Coast Guard begins Operation Taconite
Sault Ste. Marie, MI – U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie commenced Operation Taconite to prevent newly formed ice from hampering commercial shipping across the western Great Lakes.
On Tuesday, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay was assigned to manage the ice breaking needs of western Lake Superior, specifically the twin ports of Duluth, MN and Superior, WI. Wednesday, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay joins the operation, initially to work the ice in southern Green Bay before making their way to the St Marys River. As ice coverage expands, U.S. Coast Guard officials will assign additional assets.
Operation Taconite is the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation. The operation encompasses Lake Superior, St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac, Georgian Bay, and all of Lake Michigan. Various commercial waterways may close after due consideration is given to the protection of the marine environment, the need for cross-channel traffic (e.g. ferries) and the safety of the island residents; who in the course of their daily business use naturally formed ice bridges for transportation to and from the mainland.
The implementation of Operation Taconite places additional movement criteria on commercial ships plying the Western Lakes, St. Marys River, and the Straits of Mackinac. These measures may include restricting tanker transits to daylight in the presence of ice, reducing speeds by 2 miles per hour in specified locations to reduce incidental ice breaking, and requiring additional voice and position reporting points throughout the operation’s area of responsibility.
The Coast Guard recommends all recreational ice users plan their activities carefully, dress appropriately, use caution on the ice, and stay away from shipping channels. Recreational users and island residents should stay tuned to local media resources for the status of regional waterway closures.
USCG
Seaway season winding down
As of Tuesday morning, five days before the closure of the Seaway, there were still 19 ocean-going vessels above the St-Lambert Lock. BBC Edge, BBC Oregon, Chestnut, Federal Alster, Federal Bristol, Federal Dart, Federal Delta, Federal Elbe, Federal Fraser, Federal Katsura, Federal Oshima, Fortunagracht, Harbour Fashion, Helena G, Johanna G, Ludogorets, Mia Desgagnés, Ocean Castle and Paul A. Desgagnés. List compiled by Barry Andersen, Yvan Gingras and René Beauchamp.
Barry Andersen
Federal Elbe paying last visit to lakes?
Waterfront reports indicate the Fednav saltie Federal Elbe is on her last trip. She was loading grain at Sarnia Monday to be discharged in Italy, after which she may be sold. Federal Elbe was built in 2003. It is unknown if she will be scrapped or sold to another operator.
Interlake Steamship, Cleveland Shipmasters’ lodge hold ship trip raffle
Winner of the raffle will get a five-day, round-trip freighter cruise for you and three of your friends a Interlake Steamship Co. vessels. Details are here:
