the 1,000-foot coal carrier was stopped in the frozen ice track by large chunks of ice that had broken off the tracks edge. The ship managed to break free on her own and rejoin the cutter without assistance. At daybreak Monday, Algonova departed her Sault, Ont. dock enroute to Sarnia following the track of the Indiana Harbor. The Neebish Island ferry requested assistance on opening day, having trouble navigating the refrozen track.
Reported by: Jerry Masson

Mississagi Set to Open Welland Canal

03/36
The shipping season on the Welland Canal opens today with the traditional presentation of a top hat to Capt. Hugh Pink, of St. Catharines, skipper of the Mississagi, first vessel to transit the Canal for 2002. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Lock 3 around 10 a.m.
This year marks the historic Welland Canals 173rd consecutive year in operation through four canals that have transported national and international commerce since the first canal opened in 1829.
It will be a chilly passage: forecasters are calling for a wintry mix of rain and snow.

Twin Ports Report

03/26
The first wave of vessels carrying taconite pellets is on its way to the lower lakes. Presque Isle and Roger Blough are due at Conneaut on March 28. Both are expected back in Two Harbors on March 31. John G. Munson is due at Lorain on March 27. From there it will proceed to Toledo on the 28th to load coal for Green Bay, where it's due on March 30.
On Monday, Paul R. Tregurtha departed Midwest Energy Terminal bound for the Soo Locks and lower lakes.
Edgar B. Speer is due at the DMIR ore docks in Two Harbors around noon today. From there it will proceed to Conneaut. Also scheduled to load in Two Harbors today is Cason J. Callaway. Philip R. Clarke is scheduled for March 27 and Columbia Star for March 28. Edwin H. Gott is expected to load in Duluth on the 28th.
Although many vessels have departed to begin their runs for 2002, Duluth/Superior still has vessels in layup. These include H. Lee White at the Port Terminal, George A. Stinson at Hallett 5, Armco at Fraser Shipyard and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. at Garfield C.
Reported by: Al Miller and Mike Cleary

Season Starts for Mapleglen

03/26
The Mapleglen left her berth at Windsor ADM Monday morning around 1000 and proceeded upbound to Sterling Fuels where she took on fuel before turning downbound in the Detroit River in low visibility and got underway around 1330. She reported a draft of 23' and was carrying a load of Soya Meal for trois Rivieres, Que.
Reported by Jamie Osborne and Jamie Kerwin

Work Continues on Paterson/Pineglen

03/26
Crews at Thunder Bay are busy onboard the Paterson/Pineglen. As of 7 p.m. Monday night the stack was painted with CSL colors and they were painting out the Paterson name on the starboard side of the bow.
Reported by: Rob Farrow and John Kuzma

End Reported Near for Algogulf

03/26
Algoma Central Marine has apparently sold its bulk carrier Algogulf to International Marine Salvage Co of Port Colborne, Ont. It is not known at this time when the scrap tow from Hamilton will take place but it may come as early as this spring. Algogulf was launched as the J. N. McWatters (2) in 1961 for Misener Transportation. In 1991 she was renamed Scott Misener (4). She received her last name in 1994 when purchased by Algoma and last operated in 1999.
The idle Kinsman Enterprise is also expected to be towed from Buffalo to Port Colborne for scrapping some time this spring.
Reported by: Herm Phillips

Kingston Report

03/26
The season has begun as both VBR Prescott and WAG Seaway Clayton radio stations are active and broadcasting the Seaway bulletins.
The Welland Canal and the Montreal / Lake Ontario section opened at 0800 today. The lighted aids are in from Lake Ontario to the Eisenhower Lock and the aids from Eisenhower to Lake St. Louis are being placed over the next few days. The navigation channels are mainly ice free. Navigation in some areas is restricted to daylight only until the lighted aids are in place. The east side of the flight locks will be closed for the opening of navigation. All traffic will be processed through the west side until the east side is commissioned.
Both the Welland Canal and the Montreal / Lake Ontario section start the season with a maximum draft of 26' 3.
Reported by: Ron Walsh

Photos Delayed
03/26
I am having trouble editing pictures on my home computer. Please continue to send images and I will upload them as soon as possible.

Today in Great Lakes History - March 26

On 26 March 1922, OMAR D. CONGER (wooden passenger-package freight, 92', 200 gt, built in 1887 at Port Huron, MI) exploded at her dock on the Black River in Port Huron with such violence that parts of her upper works and engine were thrown all over the city. Some said that her unattended boiler blew up, but others claimed that an unregistered cargo of explosives ignited. She had been a Port Huron-Sarnia ferry for a number of years.
The CITY OF MT. CLEMENS (wooden propeller "rabbit", 106', 132 gt) was launched at the Chabideaux' yard in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on 26 March 1884. She was then towed to Detroit to be fit out. She was built for Chapaton & Lacroix. She lasted until dismantled in 1921.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, Father Dowling Collection and the Historical Collections of the Great Lakes

Indiana Harbor Opens Season at the Soo

03/25 update (3 p.m.)
The Indiana Harbor's official passage time at the Poe Lock was 2:13 a.m. this morning, according to an article in today's Sault Evening News. The vessel's captain, Jim VanDongen, was presented with a baseball hat inscribed "First Ship Soo Locks 2002" by a city delegation headed by Mayor Tony Bosbous in a brief early morning ceremony.
The vessel is loaded with western coal for Muskegon. Meanwhile, Edgar B. Speer passed through the Poe Lock at 8 a.m., followed by the Mesabi Miner in the late morning, Stewart J. Cort around noon and the Burns Harbor at about 3 p.m.
Reported by: Roger LeLievre
3/25
The 1,000-foot self-unloader Indiana Harbor, operated by American Steamship Co., eased into the Poe Lock at around 2 a.m. today, thus becoming the first commercial vessel of the 2002 shipping season to use the waterway. She made the trip down through Whitefish Bay with relative ease, thanks to efforts of the USCG icebreaker Mackinaw, which spent a day and a half doing track maintenance between Gros Cap and the edge of the ice pack, which begins just past Ile Parisienne.
Edgar B. Speer was the first upbound vessel, due at 7:30 a.m. She is followed by Mesabi Miner, Stewart J. Cort, and Burns Harbor.
Roger Blough and John G. Munson are downbound and expected to hold above Ile Parisienne until the Speer clears them upbound. The track cut by the Mackinaw is only wide enough for one vessel. Other downbound vessels expected this afternoon are Frontenac and Halifax.
The USCG Mackinaw continues to stand by to assist vessels Whitefish Bay while the USCG Katmai Bay continues to work in the lower St. Marys River.
Reported by: Brian Kloosterman

Duluth Swings Into Gear

03/25
Vessels of Great Lakes Fleet laid up in the Twin Ports began getting under way Sunday when John G. Munson departed Fraser Shipyards in Superior about midday and proceeded to Two Harbors to load taconite pellets. It was followed late in the afternoon by Roger Blough, which also departed the shipyard for Two Harbors. Presque Isle also had been scheduled to depart Sunday, but by late in the day the vessel was still at its layup berth.
Reported by: Al Miler

Beeghly clears Buffalo
03/25

Charles M. Beeghly cleared the south gap in Buffalo at 15:25 Sunday. She unloaded coal at the Gateway Metroport (the old Bethlehem Steel slip) in Lackawanna. The Beeghly is the third ship in Buffalo for 2002. Peter R. Cresswell was in port in January with salt and the Lee A. Tregurtha was in earlier in March with coal. All three visits were to Gateway.
Reported by: Mike Madigan and Mike Madigan Jr.

Busy Weekend in Sarnia

03/25

The Maumee now docked along side Cuyahoga (pulled in bow first). She apparently left late last week and headed down river. After stopping at Sterling Fuels in Windsor, she headed back up the system and docked next to the Cuyahoga. What is not clear is exactly why she made this unusual trip, although several people on the dock say that she possibly suffered a unloading belt failure. She is apparently waiting for the Saginaw to depart on Tuesday and will be taking her spot on the wall where cranes can be moved in to work on her. Crew members where busy touching up hull paint in a small boat on the starboard side of the Maumee Sunday afternoon.
The Saginaw has steam up and the covers off the cabin windows. Cuyahoga's new propeller and rudder have been reinstalled. The new self unloading belt has been installed on the Algorail.
Canadian Transfer is now sitting by itself at the end of the North Slip and apparently has a 2 foot by 2 foot hull puncture at the 10 foot mark just forward of the bow thruster on the starboard side. The damage may have been incurred when the vessel was moved to allow Maumee to leave.
The CCGS Griffin spent Sunday putting down buoys. She placed Lake Huron Cut buoy 2 and the three buoys south of the Blue Water Bridge and then docked at the Government Docks around 17:20. Her next departure will be Tuesday.
Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Bayship Layups Sail

03/25

On Saturday Kaye E. Barker departed Bay Ship, proceeding through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and to Lake Michigan. Sunday saw two 1,000- footers depart together. The Edgar B. Speer led the way with Mesabi Miner following. The USCG Mobile Bay and Selvick tug Jimmy L were on site to help break ice and clear track. Both vessels headed north towards the bay of Green Bay. Remaining at Bay Ship are Sam Laud, American Mariner, John J. Boland, James R. Barker, tug Dorothy Ann / barge Pathfinder and the Wilfred Sykes.
Reported by Vic DeLarwelle, Carl Grota and Bill Jasper

Bethlehem Steel Fleet Begins the Season

03/25

The Bethlehem Steel fleet departed Milwaukee early Sunday morning. First to leave was the Stewart J. Cort. Captain Dave Mathie eased the Cort away from the Heavy Lift dock just before 6 a.m. Fifteen minutes behind was the Burns harbor under the command of Captain Dave Lindmark. Both boats provided the many early morning fisherman with a little diversion as they passed. Sailing time from Milwaukee to the Soo Locks is approximately 22 hours.
Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Thunder Bay Report

03/25

The first departure of the 2002 season from the Port of Thunder Bay was the Canada Steamship Lines Frontenac, which left at 2 p.m. Saturday heading for Hamilton. Sporting a couple of minor scratches to her new paint job, the Frontenac backed out of Pascol Engineering with the help of the tug George N. Carleton. She proceeded out onto the bay and set course for Duluth where she will take on a load before heading for the Soo Locks.
The tug Point Valour was busy Saturday breaking ice in the Richardson Elevator slip in preparation for the loading of the Algoville. The Algoville is expected to make her way over to the elevator sometime in the next day or so.
Saturday also saw activity on the Paterson. The big white P on each side of the stack was removed and lowered to the deck around 3pm. No sign of painting either the name or the stack was noticed but is expected to occur sometime soon. Her new name is Pineglen.
The Halifax was firing her engines on Saturday and expected to depart by early evening, as both the Point Valour and the Glenada attached lines to her dockside at Keefer Terminals. Apparently unknown problems arose, as both tugs untied after awhile and proceeded back to their home dock. The Halifax is expected to follow in the wake of the Frontenac and also sail to Duluth to load.
Work is proceeding on the Atlantic Huron's propeller while she sits at Keefer Terminals. Crews were busy Saturday working from a small barge which was secured to the Kort nozzle of the Huron. It is unknown how long this work will last. The Atlantic Huron wintered at Pascol Engineering where most of her work was completed but was moved to Keefer in order to have deeper water to ballast the bow down in order for the propeller work to take place.
Reported by: Rob Farrow

Conneaut Opens

03/25

The Algoma Central self-unloader John B. Aird arrived at Conneaut at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, officially opening that Lake Erie port.
Reported by: Tom N

St Lawrence Seaway News

03/25
At Sorel-Tracy, the P letters on the Cartierdoc's smokestack were removed Sunday morning so CSL colors could be painted on. Her new name, Cedarglen, should be applied before March 27, as that is the day she is scheduled to shift from her winter layup dock to the QIT dock to load. In Montreal, nothing has been done yet on Mantadoc, which is scheduled to be renamed Teakglen. No activities were observed on board.
Algonorth was conducting emergency fire drills Sunday at Montreal in preparation for her first trip of the season.
The first laker to resume service after wintering in Montreal was Algocen, which departed in ballast this morning for a lower St.Lawrence River port. Her departure was delayed by nearly three hours because of an engine problem.
The unlucky Lake Carling, which arrived in the Bay of Gaspe late yesterday afternoon, has given her next destination as Quebec City. There is speculation she will be repaired at the shipyard at Levis across the St.Lawrence River from Quebec City.
At least four vessels are expected to transit the St.Lambert lock on opening day Tuesday: CSL Niagara, Strange Attractor bound for Toronto, Chios Pride bound for Thunder Bay and Jade Star bound for Sarnia. Already in the Seaway is the CCGS Tracy, which entered the system on Friday. She has begun to install a few buoys. For the first time in years, no large icebreaker was needed by the Seaway to clear the ice in the canals despite all the snow of last week followed by a cold spell.
A conservation land trust known in short as D.I.A.M.O.N.D.S. (Dundas Iroquois & Matilda, Morrisburg Ontario Natural Development Seaway Shorelines) will open a St.Lawrence Seaway Interpretive Center at Iroquois, Ont. in a few weeks. For that purpose, they leased for five years a building owned by the St.Lawrence Seaway Management which was scheduled to be torn down. The building overlooks the Iroquois lock and was known as the Tindale House. Since 1958, it has been the home of the lock superintendent until he retired in 1998. There will be marine exhibits and the history of the lost villages and old canals will be featured.
Vega Desgagnes, laid up at Quebec since Dec. 24, was scheduled to load Sunday night then head to Newfoundland.
Reported by: Rene Beauchamp, Robin Hartley, Terry Beahen

Photos Delayed
03/25
I am having trouble editing pictures on my home computer. Please continue to send images and I will upload them as soon as possible.

Today in Great Lakes History - March 25

HENRY G. DALTON was launched March 25, 1916 for the Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland, OH, the company's first 600 footer.
FRANK R. DENTON was launched March 25, 1911 as a) THOMAS WALTERS.
On March 25, 1927 heavy ice caused the MAITLAND NO.1 to run off course and she grounded on Tecumseh Shoal on her way to Port Maitland. Eighteen hull plates were damaged which required repairs at Ashtabula.
The ENDERS M. VOORHEES participated in U.S. Steel's winter-long navigation feasibility study during the 1974-75 season, allowing only one month to lay up from March 25th to April 24th.
March 25, 1933 - Captain Wallace Henry "Andy" Van Dyke, Master of the Steamer Pere Marquette 22, suffered a heart attack and died peacefully in his cabin while en route to Ludington.

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

Vessels Head for Soo Locks
03/24 - 11 p.m. update
The 1,000-footer Indiana Harbor reported in downbound at Ile Parisienne at 9:30 p.m. this evening, a little later than was scheduled. She will be the first vessel at the Soo Locks, officially opening the 2002 shipping season on the upper Great Lakes, sometime after midnight. She was escorted through Whitefish Bay ice, estimated at 12-18 inches thick in some places, by the USCG Mackinaw. The Mackinaw remains above the locks to assist other vessels.
03/24
Here are tentative arrival times and dates for vessels headed for the Soo Locks. As it stands now, the Indiana Harbor should be the first passage. She is due to arrive in the upper St. Marys River at 1800 (6 p.m.) on Sunday and will be first in line Monday morning when the Locks open for business. The first upbound transit is likely to be either Mesabi Miner or Sarah Spencer, also on Monday. Here is the lineup so far.
Downbound (arrival times at Whitefish Point as of 11:30 p.m. Sunday)
Frontenac: 1500 on the 25th
Halifax: 1800 on the 25th
Atlantic Huron: 0600 on the 27th
Pineglen (ex Paterson): 0700 on the 29th
H. Lee White: 2200 on the 31st
Upbound (arrival times at DeTour as of 11:30 p.m. Sunday):
Edgar B Speer: 0100 on the 25th
Mesabi Miner: 0200 on the 25th
Burns Harbor: 0200 on the 25th
Stewart J Cort: 0530 on the 25th
Mesabi Miner: 0700 on the 25th
Sarah Spencer: 0800 on the 25th
Columbia Star: 0600 on the 27th
Charles M. Beeghly: unspecified time on the 30th
Adam E. Cornelius: 2200 on the 30th
The U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw is stationed in Whitefish Bay to assist vessel traffic as needed.Ice thickness is estimated at between 12" and 18" in some areas.

Photos Delayed
03/24
I am having trouble editing pictures on my home computer. Please continue to send images and I will upload them as soon as possible.

Toledo Report
03/24
The Lee A. Tregurtha was loading coal at the CSX Docks Saturday. The next scheduled vessels due in at the CSX Docks are the Canadian Enterprise on Sunday, Adam E. Cornelius on Monday and the tug/barge combo Joyce L. Vanenkevort/Great Lakes Trader on Tuesday. CSL Laurentien and Fred R. White Jr. are due on Wednesday. There are no ore boats scheduled into the Torco Ore Docks at this time.
Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Today in Great Lakes History - March 24

ALPENA (1) was launched on March 24, 1909 as a) ALPENA (1).
IRVIN L. CLYMER was launched March 24, 1917 as a) CARL D. BRADLEY (1), the third self-unloader in the Bradley Transportation Co. fleet.
The SAMUEL MATHER (4) was transferred on March 24, 1965 to the newly formed Pickands Mather subsidiary Labrador Steamship Co. Ltd. (Sutcliffe Shipping Co. Ltd., operating agents), Montreal, Que. to carry iron ore from their recently opened Wabush Mines ore dock at Pointe Noire, Que. to U.S. blast furnaces on Lakes Erie and Michigan.
PETER ROBERTSON (2) was launched March 24, 1906 as a) HARRY COULBY (1).
On 24 March 1874, the 181', 3-mast wooden schooner MORNING STAR was launched at E. Saginaw, MI.
On 24 March 1876, CITY OF SANDUSKY (wooden side-wheel passenger/package freight vessel, 171', 608 gt, built in 1866 at Sandusky, OH,) burned and sank in the harbor at Port Stanley, Ontario.
On 24 March 1876, MINNIE CORLETT (wooden scow-schooner, 107 gt, built before 1866) was sailing light from Chicago to Two Rivers, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan when she stranded and then sank. No lives were lost.

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

Paul R. Opens Marquette
03/23
The Paul R. Tregurtha unloaded coal at Marquette's Presque Isle Dock Friday. She was the first ship of the season to arrive at Marquette, whose harbor has been basically ice free all winter.
Work is continuing on the ore dock in preparation for the first ship to arrive to load taconite pellets once the Locks open.
Paul R. unloading.
Wide view of the dock.

Reported by: Lee Rowe

Lower Lakes Towing Ready for Opening
03/23
For the first time, a vessel from Lower Lakes Towing will be the first ship through the Welland Canal, when the shipping season officially opens on Tuesday, March 26.
Capt. Hugh Pink, of St. Catharines, will be presented with the traditional Top Hat when he brings the Mississagi through the Lock 3 Welland Canals Centre.
Lower Lakes Towing was founded in 1994 by Capt. Scott Bravener, who is not only the President and CEO of the company, but who was also the captain of their first ship, the Cuyahoga, from 1995 to 2001 and still �captains� a ship from time to time.
�We�re still a growing company, with three ships in Canada and three ships that we charter through our US subsidiary, Lower Lakes Transportation Co.,� says Capt. Bravener. �And we�re excited to be included in the opening of the Welland Canal this year,� he continues.
Capt. Bravener will be speaking at the Top Hat Ceremony. Other speakers will include seaway officials, Guy Veronneau, President and CEO, The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation; and Albert Jacquez, Administrator, The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
The 10:00 a.m. program will formally welcome the Mississagi at the Lock 3 Welland Canals Centre in St. Catharines. The public is invited to the annual "Top Hat" event, which will include a reception.
For the historic Welland Canal, this year will mark its 173rd consecutive year in operation through the four canals that have transported national and international commerce since the first canal opened in 1829.
Pictures of the Mississagi

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp.

Paterson Sale
03/23
The newly purchased Paterson vessels in the CSL fleet will receive the same paint and stack markings as the Mapleglen and Oakglen. Crews were expected to begin yesterday painting the stacks in CSL colors but the hulls will remain black.
The Paterson, the Cartierdoc and the Mantadoc will be respectively renamed the Pineglen, the Cedarglen and the Teakglen.

Reported by: Canada Steamship Lines

Burns Harbor & Cort Prepare to Sail
03/23
The Burns Harbor and Stewart J. Cort underwent fire and lifeboat drills in Milwaukee on Friday. The Marine Safety Office of the USCG is oversees these yearly drills.
For the fire drill a location is selected for the "fire." Burns Harbor Capt. Dave Lindmark was notified that there was a fire in the incinerator room. The General Alarm was sounded and the crew reported to their assigned stations.
Under the watchful eye of USCG Chief Warrant Officer Bob Sorrell the Burns Harbor crew fought the "fire." Afterwards everyone assembled in the crew's dining room for a critique of the operation.
Next the man overboard-lifeboat drill was held. Windy conditions Friday required that the lifeboat be hauled alongside the dock at the stern of the Burns harbor so the crew could safely enter the lifeboat.
In past years a life ring was used to simulate the man overboard. Now the Coast Guard provides a 100 lb. dummy. It was thrown over the side and the lifeboat crew, under the command of First Mate Wade Presnell, had to row out to retrieve the man in the water. Stiff NW winds provided some difficulty, but the "man" was retrieved and brought back to the Burns Harbor for emergency medical treatment. Burns Harbor watchman, Karl Stramm, a certified EMT, also demonstrated the use of the boat's defibrillator to the rest of the crew.
Burns Harbor Capt. Dave Lindmark goes over paperwork with USCG Senior Marine Inspector Bob Sorrell prior to the fire & lifeboat drills.
Karl Stramm (kneeling) explains the defibrillator to the crew as Bob Sorrell looks on.
The lifeboat is prepared for launch.
Dummy before he got wet.
The crew rows out to the dummy.
The man is brought into the lifeboat.
The Critique session.
Bob Sorrell offers suggestions and comments to the crew.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Canada watchful of surge in cheap steel imports
03/23
The Canadian government is expected to consider a demand by the country's steel industry and unions for tariffs to guard against a possible flood of cheap steel imports.
John McCallum, the Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions, said Ottawa was worried about the aftermath of a recent U.S. decision to enact tariffs against cheap imported steel. Ottawa is monitoring imports and vows to act if its detects a surge of overseas steel products initially destined for the United States instead coming to Canada.
Steel producers such as Stelco Inc., Dofasco Inc., IPSCO Inc and Slater Steel Inc., as well as the United Steelworkers union, which represents 45,000 workers, urged McCallum to introduce tariffs to discourage low-cost imports.
Imports of steel into Canada reached a record 44 percent of apparent consumption in 2000.
The U.S. tariffs have sparked angry reactions around the globe with the European Union and Japan both threatening to take their case to the World Trade Organization. On Tuesday, the EU said it may erect its own trade barriers within days to prevent diversion of U.S.-bound steel. Mexico has already slapped tariffs on its steel imports.

Reported by: John Stark

Mild Winter Leaves Salt on Dock
03/23
In a scene that it repeated around the lakes, Milwaukee's relatively mild winter has left lots of salt still piled on Jones Island. The port is a major distribution point for road salt. One mountain alone exceeded 300,000+ tons of salt. More than half still remains.
Mountain of salt.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Twin Ports Report
03/23
Boatwatchers in the Twin Ports get full-scale relief from the winter doldrums today when vessel traffic resumes for the DMIR ore docks in Duluth and Two Harbors, and traffic continues at Midwest Energy Terminal.
The Frontenac and Halifax are scheduled to start the season at DMIR in Duluth on Saturday, arriving from Thunder Bay. In Two Harbors, Roger Blough is expected to arrive at midday after departing its lay-up berth in Superior. Indiana Harbor is scheduled to depart its lay-up berth at Duluth's Hallett Dock to load at Midwest Energy Terminal.
Traffic will continue next week at the DMIR ore docks. At Duluth, Edwin H. Gott is due to load March 28. In Two Harbors, John G. Munson and Presque Isle are due March 24 and Edgar B. Speer and Cason J. Callaway are both due there March 26.
Some interesting notes
All three AAA Class vessels of Great Lakes Fleet have now had their boilers overhauled. The latest to undergo boiler work was Arthur M. Anderson. The vessel is due out in mid-April and will be the last of GLF's boats to enter service this season. Steam already is up on the Callaway and on Philip R. Clarke.
The vessels of American Steamship/Oglebay Norton will be the big haulers at Midwest Energy Terminal this spring. In April, Walter J. McCarthy is scheduled to carry five loads from the dock while Indiana Harbor and Columbia Star are due to each load four. Oglebay Norton is slated to carry two cargoes. The other major hauler will be Interlake's Paul R. Tregurtha, with four loads scheduled. Mesabi Miner is due to load one coal cargo.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Update
03/23
There were no coal boats in port Friday. The next scheduled vessels due in at the CSX Docks will be the Lee A. Tregurtha, Canadian Enterprise, and Adam E. Cornelius today. The Adam E. Cornelius on Sunday followed by the CSL Laurentien on Monday.
As of Friday there are no ore boats yet scheduled into the Torco Ore Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Montreal Tugs
03/23
Below are recent images taken in Montreal.
Montreal Grain elevator being demolished at the foot of Pie IX blvd.
Tug Ocean Jupitor arriving at the vessel Achilleas Frangistas.
Vessel as seen from inside the tug.
Pulling the vessel away from the dock.
Ready to let go.
Heading down river with tug in foreground.
As the tug heads for her dock, we pass the Russian Tanker Mekhanik Khemelevskiy.

Reported by: Kent Malo

Coast Guard sets boating security zones around nuclear plants
03/23
The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing security zones around two nuclear power plants on Lake Michigan.
The Coast Guard announced Wednesday that it is setting up security zones effective immediately off the water discharges of the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant near St. Joseph and the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Van Buren County.
The Coast Guard established the zones in response concerns about possible terrorist attacks. Lt. Carol Stearns, operations officer for Coast Guard Group Grand Haven, said zone sizes were based on the size of facilities and of intakes. Zones were put in place after the Sept. 11 attacks, but that order expired March 1.
No vessels will be permitted in the zones, which will be marked with buoys. If a vessel is spotted in a zone, operators will be asked to leave. A security zone violation carries fines of up to $10,000 and up to10 years in prison.
But Bill Schalk, spokesman for the D.C. Cook Nuclear Plant, told The Herald-Palladium newspaper that the plant's owner, Electric Power Co., will petition the Coast Guard for a smaller zone.
"We recognize that it's a popular fishing spot, and we don't want to restrict fishing any more than we have to," Schalk said.
A smaller zone would allow fishing at the discharge points and be more than adequate to meet the security concerns raised by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Schalk said.

Reported by: Rob Kennedy

Models For Sale
03/23
In the early 1950s, Bill Crandall of Shelby Township, MI, got a taste of life on the Great Lakes, working on the steamer Huron of the Wyandotte Chemical Co. He sailed for two years under the supervision of his uncle, the ship's chief engineer. The Huron typically carried coal north from Toledo to Alpena, where she would unload, shift across her berth and load limestone for the return trip to Toledo.
Crandall started out as a coal passer one season, then worked as a fireman on the Huron's "Black Gang" in the engine room and boiler spaces deep in the bowels of the ship.
When he left the lakes, he worked in a factory for Ford Motor Co. In his retirement, Bill has enjoyed making large-scale detailed models of Great Lakes ships including the Middletown, Huron (Wyandotte Chemical self-unloader), Cedarville and of course, Edmund Fitzgerald. Bill recently has decided to sell his collection of ship models to good homes. The models range in size from four to six feet. Cost is $100 per foot. All models have been sold (no electronic pictures available)

Reported by: Jon Ottman

Today in Great Lakes History - March 23
The National Transportation Safety Board unanimously voted on March 23,1978 to reject the U. S. Coast Guard's official report supporting the theory of faulty hatches in their Edmund Fitzgerald investigation. Later the N.T.S.B. revised its verdict and reached a majority vote to agree that the sinking was caused by taking on water through one or more hatch covers damaged by the impact of heavy seas over her deck. This is contrary to the Lake Carriers Association's contention that her foundering was caused by flooding through bottom and ballast tank damage resulting from bottoming on the Six Fathom Shoal between Caribou and Michipicoten Islands.
On 23 March 1850, TROY (wooden sidewheel passenger/package freighter, 182', 546 tons, built in 1845 at Maumee, OH) exploded and burned at Black Rock, NY. Up to 22 lives were lost. She was recovered and rebuilt the next year and lasted until 1860.
On 23 March 1886, Mr. D. N. Runnels purchased the tug KITTIE HAIGHT.
The 3,280 ton motor vessel YANKCANUCK commanded by Captain W.E. Dexter, docked at the Canadian Soo on 23 March 1964 to officially open the 1964 Navigation Season for that port Captain Dexter received the traditional silk hat from Harbormaster Frank Parr in a brief ceremony aboard the vessel. The ship arrived in the Sault from Windsor, Ontario. Captain Dexter said the trip from Windsor was uneventful and he had no trouble with ice. This was the first time a ship from the Yankcanuck Line won the honor of opening the Sault Harbor.

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

CSL and Paterson Finalize Deal
03/22
Gerald Carter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Canada Steamship Lines Inc. Montreal (CSL), and Robert Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Division, of N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited (Paterson), announced Thursday that CSL has finalized its purchase of three Paterson vessels: the Paterson, the Cartierdoc and the Mantadoc. They will be respectively renamed the Pineglen, the Cedarglen and the Teakglen.
These three gearless vessels will join the current CSL bulker fleet composed of the Ferbec, the Oakglen and the Mapleglen and will be utilized in the conventional grain and iron ore trades on the Great Lakes. In doing so, they will complement CSL�s current self-unloader trading patterns, thus providing all customers greater flexibility in their delivery schedules.
Canada Steamship Lines Inc. is a major North American shipping company transporting over 20 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually. CSL, together with its affiliated company, CSL International Inc., owns and operates the largest fleet of self-unloading vessels in the world.
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited was founded in 1908 by Norman McLeod Paterson. The company remains 100% Canadian and family owned. The company provides grain handling, marketing and crop inputs sales and service, livestock feed production and organic grain sourcing services domestically and internationally.

Reported by: Canada Steamship Lines

Lake Carling Update
03/22
Thursday the tug Ryan Leet arrived on scene and began using high volume pumps to assist the leaking bulk carrier. The Lake Carling took shelter north of the Magdalen Islands as it waited for the tug.
Crews on scene expect to pump as much water as possible from the vessel and then begin to make temporary repairs so the vessel can make it into Sidney, N.S.
On Tuesday the ship developed a 13-foot stress crack in the hull when it was about 150 miles northwest of Sydney. After proceeding under power for a short time the flooding became more than the onboard pumps could handle and the vessel stopped. Wednesday the stress crack was estimated to be 25 feet long in the No.4 hold.
Lake Carling on a visit to the lakes last summer. Jeff Thoreson
Tug Ryan Leet. Paul Beesley
Another view. Gerry O.

Reported by: Al Jackman

Quebec City Harbor to receive its first Seaway Vessel
03/22
After a very quiet winter season marked only by the usual crude oil deliveries, exportations of grain by ocean-going vessels and IITM chemical shipments, Quebec Harbor will start its 2002 Seaway season on March 30. CSL's Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin will arrive at section 29 (Bunge), the SeawayMax self-unloader will deliver a cargo of wheat.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

J. W. Westcott II Work Update
03/22
The U.S. Mail Boat J.W. Westcott II its new engine installed on Wednesday. Crews from the Westcott Company and a crew from Williams Detroit Diesel installed the engine. The Mailboat is scheduled to be refloated on March 28 with sea trials the following week.

Reported by: Capt. Sam Buchanan

Frontenac Moved
03/22
The Frontenac was pulled out of Drydock at Pascol Engineering on Wednesday. She was pushed into the ice to keep her in place while the tugs moved the Algosoo into drydock. The Atlantic Huron was to have been towed over to Keefer Terminals on Wednesday but was delayed and then delayed again Thursday by high winds. The Huron will be ballasted by the bow to raise her propeller out of the water for some repair work.
Smoke was seen Thursday coming from the Halifax, who is tied up over at Keefer. Two or Three of the lay-ups are rumored to be departing Thunder Bay this coming weekend.
Tug Peninsula breaking ice.
Frontenac is pulled from the dry dock.
Frontenac clear.
In the harbor.
Algosoo moved into Pascol.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Bridge Back in Service
03/22
The Norfolk & Southern Railway Bridge across the mouth of the Cuyahoga River has now re-opened to permit ship traffic in and out of the Port of Cleveland. Cargos of stone, salt and cement usually pickup the last week of March. The Alpena was trapped in the river but departed early this week as the bridge opened.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Twin Ports Report
03/22
Vessel movement in Duluth-Superior began about 630 a.m. Thursday when the Paul R. Tregurtha departed Duluth loaded with about 60,000 tons of coal bound for the WEPCO generating station at Presque Isle (Marquette), Mich. The Tregurtha was assisted out of the harbor by the Great Lakes Towing tug Minnesota.
On Wednesday, the Coast Guard Cutter Sundew was breaking ice near the Midwest Energy Terminal, where the Tregurtha had spent the winter. The Sundew broke a track into St. Louis Bay and broke up ice in the turning basin off the end of the DMIR ore docks.
Next traffic in the Twin Ports is scheduled for this weekend.
On Saturday, Roger Blough is set to depart for Two Harbors, Paul R. Tregurtha will return to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal, Indiana Harbor will depart its layup berth at Hallett Dock to load at Midwest Energy Terminal, and Atlantic Huron is scheduled to arrive late in the day from Thunder Bay to load at Midwest Energy Terminal.
On Sunday, Presque Isle and John G. Munson are both scheduled to depart their layup berths to proceed to Two Harbors to load taconite pellets.

Reported by: Al Miller

Soo Update
03/22
Eariler this week the tanker Algonova was unloading at the Government Dock. As it prepared to depart, the tanker requested icebreaking assistance for her downbound trip. This is an unusual request unless the channels are full of heavy pack ice. With the Mackinaw and Samuel Risley working in Lake Superior, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay and Katmai Bay could easily handle the assist through the lower St Marys River.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

Toledo News
03/22
The Canadian Enterprise was at the CSX Docks Thursday loading coal on its first trip of the season. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Adam E. Cornelius on Friday. Wednesday the vessel was headed to Sandusky. The Lee A. Tregurtha, Canadian Enterprise, and Adam E. Cornelius will load on Saturday. Followed by the CSL Laurentien on Monday.
There are no ore boats due in at the Torco Ore Dock at this time.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Work Boat Returns
03/22
The Toronto Port Authority's workboat Osprey is back in service. She was hauled out at Eastern Marine Services during the winter for an overhaul.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Kingston (Seaway East) Update
03/22
Activity is starting to pick up in the Kingston area. VBR Prescott has had some yachts check in for radio checks. According to VBR, the Robinson Bay and the CCGS Simcoe are placing aids for the Season. The Simcoe is in the Welland Canal area and then plans to head down river. The Robinson Bay does the American Aids in the Seaway area.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Today in Great Lakes History - March 22
The GULF MACKENZIE sailed light March 22, 1977 on her maiden voyage from Sorel to Montreal, Que.
The Canal Tanker COMET was launched March 22, 1913.
THOMAS W. LAMONT was launched March 22, 1930.
March 22, 1885 - The Goodrich Steamer MICHIGAN was crushed in heavy ice off Grand Haven and sank. Captain Redmond Prindiville in command, Joseph Russell first mate.
On 22 March 1873, TYPO, a wooden schooner/canaller, was launched at Milwaukee. She cost 25,000 and was commanded by Captain William Callaway.
On 22 March 1871, Engineer George Smith and two firemen were badly scalded on the propeller LAKE BREEZE when a steam pipe they were working on blew away from the side of the boiler. They were getting the engines ready for the new shipping season.
On 22 March 1938, CITY OF BUFFALO (steel side-wheeler passenger/package freight vessel, 340', 2940 gt, built in 1896 at Wyandotte, MI) caught fire during preparations for the Spring season while at her winter moorings at the East Ninth Street dock in Cleveland, Ohio. She was totally gutted. The hulk was towed to Detroit for conversion to a freighter, but this failed to materialize. She was cut up for scrap there in 1940.
On 22 March 1987, the pilothouse of the 1901 steamer ALTADOC, which was used as a gift shop and 2-room hotel near Copper Harbor, Michigan, was destroyed by fire.

Data from: Joe Barr, Dave Swayze, 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

CSL and Paterson Finalize Deal
03/21 4:00 p.m. Update
Gerald Carter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Canada Steamship Lines Inc. Montreal (CSL), and Robert Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, Marine Division, of N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited (Paterson), have announced today that CSL has finalized its purchase of three Paterson vessels: the Paterson, the Cartierdoc and the Mantadoc. They will be respectively renamed the Pineglen, the Cedarglen and the Teakglen.
These three gearless vessels will join the current CSL bulker fleet composed of the Ferbec, the Oakglen and the Mapleglen and will be utilized in the conventional grain and iron ore trades on the Great Lakes. In doing so, they will complement CSL�s current self-unloader trading patterns, thus providing all customers greater flexibility in their delivery schedules.
Canada Steamship Lines Inc. is a major North American shipping company transporting over 20 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually. CSL, together with its affiliated company, CSL International Inc., owns and operates the largest fleet of self-unloading vessels in the world.
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited was founded in 1908 by Norman McLeod Paterson. The company remains 100% Canadian and family owned. The company provides grain handling, marketing and crop inputs sales and service, livestock feed production and organic grain sourcing services domestically and internationally.

Reported by: Canada Steamship Lines

Seaway Opening
03/21
The first ship to open the 2002 season on the Seaway will be the CSL Niagara, opening day, March 26. The Niagara has been in lay-up at Montreal since Dec.26 and is loaded with iron ore.
The first foreign-flag vessel will be Strange Attractor which was expected to arrive at the Pointe-aux-Trembles anchorage, Montreal Wednesday night. She has a load of sugar for delivery at Toronto. Expected up the Seaway also on opening day will be Chios Pride who was unloading sugar in Montreal Wednesday.
The Welland Canal will open on March 26 with the Mississagi taking the Top Hat at Lock 3 about 10:00 a.m.

Reported by: Ren� Beauchamp

Season Begins in Twin Ports
03/21
The Paul R. Tregurtha was expected to depart Superior early Thursday to launch this season's vessel traffic in the Twin Ports. The Tregurtha is heading for Marquette with a load of coal.
Elsewhere in the harbor, the crew of the Roger Blough had fired up the engines. Exhaust could be seen coming from the big vessel's stack. It's scheduled to leave Fraser Shipyards on Saturday and proceed to Two Harbors to load.

Reported by: Al Miller

Icebreakers Ready for Season
03/21
Four U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers - Mackinaw, Katmai Bay, Neah Bay and Biscayne Bay - are working this week in the St. Marys River, Soo Locks and Mackinac Straits areas clearing channels for Monday's opening of the commercial shipping season at the Soo Locks, according to a story in Wednesday's Soo Evening News.
The Mackinaw locked through the Poe Lock upbound for the upper St. Mary's River, Whitefish Bay and Thunder Bay Tuesday morning. The Canadian Coast Guard Ice Breaker Samuel Risley will also be working the area.
U.S. Coast Guard officials report ice from six to 14 inches thick on downriver channels with some ice jams forming here and there in broken tracks and turns. Still vessels are not expected to have any difficulty on their first passages.
Early word is that three lakers will