American Century
The self-unloading bulk carrier American Century was built by Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI, and was launched as Columbia Star on November 8, 1980 for Columbia Transportation Division, Oglebay Norton Co., Cleveland, OH. She is powered by four V-20 cylinder 3,560 horsepower G.M. diesel engines driving through a gear reduction box to two controllable pitch propellers giving her a rated service speed of 15 knots. She is equipped with both bow and stern thrusters. The American Century has 37 hatches feeding into seven holds where she is capable of carrying 78,850 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 34 feet. Her stern-mounted 260-foot self-unloading boom can be swung 92 degrees to port or starboard and can discharge at a rate of up to 10,000 tons per hour.
The Columbia Transportation Co. corporate name was phased out in 1994 resulting in the Columbia Star’s stack paint scheme changing to that of Oglebay Norton, with the Oglebay Norton logo placed on her bow beneath her name. The vessel’s activity has generally been focused on the coal trade from the Superior Midwest Energy Terminal dock in Superior, WI, to the DTE power plants in St. Clair and Monroe, MI. She has also taken coal from Superior, WI, to Muskegon, MI, and taconite from Taconite Harbor, MN to Lorain, OH. The Columbia Star broke a Soo Locks record for western coal of 70,903 net tons set in 1997.
On June 6, 2006, in a joint announcement made with American Steamship Co. of Williamsville, NY, Oglebay Norton Co. announced the sale of the Columbia Star and five of her fleetmates to American Steamship Co. (ASC) for $120 million. With the sale came the new name of American Century, under which she continues to sail for ASC.
In February 2020, Rand Logistics announced that they purchased American Steamship Company from their parent company GATX Corp. No immediate changes were made to the fleet, but the American Century did not fit out until partway through the 2020 season due to an economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an active vessel in the ore and coal trades.
Written by George Wharton, updated by Brendan Falkowski
Vessel Details
| IMO No. | 7923196 |
| Year Built | 1980 |
| Builder | Bay Shipbuilding (Sturgeon Bay, WI, USA) |
| Length | 1,000′ / 304.8m |
| Beam | 105′ / 32m |
| Depth | 56′ / 17.07m |
| Midsummer Draft | 34′ / 10.36m |
| Unloading Boom Conveyor Length |
250′ / 76.2m |
| Capacity | 80,900 tons |
| Engine Power | 14,400 bhp diesel |
| Previous Names | Columbia Star (1980-2006) |
| Previous Fleets | Columbia Transportation Co. (1980-94) Oglebay Norton Co. (1994-2006) |
American Century (2006-Present)
American Century preparing to load at Superior. [Chris Mazzella]
American Century at the SMET dock on Saturday. [David Schauer]
On this windy December day The Tug America braved the elements and assisted the American Century out of Monroe Power Plant [Vincent Cioletti] (Dec 2025)
American Century 8-30-2025 [Roger LeLievre]
American Century arriving at the Bulk Terminal in Cleveland 8-29-2025 [Bill Kloss]
American Century arriving at the Bulk Terminal in Cleveland 8-29-2025 [Bill Kloss]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks. 8-26-25 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound leaving the Soo this evening. 8-18-25 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound leaving the Soo this evening. 8-18-25 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound at The International Bridge in the Soo. 8-5-25 [David Kaye]
The American Century [Lisa Rich]
American Century 7-20-2025 [Mattew Freighterphotos]
American Century upbound leaving the Soo Locks and heading for Superior, WI. 7-13-25 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound at The International Bridge in the Soo 7-9-2025 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks. 7-1-25 [David Kaye}
American Century upbound in the Soo at sunset. 6-20-25 [David Kaye]
American Century upbound in the Soo. 6-14-25 [David Kaye]
M/V Joseph L. Block departs CN Dock 6 with ore for Toledo while the American Century waits for its turn to top off after taking on some of the Integrity's load this past weekend. Duluth, MN - June 2, 2025 [David Schauer]
Despite the hazy sky from forest fire smoke, this view turned out nice as the American Integrity prepared to unload some of its cargo into fleetmate American Century. Arriving in the distance is the Mesabi Miner to load coal at Midwest Energy while the Paul R. Tregurtha has some maintenance work done. Duluth, MN - May 30, 2025 in Duluth, MN. [David Schauer]
American Integrity unloading some of its iron ore cargo into fleetmate American Century this evening. Gus Schauer image. Duluth, MN - May 30, 2025 [David Schauer / Gus Schauer]
After taking on some of the American Integrity's iron ore cargo, the American Century went to anchor in the lake. There was a nice sliver of color this morning, followed by a smoke-enhanced sunrise. Duluth, MN - May 31, 2025 [David Schauer]
American Integrity & American Century side by side in Duluth Friday [Lilli Filipovich Photography]
American Century upbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks. 5-29-25 [David Kaye]
A meet in the Duluth-Superior harbor for footer Friday as the American Century departs with coal while the Mesabi Miner arrives to take the place for the Century at Midwest Energy (redirected from an ore run to Two Harbors). Duluth, MN - May 8, 2025 [David Schauer]
American Century upbound at the Soo Locks today. 5-13-25 [David Kaye]
Mesabi Miner backing toward CN Dock 6 while the American Century loads coal at Midwest Energy. In the distance the John G. Munson unloads stone at C. Reiss. The Miner appears larger than the similar-sized Century due to it being closer to the camera. Superior, WI - May 1, 2025 [David Schauer]
American Century downbound leaving the Soo. 4-26-25 [David Kaye]
American Century, Wilfred Sykes and Algoma Strongfield at the Soo Locks. 4-23-25 [David Kaye]
American Century upbound at the Soo Locks. They are heading for Superior, WI 4-23-2025 [David Kaye]
American Century 4-23-2025 [David Kaye]
The 1000-ft American Century arrives at Duluth to load coal at Midwest Energy in Superior. April 8, 2025 [Schauer Photo Images]
American Century upbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks 3-29-2025 {david Kaye]
American Century upbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks 3-29-2025 {david Kaye]
American Century 3-22-2025 [David Schauer] [3]
American Century 3-22-2025 [David Schauer] [2]
A few images of the American Century at the fuel dock and then shifting to Midwest Energy to load coal, our first commercial vessel movement of the 2025 season. Duluth-Superior, March 22, 2025 [David Schauer] [1]
With the Soo Locks set to open Friday morning at 8 AM, the shipping industry is gearing up for another season on the Great Lakes. However, the locks opening doesn’t necessarily mean all ships are ready to sail just yet.
As of March 19, 2025, at 4:45 PM CST, no vessels in the Twin Ports have departed from their winter layup positions. Those still docked include the Atlantic Huron, Presque Isle, John J. Boland, Lee A. Tregurtha, Hon. James L. Oberstar, American Century, and Walter J. McCarthy Jr. [Bjornberg Photography]
A view of the American Century in winter layup at Elevator M Sunday morning. Looking at the glow visible on the horizon, I hoped the sky would burst out in color as sunrise approached. After photographing the Century, I repositioned to Fraser where I had a few more targets at my disposal should the sky erupt. I wasn't disappointed (see yesterday's post). Superior, WI - January 26, 2025 [David Schauer]
American Century 1-7-2025 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks this morning. They are headed for Gary Indiana. 1-7-25 [David Kaye]
American Century [1-4-2025 [Paul Scinocca Phoyography] [2]
The American Century arrived Duluth MN January 04, 202524 at 06:38 in a very chilly morning for their 22nd visit of this season! Arriving to load Iron Ore at the CN dock for the 2nd time this season. Normally they have been on Coal Runs when coming into Duluth, (29 times they have loaded coal). They arrived at the CN dock at 07:51 and began the tedious process of loading the ore in the COLD weather! Things seem to slow down in these below zero temperatures, things break! [Paul Scinocca Photography] [1]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks.
12-22-24 [David Kaye]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks.
12-22-24 [David Kaye]
Bentleyville light testing this evening as the American Century arrived to load coal. Snow flurries added to the feel. Bentleyville Festival of Lights opens this coming Saturday evening. Duluth, MN - November 20, 2024 [David Schauer]
American Century departing Duluth pre-sunrise with a load of coal for Michigan. November 5, 2024 [Schauer Photo Imagaes]
American Century downbound at the West Pier of the Soo Locks this evening 10-29-2024 [David Kay]
American Century departing Duluth this Monday Morning with 68,000 tons of Low Sulphur coal for St Clair Monroe MI. Nice of them to head out as I was heading in to work! [Paul Scinocca Photography]
American Century spins off Rices Point to back toward Midwest Energy for a load of coal. The Edgar B. Speer is at the fuel dock. Duluth, MN - October 27, 2024 [David Schauer]
American Century [David Kaye] 9-2-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 7-17-2024
American Century-Walter J McCarthy Jr [David Schauer] 6-24-2024
American Century [Port of Monroe-Photo Samuel Hankinson]
American Century [Paul R Murray] 6-12-2024
American Century [Paul R Murray] 6-12-2024
American Century [David Kaye 6-8-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 5-25-2024
American Century [Captain ET] 5-2-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 5-1-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 5-1-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-28-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-25-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-16-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-13-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-10-2024
American Century [Paul Scinocca] 4-8-2024
American Century [Paul Scinocca] 4-8-2024
American Century [Paul Scinocca] 4-8-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-7-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 4-7-2024
American Century [David Kaye] 12-27-2023
Textured clouds and a hint of color on the horizon greet American Century into Duluth, MN, on a quick stop for fuel. David Schauer (Duluth, MN – July 9)
A G-tug assists American Century at the Port of Monroe. Sam Hankinson image, 2022
American Century has eyes in the back of her head to assist in backing under the Blatnik Bridge. Jeffrey Doty image, January 1
November 19, 2013 – Inbound at Saginaw River Front Range – Todd Shorkey
American Century freezing Duluth Arrival December 22, 2022. Paul Scinocca
A stunning shot of a dramatic American Century arrival in Duluth. Paul Scinocca image, December 22
Forces of good and evil tempt American Century out on the lake. David Schauer image, October 16
View from the garden as American Century departs Duluth for the 21st time this season. Paul Scinocca image, September 25
American Century observes all in the Duluth-Superior Harbor with eyes in the back of her head. Jesse Nord image, September 24
American Century arrives Duluth under a golden Aerial Lift Bridge and blue sky above. Douglas Kilen image, September 12
ABB Vanessa and American Century are backlit by the sun after making a single-lift departure. Gus Schauer image, September 12
American Century arrives Duluth against a rich array of colors breaking over the horizon. Douglas Kilen image, September 12
American Century departs Duluth under a spectacular sunrise with coal for power plants in Michigan. Stephanie Irwin, July 26
Visitors get an up-close view of the mammoth American Century entering the Poe Lock on Engineers Day. Lincat Photography, June 24
Unique aerial view of the American Century at Port Huron, upbound for Duluth-Superior and more coal from SMET. Daniel Hauck, June 15
Fleetmates American Century and Burns Harbor with a quick "kiss" at the Soo. Jill Crosson, June 12
Clouds from spotty showers make a dramatic backdrop for the arrival of American Century in Duluth. Adam Bjornberg, June 4
American Century inbound the Duluth piers under a golden sky. David Schauer, June 4
Golden rays break through the clouds as American Century comes off Lake Superior. David Schauer, June 4
Waves crash against the bow of coal-laden American Century in the Duluth Ship Canal. Paul Scinocca, May 29
American Century tied up at the west Soo Locks approach. Glenn Blaszkiewicz photo
Watching the American Century load coal at Midwest Energy across the harbor in Superior through a porthole on the Edwin H. Gott in Duluth. - Edwin H. Gott Wheel Minion
A pair of geese observe the American Century loading coal at Midwest Energy just before sunrise. - David Schauer
American Century departs Duluth with 68,000 tons coal for St. Clair. - Paul Scinocca
American Century upbound at Port Huron. - Brian Caswell
American Century clears the Blue Water Bridge. - Brian Caswell
Sam Laud against a colorful sky. - Donnie Falk
American Century loading coal at Midwest Energy in Superior. - David Schauer
Footer American Century plowing through the waves of the Duluth Ship Canal this morning with a cargo of low-sulfur coal for St. Clair, Michigan. - Scott Bjorklund
American Century departing Superior with iron ore pellets for Gary. She was the first outbound vessel for the Superior Entry. March 27, 2022. David Schauer.
American Century in winter layup at Lakehead Pipeline in Superior. Feb. 8, 2022. Dave Schauer.
American Century arriving in Superior to finish off the 2021 shipping season for the Twin Ports. Jan. 17, 2022. David and Gus Schauer.
American Century downbound Port Huron, Michigan 1-9-2022. Paul R. Murray
American Century at the Rock Cut Saturday. Roger LeLievre
American Century arriving at Duluth to load coal on 10-9-21. David Schauer
American Century adds to the Northshore ore pile at the Bulk Terminal in Cleveland. 9 30 2021. Bill Kloss
American Century upbound on the St. Marys River passing Rotary Island Park. 9-15-21. David Kaye
With an east wind there were moderate size waves Thursday and the departing American Century punished a few. Some visitors lining the canal wall were sprayed despite being duly warned about splash-back by Ranger Scott. Duluth - July 1, 2021. Gus Schauer
Columbia Star (1980-2006)
Downbound, St. Mary's River – Peter Worden (Date Unknown)
Columbia Star christening.
Columbia Star. Peter B. Worden Collection/MHSD
Columbia Star. Mike Sipper
Stern view.
pbound at Grassy Island in the Detroit River, Aug. 25, 2004.