Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping News Archive

Report News

Rare Trip for the Saturn
05/31:
An infrequent visitor to Quebec City but a very familiar tanker on the lakes arrived in Quebec's capital Wednesday. The tanker Saturn was at Section 104 of Quebec City's harbor, waiting for room at the Ultramar terminal (section 86) where she was to load for Oswego, NY. Trips this far downbound the Seaway for the Saturn are rare, it was a unique opportunity for boatwatchers in the area to have a glimpse of the small but busy tanker.

Reported by: J. F. Boutin

McKee Sons in Sarnia
05/31:
The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible remained at the Government Dock in Sarnia Wednesday. The pair were reported to be at the dock for some type of repairs.
Tug and barge docked stern to stern.
Close up of the tug.

Reported by: T. Parker

Twin Ports Report
05/31:
Fedmar's red hulls were plentiful in Duluth on the morning of May 30 as Lake Superior backed into the main cargo berth at the Duluth port terminal, not far from where Federal Schelde was finishing its load of soybeans. The Federal Schelde was expected to depart Wednesday after spending more than a week in port.
Grain shipments have been slow in the past several weeks, so the arrival of Canadian Voyager was a welcome sight. The straight decker was loading at the Cenex Harvest States elevator in Superior. This has been the busiest grain terminal in port this season. Peavey Connors Point, which was busy last season, has seen relatively little vessel traffic and its usually busy railroad sidings are empty.
Indiana Harbor was making a rare appearance at the BNSF ore dock in Superior. St. Clair was scheduled to make another trip to the DMIR ore dock in Two Harbors.

Reported by: Al Miller

Alpena Update
05/31:
The J.A.W Iglehart loaded cement at Lafarge on Wednesday. It left at 3:30 p.m. heading for Detroit. The Alpena was due into port around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The tug Jacklyn M. and barge Integrity was heading to Waukegen, IL to unload. The Paul H. Townsend is on a weeklong lay-up in Muskegon. It is expected to depart on June 3.

Reported by: Chanda Bruski

Saginaw News
05/31:
Three upbound vessels formed a convoy Wednesday morning on the Saginaw River on their way to Saginaw area docks. First in line was the Buffalo, which was heading to the Saginaw Rock Products dock. After unloading part of her cargo there, the vessel planned to shift across the river to finish unloading at the Valley Asphalt dock. The Buffalo had entered the river at 6:48 a.m.
Following a short distance behind the Buffalo was the steamer Saginaw, which had entered the river at 7:11 a.m. with a load for the old General Motors dock at Saginaw.
Close behind the Saginaw was the Sam Laud, which had entered the river at 5:18 a.m. The Laud had first lightered at Bay Aggregates in downtown Bay City. She then followed the other two vessels on her way up to the Buena Vista dock near the I-75 Bridge to finish unloading.
The three vessels could be seen within a few miles of one another as they transited the stretch of river between Bay City and Saginaw at about 10:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, the Joseph H. Frantz had completed unloading at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City and was outbound through Essexville at 11:00 a.m. The Sam Laud completed unloading early in the afternoon and was outbound from Saginaw at 2:00 p.m.
The Saginaw and Buffalo finished unloading later in the afternoon. The Buffalo was outbound from the 6th Street turning basin in Saginaw at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Saginaw one hour later.
Joseph H. Frantz in the turning basin. Todd Shorkey
Using every inch of space in the turning basin. Todd Shorkey
Backing. Todd Shorkey
A push from the bow thruster to complete the turning. Todd Shorkey
Joseph H. Frantz, outbound at Essexville. Stephen Hause

The Mark Hannah and barge passing Consumers Energy.Todd Shorkey
Sam Laud, upbound. Stephen Hause
Sam Laud passing below Veterans Bridge.Todd Shorkey
Sam Laud approaching Liberty Bridge.Todd Shorkey

Buffalo at Saginaw Rock Products dock. Stephen Hause
Buffalo downbound at Wheelers Landing. Todd Shorkey
Stern view. Todd Shorkey

Saginaw, upbound. Stephen Hause
Saginaw downbound at Veteran’s Park in Bay City. Todd Shorkey
Stern view. Todd Shorkey

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Detroit River Traffic
05/31:
Below are images of traffic on the Detroit River Wednesday evening.
Algolake unloading coal in the Rouge River Short Cut Canal.
Bow view.
Great Laker (Myanmar) unloading at Morton Terminals.
English River off Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Algomarine downbound.
Southdown Challenger downbound at Grassy Island.
Stern view.
Catherine Desgagnes loading at the ADM Elevator.
Catherine Desgagnes downbound at Fighting Island North Light.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo Update
05/31:
The Kaye E. Barker finished loading coal and departed from the CSX Coal Docks around 2:00 p.m. The Maumee arrived at the CSX Dock from Cleveland around 3:00 p.m. and started loading coal upon arrival. She finished around 5:30 p.m. and departed The CSX Dock site and is now bound for Menominee, Michigan to unload her coal cargo there.
The Algomarine was due in at the CSX Stone Dock on Wednesday evening from Windsor, Ontario to finish unloading her remaining stone cargo. Once unloaded she will shift over to the coal dock to load coal.
The tanker Gemini was at the B-P Dock. The tug Mary E. Hannah with her barge was at the Sun Oil Dock. The American Mariner is in lay-up at the Torco Dock. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock. The barge Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort is in lay-up at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock (Toledo Furnace).
There were no grain or ore vessels in port at the time of this report. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the Algomarine, Algolake, and CSL Niagara due in today. They will be followed by the Algosteel on Sunday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Docks will be the Courtney Burton this morning followed by the Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland News
05/31:
The Maumee departed CBS early Wednesday morning. About noon her fleet mate the Calumet with tug Idaho came out of Ontario 4 and turned in the outer harbor and went back to the Salt Dock to load. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Neah Bay went out on to the lake in the afternoon. The American Republic departed around 1:00 p.m. on the shuttle run from Lorain to Cleveland. The tug Sea Eagle II and cement barge departed about 2:00 p.m. The English River was scheduled to arrive for her dock around midnight.
Pictures by TZ
Calumet turning with the tug Idaho.
Close up.
Another view.
Neah Bay passing the lighthouse.
Close up of Neah Bay.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Conneaut Update
05/31:
Wednesday was a busy day in Conneaut, OH. starting with a visit by the CSL Niagara early that morning to load coal for Nanticoke. The Roger Blough arrived about 9:30 a.m. with a load of taconite from Two Harbors, MN and departed at 5:00 pm as scheduled. About 7:00 p.m. the Bough's fleet mate John G. Munson arrived with ore from Duluth and will depart some time this morning
Other visitors to Conneaut earlier in the week were Yankcanuck Monday and Tuesday for her usual load of gypsum to Nanticoke and the CSL Niagara on Monday to load coal.
Pictures taken from the Ronnie S, a classic Great Lakes trap-net tug
Yankcanuck loading.
Close up of her crane.
Close up of stern.
Capt. Jim Anthony takes the Ronnie S. into the harbor.
Yankcanuck heads for Nanticoke.
CSL Niagara approaching port on Lake Erie.
Niagara backs into port.
Departing for Nanticoke.

Roger Blough unloading at Dock 4.
Blough bow straight in the slip.
Blough in the slip.
Passing the forward end, in the slip.
A view aft of forward cabins.
Unloading boom dumping taconite into the hopper at P & C ore dock.
Another view.
We pull a tree from the coal dock slip and approach the Blough's stern on our way out of slip.
The boom can be extended on either side, this image shows the opening on the port side.
Blough in outer harbor departing Conneaut P & C.
Passing the Conneaut light and back to Minnesota.

Reported by: Thomas Naykki and Capt. Jim Anthony

Toronto Report
05/31:
Shooting began Wednesday for the movie "True Blue" starring Tom Beringer. The producers are using the former U.S. fishing trawler Miss Kristy and calling it a "Dragon Boat". They have done their best to create an American atmosphere, having draped two large cloths over the stern of Canadian Mariner, sitting to the west of the set, to obscure her name and port of registry. They have also hoisted two American flags on the fire tug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie, which sits on Toronto Dry dock on the east side of the set.
As reported yesterday, McKeil's tugs went to Oshawa to assist the salty Darya Diva into port. They remained in Oshawa Wednesday.
Soderholm's tug Diver III and barge were in at the stone dock Wednesday afternoon.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Aerial Views
05/31:
Pilot and photographer Don Coles was flying over Lake St. Clair Wednesday 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.
Frontenac on Lake St. Clair.
Tanker Jade Star.
Algoeast.
George A. Stinson.
Catharine Desgagnes passing the Stinson.

Marine Mart
05/31:
June 2 is the annual Lake Huron Lore Marine Society Marine Mart held at the Port Huron Museum from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Books, Models, Videos, Historic Paper, Photographs and more will be offered. It is also an opportunity to see the Museum's Great Lakes Collection. Afterwards relax at the Blue Water Bridges and watch the ships go by.
Please call (810) 982-0891 for more information.

Reported by: Al Hart

Help Wanted Marine Superintendent - Hull
05/31:
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is looking for an individual to serve in the capacity of Marine Superintendent in the operating office in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The individual must have a minimum of ten years experience sailing on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Waterway including time served as ships captain, experience in human resource management, budgeting and maintenance of freshwater fleet vessels.
The successful candidate will oversee and coordinate a number of activities for the company’s fleet, including safety, training, cargo work, stability and stress, navigation, planning and claims.
Please reply in confidence by May 11, 2001 with detailed resume and references by facsimile to 807-475-3493.
N.M. Paterson & Sons Limited is committed to equity in employment.

Today in Great Lakes History - May 31
The CITY OF SAGINAW 31 cleared Manitowoc in 1973 in tow of the tug HELEN M. McALLISTER, this was the first leg of her tow to the cutters torch.
The wooden barge FANNY NEIL was launched at the Muir, Livingstone & Co. yard in Port Huron on 31 May 1870. As was usual in those days, her name was not made public until the streamer bearing her name was unfurled at the launch.
May 31, 1924 -- The PERE MARQUETTE 21 arrived Ludington on her maiden voyage. Captain Charles E. Robertson in command.
The wooden tug MOCKING BIRD was launched at 7:00 PM on 31 May 1873 (12 days late) at the Port Huron Dry Dock Company yard. Her master builder was Alex "Sandy" Stewart. Her dimensions were 123' x 23' x 8.4', 142 gt. The engine (26.5" x 30") was at the Cuyahoga Works in Cleveland at the time of launch, ready to be installed. Although this launch was twelve days late, it still did not go smoothly since MOCKING BIRD got stuck in the river. However, with some assistance from another tug, she was pulled free and was afloat at the dock by midnight. She lasted until abandoned at Marquette, Michigan in 1918.

Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, 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

McKee Sons in Sarnia
05/30:
The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible spent most of Tuesday at the Government Dock in Sarnia. She was reported to be having a problem with one of the tug's two engines. The tug was pulled from the barge's notch and they were docked stern to stern. Also in port was the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Gull Isle and tug Menasha.

Reported by: Brian Ferguson

Memorial Service
05/30:
Memorial services were conducted aboard the Polish ship, Isadora, in the port of Cleveland a week ago in memory of seaman Tomasz Wlodarczk, whose body recently washed ashore at Duluth, Minnesota.
Cleveland Seamen's Service enlisted the participation of Rev. Fr. Jan Wachala, St. Casimir Parish and Rev. Fr. Andrze Knapik, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, to conduct the service aboard ship in the Polish language for the crew and guests.
One member of this ship had served with the drowned victim in the past and the ceremony was held in Cleveland because of the availability of the Polish priest and the lengthier stay in port, which gave time to organize.
The traditional wreath was tossed into Lake Erie after the memorial prayers by the two priests and a eulogy from Isadora Capt. Tomasz Kowalewski, who was able to learn some details from the shipping line.
The ship Ziemia Chemielska left Duluth in November without the crewman, who had been on shore alone. A shore crew search was conducted with no avail when Wlodarczyk did not return. In April his body floated ashore. Coroner investigation found no foul play drugs or alcohol, just drowning, to be the cause of death. His remains were returned to Poland for internment.
Cleveland Seamens Service is a non religious volunteer service organization based at the port which greets all ships, providing hospitality, touring and shopping opportunities to the crews of the international vessels making a brief stay in Cleveland.

Reported by: Frank Swiderski

Saginaw News
05/30:
The Mississagi arrived at the Buena Vista dock near the I-75 Bridge early Tuesday on her second visit to the Saginaw River. The vessel had finished unloading at noon, and was outbound during the afternoon.
Pictures by Stephen Hause
Mississagi outbound through Zilwaukee.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Detroit River Update
05/30:
Tuesday the Halifax was anchored in the Ojibway Anchorage off Windsor waiting for the Arthur M. Anderson to complete unloading at the Blue Circle Cement Dock in the Rouge River. This was an unusual trip for the Anderson.
The Lee A. Tregurtha departed Rouge Steel and was sailing down the Rouge River Tuesday evening. The Anderson waited in the Detroit River for the Tregurtha to clear, if the Anderson had moved to the dock the Tregurtha would have had a very difficult time exiting the river due to the location of the dock. Other vessel traffic in the area is shown below.
Halifax at anchor.
stern view.
Patricia Hoey upbound off Nicholson's.
Stern view.

Pictures taken on Monday
Tug John Spence and barge Mc Asphalt 401.
The pair had waited for the weather to improve at Morton Terminal in Windsor. They headed downbound after receiving a report of favorable sea conditions at Detroit River Light.
Close up of the John Spence.
Close up of the barge.
Stern view.
Tug Muskegon at Monroe.
St Clair upbound.
Stern view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo News
05/30:
The Reserve loaded coal at the CSX Dock and departed Tuesday afternoon. The Kaye E. Barker was due in later that evening to load coal. The Cuyahoga arrived at the ADM/Countrymark Elevator Tuesday morning to load grain. Depending on the loading process, she was expected to depart late afternoon or evening. The tanker Gemini was inbound Maumee Bay around 2:00 p.m., headed for the B-P Dock.
The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock. The American Mariner is in lay-up at the Torco Dock. The Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort is at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks was the Maumee at 1:30 a.m. this morning followed by the Algomarine, Algolake, and CSL Niagara on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Courtney Burton today at 6:00 a.m., followed by the Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Hamilton Report
05/30:
Tuesday evening the Seamonarch II was unloading part of its cargo of steel products at Pier 8. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Limnos departed from CCIW Monday afternoon.
From the Burlington Piers, a tanker could be seen at the Oakville/Bronte Piers. Possibly the Diamond Star.
An unusual sight was to see the Agawa Canyon moored at Pier 23 unloading sand, from Brevort, Michigan. The vessel had just finished unloading to form one pile of sand, when it was being winched forward along the pier so that it could start unloading again to form a new pile.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto Update
05/30:
The salty Elikon was unloading at Redpath Sugar dock this morning. McKeil's tugs Atomic and Lac Como were missing from their slip and are presumed to be working at Oshawa, where they are sent as needed.
Work on the firetug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie on Toronto Drydock is proceeding ahead of schedule. She may be refloated late next week.
The tug Miss Kristy was being readied today for a film shoot tomorrow. She is being used as a prop for the film "True Blue" starring Tom Beringer.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Join us on the Badger June 2
05/30:
Time is running out to book your passage on the Lake Michigan Carferry Badger for our crossing this Saturday, June 2. The Badger is the last operating carferry on the lakes, at 410-feet she is steam powered and coal fired.
The crossing takes us from Ludington, MI. to Manitowoc, WI on Saturday June 2. The Lake Michigan Carferry has offered a special rate on the crossing and for those who are interested, a special rate for a stateroom on board in the "Badger Boatel" Friday night.
Our group will be treated to limited tours of the pilothouse and engine room of Badger. This is a rare opportunity to see the two Skinner Unaflow Steam engines that generate a combined 7,000 horsepower.
The cruise begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. departing Ludington, MI. After the three hour trip across Lake Michigan we arrive in Manitowoc, WI where you may choose to visit the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and its World War II submarine U.S.S. Cobia all for a special discount rate. Other options in Manitowoc include exploring the city and the many lighthouses in the area or staying on the Badger for a shore line cruise (additional fare).
The cruise continues with our departure for Ludington at 6:00 p.m. (Central time).
To reserve your space on the Badger Click here
Offcial Lake Michigan Carferry web site.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Today in Great Lakes History - May 30
The Columbia Star began her maiden voyage in 1981 from Sturgeon Bay to load iron ore pellets at Silver Bay, MN for Lorain, OH. She was the last of the 1000 footers to enter service and, excluding tug-barge units or conversions, was the last new Great Lakes vessel on the American side.
During the economic depression known as the "Panic of '73", shipbuilding came to a stand still. Orders for new vessels were cancelled and worked was stopped on hulls that were on the ways. On 30 May 1874, the Port Huron Times reported that a recovery from the "Panic of '73" resulted in a surge of shipyard work at Marine City. "Shipyards are getting ready to start business again with full force. Mr. Fin Kenyon has begun building a steam barge for Kenyon Bros. [the PORTER CHAMBERLAIN]; Mr. George King is going to build a steam barge for Mr. Henry Buttironi [the GERMANIA]; Messrs. Hill and Wescott are going to build a side wheel passenger boat for Mr. Eber Ward [the NORTHERNER]; Mr. David Lester will build another steam barge [the CITY OF DULUTH]. There is one barge on the stocks built by Mr. Hill for Mr. Morley, that will soon be ready to launch [the N. K. FAIRBANK]."
At about 1:00 AM on 30 May 1882, the lumber hooker ROCKET, carrying shingles from Manistee to Charlevoix, capsized about four miles abreast of Frankfort, Michigan on Lake Michigan. The tug HALL found the vessel and towed her inside the harbor. The crew were saved, but the vessel was split open and was a total wreck.

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

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

Slow Trip for the Maria Desgagnes
05/29:
The Maria Desgagnes was upbound in the Detroit River Sunday morning. She was running at reduced speed because the water level had fallen to +13 inches. She was carrying a split load of gasoline and jet fuel from Montreal for the Shell lower dock in Sarnia.
Maria Desgagnes upbound.
Stern view.
Another view.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Lafarge to Sell Blue Circle Assets
05/29:
Lafarge has announced that it has entered into an agreement for the sale to VOTORANTIM of assets currently owned by Blue Circle in the North American Great Lakes area, for a total amount of Euro 825 million.
The assets involved include:
-two cement plants (Bowmanville and St. Marys in the province of Ontario);
-a grinding station in Detroit, Michigan ;
-7 cement terminals on the US side of the Great Lakes ;
-39 ready-mix concrete plants in the province of Ontario ;
-some of Blue Circle aggregates assets, also in the province of Ontario, representing about 4 MT of annual sales.
The parties intend to consumate the transaction soon after the acquisition of BCI (Blue Circle Industries plc.) by LAFARGE, subject to the approval of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the confirmation of the agreement in principle reached with the Canadian Competion Bureau, as well as to other customary conditions. The BCI acquisition is expected to occur this summer.
Based in Sao Paulo, VOTORANTIM is the market leader in Brazil for cement (41% market share) and one of the ten largest cement producers in the world. It has 16 cement plants with a capacity of 25 MT per year. VOTORANTIM which had revenues of nearly Euro 4.7 billion in 2000, is also involved in many other businesses including pulp and paper and metals.
LAFARGE is world leader in building materials. It has 66 000 employees in 71 countries and holds top-ranking positions in all four of its Divisions - Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum. In 2000, the Group recorded sales of Euro 12.2 billion.

Reported by: Lafarge

Queen Trader Departs
05/29:
Monday the tanker Queen Trader was in the Seaway heading downbound after unloading in Hamilton. The tanker spent the weekend unloading liquor at Pier 23.
Queen Trader passing Brockville about 7:00 p.m. Monday.

Reported by: Peter Carter

Marinette and Menominee Update
05/29:
Monday the Catherine Desgagnes arrived in Marinette with cargo of Pig Iron to unload. The Maumee is schedule to deliver a cargo of coal for Menominee Pager Co. in Menominee. Her visit will be the first time that a GRN/LLT boat has ever been to Menominee, last year as the Maumee was in port twice with coal as the Calcite II.

Reported by: Scott Best

Saginaw News
05/29:
The Alpena finished unloading at the Lafarge Dock in Saginaw and was downbound Monday morning. She was passing through the Bay City bridges shortly after 9:00 a.m.
The Joseph H. Frantz arrived at the Bay City Wirt Dock early Monday morning with a split cargo for Bay City and Saginaw. She had completed unloading in Bay City and was upbound to the Valley Asphalt Dock at 10:15 a.m. The Frantz turned in Saginaw and was outbound for the Saginaw Bay, passing Cass Ave shortly before 7:00 p.m. Monday night.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Sarnia Update
05/29:
The Paterson was in Sarnia over the weekend loading grain at the elevators on the north side of the harbor. Early Monday morning she was loaded very low in the water and looked ready to depart.
At the Government Dock was the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Pride of Michigan. The 80-foot training vessel was in port over the weekend.

Reported by: Jamie Kerwin

Marine Mart
05/29:
June 2 is the annual Lake Huron Lore Marine Society Marine Mart held at the Port Huron Museum from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Books, Models, Videos, Historic Paper, Photographs and more will be offered. It is also an opportunity to see the Museum's Great Lakes Collection. Afterwards relax at the Blue Water Bridges and watch the ships go by.
Please call (810) 982-0891 for more information.

Reported by: Al Hart

Website Updates
05/29:
The weekly updates have been uploaded.
Click here for easy to navigate updates

Today in Great Lakes History - May 29
ROBERT S. McNAMARA was Launched in 1909 as a) STADACONA (1).

JAMES R. BARKER was Float launched in 1976.

TADOUSSAC (2) Prematurely launched herself on this day in 1969.
May 29, 1905 -- The PERE MARQUETTE 20, while leaving Milwaukee in a heavy fog struck the scow "Hiram R. Bond" of the Milwaukee Sand Gravel Company. The scow sank.
In 1909 the ANN ARBOR NO. 4 capsized at Manistique as a result of an error in loading a heavy load of iron ore.
On 29 May 1889, BAVARIA (3-mast wooden schooner-barge, 145', 376 gt, built in 1873 at Garden Island, Ontario) was carrying squared timber when she broke from the tow of the steamer D. D. CALVIN and began to founder near Long Point in Lake Erie. Her crew abandoned her, but all eight were lost. The abandoned vessel washed ashore with little damage and lasted until 1898 when she was destroyed in a storm.
PLEASURE (wooden passenger ferry, 128', 489 gt) was launched at W. Bay City, MI on 29 May 1894. She was a small but powerful ferry, equipped with a 1600 HP engine. She operated on the Detroit River year round as a ferry and small ice breaker for the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company. She was broken up at Detroit in 1940.

Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, 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

Lake Superior Ore
05/28:
The ore ports on western Lake Superior were busy Sunday. George A. Stinson was loading in Superior, Roger Blough was loading at Two Harbors, Mesabi Miner was loading from the dwindling supply at Taconite Harbor, and Armco was scheduled to arrive late in the evening at Silver Bay. On Monday, Joseph H. Thompson is due into Taconite Harbor and Courtney Burton is scheduled for Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

Ralph Tucker Departs
05/28:
The Ralph Tucker departed the General Chemical Dock in Amherstburg Sunday loaded with a split load of liquid calcium chloride for Morrisburg and Montreal. She arrived at Sterling Fuel at 4:45 p.m. to fuel before proceeding downbound.
Ralph Tucker loading at General Chemical in Amherstburg.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Thunder Bay Update
05/28:
The saltie Spar Jade left sometime late night on Saturday. She headed downbound after finishing her loading at Thunder Bay Terminals. The Lake Michigan also left early evening on Saturday after loading at Agricore.
The Algosteel was Downbound around 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning after topping off at Thunder Bay Terminals and the Canadian Venture passed her upbound arriving in port around noon. The Venture loaded at Cargill and then moved over to Agricore at 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning under clearing skies and calm waters. By late afternoon she was downbound with a full load.
The Canadian Provider arrived after midnight in the early morning hours of Sunday and began loading wheat at Richardson's. Late afternoon she was moved over to UGG"A" and was still loading there as of 9:00 p.m. The barge Sarah Spencer and tug Jane Ann IV was also an early arrival, docking at UGG"A".
The tug Radium Yellowknife and her barges are expected back in port in the next few days to pick up more lumber barges, after unloading in Superior this weekend. She was scheduled to leave Superior Sunday evening around 5:00 p.m.
The Algontario still remains idle at Pascol and the Canadian Transfer is still having work done to her hull in the Pascol Dry Dock.

Reported by: Rob Farrow and Ron Konkol

Marquette Report
05/28:
Ship traffic in and out of Marquette has slowed considerably this past week. During the period Sunday, May 20 through May 26, only one vessel visited Marquette. Sunday three vessels were expected to visit starting with the Kaye E. Barker followed by the Algomarine and finishing with the Lee A. Tregurtha. No vessels were scheduled for Monday and the James R. Barker is due in on Wednesday.

Reported by: Art Pickering

Benton Harbor Traffic
05/28:
The Lake Michigan port was busy over the weekend. Saturday the Calumet unloaded part of her sand cargo loaded in Grand Haven at the Consolidated Dock in Benton Harbor. This is the first trip for the newly named Calumet to the port. There was dredging underway in the turning basin on Saturday. On Sunday the Sam Laud unloaded gravel then departed Benton Harbor / St. Joseph about 9:30 p.m.

Saginaw News
05/28:
The Alpena was inbound Sunday morning passing the Front Range Lights at 10:20 a.m. She was headed to the Lafarge Dock in Saginaw to unload a cargo of cement.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Alpena approaching Independence Bridge.
Passing through.
Stern View.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo News
05/28:
On Saturday the CSL Laurentien arrived at the A.R.M.S. Dock to unload grain from Thunder Bay, Ontario. She arrived around 7:00 a.m. and did a complete unload of cargo, she departed around 8:00 p.m. in the evening with two "G" tugs assisting her.
At the time of this report there are no coal, grain, or ore vessels in port. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock, The American Mariner is in lay-up at the Torco Dock, The barge Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort remains at the old Interlake Dock.
The next scheduled coal vessels due in at the CSX Dock will be on Tuesday. The Reserve will have a 7:00 a.m. start when she arrives at the docksite after unloading her ore cargo at the Torco Dock.
The Reserve will be followed by the Maumee (8pm) and Kaye E. Barker (1130pm). On Weds. The Algomarine (8pm) followed by the Algolake (9pm). On Thursday the CSL Niagara (3pm) and on Sunday the Algosteel (1am). The next scheduled ore vessels will be the Reserve (6pm) on Monday. The Courtney Burton (10am) on Thursday followed by the Reserve (5pm) on Sunday.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report
05/28:
Sunday the tug James Paladino and her barge were outbound the Cuyahoga River. The barge McKee Sons and tug Invincible were inbound for Ontario 4 at 5:00 p.m. The tug Sea Eagle and cement barge were expected about 11:00 p.m. taking two tugs up to the Blue Circle Cement dock.
Pictures by TZ
Bow view of the McKee Sons.
Close up of her starboard bow.
Port bow.
Bow on.
Tug invincible in the notch.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Hamilton Update
05/28:
Sunday evening, the CSL Niagara was unloading coal at Stelco's coal dock. The Hamilton Energy was alongside refueling the Niagara. The McKeil tug Glenevis is still alongside the Hamilton Energy.
Still in Heddle Marine's drydock, the cement barge Metis is having a fresh coat of grey paint applied to the hull as part of the major refit.
The CCG Limnos was moored at Canada Centre for Inland Waters.
The tanker Queen Trader was moored at Pier 23. The tanker was unloading and flying the dangerous cargo pennant from her mast.
ULS James Norris was unloading aggregate at the north face of Pier 12. The cargo was loaded in Prescott early Saturday.
The Norris passed the town of Prescott outbound Saturday on her way to Hamilton, the Canadian Prospector was about to pass her upbound, and the Canadian Leader passing downbound, resulted in quite a few Captain's salutes being blown between the three company ships. The tanker Saturn was upbound at Prescott/Ogdensburg at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.
The Diamond Star upbound Prescott/Ogdensburg 10:00 a.m. and was expected to overtake the tanker Saturn before the Brockville Narrows.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Today in Great Lakes History - May 28
THOMAS W. LAMONT departed Toledo on her maiden voyage May 28, 1930 bound for Duluth, MN where she loaded iron ore.
May 28, 1900 -- The PERE MARQUETTE 15 cut down the scow SILVER LAKE, sinking her with the loss of one life.
On 28 May 1860, ARCTIC (wooden side-wheeler, 237', 861 t, built in 1851 at Marine City) drove ashore on the east side of Lighthouse Island in Lake Superior in a dense fog. The passengers and crew were able to make it to shore before a storm arose and pounded the ARCTIC to pieces. The passengers and crew were later picked up by the steamer FOUNTAIN CITY.
The ferry SARNIA made her first trip as a carferry between Port Huron and Sarnia on 27 May 1879. She had burned in January 1879, then was converted to a carferry and served in that capacity during the summer. In September 1879, she was converted to a barge.

Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, 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

New Life for the Landsdowne
05/27:
The Landsdowne has officially received a new life as a floating restaurant according to an announcement by the Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority (EWPPA). The EWWPA announced that they have signed a 25 year lease for the Sassafrass Street Dock space, which Specialty Restaurants Corp. of Anaheim will use to dock the former Detroit River rail ferry turned restaurant. The lease came after eight months of negotiation with Specialty, said Ray Schreckengost, director of the Authority. The company proposes to open a 1200 seat floating restaurant and banquet hall. Specialty president John Tallichet said that Specialty plans to spend $1.5 to $2 million to renovate her.
The Landsdowne will be docked where the carferry Viking I is currently docked and the Viking I will either be moved to another dock or out of town, said Schreckengost.
In other Erie news, the Buffalo fire tug Edward M. Cotter kicked off her Erie Memorial Day visit and the Richard Reiss was in Erie early Saturday morning.

Reported by: Jeff Thoreson

5-Year Survey Complete
05/27:
The cement barge Integrity was refloated Saturday at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The tug Jacklyn M. was expected to following soon. The barge was in dry dock for her 5-year survey. The pair were expected to be coupled sometime Saturday evening and departing Sturgeon Bay soon after heading for Alpena, MI to load.

Reported by: R. Greathouse

Detroit River Update
05/27:
Saturday was a busy day on the Detroit River.
Darya Ma Saturday morning at Nicholson's with Federal Fuji in the back ground which is at anchor.
Stern of Darya Ma showing both national flags.
Federal Fuji (Bahamas) at anchor.
Algosoo loading at Ojibway Salt. Notice crew members chipping pilothouse.
Bow view of Algosoo.
Ralph Tucker loading at General Chemical in Amherstburg.
Maumee upbound at the Livingstone Crossing. She reported to that she has a load of salt for Calcite and was stopping at Sterling Fuel.
Maumee stern.
Fred R White Jr downbound Saturday about 6:00 p.m.
White passing fleetmate Middletown.
Middletown, bow.
Close up of pilothouse. "AO71" and awards (left) display her proud WWII service as an oiler.
Middletown stern.

Reported by: Mike Nicholls

Toledo Update
05/27:
The CSL Niagara finished loading coal and departed early Saturday morning. Her fleetmate the CSL Laurentien was upbound on the Maumee River bound for one of the grain elevator complexes to load grain. The John J. Boland arrived soon after to load coal.
The barge Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort is at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock (Toledo Furnace) and it is unknown when she will depart. There are no outward signs of work on the tug or the barge and both units remain connected together. They appear as though they may be in for temporary lay-up.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Reserve, Maumee, and Lee A. Tregurtha on Tuesday. The Algomarine, and Algolake on Wednesday followed by the CSL Niagara on Thursday morning. At the Torco Dock the Fred R. White Jr. was due in late Saturday evening, followed by the Reserve on Monday evening and the Courtney Burton on Thursday morning.
The American Mariner is in lay-up at the Torco Dock complex. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at CSX #1 Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Clarkson Report
05/27:
Saturday weather saw gusty winds from the southeast with a mix of rain showers and sunny intervals. That evening the Emerald Star which had come over from Bronte with another cargo of gas oil base appeared to be close to completing the discharge of her cargo at the Petro Canada pier. Over at the St. Lawrence Cement the James Norris was in and appeared to be in the early stages of discharging another cargo of limestone from Colborne. She will likely sail very early Sunday morning.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Today in Great Lakes History - May 27
CANADIAN PIONEER was launched May 27,1981
NANTICOKE was christened in 1980.
CHARLES DICK was launched in 1922.
The PETER REISS left Duluth, MN May 27, 1910 on her maiden voyage with iron ore for Ashtabula, OH.
HENRY STEINBRENNER (4) was towed from Toledo's Lakefront Dock in 1994 for the scrap yard at Port Maitland, Ont.
The tug SMITH burned near Bay City on 27 May 1872. Her loss was valued at $7,000 but there was no insurance on her.
The ferry SARNIA made her first trip as a carferry between Port Huron and Sarnia on 27 May 1879. She had burned in January 1879, then was converted to a carferry and served in that capacity during the summer. In September, 1879, she was converted to a barge.

Data from: Jody Aho, 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

Tug and Barge Depart Bayship
05/26:
The tug Michigan and barge Great Lakes departed Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI Friday afternoon. The tug and barge had been at Bay Ship for a week.
The tug was uncoupled from the barge and placed in one of the small floating dry docks, the reason for her visit is unknown. The work was completed and the tug was refloated Thursday and reconnected to the barge Great Lakes. The pair departed the Sturgeon Bay into Green Bay upbound.
At Bay Ship.
Ready to depart.

Reported by: Vic DeLarwelle

Duluth - Superior Update
05/26:
The J.A.W. Iglehart departed early Friday morning, after finishing her unload at Lafarge in Duluth. The Columbia Star also left in the early morning with taconite pellets from DM&IR, headed for Ispat/Inland in Indiana Harbor. The Oglebay Norton footers seem to be working a new contract for Ispat/Inland, which for the last two years had been dominated by the Indiana Harbor.
The Cason J. Callaway topped off the early morning activity, coming in to unload stone at DM&IR before heading up the North Shore later in the evening to load in Two Harbors. The barge Sarah Spencer and tug Jane Ann IV arrived during the mid-morning to unload barley from Thunder Bay at the Cargill B2 elevator in Duluth. While the barge was unloading, the tug Jane Ann IV detached and went to fuel at Murphy's Port Terminal berth.
Later that afternoon the Charles M. Beeghly also fueled at Murphy upon arrival in the Twin Ports, before heading up the river to load taconite at DM&IR. Early evening arrivals included the Canadian Enterprise, coming in for coal at Midwest Energy, and the Kinsman Independent, arriving to load wheat at Cenex Harvest States. The Federal Schelde has been in port for a week now, trying to load soybeans at AGP in Duluth. Rain has continually delayed the process, as it did once again Friday after only a few short hours of loading.

Reported by: Eric Holst

Thunder Bay Report
05/26:
Traffic in and out of the Port of Thunder Bay was steady during the past week.
Early morning Friday the Lake Michigan, Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin and the Mantadoc slip into Port. The Lake Michigan was on her first trip of the year to this Port and docked at P&H elevator to load. The Martin on her second trip this year nosed into Thunder Bay Terminals to load and the Mantadoc, arriving for the first visit this season, pulled into Richardson's Elevator. By afternoon the Mantadoc had moved to UGG"A" to continue loading and by early evening was on her way back down the lake. The Martin was also loaded quickly and was turned around and downbound late afternoon. The Lake Michigan has moved over to Agricore to continue loading.
The Algosteel also arrived Friday docking at Valley Camp just before noon and then moving over to P&H Elevator later in the day. The tug Radium Yellowknife was still docked at the old Ore Dock beside Northern Woods, in preparation for another lumber barge tow. The Saltie Spar Jade was at anchor after loading at UGG"M".
The Canadian Transfer remains at Pascol Engineering Dry Dock as worked continues on the damaged area of her hull. Scaffold indicates the general area of work which seems to be about midship on the port underside.
Other boats in port this week included the Oakglen, Kapitonas Sevcenko, Quebecois, Strange Atractor, Algocape, Iryda, Algocen, W.N. Twolan/McAllaster, Algobay, Canadian Leader, Cartierdoc, Sarah Spencer, Algonova, CSL Laurentien and the CEC Crusader.
The CEC Crusader was in Port on Wednesday delivering 15 passenger rail cars that Via Rail bought in the United Kingdom and were shipped to Thunder Bay for refurbishment before entering service in eastern Canada. The cars were surplus from the English-French Channel. The contract was awarded to Bombardier who expected to refurbish the cars in Montreal but the Montreal facility had too much work so the contract was then awarded to the Thunder Bay plant.
The official announcement on Thursday by the plant manager said that this contract was perfect timing for the plant as 200 employees were scheduled for layoff in June following the end of the Toronto subway contract.
The manager said that most of the employees on the layoff would now be spared and the work should last for another two years. The first 15 cars were unloaded at Keefer terminal and will be moved over to the plant. The next shipment of 36 cars will occur sometime next month with similar shipments over the next few months. The contract is to refurbish 139 cars over the next 4 years and is worth $9.8 million (C).
CEC Crusader unloading passenger cars at Keefer Terminal.
Quebecois docking at Agricore.
Downbound from Thunder Bay Harbor.
Mantadoc at Richardson's Elevator loading.
Canadian Transfer docking at Pascol Engineering in the fog with a slight list to port.
Pumping out ballast water while dry dock is pumped out. Mantadoc at Richardson's Elevator loading.

Reported by: Rob Farrow

Saginaw News
05/26:
The David Z. Norton finished unloading overnight and was outbound Friday morning. She gave a security call at the 6th Street Turning Basin in Saginaw at 8:15 a.m. The tanker Gemini was inbound Friday morning the pump out island around 9:15 a.m. She was headed to the Ashland-Marathon Dock in Bangor Township and was tied up and out of the way before the downbound Norton reached her.
A little more than an hour behind the Gemini, the Agawa Canyon was inbound. She tied up at the Essroc Dock to allow the downbound Norton to pass. By 12:10 p.m., she was back underway heading all the way upriver to Saginaw.
The tanker Gemini later departed the Ashland-Marathon Dock, turned in the river and was downbound the Saginaw River at 6:55 p.m. Friday evening.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Agawa Canyon inbound.
Close up.
Gemini inbound.
Stern view.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update
05/26:
The barge Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort remained at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock (Toledo Furnace) on Friday. The tug Gregory J. Busch was at the River Dock area of the Shipyard while her barge was in drydock for survey/repairs. The salt water vessels ML Jet, and Pytheas were at the T.W.I. Docks unloading cargo and were expected to depart some time during the day.
The CSL Niagara started loading coal during the morning then shifted forward of the loading dock awaiting coal that was in transit, meanwhile Canadian Progress shifted over to the loading dock to load coal, she loaded her coal cargo and departed in the late evening. CSL Niagara then shifted back to the loading dock to finish loading coal and was expected to depart early Saturday morning.
The John J. Boland is the next scheduled coal vessel due in early this morning and will follow the CSL Niagara. The Armco was at the Torco Dock unloading ore. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Reserve scheduled for a 7:00 a.m. start on Tuesday followed by the Maumee, and Lee A. Tregurtha also due in later on Tuesday. The Algomarine, and Algolake are due in on Wednesday followed by the CSL Niagara on Thursday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Fred R. White Jr. late Saturday evening. The Reserve is due in on Monday evening followed by the Courtney Burton early Thursday morning.
The American Mariner remains in lay-up at the Torco Dock complex. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Clarkson Report
05/26:
Early Friday afternoon the Emerald Star was in at the Petro Canada dock. She was discharging gas oil base stock. The Emerald Star has been shuttling between Clarkson and the shell refinery in Bronte, Ontario. Bronte is approximately 10 kilometers west of Clarkson along the north shore of Lake Ontario.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Today in Great Lakes History - May 26
In 1979 the FRED R. WHITE, JR. departed the shipyard on her maiden voyage to load iron ore pellets at Escanaba, MI for Cleveland.
The J.A.W. Iglehart began its maiden Great Lakes voyage in 1965.
The Halifax (former Frankcliffe Hall) began its maiden voyage in 1963.
SCOTT MISENER (3) was launched in 1954.
In 1923 the ANN ARBOR NO. 4 was towed to the shipyard in Manitowoc by the ANN ARBOR NO. 5 with the assistance of the tug ARTIC. The NO. 4 was completely overhauled and had all new cabins built on her main deck.
QUEEN OF THE LAKES was launched at the Kirby & Ward yard in Wyandotte, Michigan on 26 May 1872. She was the first iron hulled vessel built in Michigan.
On 26 May 1873, the iron propeller revenue cutter GEO. S. BOUTWELL was launched at Union Iron Works in Buffalo, NY. Her dimensions were 140' x 22' x 17.5', 151 gt. She served out of Savannah, GA (1874-1899) and Newbern, NC (1899-1907).

Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, 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

MacArthur Lock Closes
05/25:
The MacArthur Lock was closed on Thursday as welding crews were expected to work on the lock gate most of the morning. The largest of the locks, the Poe, was scheduled to be the only lock open for six or seven hours. It is unknown what type of repairs were needed. The MacArthur Lock under went extensive refurbishment this past winter.
The lock closure appeared to delay only the Samuel Risley who was ready to depart the Soo Harbor but due to ship traffic had to wait one hour to lock through upbound. At 6:30 p.m. the lock remained closed and it was unknown when it would reopen.
Soo traffic was brisk, upbound was the Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin, Lake Michigan, Mantadoc, Canadian Enterprise, Kinsman Independent, Walter J. McCarthy Jr., Presque Isle, Algosteel and Samuel Risley.
Downbound was the Middletown, WN Towlan and lumber barge, Courtney Burton, Strange Attractor and Laurentian.

Reported by: Jerry Masson

New communications system coming to the Seaway, Great Lakes
05/25:
Ships using the St. Lawrence Seaway this fall will have access to a new high-tech communications system that experts say will improve safety and efficiency.
Use of the system, known as the automated identification system or AIS, will become mandatory on the Seaway next year and be expanded to the Great Lakes in 2003. Adding the equipment needed to use the system - mainly a transponder and a computer -- will cost about $10,000 to $25,000 per ship.
Explained in detail earlier this week in Montreal, the system has been under development the past nine years and cost about $1.9 million to develop. The cost has been shared by the Canadian and U.S. seaway authorities as well as shippers that will use the system.
Currently, ships can tell exactly where they are in the Seaway, but they don't know the location of other ships. The new system will tell them what other vessels are in their vicinity and where they are in the lineup for locks - a feature that will enable them in some cases to slow down to save fuel.
The system can alert two ships that are approaching one another at what point they will actually pass each other, allowing them to alter course and cross in a better location. It also will provide ships with continuously updated weather information. The radio system now in use can be disabled by severe weather or blocked by land masses.
Seaway officials say AIS will allow better scheduling of inspectors and pilots, and enable authorities to respond to emergencies more quickly.
Putting AIS into operation involves connecting all traffic-control systems along the Canadian and U.S. portions of the waterway and erecting 10 communications towers.
Along with AIS, the Seaway is launching a web site that will allow shipowners to track their vessels.
Click here to visit the Seaway's web site
Click here for a preview of a real time map showing vessel positions

Reported by: Al Miller

Roger Stahl in Seaway
05/25:
The tug Roger Stahl was in the Seaway Thursday on what is expected to be her last in a series of towing jobs for a construction project in Massena, NY. Thursday afternoon she was downbound at the Iroquois Lock pushing a spud barge with a Linkbelt crane on deck.
The Stahl will then return to her home port of Detroit where she will continue working the rest of the season with various jobs on the lower lakes and scheduled trips to Chicago, Buffalo, and Oswego.

Reported by: Dave Beach

Mississagi Stops in Windsor
05/25:
Thursday the Mississagi was upbound in the Detroit River. The vessel stopped to fuel at Sterling Fuel in Windsor before continuing her on her trip carrying stone from Nanticoke for Lake Michigan Ports.
Mississagi upbound approaching the dock.
Close up of her stern.
Crew members radio the distance to the fuel dock.
Close up.
Wave from crew members on deck.
George A. Stinson unloads across the river on Zug Island.
Salty unloading at Detroit Marine Terminals.

Reported by: T. Parker

Twin Ports Report
05/25:
St. Clair cleared Fraser Shipyards sometime Wednesday evening and loaded at Midwest Energy Terminal. It had departed Duluth by Thursday morning.
Fresh from delivering coal to Ashland, Fred R. White Jr. was back in Duluth on May 24, this time loading under the gravity chutes at the DMIR ore dock.
Midwest Energy Terminal has a full lineup of its regulars scheduled over the holiday weekend. Canadian Enterprise and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. are due May 25; Oglebay Norton, May 26; and Paul R. Tregurtha, May 27. James R. Barker, an occasional caller at the terminal, is scheduled to load there May 29 with coal destined for Presque Isle, near Marquette.

Reported by: Al Miller

Saginaw News
05/25:
The Algoway was outbound from the Sixth Street turning basin in Saginaw at about 11:00 a.m. Thursday after a rare visit to the Wirt stone docks at Bay City and Saginaw. Loads to the Wirt docks are normally delivered by ships of the Oglebay Norton Marine fleet.
As soon as the Algoway passed, the Paul H. Townsend got underway from beside the E.M. Ford at the Lafarge terminal at Saginaw and proceeded up to the turning basin. The Townsend had arrived with a load of cement on Wednesday.
All of the freighter traffic was playing havoc with vehicular traffic over the bridges. As a result, the bridge tenders were asking the captains to check down as slow as possible to allow time for vehicle traffic to clear up before the next bridge opening.
The tug Invincible and barge McKee Sons was inbound on the river as the Algoway and Townsend were departing, heading up to the Saginaw Rock Products dock. The McKee Sons tied up in Bay City to allow the outbound vessels to pass, then proceeded up to her dock, arriving at about 6:00 p.m. She expected to remain at the dock until about midnight.
The David Z. Norton arrived at the Front Range lights at 6:43 p.m. She indicated that she would stop at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City before finishing the unloading at the Wirt Dock in Saginaw.
The tug Rebecca Lynn and barge departed the Triple Clean LiquiFuels Dock in Essexville at 10:35 p.m. and was outbound at the Front Range at about 11:00 p.m.
Despite strong currents in the river due to recent rain in the region, neither vessel experienced any difficulty while turning.
Pictures by Stephen Hause
Algoway, outbound from the Sixth Street turning basin in Saginaw.
Algoway, passing Townsend and E.M. Ford.
Paul H. Townsend, getting underway after Algoway had passed.
McKee Sons at the Saginaw Rock Products Dock.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update
05/25:
Thursday the barge Great Lakes Trader with her tug Joyce L. Van Enkevort was docked at the old Interlake Iron Company Dock (Toledo Furnace) just North of the Shipyard. She may be in for possible repairs by shipyard work crews.
The Algomarine was loading coal at the CSX Docks. The tanker Gemini was loading cargo at the B-P Dock and departed during the late morning. The salt water vessels Pytheas, and ML Jet were unloading cargo at the T.W.I. Docks. There were no grain or ore vessels in port at the time of this report.
The next scheduled coal vessels due in at the CSX Docks will be the CSL Niagara, Canadian Progress, and John J. Boland today. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Armco on this morning followed by the Fred R. White Jr. very early Sunday morning.
Great Lakes Trader dock in Toledo Thursday. Jerry Mihlbauer

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report
05/25:
The salty Isadora was unloading at the Lake Front docks Thursday afternoon. The Saginaw departed Cleveland about 1:00 p.m. after unloading stone on the Old River. The Buffalo appears to be running the shuttle as well as the American Republic. The Buffalo was downbound at 1:00 p.m. and passed the docked Republic at West 3rd Street. The Republic continued upriver to LTV as soon as the Buffalo passed. the Buffalo departed Cleveland about 2:00 p.m. following the Saginaw to the West.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Toronto Update
05/25:
Thursday morning fog in Toronto filled the air with interesting radio chatter as vessel communicated their movements to one another. The Stephen B, Roman departed Lafarge cement as the William Rest and dump barge were inbound, and while that transpired the Algosoo was on the radio coordinating her movements with the other ships. The Algosoo was inbound for the Turning Basin.
Shortly after, the Federal Fuji docked at Pier 52 with McKeil tug assistance. McKeil was back out just after noon assisting the saltie Sylvia into the Redpath Sugar dock. Kea was still in at Pier 52-2 Thursday morning but departed mid-afternoon in fog. The Algosoo also departed after unloading.
Elsewhere in the harbor; reconstruction of the Glenmont continues. Empire Sandy underwent Coast Guard certification that morning and went out on her first charter of the season later that afternoon.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Today in Great Lakes History - May 25
On May 25, 1898, the Presque Isle was launched at the Cleveland Shipbuilding Company in Cleveland. The vessel is much better known as the cement carrier E.M. Ford, celebrating her 103rd birthday.
May 25, 1941 -- The former Pere Marquette carferry PERE MARQUETTE 17 was re-christened CITY OF PETOSKEY.
The wooden schooner J. C. DAUN was in her first year of service when she encountered a squall in Lake Erie on 25 May 1847 and she capsized five miles off Conneaut, Ohio. Four of the eleven on board were able to make it to her upturned keel, but one of them died of exposure during the night. In the morning, the schooner UNCLE SAM rescued the three remaining survivors. Later the steamer SARATOGA found the DAUN floating upside down, fully rigged with the bodies of some of the crew still lashed to the rigging. The DAUN was righted a few days later and towed in by the schooner D. SMART.
On 25 May 1854, DETROIT (wooden side-wheeler, 157', 354 t, built in 1846 at Newport, MI) was sailing from Detroit to Chicago with two lumber scows in tow. On Lake Huron, she collided with the bark NUCLEUS in heavy fog and sank. The exact location (15 miles off Pointe aux Barques) was not known until the wreck was discovered in 200' of water on 5 June 1994 by Dave Trotter and his determined divers.

Data from: Jody Aho, Max Hanley, 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

Deadline looms in LTV’s future
05/24:
Financially troubled LTV Corp. says it may be forced to close if it cannot reach a contract agreement soon with its employees.
Cleveland-based LTV, the nation's third-largest steelmaker, has been operating under bankruptcy protection since filing for Chapter 11 on Dec. 29. It’s been working for weeks to reach a contract covering its 16,500 employees.
"We cannot continue to lose money," LTV spokesman Mark Tomasch told the Chicago Tribune. "If the agreement is not made in the very near future, the company's restructuring plan would not be able to go forward, and if that were to happen, the company would shut down permanently."
LTV is a major consumer of taconite pellets carried by Great Lakes vessels. Closure of its mills would affect several fleets unless other steelmakers increased their production.
Whether LTV’s threat of closure is a negotiating tactic isn’t clear. But the company lost $700 million last year and is now reportedly losing more than $1 million a day.
Officials of the United Steelworkers of America say they hope to reach a settlement with the company as soon as this week. The company is seeking concessions that include job reductions, the ability to assign additional duties to existing workers, and wage and benefit givebacks. The restructuring plan that LTV is aiming for would eliminate $800 million in annual costs.
Union officials say LTV's cash reserves won't drop low enough to force a shutdown until sometime in August. But they note that the company has said it needs an agreement finalized with the union by June 1.

Reported by: Al Miller

St. Clair's hull repairs
05/24:
St. Clair remained in Fraser Shipyards on Wednesday morning, with its stern ballasted down so far that the vessel's bow was lifted out of the water to make repairs possible.
The Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office in Duluth reported that St. Clair had a 30-foot scrape and two fractures in a starboard ballast tank. The fractures were about 12 inches wide by 1 inch high. The vessel was never in danger, the Coast Guard said. "We assumed she touched bottom somehow, but when, how and where is all under investigation," Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Mark Peterson told the Duluth News Tribune.
St. Clair in Fraser Shipyards.
Closeup of the bow out of the water.
Another view of the bow.
The St. Clair was docked right behind the laid-up Elton Hoyt 2nd.

Reported by: Al Miller

Calumet in Grand Haven
05/24:
Wednesday the lucky boatwatchers in Grand Haven were treated to the maiden trip of the newly renamed Calumet. She was in port to load sand at the Construction Aggregates Dock. This was the first visit by the Calumet under her new name, she was last in as the Myron C. Taylor a few years ago. Grand Haven has now seen all three of the newly-named boats - the Maumee, Calumet, and Mississagi, over the last week and a half.

Reported by: David Swain

Scheduled Closure of lock
05/24:
Improvements to the local road system require the complete closure of Bridge 2 and 3 at the St. Lambert Lock to safely commission the new system. Navigation will be suspended at St. Lambert Lock on May 29 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for a period of 4 to 6 hours.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

LLT Update
05/24:
Wednesday Lower Lakes Towing's Saginaw was in Port Colborne loading stone. Over in Nanticoke the Mississagi was loading stone at the Hydro Plant.
Saginaw loading stone.
Crew members pose in front of the Mississagi.
Crew members board the Mississagi.

Reported by: T. Parker

Saginaw News
05/24:
The Paul H. Townsend was inbound the Saginaw River Wednesday morning passing the Front Range at 9:15 p.m. She was headed for the Lafarge Dock in Saginaw.
The Algoway gave a security call that evening as she was passing the Pump Out Island at 9:20 p.m. She was carrying a split load for Bay City and Saginaw. Shortly before midnight she was tied up at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City and indicated that she would be there for three hours before going up to Saginaw.
Pictures by Todd Shorkey
Townsend passing Wheelers Landing.
Close Up.
Passing through Liberty Bridge.
Stern view approaching Vet's Bridge.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update
05/24:
The salt water vessel Langenes was unloading cargo at the T.W.I. Dock on Wednesday. The Reserve was unloading ore at the Torco Dock. There were no coal or grain vessels in port at the time of this report. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Dock will be the Algomarine on Thursday morning, followed by the Canadian Progress, CSL Niagara, and John J. Boland on Saturday. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco dock will be the Armco on Friday morning, followed by the Fred R. White Jr. on Saturday afternoon.
The American Mariner remains in lay-up at the Torco Dock complex. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report
05/24:
Wednesday evening the Buffalo was backing down the Cuyahoga River and departed Cleveland about 6:00 p.m. The American Republic arrived at 7:00 p.m. running the shuttle to LTV upper dock.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Conneaut Update
05/24:
The Algolake was in the Lake Erie port of Conneaut, OH. to load coal for Lambton Generating Station on the St. Clair River. Also in port was Yankcanuck for her regular load of gypsum for Nanticoke.
Algolake unloading.
Close up.
Wheelhouse.
Yankcanuck at dock.
Algolake passes the lighthouse heading into Lake Erie.

Reported by: Tom Naykki

Hamilton News
05/24:
Wednesday evening an Upper Lakes vessel was unloading iron ore at Dofasco. Possibly the Canadian Venture or Canadian Provider. The Lykes Inspirer was at Pier 12 unloading steel products from the aft hold and a gray bulk material from the forward hold. On the opposite side of Pier 12, a new small pleasure boat was in the sling of a dockside crane ready to be loaded.

Reported by: Patricia Burgon

Toronto Update
05/24:
The Toronto fire tug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie went on Toronto Drydock Tuesday scheduled. The Saginaw was in early unloading a cargo of stone. Unloading of Kea continued at Pier 52.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Clarkson Report
05/24:
Emerald Star spent Tuesday and all of Wednesday morning at the Petro Canada pier unloading. The James Norris came in to St. Lawrence Cement about mid morning Wednesday. She is unloading limestone and was expected to head out again late that evening.

Reported by: Bryan Ridley

Today in Great Lakes History - May 24
In 1980 the M/V BURNS HARBOR was christened for the Wilmington Trust Co., (Bethlehem Steel Co., Mgr.) Wilmington, DE.
The CANADIAN OLYMPIC was launched in 1976
CHICAGO TRADER arrived at Ashtabula, OH on May 24, 1977 for scrapping (scrapping did not begin until May 1, 1978 by Triad Salvage Inc.)
The CLIFFS VICTORY set a record (by 2 minutes) for the fastest time from Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth, in 1953. She logged a time of 17 hours and 50 minutes. The CHARLES M. WHITE had been declared the fastest earlier that year by the Cleveland papers.
ALEXANDER B. MOORE was launched at Bangor, Michigan on 24 May 1873. She was built by Theophilus Boston at a cost of $85,000. She was 247' overall, 223' keel and could carry 70,000 bushels of grain. Although designed as a 4-mast schooner, she was built as a 3-master. The fourth mast was added two years later.
On 24 May 1875, the schooner NINA was bound from Michael's Bay to Goderich, Ontario, when she sprang a leak and went down in mid-lake. Her crew escaped in the yawl, but were adrift on Lake Huron for two days and two nights with only one loaf of bread to divide among themselves.

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

St. Clair's Under repair
05/23:
St. Clair was expected to load a new cargo of coal in Superior on Wednesday after undergoing repairs at Fraser Shipyards to a small hole in its hull.
The 770-foot vessel departed Duluth early Sunday with a cargo of coal. The boat reportedly got as far as Outer Island in the Apostle chain, about 90 miles out of port, when water was detected in a ballast tank. The vessel returned to Duluth as a precaution and transferred its cargo to fleet mate Indiana Harbor so crew members and repair workers could find the leak.
By late Tuesday, St. Clair was ballasted down sharply by the stern so shipyard workers could repair what was described by local news media as a small hole in a ballast tank near the starboard bow. The vessel did not have to enter drydock.
As of Tuesday evening, St. Clair was scheduled to arrive at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior about midafternoon Wednesday to load 40,000 tons of coal destined for Nanticoke.

Reported by: Al Miller

Great Lakes Transportation Files
05/23:
Great Lakes Transportation LLC (GLT) announced Tuesday it is filing with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) its Intent to Participate in the STB s upcoming regulatory review of the proposed merger between Canadian National Railway and Wisconsin Central Transportation Company.
This proposed merger could have a serious, negative impact on the communities and businesses involved in Great Lakes bulk shipping, said John E. Giles, GLT s president and chief executive officer. Canadian National has made clear in its filing with the Surface Transportation Board that it will try to expand Wisconsin Central s role in the movement of taconite iron ore by taking traffic off the Great Lakes and moving it solely over rail lines.
Giles pointed out that Lake shipping has been demonstrated to be the most efficient and safest way to move bulk commodities between points on the Great Lakes. According to Giles, Recent studies show that Lake shipments of taconite use 68% as much fuel and produce half as much pollution as corresponding all-rail movements. And while the all-rail movement of taconite to the southern end of Lake Michigan will impact every neighborhood along the rail route, "There's nobody living in the middle of Lake Michigan for our ore boats to disturb", said Giles.
As part of the formal process for reviewing railroad mergers as mandated by the STB, parties desiring to comment or participate in the regulatory proceedings are required to file a formal Intent to Participate with the STB. With the CN WC merger review, such notices must be received by the STB at its Washington DC offices no later than Friday, May 25. If you want to be heard, now's the time to get on the list. You can decide later to say nothing, but you won t be allowed to participate unless you take this step by May 25, said Giles.
For additional information, contact Mr. Peter D. Stephenson of Great Lakes Transportation at (218) 723-2017.
Great Lakes Transportation LLC, based in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, operates businesses engaged in bulk material transportation and handling, including the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railroad Company; the USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.; the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad Company; and The Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company. The Great Lakes companies operate in four states and on four of the Great Lakes.

Fred R. White in the Twin Ports
05/23:
Fred R. White was back in the Twin Ports on May 22 to unload stone at the CLM dock in Superior. Once it's done there, it will shift to Midwest Energy Terminal to take on its second load of coal for the Xcel Energy power plant in Ashland, Wis. After Ashland, the White is expected to return to Duluth to load at the DMIR ore dock.
White unloading stone in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Busy day in Burns Harbor
05/23:
Tuesday the Herbert C. Jackson was unloading stone at the Bethlehem Steel dock. The Norwegian registered Brunto was at the Cargill grain dock and the Lake Michigan was in the west arm of the harbor off-loading coils. As usual, the "G" tugs Arizona, Missouri and South Carolina were standing by. Today the John B. Aird and the Burns Harbor are expected in port.

Reported by: Ron Parduhn

Busy Alpena
05/23:
Tuesday was also a busy day in the Lake Huron port of Alpena. The Alpena was in her name sake port early that morning and departed with a cargo of cement by 9:30 a.m. The Joseph H. Frantz was unloading coal and J.A.W Iglehart arrived to load for Superior, WI. The Paul H. Townsend had to wait at anchor until the Frantz and Iglehart departed Lafarge. The Townsend entered port around 5:15 p.m. to load for Saginaw.

Reported by: Chanda Bruski

Toledo News
05/23:
The salt water vessel Langenes was unloading cargo at the T.W.I. Dock. The tug Rebecca Lynne with her barge was at the B-P Oil Dock. There was an unidentified tug at the Shipyard.
There were no coal, grain, or ore vessels in port at the time of this report. The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algomarine on Thursday morning. The CSL Niagara, Canadian Progress, and John J. Boland on Friday, followed by the Calumet on Saturday morning.
The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, followed by the Armco early Friday morning and the Fred R. White Jr. on Saturday afternoon.
Future salt water vessel arrivals due in the next several days are the Pytheas, Lake Superior, and ML Jet.
The American Mariner remains in lay-up at the Torco Dock complex. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Toronto Update
05/23:
A very rainy Monday saw a few charter boats out in Toronto Harbor and the salty Kea arrived at Pier 52 with the tug Lac Como assisting.
Tuesday the fire tug Wm. Lyon Mackenzie is was expected for drydocking at Toronto Drydock. It is expected that she will be on the dock for 2-3 weeks for modifications including installation of bow thrusters and Coast Guard inspection.

Reported by: Gerry O.

Today in Great Lakes History - May 23
The WILLIAM J. DE LANCEY was re-christened on May 23,1990 as b) PAUL R. TREGURTHA. She is the largest ship on the Great Lakes and also the last Great Lakes ship built at AmShip, Lorain.
H. LEE WHITE completed sea trials on May 23, 1974
The FRED R. WHITE Jr. completed her two day sea trials in 1979.
The steel freighter SONOMA was launched at W. Bay City, Michigan on 23 May 1903. She was 416 feet long, 4539 gross tons. Through her career she had various names: DAVID S. TROXEL (1924), SONOMA (1927) and finally FRED L. HEWITT (1950). She was built for the Tomlinson fleet. She was converted to an automobile carrier in 1928, converted back to a bulk carrier in 1942 and then converted to a barge for grain storage in 1955. She was finally scrapped in 1962 at Steel Co. of Canada Ltd. at Hamilton, Ontario.
On 23 May 1889, the wooden steam barge OSCAR T. FLINT (218', 824 gt) was launched at the Simon Langell & Sons yard in St. Clair, Michigan. She lasted until 25 November 1909, when she burned and sank off Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron.

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

St. Clair transfers cargo to Indiana Harbor
05/22: 10:30 a.m. Update
The St. Clair may have sustained hull damage below the waterline Sunday, prompting it to return to Duluth to unload its cargo into another vessel so the extent of damage can be determined.
At 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, the St. Clair and Indiana Harbor remained docked side-by-side at the Duluth Port Terminal while St. Clair's unloading boom transferred coal into Indiana Harbor. Once that process is completed Tuesday morning, crew members and shipyard workers will try to determine what sort of damage may have occurred to the starboard side of St. Clair's No. 1 compartment. "They're unloading her and they think they have a problem in the hull,'' Ed Ruisi of Guthrie-Hubner, Inc., the ship's agent in Duluth, told the Duluth News Tribune on Monday evening. "We don't know what the damage is, if there is any. That's why they are unloading her. Nobody knows what they hit. They just don't know." Ruisi told the newspaper that whether the boat is damaged can't be determined until the cargo is removed. The Coast Guard is expected to investigate.
The St. Clair loaded coal at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior and departed at 7:20 a.m. Sunday. It had passed Outer Island, about 90 miles out of port in Lake Superior when they suddenly turned back.
It returned to port that evening after the crew suspected it had been damaged. No word is available on what sort of damage may have occurred or how the crew determined that the vessel may have been damaged. St. Clair spent Monday tied up at the Duluth port terminal. Indiana Harbor arrived in port about 4:00 p.m. Monday and tied up alongside its fleetmate.Within about 30 minutes, St. Clair had begun transferring cargo to the bigger vessel. The two vessels are docked at the corner of the terminal near the entrance to St. Louis Bay, making the turn a tight fit for other vessels. The St. Clair was expected to move to Fraser Shipyard some time this afternoon.
Indiana Harbor and St. Clair docked side by side Tuesday morning at the Duluth Port Terminal. Al Miller
Original story
After being idled all day in Duluth, the MV St. Clair on Monday began the rare move of transferring its coal cargo into Indiana Harbor, which tied up alongside its fleet mate at the Duluth port terminal.
The St. Clair loaded at Midwest Energy Terminal sometime Sunday night, but by Monday morning it was tied up at the Duluth port terminal. Late in the day, the Indiana Harbor -- already due at Midwest Energy Terminal -- instead tied up alongside the St. Clair. By late afternoon, the St. Clair had begun transferring its cargo into the Indiana Harbor's hold, starting with the aft-most hatches.
To accomplish the transfer, Indiana Harbor had to tie up with its stern alongside the St. Clair's bow. This left several hundred feet of the Indiana Harbor's bow extending into the shipping channel where St. Louis Bay enters Duluth harbor. The saltie Neva Trader, departing from Cenex Harvest States grain elevator, elected to turn right and leave the Twin Ports through Superior Entry rather than try to round the Indiana Harbor's bow to make the turn toward the Duluth ship canal.
As of late Monday afternoon, no word was available on the reason for this rare vessel-to-vessel transfer -- possibly the first ever in the Twin Ports. Also, no word was available on whether the St. Clair was unloading part or all of its coal cargo. Even if it took the St. Clair's entire load, the Indiana Harbor would likely continue on to Midwest Energy Terminal to complete its load.
Pictures by Al Miller
A stern view showing Indiana Harbor tied up alongside St. Clair at the Duluth port terminal.
Closeup of the Indiana Harbor's stern.
Coal flows off the St. Clair's unloading boom into Indiana Harbor.
St. Clair discharging coal into Indiana Harbor.
Another view of St. Clair discharging coal.

Reported by: Al Miller and Eric Holst

New Carferry Service for Lake Michigan
05/22:
The Lake Michigan Carferry company announced plans Monday for a new ferry service from Milwaukee to Muskegon by 2003.
The company will spend about $10 million to turn the 49-year-old steamer the Spartan into a modern ferry. It will have two restaurants, two movie theaters, four bars and a coffee shop.
The Spartan would be renamed Wisconsin Clipper and will have a reported capacity of 620 passengers and 200 cars. Two round trips are planned for summer months. One round trip is planned during other times for the four to five hour crossing. The crossing is will take about as long as its sister ship, the Badger, takes to travel from Manitowoc to Ludington.

Reported by: Scott Spencer

Trouble in the Poe
05/22:
The largest Lock at the Soo Locks, the Poe, has developed a hydraulic leak on the north arm at the west end of the lock. The U.S. Corps of Engineers are expected to replace the seal some time this morning. It is unknown how long the repair will take or if it will affect shipping. The Poe Lock is the only lock at the Soo that can handle vessels over 730-feet including the 13 thousand footers that ply the lakes.
The leaking hydraulic oil is organic based and does not pose a threat to environment.

Reported by: Brian Kloosterman

Barge Chartered
05/22:
The Great Lakes Towing Company has chartered the deck barge Milwaukee to the Buffalo Industrial Diving Company of Buffalo, New York. Buffalo Industrial Diving has put the barge to work in construction and dredging work on Lake Ontario. The Milwaukee is chartered to customers on the Great Lakes for many types of projects. The barge has a special ship-model bow, which offers sea keeping and cargo protection in inclement weather.
Barge Milwaukee.

Reported by: Great Lakes Towing Company

Dry-Bulk Trades Down 7.3 Percent In April
05/22:
Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 13.3 million net tons in April, a decrease of 7.3 percent compared to a year ago.
With America's steel industry still beleaguered by dumped foreign steel, it is little surprise the April ore float was down. Shipments totaled 6.3 million tons, a decrease of 10.6 percent. For the season, the ore trade stands at 7.8 million tons, a decrease of 13.6 percent.
Coal loadings totaled 3.7 million tons, a decrease of 12.1 percent. There were slight increases at certain ports, but Lake Erie coal loadings slipped by 600,000 tons. Since the resumption of the coal trade in mid March, shipments stand at 5.1 million tons, a decrease of 13.8 percent.
Thanks to a strong performance at Canadian ports, the April stone trade registered a slight increase and so far is basically on a par with last year.

Reported by: Lake Carriers' Association

Thunder Bay Update
05/22:
The Canadian Transfer remains in Dry Dock at Pascol Engineering. The Kapitonas Sevcenko was still at Keefer Terminals Monday and had been there for two days after moving over from Richardson's. The Iryda was at Mission Terminals and the W.N. Towlan with her barge McAllister are at Great West Timber loading more lumber for another trip down the lakes.
The Algobay was loading at Thunder Bay Terminals, while the Cartierdoc moved from Richardson's and went over to Saskatchewan 7a early Monday evening. The Canadian Leader was at Richardson's after making an early evening move from Agricore.
The Quebecois departed Saskatchewan Pool 7a Sunday around 5:00 p.m. and headed down the lake. Sometime this past weekend the tug Radium Yellowknife also departed with more lumber laden barges.

Reported by: Rob Farrow and Ron Konkol

Saginaw News
05/22:
The Sam Laud was arrived at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City on Monday morning , and later moved up the river to the Burroughs dock near the I-75 Bridge. She was outbound during the evening. This is her second visit to the Saginaw River since Saturday. The tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder were on the river Monday evening.
Heavy rain was experienced on Monday around the Saginaw River basin. Strong currents are to be expected on the river during the next few days, which may have an effect on shipping this week.

Reported by: Stephen Hause, Lon Morgan and Todd Shorkey

Toledo Update
05/22:
The tug Rebecca Lynn with her barge was at the B-P Oil Dock. The salt water vessel Langenes was at the T.W.I. Dock unloading cargo.
The American Mariner is in lay-up at the Torco Dock complex. The Adam E. Cornelius is in lay-up at the CSX #1 Dock. There were no coal, grain, or ore vessels in port at the time of this report.
The next scheduled coal boats due in at the CSX Docks will be the Algomarine on Wednesday evening, the CSL Niagara and John J. Boland on Friday evening followed by the Canadian Transport on Saturday afternoon. The next scheduled ore boats due in at the Torco Dock will be the Reserve on Wednesday afternoon, the Armco on Friday morning followed by the Fred R. White Jr. on Saturday morning.

Reported by: Jim Hoffman

Cleveland Report
05/22:
The American Republic was inbound Monday morning working the shuttle from Lorain to the LTV Steel Mill in Cleveland. She was followed by the tug Petite Forte with a cement barge for Blue Circle. The tug Barbara Andrie and barge were assisted into port by the tug Idaho for Marathon. That evening the saltie Pytheas arrived for 26 West with the tug Delaware
Picture by TZ
Pytheas inbound.

Reported by: Rex Cassidy

Weekly Updates
05/22:
The weekly updates are available, please click hear to view.

Today in Great Lakes History - May 22
The A.H. FERBERT (2) was launched this day in 1942. May 22nd was the tenth National Maritime Day and on that day 21 other ships were launched nationwide to celebrate the occasion. The "super" IRVING S. OLDS was launched the same day at Lorain, OH. This marked the last of the "Super Carrier" build program. The others were the BENJAMIN F. FAIRLESS, LEON FRASER and ENDERS M. VOORHEES.
The SIR THOMAS SHAUGHNESSY sailed under her own power down the Seaway on May 22, 1969 for the last time and arrived at Quebec City.
BAYFAIR was launched as the a) COALHAVEN in 1928.
While bound for Escanaba, MI to load ore, the JOSEPH BLOCK grounded at Porte des Morts Passage, on Green Bay, May 22, 1968 and was released the same day by the Roen tug ARROW. The BLOCK's hull damage extended to 100 bottom plates. Surrendered to the under-writers and sold in June that year to Lake Shipping Inc.
The 143' wooden brig JOSEPH was launched at Bay City, Michigan on 21 May 1867. She was built for Alexander Tromley & Company.
May 21, 1923 -- The ANN ARBOR NO. 4 was refloated after sinking at Frankfort the previous February.
CITY OF NEW BALTIMORE was launched at David Lester's yard in Marine City, Michigan on 22 May 1875. Her master carpenter was John J. Hill. She was a wooden propeller passenger/package freight vessel built for the Detroit-New Baltimore route. Her dimensions were 96' keel, 101' overall x 20' x 6'6", 130 tons. Her boiler was made by J. & T. McGregor of Detroit. Her engine was built by Morton Hamblin & Company of St. Clair, Michigan. She was rebuilt as a tug in 1910 and lasted until abandoned in 1916.

Data from: Max Hanley, 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

Alcor at Ship Breakers
05/21:
The Journal de Quebec reported Sunday that the bulk carrier Alcor departed Quebec Harbor Saturday afternoon under tow of two McKeil tugs on her last