Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Seaway Opens Today

03/31
The first ship of the season upbound in the Seaway, the Regina Oldendorff, is expected to enter the lock at St. Lambert shortly after 10 a.m. Monday morning. She will be followed (not necessary in order) by the newly renamed Birchglen ex Mackenzie going to Duluth, CSL Laurentien for Thunder Bay, Chios Pride for Marinette and on Tuesday Nanticoke for Toledo.

Nanticoke is on her way from Port Cartier and is likely loaded with iron ore for A.K. Steel via Toledo. This new route for CSL will fulfill a contract that CSL obtained to haul Labrador ore this year to Toledo.

The first downbound vessel is expected to be Jean Parisien Monday morning at the Iroquois Lock. She wintered at Hamilton and passed Sodus Point, Lake Ontario Sunday morning bound for Sept-Iles.

The Welland Canal will open today at 10 a.m. with the Algocape taking the Top Hat at Lock 3. Due to weather and demand the canal opened last week to limited traffic but opens officially today.

Pictures by Alex Howard.
Canadian Progress waits at the Welland for daylight operations.
Underway.
Stern view.
Algosoo in Lock 2.

Reported by: René Beauchamp, Jimmy Sprunt and

Radisson Upbound

03/31
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Pierre Radisson continued breaking a path upbound Sunday. The Radisson was working at breaking ice in the Tibbetts Point area and then went to anchor south of the Main Ducks. She is heading eventually for the Welland Canal and Lake Erie.

Pictures by D. Beach
Below the Iroquois Lock preparing to let go 5:20 a.m. Sunday.
Bow of Radisson.
Another view.
In the lock, lower end closing.
View of stack, lifeboat, and landing barge.
Crew member getting some starboard side air.
Stern.
Under way.
Another view.

Wide view. Maurice Fodey

Reported by: Ron Walsh and D. Beach

Sundew in Marquette

03/31
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew was in Marquette Sunday. The cutter broke out both sides of the dock and the coal hopper then headed back out in to the lake to assist an inbound vessel.

Reported by: Chad Hunt

Roman opens Rochester

03/31
The season got underway in Rochester, New York at about 6 a.m. Sunday when the Stephen B. Roman entered the Genesee River and proceeded up the river to the Essroc cement dock.

Pictures by Jason LaDue
Stephen B. Roman in Rochester on January 19, 2003. This was the Roman's last trip of the 2002-2003 season.
Departing.
Close up.

Reported by: Tom Brewer and Jason LaDue

Jackman in Goderich

03/31
Sunday afternoon the Capt. Henry Jackman was docked at the salt mine. Loading was unable to continue as power was off at Sifto for maintenance work. It is unknown when the power and the loading will start up again but was expected some time last night.

The Jackman will take the cargo to Milwaukee and Chicago.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk

Twin Ports Activity

03/31
Fraser Shipyard in Superior was the site of many vessels preparing for the new season. Many vessels has steam up as they are preparing for the new season. The Indiana Harbor shifted to the Duluth Port Terminal.

Steam up at Fraser Shipyard.
Another view.
Wide view.
Indiana Harbor.
Walter J. McCarthy Jr.

Reported by: Kent Rengo

Lay-up Departures

03/31
Sunday saw several vessels departing lay up docks on their first trips of the season. Late Saturday night the Cedarglen departed the ADM terminal in Windsor, downbound for Three Rivers, Quebec.

Departing Hamilton early Sunday were the Sea Eagle II/St. Mary's Cement II and Algosoo, both of which headed up the Welland Canal, and the Jean Parisien, which headed downbound for Sept Isles, to load iron ore. The Algosoo is bound for Windsor to unload.

Meanwhile, the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was downbound passing Long Point late Sunday morning, loaded with coal from Sandusky.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Hamilton Update

03/31
The following vessels remain in Hamilton: Montrealais, Canadian Navigator, Canadian Leader, McKee Sons, James Norris, Canadian Prospector and the Gordon C. Leitch. Two vessels, Jean Parisien and the Algosoo have left Hamilton since last report.

The barge McCleary's Spirit is moored to the north face of Pier 14.

The CSL Tadoussac unloaded taconite at Stelco and left Hamilton Harbour transiting the Burlington Ship Canal at 4:30 p.m. Sunday heading into Lake Ontario.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Kingston News

03/31
The Jean Parisien passed Crossover Island at 4:45 p.m. She came out of Hamilton. The CSL Tadoussac has departed Hamilton for Picton and is due at False Duck Islands early Monday morning.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Seaway Radio Message

03/31
Seaway Radio Message #1 - 2003 Opening
The Montreal-Lake Ontario section and the Welland Canal will open to navigation March 31 at 0800 hours.
MONTREAL-LAKE ONTARIO SECTION
As of 0001 hour April 15, the maximum permissible draft of 79.2 decimeters (26'0") in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway will be increased to 80.0 decimeters (26'3") conditional on favorable water levels. This draft will remain in effect until December 15 or until such time as changing water levels necessitate a draft reduction, whichever occurs first.
A complete cover of thick ice exists in the South Shore Canal, Lake St. Louis, Lake St. Francis and the eastern end of Lake St. Lawrence. A deteriorating broken ice cover is present in the Beauharnois Canal, and in the ships track in the South Shore Canal between Locks 1 and 2, and on the eastern end of Lake St. Lawrence. The international section of the St. Lawrence River is generally open water, except for a thick ice cover from Clayton to Carleton Island and at the entrance to Lake Ontario.
Navigation will be restricted to daylight hours until the commissioning of lighted aids has been completed. Further information concerning this is available from the appropriate traffic control centre. Mariners are warned to exercise extreme caution in the use of winter markers as the position of the markers may have been affected by ice. Icebreakers are continuing to break ice in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section.
It will be extremely important that vessels transiting through all ice covered areas and the ice booms in the Beauharnois Canal and in the Prescott-Ogdensburg area to proceed at the slowest safe speed in order not to disturb the ice fields. The Galop and Prescott-Ogdensburg ice booms have been removed from the navigation channel.

WELLAND CANAL
The maximum permissible draft in the Welland Canal will be 80dm (26'3") for the duration of the navigation season, unless changing water levels on Lake Ontario necessitate a draft reduction. Mariners are advised that local cargo movements through the Welland Canal will be allowed daily between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 hours starting on March 28th, 2003. Until the official opening on March 31st, 2003 only the west side of the flight locks will be open.
Contact Seaway Welland for dispatch and further information. The Welland Canal is open water. Mariners are cautioned that, at present, heavy ice conditions exist on Lake Erie, especially in the eastern end of the lake. Ice-breaker assistance will be available
The next radio message will be issued on March 31st.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Final Day for Trip Auction

03/31
Lake Superior State University, in conjunction with Algoma Central Marine (ACM), is auctioning a 5-8 day trip for four adults on one of ACM's vessels during the summer of 2003. The winners of the auction will work with representatives of ACM to schedule the trip between May and September 2003.

The auction will be conducted from March 3, 2003 to March 31, 2003. Click here for more information

Live Cam Planned For Detroit

03/31
The Great Lakes Maritime Institute and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum are planning a live, real time, interactive web camera on top of the William Clay Ford pilothouse on Belle Isle. The new ‘River Watch’ will capture the passing traffic the Detroit River.

Click here for details.

News Reporters Wanted

03/31:
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.

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

For more information please e-mail.
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Weekly Updates

03/31
The weekly updates have been uploaded.
Click here to view

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

Radisson Upbound

03/30 1 p.m. Update
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Pierre Radisson continued breaking a path upbound Saturday passing Lake St. Francis, at Riviere Beaudet.

The Radisson was expected to reach Cape Vincent at noon Sunday. The icebreaker reported Sunday afternoon the she was scheduled to go to the Welland Canal tonight and proceed upbound to Lake Erie. However, her orders have been changed and she will work in eastern Lake Ontario. The Radisson was expected to anchor in Lake Ontario for the night. It is unknown if she will continue upbound to Lake Erie.

Pictures by Walter Statham
Clearing ice on the lower end of Lock 3 at Beauharnois.
On Lake St. Francis.

Reported by: Kent Malo and Ron Walsh

Frontenac Opens the Twin Ports

03/30
The Port of Duluth-Superior’s 2003 Great Lakes commercial navigation officially opened at noon Saturday with the arrival of Canada Steamship Lines’ Frontenac under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge.

The Frontenac proceeded to the Murphy Oil USA, Inc., Duluth Marine Terminal to fuel, then will shift to Duluth’s Hallett Dock No. 5 to discharge 3,500 metric tons of salt before shifting to Duluth’s C. Reiss Terminal to unload an additional 15,500 tons of salt. The vessel is scheduled to move again at approximately 1 a.m. Monday to Superior’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe taconite facility for about 24,390 metric tons of iron ore pellets for Hamilton, Ont.

Another vessel bound for the Twin Ports, Upper Lakes Towing Company’s barge Joseph H. Thompson powered by its tug Joseph H. Thompson Jr., was the first upbound passage through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday (March 27), followed closely by the Frontenac. The locks opened to vessel traffic 12:01 a.m. March 25, but saw only downbound vessel traffic during the first few days of operation.

Early-season laker traffic is being hampered by severe ice conditions in several Great Lakes locations. Both the Joseph H. Thompson and the Frontenac were assisted on Lake Superior by U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker Mackinaw, with the Frontenac pulling ahead of the Joseph H. Thompson once the vessels were underway.

The official start to the Port’s season is marked by the first inbound ship from the Soo Locks, and first Soo transit arrivals for the past five years have been on March 26. Last year’s first arrival occurred on that date when Interlake Steamship Company’s Mesabi Miner visited Superior’s Midwest Energy Resources Co. coal facility.

Ships were on the move in the Twin Ports by March 23 this year with the departure of three Great Lakes Fleet vessels—the Edgar B. Speer, Roger Blough and Edwin H. Gott—each of which had wintered here and were traveling to Two Harbors to load iron ore pellets destined for Gary, Ind. The Fleet’s Presque Isle departed March 24, also for Two Harbors to load iron ore for the same destination. These four vessels were the first downbound traffic at the Soo Locks.

Commanded by John Bentum, the 730-foot bulk carrier Frontenac was built in 1968 at Davie Shipbuilding, Ltd., Lauzon, Levis, Quebec. She wintered in Goderich, Ont., prior to loading salt there for Duluth-Superior. Local agent for the vessel is Duluth’s S.A. McLennan, Inc.

Another welcoming ceremony will be held when the Port’s first 2003 oceangoing vessel arrives, which will also qualify a winner for the "First Ship Contest" sponsored by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau and 92 KQRS, Minneapolis.

U.S. and Canadian Seaway officials delayed the opening of the Welland Canal and Montreal-Lake Ontario sections of the system from March 25 until March 31 due to the harsh ice conditions.

The April 2 arrival of the Norwegian-flagged Menominee at Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal marked last year’s first full Seaway transit and overseas arrival. Oceangoing vessel arrivals for the past five years have been between April 2 and April 8.

Pictures by Glenn Blaszkiewicz
Frontenac arrives at the Ship Canal.
Passing beneath the bridge.
Stern view heading into the inner harbor.

Reported by: Lisa Marciniak, Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Saginaw Reaches the Soo

03/30
About noon on Saturday the Saginaw made an appearance at the Soo Locks, passing upbound with a cargo of coke for the Algoma Steel Mill in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The Saginaw entered the river around 6 a.m. and had little difficulty with ice in the river.

Saturday morning the Mackinaw cut a path down the Canadian Canal to the steel mill. The Mackinaw then proceeded up to Whitefish Bay behind the Burns Harbor which locked through a few hours ahead of the Saginaw. After unloading at the Soo the Saginaw will sail to Marquette to load iron ore for Algoma Steel.

Upbound traffic on Saturday included: the Burns Harbor, Saginaw and Mackinaw. Upbound on precall to Detour Roger Blough, Edwin H. Gott and the Joseph L. Block.

Saginaw approaching the Poe Lock.
Saginaw above the locks in ice.
Another view.
Stern view heading to Algoma Steel.

Reported by:

Yankcanuck Arrives

03/30
The Yankcanuck arrived at the old McLouth Steel site in the Trenton Channel early Saturday morning, fully loaded with a shipment of coil steel. She began off-loading operations about 7:30 a.m. This is her first trip to the DSC facility this year. The channel has not seen any significant ice flow since the first of the week.

The crew of the Yankcanuck made short work of unloading the coils of steel and headed back up river by late afternoon.

Reported by: Robert Burns

CSL Tadoussac Departs

03/30
The CSL Tadoussac departed from Port Colborne on Saturday morning, sailing downbound in the Welland Canal.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Biscayne Bay helps Lake Michigan traffic

03/30
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay came to the aid of three upbound lakers Saturday afternoon in northern Lake Huron near Lansing Shoal.

After being beset in ice most of Saturday morning, the Joseph L. Block, Roger Blough and Edwin H. Gott were reported making progress after the Biscayne Bay arrived in mid-afternoon. The cutter had just finished escorting the Algowood and the tug Michigan with barge Great Lakes southbound through the congested area.

The Joseph L. Block is bound by Two Harbors, where she will load pellets for Indiana Harbor.

The Block's fleet mate, Wilfred Sykes, is expected to depart winter layup at Sturgeon Bay around April 7.

Photos by Eric Treece
Ice convoy on Lake Michigan.
Biscayne Bay working with the Gott.
Roger Blough.
Looking down the deck of the Block.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre and Eric Treece

Iglehart Opens Muskegon

03/30
The J.A.W Iglehart opened Muskegon's shipping season on Saturday. It arrived at the Lafarge Cement dock at around 5:40 p.m. She was carrying a split load, part of which had been unloaded in Milwaukee.

The Iglehart was expected to depart about 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon and head back for Alpena.

Reported by: Dan McNeil

Alpena Returns

03/30
The steamer Alpena arrived in port early Saturday morning after having a difficult passage through the icy Straits of Mackinac. It loaded cement and departed around 7 a.m. bound for Cleveland and Detroit.

In addition to the Iglehart's trips to Milwaukee and Muskegon the vessel also transferred a cement cargo into the barge Integrity pushed by the tug Jacklyn M. last week. The tug and barge then continued on to South Chicago and Waukegan.

Reported by: Ben & Chanda McClain and Dan McNeil

Jackman Departs

03/30
The Capt. Henry Jackman departed her winter lay-up berth in Owen Sound at 7:30 Saturday morning. She was expected to head south to Goderich where she will load salt for Milwaukee and Chicago.

Last night there was no sign of the Samuel Risley, overnight ice in the bay disappeared and there was no ice reported as far as 10 miles out (North of Kemble).

The Algoway remains in lay-up in Owen Sounds and does not appear to be leaving in the near future.

Reported by: D. Shearman and Peter Bowers

More on the Frontenac

03/30
Capt. Bentum and his crew encountered a lot of ice and snow on Lake Superior, with the worst of it being heavy, windrowed ice in Whitefish Bay. The vessel was aided in passing through the ice field by the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw.

“There was a lot of pressure from the ice, but the icebreaker did a good job and got us moving,” Capt. Bentum said.

Once out of Whitefish Bay, the ship encountered a mix of open water and ice. Capt. Bentum said they zig-zagged around the worst of the ice, trying to stay in open water as much as possible. That job was made more difficult Friday night by heavy snow that limited visibility. The Frontenac finally encountered open water off the Keweenaw Peninsula and saw no more ice until reaching Duluth, where it moved easily through broken ice in the harbor.

Frontenac docks at the Murphy Fuel shortly after arriving in Duluth.
Another view of the Frontenac docking.
A deckhand secures a line around a bollard just a few feet from the ice-covered side of the ship.
The fueling hose is suspended from a telescoping crane as it pumps fuel into the ship’s bunkers.
Port Director Davis Helberg, left, presents a plaque to Capt. John Bentum in honor of the Frontenac’s status as the first laker of the season for the Twin Ports. The presentation is one of the last that Helberg will make as director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. He retires Monday following a maritime career that began in 1958 with the Kinsman fleet. He has been a prominent advocate of Great Lakes and saltwater shipping for the Twin Ports and the entire Seaway system.
A view of the Frontenac’s deck and unloading boom.
The Frontenac’s forward end.
The Frontenac’s deck with Duluth in the background. Note the ice that remains on the hatch covers.
Another view of the deck.
A crewman chips at some of the ice on deck.
The Canada Steamship Lines houseflag snaps in the breeze.
A deck view.
A view of the Frontenac looking forward along the dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

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

Coast Guard Icebreakers Heading for the Lakes

03/29
Entering the Seaway Friday morning was the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Pierre Radisson. Late that afternoon, the icebreaker was clearing the ice just below Lock 3 at Beauharnois on Lake St. Louis. The Radisson is expected to pass through the Welland Canal by April 1 and may be used as far north as Lake Huron, but will likely stay in eastern Lake Erie.

On March 20, the tug Ocean Hercule based at Sorel-Tracy, had been hired to break the ice between the entrance of the Seaway at CIP2 and the St. Lambert Lock. Then on March 25, the ice class 2 tug La Prairie began clearing the ice upstream from the St. Lambert Lock and late this afternoon, she was in the area of Côte St. Catherine.

Expected to arrive on Monday in Montreal will be the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay. The Bay-class cutter is based in Yorktown, Va. She is expected to enter the Seaway the Tuesday heading to the upper lakes where she will assist local cutters.

Pictures by Kent Malo
Full view of the Pierre Radisson in the South Shore Canal above St. Lambert Lock.
Close up of the bow.
Close up of the wheelhouse.
Entering Cote Ste. Catherine lock.
Radisson above Cote St. Catherine Lock as she departed the Cote after breaking ice along the wharf.
Crew Member Francois Mongrain rising in the lock at the Cote Ste. Catherine.
The bow of the Pierre Radisson slicing through the ice.

Reported by: René Beauchamp, Mike Hines and Kent Malo

First Traffic for the Port of Duluth-Superior

03/29
Pending ice and weather conditions, the Port of Duluth-Superior’s 2003 Great Lakes commercial navigation season is scheduled to officially open at approximately 1 p.m. Saturday (March 29) with the arrival of Canada Steamship Lines’ Frontenac.

The Frontenac will proceed to the Murphy Oil USA, Inc., Duluth Marine Terminal to fuel, then shift to Duluth’s Hallett Dock No. 7 to discharge 3,500 metric tons of salt before shifting to Duluth’s C. Reiss Terminal to unload an additional 15,500 tons of salt. The vessel is scheduled to move again at approximately 1 a.m. Monday (March 31) to Superior’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe taconite facility for about 24,390 metric tons of iron ore pellets for Hamilton, Ont.

Another vessel bound for the Twin Ports, Upper Lakes Towing Company’s barge Joseph H. Thompson powered by its tug Joseph H. Thompson Jr., was the first upbound passage through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday (March 27), followed closely by the Frontenac. The locks opened to vessel traffic 12:01 a.m. March 25, but saw only downbound vessel traffic during the first few days of operation.

Early-season laker traffic is being hampered by severe ice conditions in several Great Lakes locations. Both the Joseph H. Thompson and the Frontenac were assisted on Lake Superior by U.S. Coast Guard Icebreaker Mackinaw, with the Frontenac pulling ahead of the Joseph H. Thompson once the vessels were underway.

The official start to the Port’s season is marked by the first inbound ship from the Soo Locks, and first Soo transit arrivals for the past five years have been on March 26. Last year’s first arrival occurred on that date when Interlake Steamship Company’s Mesabi Miner visited Superior’s Midwest Energy Resources Co. coal facility.

Ships were on the move in the Twin Ports by March 23 this year with the departure of three Great Lakes Fleet vessels—the Edgar B. Speer, Roger Blough and Edwin H. Gott—each of which had wintered here and were traveling to Two Harbors to load iron ore pellets destined for Gary, Ind. The Fleet’s Presque Isle departed March 24, also for Two Harbors to load iron ore for the same destination. These four vessels were the first downbound traffic at the Soo Locks.

Commanded by John Bentum, the 730-foot bulk carrier Frontenac was built in 1968 at Davie Shipbuilding, Ltd., Lauzon, Levis, Quebec. She wintered in Goderich, Ont., prior to loading salt there for Duluth-Superior. Local agent for the vessel is Duluth’s S.A. McLennan, Inc.

Another welcoming ceremony will be held when the Port’s first 2003 oceangoing vessel arrives, which will also qualify a winner for the "First Ship Contest" sponsored by the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Duluth Convention and Visitors Bureau and 92 KQRS, Minneapolis.

U.S. and Canadian Seaway officials delayed the opening of the Welland Canal and Montreal-Lake Ontario sections of the system from March 25 until March 31 due to the harsh ice conditions.

The April 2 arrival of the Norwegian-flagged Menominee at Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal marked last year’s first full Seaway transit and overseas arrival. Oceangoing vessel arrivals for the past five years have been between April 2 and April 8.

Reported by: Lisa Marciniak, Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Seaway Opening Set for Monday

03/29
On March 31 the Welland Canal will officially open for the season with the Top Hat Ceremony at Lock 3 scheduled to begin 10 a.m. The first vessel to officially open will be Algoma's Algocape.

Day light transits of the canal are expected to continue this weekend with a number of vessels making special trips due to demand for certain bulk cargoes.

Also on March 31, a larger ceremony will be held at the St. Lambert Lock welcoming the first ship of the year to transit the Seaway. That vessel is expected to be the Regina Oldendorff.

The icebreaker Pierre Radisson is expected to transit the canal upbound during the weekend to help break ice on Lake Erie and assist with traffic on the coal shuttle.

Reported by: Alex Howard

Risley Heading for Owen Sound

03/29
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley is expected into Owen Sound bay for ice breaking duties on Saturday and will be in port Sunday. The CFOS radio station reported that the Risley will prepare the bay for the new season.

Thanks to wind and warmer temperatures the inner harbor was completely opened on Friday. The ice field begins about a half mile off shore and would be difficult to pass through with out ice breaker escort. The Capt Henry Jackman is in ballast and is expected to depart her winter lay-up berth as soon as possible to load salt in Goderich, Ontario.

Reported by: Peter Bowers

Lake Erie Coal

03/29
Friday evening the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin was upbound at Long Point on there first trip of 2003. The Martin is heading for Sandusky to take on a load of coal. They expected to reach the Sandusky breakwater about 8 a.m. Saturday.

In other news, the Canadian Progress loaded coal in Ashtabula and departed early Thursday afternoon on her first trip of the season. She was on her way to the Lakeview Generating Station under escort of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay and expected to reach Port Colborne about 8 p.m.

Algowood is expected to load at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal for Nanticoke. This will be the first of five shipments from Superior to Nanticoke that are scheduled through May 1. The Indiana Harbor is scheduled for two loads from Superior to Nanticoke and the Columbia Star and Paul R. Tregurtha each will take one.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Coast Guard's newest cutter visits Chicago

03/29
The Coast Guard's newest ship arrived at Chicago's Navy Pier this week.

Coast Guard Cutter Hickory, a 225-foot buoy tender, is the newest addition to the Coast Guard's fleet and will be in Chicago while the crew conducts training.

Hickory has a crew of 40 and is replacing one of the Coast Guard's 40's era, 180-foot buoy tenders. The cutter will be stationed in Homer, Alaska, where it will maintain buoys and other aids to navigation. The trip to Alaska is expected to take more than 45 days.

Hickory will not be open for public tours during its stay in Chicago due to the current level of national security.

Pictures by Hans Lund
Hickory docked on Friday.
Stern view.
Acacia docked.
Stern view.
Fire boat Victor L. Schlaeger.
James J. Versluis

Reported by: Paul Roszkowski and Hans Lund

St. Lawrence River and Seaway News

03/29
The first laker of the season to leave her winter quarters in Montreal was Nanticoke on Thursday morning. She departed for Port Cartier.

Thursday afternoon the Regina Oldendorff shifted to section 50 in Montreal and was expected to enter the Seaway Friday night. On Monday, on the official opening day, she will be the first vessel to transit. She is loaded with sugar from Acajutla, El Salvador and is going to Toronto. Saturday her place at Section 50 will be taken by her fleet mate and sister ship Helena Oldendorff loaded with steel.

The saltie Cinnamon, the third new ship in the Canfornav fleet arrived at Port Alfred on the Saguenay River a few days ago. Her next port of call will be Bécancour, QC. She made head to a Great Lakes port following her stop in Bécancour.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Twin Ports Report

03/29
The Twin Ports navigation season is expected to officially open this weekend with the scheduled arrival of Frontenac, Joseph H. Thompson and Burns Harbor. As of Friday afternoon, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority was expecting Frontenac to arrive first.

March 31 is expected to be a busy day in Two Harbors as the schedule now stands. Joe Block is due there along with the returning Edwin H. Gott, Roger Blough, Edgar B. Speer and Presque Isle.

Next week most of the vessels wintering in Fraser Shipyards are expected to depart. Arthur M. Anderson is due to sail for Two Harbors on April 1, followed by John G. Munson on April 2, Cason J. Callaway on April 3 and Philip R. Clarke on April 4. Kaye E. Barker is due out April 2 to load coal. The remaining vessel, Armco, is now scheduled to sail April 9 for Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

Marquette Update

03/29
The Marquette area is awaiting the arrival of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew to open the harbor. The Sundew is expected to arrive around the March 31, with the Saginaw arriving April 1 as the first commercial ship to visit the Lake Superior port for 2003. She will load ore for Algoma Steel in the Soo. Saginaw will be followed by the Great Lakes Trader, expected to arrive later that day

The Saginaw will make a return trip on April 4 followed by the Kaye Barker arriving with coal. Other traffic expected includes the Joseph Thompson on April 5. Ice and wind conditions along with Friday's heavy snow could change these schedules.

Reported by: Art Pickering and Lee Rowe

Soo Traffic

03/29
The Burns Harbor was the only ship in the river system Friday. The 1000 footer was upbound at Mud Lake Junction Buoy about 7 p.m. The Cutter Mackinaw was expected to return to the Soo after breaking out the Thompson and Frontenac in Whitefish Bay earlier that day and resume icebreaking duties in the upper river.

Reported by: Scott Best

Algowood Loads

03/29
Friday morning the Algowood was being maneuvered into position at the salt mine. She was assisted into port with the help of several tugs.

Pictures by Grant Culbert
Algowood arrives.
Assisted to the dock.

Reported by: Lisa Stuparyk and Grant Culbert

Rouge River Traffic

03/29
The first assistance call came in to Gaelic Tugboat Friday from the tug John Spence to help with its tow McAsphalt 401 into the Marathon Oil Dock on the Rouge River. Strong winds were blowing across the Rouge River making it difficult for the tow to maneuver through the draw bridges. Meanwhile the Diamond Jack passenger boats are fitting out at the Gaelic Tug Yard as are the tugs William Hoey and Susan Hoey, which are being made ready to return to Toledo next week.

Diamond Belle fitting out at Gaelic for her trip to Port Huron on May 25.
Tugs William Hoey and Susan Hoey being fit out for service in Toledo.
Diamond Jack, Diamond Queen, and Diamond Belle rafted off for fit out.
Tug Carolyn Hoey assisting the John Spence and McAsphalt 401 at Gaelic.
The weary tug Carolyn Hoey has been fighting the ice all winter moving rock salt barges.
The 2,000 hp Carolyn Hoey lines up the McAsphalt 401 for the Fort Street bridge.
Tug John Spence and her tow safely pass through the bridge.
Acushnet under repair at the Gaelic tug yard.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

Toronto Update

03/29
The second arrival of the season took place Friday morning when the bunkering vessel Hamilton Energy came in from Hamilton, to fuel up Algocape, and later Spruceglen. While she was bunkering the latter, Stephen B. Roman departed on its second trip of the season. It is expected that Hamilton Energy will return to Hamilton once the bunkering operations are completed.

The Mackenzie opened a channel to the drydock Firday, aided by warmer weather. On Monday morning, the five small vessels wintering on Toronto Drydock will be refloated, and the ferry Ongiara will go on the dock for inspection and minor repairs.

The venerable ferry William Inglis will take the place of Ongiara on the Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point runs while Ongiara is on the drydock.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Captain James Ohlinger

03/29
To his many friends we must sadly report the death of Captain James Ohlinger. Employed for over 25 years by the M.A. Hanna Company he rose to first mate on the George M. Humphrey. When the George M. Stinson replaced the four steamers of the fleet, Captain Ohlinger came ashore and managed the M.A. Hanna warehouse in Ecorse. Better known to many as the "Big O" he was well liked by his fellow sailors and management alike. For the past ten years the Big O has been employed by Diamond Jack's River Tours and Gaelic Tugboat Company. Arrangements are pending, for information call after noon on Saturday at the Gaelic office, 313-841-9440.

Reported by: Bill Hoey

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

Thompson First Upbound

03/28
The tug and barge Joseph H. Thompson opened the Soo Locks as the first upbound vessel for the 2003 season. The tug and barge passed upbound late Thursday night. The pair are expected to head to Superior, Wi.

Reported by: Art Pickering

Enterprise Waits at Port Weller

03/28
Activity at Port Weller is starting to come back to life. Ice is non existent and the Canadian Enterprise is secured below lock 1 awaiting a daylight transit of the Welland Canal Friday morning.

At the Port Weller Pilot Boat Station fitting out has begun in full force on the Juleen I stationed at Port Weller and her fleet mate J.W. Cooper stationed at Port Colborne. Both boats are out of the water while maintenance tasks are performed. It is expected that both boats will be placed in the water in the next few days in anticipation of another year of service.

Canadian enterprise secured below Lock 1.
Sparkling company name board.
Port Colborne Pilot Boat J.W. Cooper.
Another View.
Propellor and rudder.
Onboard the J.W. Cooper.
Juleen I high and dry.
Another view.
Onboard Juleen I looking aft.
View of Juleen I from J.W. Cooper.

Reported by: Capt. Alain Gindroz

Thunder Bay Break Out

03/28
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew arrived in Thunder Bay Thursday evening to begin breaking out the inner harbor. After a long, cold winter Thunder Bay finally saw a sure sign that spring breakup is near. Ice in the harbor is reported to be from 24-inches to 31-inches thick.

The ice breaker Sundew was spotted on the horizon rounding Angus Island and entering the bay earlier in the day. After long hours and slow going, the Sundew entered the South Breakwall Entrance and headed for the Saskatchewan Pool 7b Slip. There she broke ice up close to the Thunder Bay Tug Service tugs Point Valour and Glenada, in order to free them from their winter layup. The tugs will assist in breaking out slips as the demand rises.

The Sundew is expected to break out the mouth of the Kaministiqua River in preparation for loading at the Thunder Bay Terminals. It is rumored that a boat, possibly the Algorail, will be loading potash over the next few days.

A bigger ice breaker is rumored to be heading this way early next week to help with breaking the paths that the boats will soon need in order to get the 2003 season underway.

Reported by: Rob Farrow and Tom Stewart

Ice, inventories slow Soo opening

03/28
Ice conditions and high inventories of taconite pellets on lower lake docks are the two reasons for a slow season opening at the Soo Locks, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

Nearly 38 hours elapsed between the time the locks opened and the first vessel arrived. The Roger Blough entered the Soo Locks shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time Wednesday.

Elliott Hughes III, vice president and general manager of Great Lakes Fleet Inc., told the newspaper that the slow start had much to do with heavy ice on Lake Superior.

Rather than send ships individually out into the ice-filled lake, Great Lakes Fleet chose to send its first vessels out in a four-ship convoy.

"That way, if one vessel gets stuck in the ice, the others can go around and break ice for it," Hughes said. "They can kind of leap-frog."

With U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker the Mackinaw leading the way, the Blough, Edgar B. Speer and Edwin H. Gott left Sunday for Two Harbors, where they loaded taconite pellets. The Presque Isle joined those three Monday, and the four set sail for the Soo Locks together.

"We didn't encounter any delays because of the ice, but because we had determined all four boats should be loaded and then move in a convoy, we got off to a slower start than usual," Hughes said.

Had the Speer set out alone for the Soo Locks immediately after loading in Two Harbors, Hughes said it probably would have been knocking at the Soo Locks' entrance when they opened early Tuesday. He said it typically takes about 25 hours for a ship to sail from Two Harbors to the Soo.

However, ice conditions are only part of the reason for delayed activity on the Great Lakes this year, said Michael Siragusa, vice president and general manager of Oglebay Norton Marine Services Co.

"The ice conditions are the worst we've seen since the late '70s, but there's also the issue of demand. Inventories are still fairly high for most steel companies," Siragusa said. "With demand being a little soft and the risk of ice causing damage to our ships, we decided to delay sailing for a week to 10 days."

In 1996, when ice last posed a significant threat on the Great Lakes, Siragusa said Oglebay Norton's fleet sustained damage "well into seven figures."

Reported by: Dan Post

Burns harbor departs lay up

03/28
Captain Dave Lindmark eased the Burns Harbor away from the Stewart J. Cort at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon. In a short time they had cleared the Milwaukee breakwall and were heading north. Second Mate Jack Vasbinder took the occasion to fly the flags of his favorite teams, the Cleveland Indians and Browns. His only regret was not having his Ohio State flag on the boat.

Burns Harbor and Stewart J. Cort at their winter berth.
Burns Harbor pulls away.
Out bound.
Steward Ben Koos takes one more look at Milwaukee as the Burns Harbor departs.
Heading for Lake Michigan.
Flags flying.
Outbound past the inner pier lighthouse.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Saginaw Loads

03/28
The Saginaw was loading her first cargo of the season in Detroit on Thursday. The cargo was coke destine for Sault Ste Marie. From the Soo the Saginaw is expected to head upbound on Lake Superior.

Pictures by Mike Nicholls
Saginaw loading at the old Rouge River Dock.
Another view.
Diamond Belle, Queen and Jack at the Gaelic Tugboat Co.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls and Ken Borg

Alpena Stuck in Ice

03/28
Thursday night the cement carrier Alpena was stuck in the ice about two miles south of Lansing Shoal. She reported the ice field is very thick and the vessel will wait for Coast Guard icebreaker assistance. Depending on ice conditions, the Alpena could reach her name sake port on Saturday.

Reported by: Dan McNeil

Object in River a Remnant of Christmas

03/28
Thursday morning the Coast Guard in Detroit received reports of a large object floating in the Detroit River in the vicinity of the Ambassador Bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bramble proceeded upriver to investigate the object, but turned back when it was determined that the object was a Christmas tree.

Reported by: Angie Williams

Marquette Update

03/28
With the opening of the Soo Locks, Marquette is awaiting the first vessel of the season. The Mackinaw was scheduled to arrive last week but cancelled their visit into Marquette due to escort duties in Duluth.

Mild temperatures and light winds have reduced the ice in and around Marquette's harbors to a much more manageable level which should permit vessels to enter without assistance.

The first vessel expected to arrive is the Joseph H. Thompson. Her arrival may be delayed due to heavy weather forecast for Thursday night. The first shipment of coal into Marquette should arrive April 3 or 4 when the Kaye Barker arrives from Duluth on her first voyage of the season.

Reported by: Art Pickering

Sarnia Fitout

03/28
The Agawa Canyon remains at the Sydney E. Smith Dock with another vessel rafted to it. There was a good deal of activity on seen on the Halifax. On the stern and the lights where shining brightly on the bridge deck.

The Algolake was showing no signs of leaving soon. She is riding high and no internal cabin lights where visible. There was only one truck alongside.

At the Government Dock, the Maumee, Calumet and Mississagi all had little or no action around them.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Toledo News

03/28
The Buffalo remains in drydock at the Shipyard. The first coal boat of the season for the CSX Docks will be the Halifax expected Saturday morning. The first ore boat of the season for the Torco Ore Docks will be the Nanticoke, tentatively scheduled to arrive the morning of April 3.

The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Canadian Transport on Sunday, followed by return trips April 2 and April 4. The H. Lee White is expected on April 7 and April 8, followed by the Arthur M. Anderson on April 9.

Several vessels from the American Steamship Fleet, and the Oglebay Norton Fleet are fitting out and will be out sailing over the next few weeks.

The Maumee River and Bay areas are ice free at this time.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto Update

03/28
Thursday work crews were busy aboard the Spruceglen getting her ready for sailing. This will be the first season the Spruceglen sails for Canada Steamship Lines.

The schooner Kajama shifted from winter quarters to its summer berth Thursday. McKeil's tug Glenevis departed the harbor a few days ago and has not returned. This leaves only the tug Atomic to hold down the harbor. The firetug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie has been trying to break a channel through the ice in the Turning Basin to the drydock, but so far the ice has thwarted the efforts.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Hamilton Update

03/28
The tug Sea Eagle II and barge St. Mary's Cement II pulled out of Pier 12 Thursday morning breaking through a thin coat of ice that still covers Hamilton Harbor. It transited the Burlington Ship Canal and headed out into Lake Ontario in the direction of Toronto.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Montreal Departures

03/28
Port of Montreal is reporting new departure dates from lay-up for several vessels.

CSL Laurentien: March 31
CSL Niagara: March 31
Birchglen: March 31
Ferbec: April 12.

Also expected to return to the Quebec City area is Chanda. The vessel will be back for the first time since the mid-nineties, when she and her fleet mates Nandu and Star Ohio were replaced on the Ultramar shuttle by Ceres' Suezmax-ice strengthen vessels.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

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

Blough Opens the Soo

03/27
The Roger Blough was the first commercial vessel to pass through the Soo Locks shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. The second transit was by the thousand footer Edwin H. Gott following an hour behind.

The Blough was lead downbound by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw who entered the Poe Lock about 12:15 p.m. The Mackinaw made a brief stop at the Coast Guard Base before returning downbound to escort the Blough from Nine Mile down past Mud Lake.

Last night the Mackinaw stopped for the night in the ice at Mud Lake Junction Buoy. The Roger Blough, Edwin H. Gott, Edgar B. Speer and Presque Isle will continue on through the ice as a team and try for Detour. Blough and Gott should be near Detour around mid night. The Presque Isle got a later start and departed the Locks at 9:55 p.m.

The convoy is expected to close up the distance between them for the trip through the ice in the straights, although they were not expecting a difficult trip across the straights. Thursday at 8 a.m. the Yankcanuck is expected to be departing the Purvis Dock downbound for Detroit with steel coils.

The first upbound traffic is expected to arrive today with the arrival of the Joseph H. Thompson. Other tentative traffic expected to arrive over the next few days includes the Frontenac and Burns Harbor upbound on Friday.

The first rush of new traffic is expected on April 2. That day the Columbia Star, Mesabi Miner, Paul R. Tregurtha, Algowood, Oglebay Norton, Lee A. Tregurtha and the Spruceglen are all expected upbound. These schedules could change dramatically depending on weather conditions

Pictures by Scott Best
Mackinaw downbound approaching the locks.
Roger Blough arrives off West Pier.
Roger Blough passing downbound.
Close up bow in ice.
Stern view heading for the Poe Lock.
Edwin H. Gott locking through.
Edgar B. Speer at West Pier.
Another view.
Stern view under International Bridge.

Pictures by Ben & Chanda McClain
Roger Blough.
Gott with Ojibway along side.
Click here to view the Soo Locks web cam.

Reported by: Scott Best, Andy Severson, Linda Stoetzer, Eric LaRoue and Lee Rowe

Welland Canal Opens, to Limited Traffic

03/27
The Canadian Enterprise was downbound in the Welland Canal Wednesday, beginning the navigation season as the first downbound vessel.

On Wednesday the St. Lawrence Seaway announced that some ships have been given special permission to transit before the official opening. Navigation will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. until the canal opens on March 31. The opening was based on a variety of reasons, including customer demands for cargoes and favorable weather.

Michel Drolet, Vice-President Niagara Region of The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, explained the limited hours by saying "We are not fully staffed at the present time, but we will accommodate the demand for ship movement during the next few days".

Great Lakes ice conditions have created uncertainties for the marine industry and the first official opening date March 25 was postponed to March 31. Until recently some reaches in the canal were covered by solid ice a foot thick.

The Enterprise was heading to the Lakeview Power Station to deliver a cargo of much needed coal. She will travel upbound on Friday, heading back to Ashtabula or Conneaut for another cargo of coal.

A total of nine vessels are expected to pass through the canal over the three day period covering Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On March 31 the Welland Canal will officially open for the season with the Top Hat Ceremony at Lock 3 scheduled to begin 10 a.m. The first vessel to officially open the canal will be an Algoma Central Marine ship, likely the Algocape.

Also on March 31, a larger ceremony will be held at the St. Lambert Lock welcoming the first ship of the year to transit the Seaway. The first ship is expected to be the Chios Pride.

This is the start of a new tradition where the opening of the Seaway Ceremony will alternate each year between St. Lambert and the Welland Canal. Both locations will hold ceremonies, however one location will host a brief, informal ceremony.

The icebreaker Pierre Radisson is expected to transit the canal upbound during the weekend to help break ice on Lake Erie and assist with traffic on the coal shuttle.

Pictures by Alex Howard
Canadian Enterprise downbound below Lock 4.
Close up.
Passing.
Stern view.
In Lock 3.
Another view.
Eye level with the pilothouse.
Departing Lock 3.
Stern view.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson, Alex Howard and Jimmy Sprunt

Frontenac Departs Goderich

03/27
The CSL self unloader Frontenac was moved from her winter layup berth on the North Wall of Goderich harbor Tuesday by the MacDonald Marine tugs Ian Mac and Dover in heavy ice conditions. She was shifted over to the Sifto Salt dock where she was loaded for a scheduled trip to Duluth. The Frontenac was expected to sail for the Twin Ports late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning. Although the ice in the area is beginning to break up with the milder weather, Lake Huron appears to be mostly ice covered in the Goderich area.

The next traffic expected for Goderich is the Saginaw due in the next few days. The arrival of the Capt. Henry Jackman has been delayed one week due to ice conditions.

Reported by: Dale Baechler, Lisa Stuparyk and Barry Hiscocks

Saginaw First from Sarnia

03/27
The steamer Saginaw departed her winter layup berth at Cargill Elevators in Sarnia shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday evening downbound for the Rouge River in Detroit to load her first cargo of the new season.

Power was also up on the Halifax which has wintered in the North Slip in Sarnia and smoke and steam were also observed from the Maumee which is berthed at the Government Dock in Sarnia.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon departed her berth at the Government Dock and headed downriver for Amherstburg, Ont.

Reported by: Barry Hiscocks

Progress Departs

03/27
About 5 p.m. Wednesday the Canadian Progress was crossing Lake Erie under escort of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley. The Progress is destined for Ashtabula, Oh. to load coal, they expected to arrive Wednesday night.

This is the Progress' first trip of 2003. She joins fleet mates Canadian Transport and Canadian Enterprise on the Lake Erie coal shuttle.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Cuyahoga Tunnel Belt Reinstalled

03/27
On Tuesday the port tunnel conveyer belt was reinstalled on the Cuyahoga. The new belt was reused from the former CSL ship Tarantau. As the Tarantau was 730-feet long and the Cuyahoga is 620-feet there was a substantial amount left over.

The new belt was vulcanized together which is a process of layering the belt on an angled cut and then cooking it at three hundred degrees for about three hours. This was the last step in a large, successful winter project.

New belt installed.
In the tunnel.
Crew poses for a shot.

Reported by: Ted Coombs

Gaelic Tug Dock, Detroit

03/27
Below are images taken Wednesday in at Gaelic's Rouge River dock.

The three Diamond Boats left to right, Diamond Jack, Diamond Queen and Diamond Belle.
Another view.
Tug William Hoey.
Tug Susan Hoey.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Caledonia Blaze Causes $500,000 in Damages

03/27
A research vessel undergoing conversion to a passenger sailing ship suffered at least $500,000 in damage following a dockside fire earlier this week.

The 72-meter Caledonia was in Heddle Marine for a $3.5 million conversion when fire broke out in the stern Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters fought the blaze most of the night.

Doug Prothero, president of Canadian Sailing Expeditions, said the fire aboard his company's vessel probably was caused by an electrical problem. He said damage was extensive but much of the vessel emerged undamaged.

"The engine room, which was our biggest concern, is primarily untouched. The forward two thirds of the boat, there was no fire there. We're really talking about one deck, a fairly confined area," he said.

Prothero said the fire will not affect the company's plans to have the boat in service by the summer of 2004. However, it might jeopardize the vessel's participation in the Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge this summer.

The Caledonia began life as an Icelandic trawler before coming to Canada as a research vessel. It is being fitted out as a three-masted sailing ship capable of carrying 90 passengers.

The summer tour schedule - fares, $1,500 (U.S.) for seven days - will include Newfoundland, Labrador, Cape Breton, P.E.I. and the Bay of Fundy. In winter she will cruise out of St. Lucia in the Caribbean.

The Caledonia was built in 1947 at Beverley, England as Akurey; renamed S/S Akeroy in 1966; renamed Petrel in 1968. Became Canadian as Petrel V in 1976 for Techno Navigation of Sillery, Quebec. Sold in 2000 to Atlantic Towing Ltd. of St. John, N. B. and renamed Cape Harrison. Sold to Canadian Sailing Expeditions last summer and renamed Caledonia.

Caledonia taken on Jan. 29.
Another view.
As the Petrel V taken Nov. 5, 1997 at Quebec City.
Petrel V with Techno St. Laurent (now McKeil's Kristin) rafted to it.

Reported by: Gerry O.

National Steel bidding extended by two weeks

03/27
A federal judge Tuesday extended by two weeks the bidding deadline for the steelmaking assets of bankrupt National Steel Corp.

The ruling means AK Steel has until April 9 to reach a labor agreement that would cover National's hourly workers, and U.S. Steel has until April 10 to make another bid to buy National. Both deadlines previously had been scheduled to occur this week.

AK Steel in January bid $1.125 billion to buy National Steel, topping an earlier U.S. Steel offer of $950 million.

Reported by: Ed Schipper

Twin Ports Report

03/27
The official opening of navigation in the Twin Ports is tentatively set for Sunday, when either Frontenac and Burns Harbors are expected to arrive at Superior Entry to load at the BNSF ore dock. The next arrival after that may be the Algowood, which is currently due Monday to load at Midwest Energy Terminal following the departure of James R. Barker.

A brisk southerly wind earlier this week cleared up the ice question around the Twin Ports for the time being. On Tuesday afternoon the waters off Duluth and Superior were free of ice clear to the horizon. In port, a large area of open water existed Wednesday from Midwest Energy Terminal to the end of the DMIR ore docks. Of course, the ice that blew away early in the week may return at any time with a vengeance if the wind switches to the northeast.

Coast Guard Cutter Sundew broke ice in the Twin Ports again Wednesday before departing for Thunder Bay to help break out that port.

The U.S. Steel mill in Gary will be busy in a couple days when the four largest vessels of Great Lakes Fleet arrive with the first taconite pellets of the season. Edwin H. Gott, Edgar B. Speer, Presque Isle and Roger Blough are all due at Gary on March 28 depending on ice conditions in the St. Marys River and the Straits of Mackinac. Once unloaded, all four will return to Two Harbors.

Reported by: Al Miller

Owen Sound Update

03/27
The carferry Chi-Cheemaun is being repainted and prepped for the coming season. The protective covers are off the lights and antennas. Scraping and painting is in progress.

There was little sign of life Wednesday morning on the Algoway and the Capt. Henry Jackman.

Pictures by David Shearman
Chi-Cheemaun.
Work crew along side.
Painting.
Bridge wing.
Capt. Henry Jackman.
The harbor is clear and the ice is moving out.
Wide view of the harbor.

Five years ago these pilings in front of a long gone cement plant in Owen Sound were completely submerged. Lines left on the pilings show the changing levels of the last few years. The city of Owen Sound is trying to get the federal government to dredge the harbor.Ed Saliwonchyk
Another view. Ed Saliwonchyk

Reported by: David Shearman and Ed Saliwonchyk

Toronto Opener

03/27
As expected, the cement carrier Stephen B. Roman opened navigation at Toronto, arriving at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday with the first cargo of the season.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Know Your Ships set to sail April 7

03/27
Another sure sign of spring is the impending release of the 2003 edition of the popular "Know Your Ships" book.

This year's volume, featuring the historic steamer Kinsman Independent as Vessel of the Year, should be ready for shipping April 7. Besides listing more than 2,000 vessels and their owners, year built, length, capacity, type of engine and former names, the 144-page "Know You Ships" contains more than 50 color photos of vessels in Great Lakes and Seaway service.

In addition, "Know Your Ships" includes 10 pages of colorful stack and flag markings, a section dedicated to the Soo Locks, Welland Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway, Jody Aho's "Marine Milestones," and "Passages," a look at the changes in the shipping scene since last year's book.

"Know Your Ships" is now in its 44th year of publishing.

To order, or view sample pages visit www.knowyourships.com

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

First Soo traffic

03/26 1:50 p.m. Update
The Roger Blough is the first commercial vessel to pass through the Soo Locks about 1:50 p.m. this afternoon. The second transit should be the Edwin H. Gott which was in the area of Big Point at about 1:30 p.m.

The Blough was lead downbound by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw who entered the Poe Lock about 12:15 p.m. The Mackinaw will tie up at Group Soo until 5 p.m. when they will get underway to ecsort the Blough from Nine Mile down past Mud Lake.

If things go as planned the Mackinaw and Blough hope to reach Mud Lake by 8 p.m. tonight.

The Edwin H Gott, Edgar B Speer and Presque Isle are all stopped at various points just above the locks waiting to head for the Poe Lock. The USCG Biscayne Bay is expected to lock through the Mac Lock and also tie up at Group Soo.

10:30 a.m. Update
The Edgar B. Speer, Edwin H. Gott and Roger Blough are heading downbound Wednesday morning for the locks. The first vessels could arrive at the locks around noon or early afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is escorting the Roger Blough downbound through the heaviest ice near Gros Cap in the upper river.

Original Report
The Coast Guard said it expects the first vessels of the 2003 Soo Locks shipping season to arrive today.

By regulation, the Locks opened to shipping a minute after midnight March 25. But for the first time in recent memory, no ships were waiting to use the locks. Later in the morning, a Corps of Engineers crane barge used for winter maintenance still occupied the Poe Lock, the first lock to open in spring.

That's expected to change today when the first four vessels -- Edwin H. Gott, Edgar B. Speer, Presque Isle and Roger Blough -- are expected to arrive to lock through downbound.

The Gott and Speer are expected to arrive at Whitefish about 10:30 a.m. They will be followed by the Presque Isle and Blough. The Yankcanuck will take up the rear of the convoy, following downbound from the Soo Harbor.

The first upbound traffic is expected to arrive on Thursday with the arrival of the Joseph H. Thompson. Other tentative traffic expected to arrive over the next few days includes the Frontenac and Burns Harbor upbound on Friday.

The first rush of new traffic is expected on April 2. That day the Columbia Star, Mesabi Miner, Paul R. Tregurtha, Algowood, Oglebay Norton, Lee A. Tregurtha and the Spruceglen are all expected upbound. These schedules could change dramatically depending on weather conditions.

After breaking ice in western Lake Superior, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw is assigned to track maintenance in Whitefish Bay ice as preparations for the first vessels continue.

Mackinaw is one of three U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers resuming work on the ice-covered passages of the bay and the St. Marys River below. The Bay-Class tug Biscayne Bay was underway after 8 a.m. Tuesday to assist with track work on the upper St. Marys and Whitefish.

Through the Coast Guard's tireless efforts, a good track has been created on Whitefish Bay and the St. Marys River. The condition of these tracks now depend on wind conditions.

Below the locks, Biscayne's sister tug Katmai Bay returned to ice-covered stretches of the lower river, where she been working on and off for about two weeks.

Traffic will also pick up as the port of Thunder Bay on Lake Superior is opened. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew is expected to depart Duluth Wednesday morning and head to break out Thunder Bay.

Check back for updates

Pictures taken Tuesday by Lee Rowe
Katmai Bay at Mission Point.
Close up.
Biscayne Bay working above the locks, .
Another view.

Blough in the Poe Wednesday afternoon.
Chart of the River.
Click here to view the Soo Locks web cam.

Reported by: Scott Best, Andy Severson, Linda Stoetzer, Eric LaRoue, Rick Essex, Vern Sondak and Lee Rowe

Yankcanuck Loads

03/26
Tuesday afternoon the Purvis vessel Yankcanuck was loading steel coils at the Purvis Dock, the shipment is apparently headed for the Detroit area. This is the trip that was made last month by the tug Reliance and barge PML 9000.

Yankcanuck at the dock.
Close up.
Coils ready for loading.
Moved along side.
Loaded aboard.
Another view.
Wide view of the loading.
Open water where the Yankcanuck was moved from.
Tugs Avenger and Reliance.

Reported by: Scott Best, and Lee Rowe

Canadian Ice Breakers

03/26
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson will be carrying out icebreaker operations from the Ontario - Quebec border up into the Great Lakes and return, beginning on March 28. This is one of Canada's largest icebreakers and usually works in the lower St. Lawrence, east coast and Arctic.

The Radisson is expected to arrive at St. Lambert on March 28 and reach the Welland Canal close to April 1. The Radisson may be used as far north as Lake Huron, but will likely stay in eastern Lake Erie.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Simcoe will be carrying out icebreaker operations throughout the entire main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway beginning on March 25, from her base in Prescott Ontario. The Simcoe is a light icebreaker and buoy tender.

Warnings were issued that these operations would create unsafe ice conditions.

The familiar Samuel Risley will continue to assist shipping on the lower lakes.

Pictures of the Radisson working the lakes in 1996 by Andy LaBorde
Pierre Radisson speeding through the ice.
Along side.
Another view.
Leading the way.

Reported by: Mike Hines and Ron Walsh

Stephen B. Roman Arrives at Picton

03/26
The cement carrier Stephen B. Roman began her season Tuesday departing the Essroc Cement dock in Toronto before dawn. The Roman was the first laker to arrive at the Essroc Cement Plant at Picton on the Bay of Quinte Tuesday morning. She appeared to have a relatively easy passage, following the track carved by the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Simcoe between Thursday and Saturday.

The Simcoe broke a path through ice up to 28 inches thick in the Adolphus Reach of the Bay of Quinte. The Stephen B. Roman (ex. Fort William) is the most frequent visitor to Picton, and normally the first ship into port each year.

The Roman is also the first large commercial vessel into Toronto each season and it usually garnishes the "Top Hat" in a ceremony for the opening of navigation.

Reported by: Paul Papps and Gerry O.

Enterprise Continues

03/26
Tuesday evening the Canadian Enterprise was underway in Lake Erie with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay. The vessel reported that the lake was clear in some spots, but ice covered in others.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Buffalo Returns to Dry Dock

03/26
The Buffalo was placed back into the Toledo Shiprepair drydock on Monday for unknown reasons. Last week she was taken off the drydock and tied up at the riverfront dock of the shipyard in front of both dry docks for several days.

There have been no schedules announced for Toledo's CSX/Torco Docks. It could be as late as April before the coal and ore docks open up for the season.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto Update

03/26
Ice in the Turning Basin and Keating Channel broke up Monday and by Tuesday morning the harbor was littered with debris, including hundreds of bright orange and yellow golf balls atop the ice cakes, courtesy of "The Docks" driving range on Polson Quay.

The ferry Ongiara has been running all winter, but it will soon be dry docked and the venerable ferry William Inglis will be put into service. The winter tarps were removed from it Monday and crews have been getting it ship shape for service.

The firetug WM. Lyon Mackenzie has been running all winter and it was out Tuesday, as were a couple of harbor police vessels. The Royal Canadian Yacht Club workboat Elsie D. went into service Tuesday, as did the Toronto Island Marina tender Island Mariner.

McNally Construction Inc. has been working all winter at the water filtration plant on the island. Monday the tug Whitby took a barge into the lagoon at Blockhouse Bay on the island. Tuesday the McNally tug R.C.L. 11 shuttled work crews to Ward's Island.

Wednesday the schooner Empire Sandy, which has been acting as a breakwall across the slip at Pier 4 all winter, will be moved to its summer dock at the foot of Spadina Ave. The Nautical Adventures charter vessel Wayward Princess will also be shifted to its summer berth.

The brigantines Pathfinder and Playfair are expected to remain in Toronto this summer. The Kingston, Ont. group which operates the brigantine St. Lawrence II will manage the Toronto Brigantine operations.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Montreal Fitout

03/26
According to the Port of Montréal, several familiar vessels are fitting out and will be back to the trade in the next days and weeks. Also, five vessels did finish their preparation and are now back on the waters. CSL Niagara, CSL Laurentien, Ferbec, Birchglen and Nanticoke (Sept-îles as port of call on the 28th) were expected to be back to work Tuesday.

John B. Aird will sail on April's fool day
Algocen will sail April 3
Quebecois will sail April 4
Canadian Miner will sail April 7
Algoville will sail April 12
No dates were available for the Desgagnés fleet.

Reported by: J.F. Boutin

Soo Locks Open, No Traffic in the River

03/25
The Soo Locks opened for the 2003 season at midnight with no traffic expected to reach the locks until Wednesday.

In a normal season, the opening of the locks will see a number of vessels enroute to the locks or even waiting for the mid night opening. Heavy ice looked like it would delay the start of the shipping season, but warm temperatures and rain in March quickly helped melt the ice into more manageable conditions.

Tuesday morning a convoy of ships is expected to depart Two Harbors, MN and head downbound for the locks. This convoy was delayed and the first ships are not expected to arrive at the Soo until Wednesday morning.

Last night the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw was sailing across Lake Superior for Whitefish Bay. The Mackinaw will prepare a track in the ice leading to the locks and stand by to assist any of the downbound vessels.

Heading for the locks will be: the Edwin H. Gott, Edgar B. Speer Roger Blough and Presque Isle.
Check back for updates

Click here to view the Soo Locks web cam.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

Seaway Opening

03/25
The arrival of the two Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers in the St. Lawrence Seaway has been posponed until the end of the week. The Coast Guard has tasked the George R. Pearkes and Pierre Radisson for clearing the ice on the St. Lawrence River downstream.

Scheduled to be the first saltie in the Seaway on opening day, Monday of next week will be the Liberian-flag, German owned Regina Oldendorff. This vessel has been a regular caller in the Seaway/Great Lakes since 1986 when she completed her first trip a few months after her delivery from a Chinese shipyard. Last year, she made three trips in the Lakes. The ship is expected at the Pointe aux Trembles anchorage in Montreal Monday afternoon. Over the weekend, she will move upriver and tie up at the lower wall of the St. Lambert Lock to wait for the official opening.

The first of the several vessels wintering in Montreal to go back to service was the Cecilia Desgagnés. She started the new season a few weeks ago, departing for Baie Comeau. Since that time the ship has returned to lay-up at Quebec City.

Reported by: René Beauchamp

Warmer Temperatures Improves Conditions

03/25
Ice conditions in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie have improved considerably over the weekend. Lake St. Clair was essentially ice free Sunday evening and Lake Erie had increasingly open expanses of water and Nanticoke is ice free.

Algonova turning off the Imperial Oil Dock in Sarnia and proceeding to Nanticoke.
The next morning greets the Algonova with a perfect spring day on Lake Erie.
Rafted ice.
And more ice.
Bow easily slicing through the ice.
Some serious ice.
Leaving a good track astern.
Pushing hard through the ice.
Looking aft.
Clean and well maintained deck.
Another view.
Thinning ice.
Stack logo.
Monkey's Island view.
Entering the ice free Nanticoke Harbour Channel. Spring has arrived.
Canadian Enterprise discharging coal in Nanticoke.

Reported by: Capt. Alain Gindroz

Coast Guard's newest cutter visits Chicago Ship heading for Alaska

03/25
The Coast Guard's newest ship will be arriving at Chicago's Navy Pier at 1 p.m., on Tuesday, March 25.

Coast Guard Cutter Hickory, a 225-foot buoy tender, is the newest addition to the Coast Guard's fleet and will be in Chicago while the crew conducts training.

Hickory has a crew of 40 and is replacing one of the Coast Guard's 40's era, 180-foot buoy tenders. The cutter will be stationed in Homer, Alaska, where it will maintain buoys and other aids to navigation. The trip to Alaska is expected to take more than 45 days.

Hickory will not be open for public tours during its stay in Chicago due to the current level of national security.

Reported by: Paul Roszkowski

Coal Shuttle Picks Up

03/25
Monday morning the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay and Canadian Transport were off Erie, PA heading to Ashtabula. The Canadian Enterprise was unloading in Nanticoke.

The Algowood, on its first trip of the season, departed Ashtabula at 1:30 p.m. destined for Nanticoke. About 6 p.m. the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley was off Long Point, escorting the Algowood to Nanticoke. The Algowood was expected to wait in the Long Point Bay Anchorage for the Enterprise to clear.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

Twin Ports Report

03/25
The Presque Isle left its winter berth Monday and proceeded to Two Harbors to complete the partial load of taconite pellets that it began last January before layup. The vessel is expected to join the Edgar B. Speer, Edwin H. Gott and Roger Blough in a convoy down the lake.

Brisk southerly winds pushed ice off the Minnesota shore Monday, creating a large area of open water off Duluth and Superior. Inside the harbor open water continued to spread, with the James R. Barker now almost entirely free of ice at its Midwest Energy Terminal berth.

The season for Midwest Energy Terminal is scheduled to start March 31 with the James R. Barker loading coal for Detroit Edison. It's due to be followed that day by Algowood, which will load for Nanticoke.

Again this season, Interlake Steamship Company and the combination of American Steamship/Oglebay Norton seem to be in line to carry the bulk of the cargoes out of Midwest Energy. The dock schedule shows the Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Indiana Harbor, Columbia Star and Oglebay Norton scheduled to load a total of 14 cargoes in April while Interlake is scheduled to carry 12. Paul R. Tregurtha, James R. Barker and Mesabi Miner are all scheduled to carry three or four coal cargoes in April.

The McCarthy, which is laid up in Duluth, is scheduled to load its first cargo at the coal dock on April 4. Kaye E. Barker, laid up in Fraser Shipyards, is scheduled to load coal April 2 destined for Marquette.

Reported by: Al Miller

Lakes Shipping Down 1.4 Percent in 2002

03/25
Dry-bulk cargo movement on the Great Lakes totaled 162.3 million net tons in 2002, a decrease of 1.4 percent compared to 2001 and a drop of 6 percent compared to the 5-year average.

Iron ore shipments totaled 58.9 million net tons in 2002, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to 2001, but a decrease of 9.2 percent compared to the 5-year average. North American raw steel production totaled an estimated 101.7 million tons in 2002, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to 2001, but the amount of steel made in Basic Oxygen Furnaces that turn pellets into hot metal fell 4 percent to an estimated 50.1 million net tons.

The Lakes iron ore trade was essentially non-stop in 2002. Shipments ceased from Lake Superior ports when the Soo Locks closed on January 15, but Escanaba continued to ship throughout February, albeit at a much slower pace, as the iron ore was being railed down from the Minorca Mine in Minnesota. The Mesabi Range ore was then loaded into the tug/barge unit JOYCE VANENKEVORT/GREAT LAKES TRADER.

The March 25 opening of the Soo Locks allowed the Lake Superior iron ore trade to resume in earnest, but for the first time in 45 years, Taconite Harbor remained silent. The iron ore mine that shipped through “Tac Harbor” ceased operations in January 2001 and the dock has not loaded a cargo since August of 2001.

The March, April and May totals from U.S. ports represented significant declines from the year before and reflected the continued idling of mills operated by the now bankrupt and liquidating LTV Steel. Those mills were purchased by investors who then founded the International Steel Group (ISG). Steel production resumed in Cleveland in late May and Indiana Harbor in July.

Monthly iron ore shipments from U.S. and Canadian ports peaked at 7 million net tons (6.2 million gross tons) in August and remained ahead of 2001’s pace through the end of the year.

Coal shipments totaled 41.9 million net tons in 2002, a decrease of 5.5 percent compared to 2001, but essentially on track with the 5-year average. The decrease was almost entirely the result of reduced demand for eastern coal shipped from Lake Erie ports. Loadings at Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut slipped below 20 million tons, a decrease of 15.5 percent compared to 2001 and 10.9 percent below the 5-year average. High inventories at Canadian power plants lessened demand for Lake Erie coal.

On the other hand, Superior Midwest Energy Terminal (SMET) had another banner year. Its shipments of low sulfur coal topped 18 million tons. While this tally represents an increase over 2001 and the 5-year average, its real significance is that the dock has now set a new record for annual shipments 9 years in a row.

SMET also set a new record for the most coal to be shipped by a single dock in one month when it loaded 2,548,173 net tons in July. The previous record dated back 46 years to October 1946 when the Chesapeake & Ohio dock in Toledo handled 2,468,619 net tons of coal.

Coal loadings at South Chicago decreased by four or five boatloads compared to 2001, but topped the dock’s 5-year average by the equivalent of one cargo.

The Lakes limestone trade totaled 36.2 million net tons in 2002, a decrease of 1.6 percent compared to 2001 and a drop of 3.3 percent compared to the 5-year average. The trade might have finished about even with 2001, but vessels in the stone trade experienced significant weather delays in November.

Two factors largely determine demand for limestone – steel production sets the level of fluxstone shipments and construction activity drives demand for aggregate. Steel’s problems have been well documented. Basin-wide, the construction industry was sluggish; some major markets saw a significant slowing in new construction projects.

Salt shipments totaled 7.2 million net tons in 2002, a decrease of 6 percent compared to 2001but essentially on par with the 5-year average. Some decrease was expected given the mild winter of 2001/2002, but a strike at the salt mine in Cleveland also impacted the trade.

The Lakes cement trade totaled 5.3 million net tons in 2002, a slight decrease from 2001 and the 5-year average. Demand for cement is obviously based on the level of construction in the Great Lakes basin and as explained in the Limestone Section, 2002 saw a general sluggishness and marked declines in some major markets.

The Lakes potash trade remained stagnant in 2002. Shipments from Thunder Bay, Ontario (the sole potash loading port on the Lakes) totaled 587,296 net tons, an increase of one boatload compared to 2001. The trade has switched largely to rail (it used to consistently top 1.5 million tons) in part because potash is used in fertilizers and farmers need to be resupplied before the March 25 opening of the Soo Locks.

Grain shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 12.1 million net tons in 2002, a decrease of 13.7 percent from 2001 and 16.7 percent below the 5-year average. Most importantly, the 2002 total is the lowest recorded since 1957, i.e., before the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway allowed for direct overseas exports. The Lakes’ grain trade has declined markedly since the economic unraveling of the Soviet Union, a primary customer. Other factors influencing the decline are an abundance of grain worldwide and drought-impacted harvests in the U.S. and Canada.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Milestones coming up in battle for National Steel

03/25
AK Steel has been considered the front-runner in the race to acquire bankrupt National Steel Corp., but whether AK Steel or rival U.S. Steel emerges as the winner will become clearer this week and next month.

This Wednesday is AK Steel's deadline for reaching a labor agreement with the United Steelworkers of America. Without a labor agreement in place, AK Steel's $1.125 billion deal with National could come apart.

Even if AK Steel reaches an agreement with the union, it faces another obstacle: an auction hearing set for April 1 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Chicago. At that time, U.S. Steel or another competitor could make a last-minute play for the company.

"A lot could happen before March 26, and a lot could happen between March 26 and the auction," said steel industry analyst Michael Locker.

In seeking to acquire National cost savings are high on both steelmakers' lists.

U.S. Steel estimates that within two years it would save about $170 million annually because of greater product, mill and purchasing efficiencies as well as improved logistics and lower personnel costs.

AK Steel has said it believes purchasing National Steel has the potential to save it more than $250 million annually.

U.S. Steel, for instance, sees the proximity of many of its plants to National Steel's operations as a definite benefit.

Currently, the company's Double Eagle Steel Coating Co. near Detroit and Pro-Tec Coating Co., located near Toledo are supplied by the company's Gary Works and Mon Valley Works near Pittsburgh. National Steel's Great Lakes flat-rolled operations in Ecorse and River Rouge could supply the two instead. "Great Lakes is right next door," U.S. Steel spokesman Mike Dixon said. "There would be tremendous transportation efficiencies there."

U.S. Steel actually envisions the creation of "regional centers," Dixon said. For example, National Steel's Portage, Ind., plant would complement U.S. Steel's Gary Works.

"These changes would allow us to really focus on production efficiency in our plants, leading to better yields, more optimization of operations," Dixon said. "We think combined we would be stronger players and provide better products and services to our customers."

For AK Steel, geography isn't a major consideration as it pursues National Steel, company spokesman Alan McCoy said.

Instead, the company, which in the last decade has turned its focus to producing steel for higher-end markets like the automotive and appliance industries, sees acquiring National Steel as a vehicle for diversifying its product offerings.

Reported by: Greg Stang

Lake Erie Icebreaking

03/25
Below are images taken from the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley over the past ten days.

Canadian Enterprise in Lake Erie.
A view of Port Colborne.
Canadian Progress in Port Colborne.
CSL Tadoussac.
Fixing the anemometer on the masthead of CCGS Samuel Risley.
Rt Hon Paul Martin laid-up in Port Colborne.
A view of the lay-up fleet in Sarnia.
Stormont moving the truck ferry from Detroit to Windsor.
Cedarglen in lay-up.
Roger Stahl waiting for escort to Ashtabula.
Roger Stahl underway to Ashtabula.
Off Ashtabula.
Roger Stahl.
Canadian Enterprise in Lake Erie.
Algoma ships in Sarnia.
Maumee and Calumet in Sarnia.
Saginaw and Mississagi in Sarnia.

Reported by: Paul Beesley

First Traffic Departs Twin Ports

03/24
With the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw leading the way, the Edgar B. Speer on Sunday became the first vessel to depart the Twin Ports.

The Speer backed away from its winter berth at the Duluth port terminal about 9 a.m., slowly pivoted in the turning basin and then motored through broken ice and out the Duluth ship canal bound for Two Harbors. The Edwin H. Gott departed about 1 p.m. also bound for Two Harbors.

The Presque Isle and Roger Blough were both expected to leave Duluth Sunday night or today to load at the Two Harbors ore dock.

The day began the Mackinaw getting under way. The icebreaker slowly cut lazy circles off the port terminal until departing about 30 minutes ahead of the Speer. A pair of tugs from Great Lakes towing also got under way to break ice.

The Speer encountered broken ice in the harbor and then a large area of open water near the ship canal. Outside the harbor, the Mackinaw waited for the Speer about two miles out. Once the Speer cleared the canal, both vessels proceeded at a good pace to Two Harbors.

Although ice was widespread off Duluth, the two ships broken into a large area of open water off Knife River. Then the Mackinaw forged ahead, entering Two Harbors about an hour ahead of the Speer.

The Mackinaw had been in Two Harbors on Thursday, and by Sunday the harbor was partly open. The icebreaker slowly cut a larger circle, then backed down between the ore docks, and then cut off another large sheet of ice on its way out of port. From there it proceeded back to Duluth while the Speer slowly motored into port and docked beneath the DMIR shiploader to begin the port's 2003 season.

Although the departures of the Speer and the Gott were the first vessel movements of the season in the Twin Ports, the Duluth-Superior shipping season won't officially begin until the first vessel arrives from below the Soo. This is a tradition that dates to the earliest days of the port when no major vessels spent the winter here.

Pictures by Al Miller
Tugs from Great Lakes Towing were hired to help break ice Sunday as two vessels from Great Lakes Fleet left winter layup and two more prepared to depart.
Another view of the tugs.
Edgar B. Speer backs away from its winter berth, the first vessel of the Twin Ports winter fleet to get under way for the 2003 season.
Edgar B. Speer turns into the Duluth ship canal.
Edgar B. Speer departing Duluth.
Mackinaw maneuvers slowly and carefully as it breaks ice in the tight confines of Two Harbors.