Thunder Bay port greets Resko, first saltie of the season

The Port of Thunder Bay has opened to international shipping with the arrival of the first ocean-going vessel to port during the 2022 navigation season. M/V Blacky crossed the Thunder Bay breakwall at 0825 Monday, April 18, 2022. Blacky is currently loading Western Canadian wheat and oats at Richardson International’s main elevator and will sail for Puerto Rico on Wednesday. Blacky Captain Oleg Gerasymchuk and Chief Engineer Igor Matsala were recognized in the Top Hat Ceremony at the Richardson elevator.  Port Authority Board Director Pat Bushby presented the Top Hat.

Port of Thunder Bay

Efforts continue to ‘Save The Sullivans’ in Buffalo

Buffalo, N.Y. – The U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies are continuing efforts to save the historic USS The Sullivans museum ship after it sank at its pier last week at the Buffalo Naval Park in Buffalo, New York.

The decorated U.S. Navy destroyer-turned museum ship partially sank at its pier last Wednesday after a “serious hull breach” on its starboard side.

The Coast Guard said it was working with partners in assessing and refloating vessel. Divers and underwater drones will be deployed as contractors work to dewater the vessel.

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) visited the park this week to announce a “multi-approach plan” to secure federal funding needed to save The Sullivans and continue the environmental cleanup efforts. “Today I am putting out an SOS across the federal government: Save Our Sullivans. I’m fully committed to having all hands on deck in getting the maximum amount of federal dollars we have,” said Schumer.

Currently there are no discussions of scrapping the vessel. “Failure is not an option. We are here to save The Sullivans,” said Coast Guard Commander Bill Mckinstry.

Built in 1943, USS The Sullivans is one of only four Fletcher-class destroyers, known for being the largest and most important class of U.S. destroyers used in World War II, remaining in existence. USS The Sullivans is also the first ship in the U.S. Navy to be named for more than one person—named after the five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who were killed in action in 1942 while serving together on board the USS Juneau.

The USS The Sullivans is owned and maintained as a museum ship by Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the largest inland Naval Park in the United States located in Buffalo, New York. Fundraising information can be found on the park’s Facebook page.

FAA has issued Temporary Flight Restrictions around the park, which includes drones, to ensure the safety of responders.

gCaptain

Star Line renamed Mackinac Island Ferry Company as season kicks off

St. Ignace, MI – One of the most popular routes to Mackinac Island is taking on a new name as the new tourism season begins. The Star Line ferry is transitioning to the Mackinac Island Ferry Company in a two-year process beginning now and ending sometime in 2023.

Some signs and branding at Star Line docks will change this summer, but other assets will remain with Star Line logos until 2023.

“The new name is easily recognizable to our customers and, while our name will change, we continue to be committed to providing the same great service, enjoyable rides and on time arrivals and departures that our guests have become accustomed to,” said Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company.

Star Line ferries are best known for throwing rooster tails behind as the traverse from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The company also includes the former Arnold Line Ferry fleet and Mackinac Marine Services shipyard.

“This collection of Mackinac Island Ferry companies has been a prominent group of legacy Michigan brands since 1878,” Fetty said. “From a business perspective, the strategic name change is a result of their accumulation under one company, allowing us to leverage a single brand name.”

WJRT

Museum’s boats reopen for season; call for museum volunteers

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will reopen the Col.
James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio to the public beginning May 1 and is seeking individuals interested in volunteering.

In addition, the museum’s open hours will increase from 6 to 7 days a week, Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

“As the summer season nears, volunteers become the lifeblood of our museum—serving as greeters, helping with our museum vessel and ground maintenance, and so much more,” reports Rebecca Gray, who oversees the museum’s volunteer initiative. “Volunteers could be students in need of interesting work to complete required high school volunteer hours, adults with an interest in restoration efforts, or simply individuals who just want to spend time onboard our vessels or at the museum.”

To learn more about volunteering or to sign-up to volunteer visit: www.nmgl.org/volunteer. To pre-purchase tickets for a museum visit, go to nmglstore.org.

Obituary: Alan Jon Saeger

Alan Jon Saeger, 62, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away suddenly on Thursday February 3.

Alan, known to his many shipmates as Flash, worked for more than 40 years on the Great Lakes, sailing aboard the Inland Steel vessels Edward L. Ryerson, Joseph L. Block, Wilfred Sykes, Adam E. Cornelius, and the tug Cindy B. He was quite proud of his time aboard the Ryerson as he spoke often about sailing on her.

Alan is survived by his mother Caroline Handley, brothers Dennis Saeger, John (Sandra) Saeger, Elden (Cindy) Saeger, and Douglas (Carrie) Handley II. He is preceded in death by his father Ronald Saeger, sister Debra Saeger, step-father Douglas Handley, and nephew Louis Saeger.

Alan was an avid Sci-Fi fan and never missed a movie opening. He was devoted to his family, who will miss him dearly. Burial services will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at St. John/St. Joseph Cemetery 1547 167th Street in Hammond, Indiana. A celebration of Alan’s life including family and friends will follow the burial services from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Highland Elks Lodge #981 3120 45th Avenue, Highland, Indiana.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke-Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling  219-838-0800 or visiting  www.hillsidefhcares.com

Plans finalized for Boatnerd picnic; freighter-chasing cruise tickets now on sale

Boatnerd is delighted to announce the return of our annual boat watching events in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

• Boatnerd Picnic at Sherman Park, Thursday, June 23*

• Optional three-hour Soo Locks Freighter Chasing Cruise aboard the tour boat LeVoyageur at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

• Boat watching at Sherman Park and at Mission Point

• Lots of friendly Boatnerds!

*The Boatnerd  Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for shine!

The Boatnerd Crew

Operation Taconite comes to a close

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Commander, Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie has concluded its domestic ice breaking operation, also known as Operation Taconite. With the ice throughout the Western Great Lakes nearly melted, ice breaking in support of commercial navigation is no longer required.

The Great Lakes ice cover peaked on February 26 at 56%. Lake Superior was 80% ice covered on March 15th. In the 108 days of the 2022 domestic icebreaking season, 11 ice breakers (9 US, 2 Canadian) combined to deliver 2,046 hours of icebreaking assistance to the benefit of 404 vessel transits;197 of these movements required direct icebreaking assistance to ensure commercial vessel safety.

Those 11 icebreakers also conducted 3,685 hours of preventative icebreaking to establish and maintain tracks in the ice hampered waterways of western Lake Superior, the St Marys River, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, and the Straits of Mackinac.

It is estimated more than 7.8 million tons of dry bulk and liquid cargoes were assisted during the 108 day operational period. This translates to roughly $284 million US dollars of cargo critical to power generation, industrial productivity and public safety, assisted during this period of ice cover.

USCG

Great Lakes iron ore trade down in March

Cleveland, OH – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 579,217 tons in March, a decrease of 54.9 percent compared to 2021. Loadings also trailed the month’s 5-year average by nearly 60 percent.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 2.4 million tons, a decrease of 37.5 percent compared to last year. Iron ore shipments are 31.8 percent below their 5-year average for the first three months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

‘A sad day’: USS The Sullivans listing as stern takes on water

Buffalo, NY – The decorated U.S. Navy destroyer-turned museum ship USS The Sullivans partially sank at its pier on Wednesday at the Buffalo Naval Park in Buffalo, New York.

The U.S. Coast Guard said pollution responders were monitoring dewatering efforts following reports that the ship had partially sank.

The USS The Sullivans is owned and maintained as a museum ship by Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, the largest inland Naval Park in the United States located in Buffalo, New York.

The USS The Sullivans is one of only four Fletcher-class of destroyers in the world and the first ship in the U.S. Navy to be named for more than one person. The Fletcher-class destroyers were the largest and most important class of U.S. Destroyers used in World War II.

Named after the five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, USS The Sullivans was commissioned in 1943 and earned numerous battle stars for its roles in WWII’s Pacific War and the Korean War, before its decommissioning in 1965.

A statement from the Buffalo Naval Park said all four ships at the park have been closed to the public as they respond to the incident.

“Yesterday, a serious hull breach occurred aft of midship on the starboard side. Our crew has been monitoring the ship all night and morning and are working with marine engineers and members of BIDCO Marine Group, the Buffalo Fire Department, Buffalo Police Department, Homeland Security, and Coast Guard to assess the problem, minimize damage, and remove water from the ship,” the organization said in a Facebook post.

“For over a year, we have been working hard to preserve USS The Sullivans and that work continues today and into the future. We are grateful for your continued support of this historic ship and of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.”

Buffalo News

Milwaukee to build $7M cruise ship dock, hopes to become top cruising destination

Milwaukee, WI – Port Milwaukee has set its sights on becoming the top cruise ship destination in the Great Lakes. To achieve that, there are plans to build a $7 million ship dock, CBS 58 reports. Like many port cities around the Great Lakes, Milwaukee is expecting a boom in the cruising industry when it returns this year, with about 10,000 cruise ship passengers coming ashore, the report said

The industry has been on pause for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Port Milwaukee plans to add a larger dock to its South Shore location, Adam Tindall-Schlicht, director of Port Milwaukee, told CBS 58. It will be big enough to accommodate the largest ships now being built to traverse the Great Lakes. The goal is to become the start- and end-point for cruise ships, bringing double the benefit from each vessel, he said.

The new dock is expected to be operational in 2023 or 2024, he said.

Companies sailing the Great Lakes this year are American Queen Voyages, Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Ponant Explorers, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Viking Expeditions and Windstar Cruises. They will call on Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canadian ports, including Alpena, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Marquette, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Duluth and Windsor, Ontario. The cruising season spans from May to October. Each vessel carries about 200-400 passengers.

McKeil Marine expands its bulker fleet with purchase of M/V Da Shen

Burlington, ON – With the 2022-23 navigation season underway, marine services provider McKeil Marine has announced the expansion of its fleet following the purchase of the M/V Da Shen (IMO 9167681).

This unique shallow-draft, self-discharging vessel, built in 1998 at Shin Kurushima Hiroshima Dockyard, Japan, will complement McKeil’s bulker fleet and further enhance the broad range of services which McKeil offers within its niche markets.

M/V Da Shen (formerly Asia Cement No 7) has four cargo holds and measures 155 metres by 22 metres, with a deadweight of 19,651 MT. Originally designed for the carriage of cement clinker, the vessel is currently docked in China where it will be retrofitted with a new single-point loading system, together with the modifications and upgrades necessary for its intended service. Delivery to Canada is expected in early 2023. Marine Traffic lists her most recent owner as Ocean Grow International Shipmanagement Consu of Taiwan.

“The purchase of the M/V Da Shen reflects our consistent strategy in fleet expansion,” said McKeil’s CEO Scott Bravener, “and that is to build a fleet that remains flexible and versatile. Our goal is to meet the needs of existing and new customers through unique and innovative marine solutions. This vessel acquisition is positive news as we continue our growth trajectory heading into a new shipping season.”

A new name has yet to be announced.

McKeil Marine

The season’s first saltie arrives in the Twin Ports

Duluth, MN – It’s a sure sign of spring. The first oceangoing vessel of the 2022 maritime shipping season has arrived in the Port of Duluth.

Resko, a 624-foot bulk carrier from the Polsteam fleet, earned the 2022 First Ship honor when is sailed in about 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13. According to the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, the Resko will visit Superior’s Gavilon Grain Connors Point Terminal to load approximately 16,200 short tons of spring wheat and 5,400 short tons of durum wheat destined for Italy.

Despite the wind, rain and snow, people gathered along the canal to watch the ship glide through the ice. The arrival of the first saltie officially kicks off the shipping season in the Twin Ports. The Port Authority’s annual First Ship welcoming event is scheduled for Friday.

According to the Port Authority, Resko’s journey originated in Ijmuiden, Netherlands. It unloaded more than 5,500 short tons of steel skidded coils in Milwaukee and also made a stop in Burns Harbor, Indiana.

“Despite winter’s lingering chill this year, arrival of the season’s first full Seaway transit is a true sign of spring and always of the prosperity these great ships help deliver to our region,” Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority said in a press release. “We’re excited to see it and excited also to share its Midwestern wheat cargo with the world. It’s another example of how Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping delivers the critical goods and raw materials of everyday life.”

Resko is sailing under the Bahamas flag and is captained by Lukasz Pionke of Poland. The ship was built in 2010. Its carrying capacity is approximately 33,000 short tons.

WDIO

Lack of funding sinks dredging project at Port of Ogdensburg

Ogdensburg, N.Y. –  A long gestating project to dredge the harbor and expand the Port of Ogdensburg has been called off due to a ballooning budget and severe lack of funding.

The announcement was made during the OBPA board meeting on April 7, following the withdrawal of a $10 million commitment by the Army Corps of Engineers.

The project was originally slated to dredge a large portion of the harbor, to a depth of 27 feet, allowing a second part of the project to proceed that would have allowed for the expansion of the port, officials said.

According to officials, the Army Corps of Engineers first claimed the project would cost $11.3 million. Following a bid process, during which only one company placed a bid, the estimate grew to over $27 million. Officials say the total cost of the project grew to $42.6 million following contingency assessments, rising material costs and a severe labor shortage that drove up the cost of workers.

The sole bid was just for harbor deepening, officials say.

According to officials, the Army Corps of engineers was responsible for 65% of all project overages, with the OBPA being responsible for the remaining 35%.

The Army Corps of Engineers then pulled the plug on their funding, not seeking further assistance from Congress to cover the overages, according to Steven Lawrence, OBPA Executive Director,

Lawrence also stated the project costs were “an extraordinary sum” that the OBPA could not cover themselves. Had the board decided to move forward with the project, the OBPA would have been responsible for over $11 million, he said.

Many officials said the decision to pull the funding and thus end the project were a slap in the face, with OBPA Board Chair Vernon Burns saying it left a bad taste in his mouth. “They let us down, plain and simple. They let down all of Northern New York and the state of New York,” he said.

Many comments seconding the notion could be heard in the meeting, with County Legislator Nicole Terminelli echoing the sentiment.

Though the project is on life support now, officials say they plan to press forward and seek alternative funding and future bids to complete the project. Department of Transportation funding was already in place to supplement the $10 million pledge by the Army Corps of Engineers, according to officials.

North Country Now

Season’s first saltie scheduled to arrive Wednesday

Duluth, MN –The first oceangoing vessel of the 2022 maritime shipping season is scheduled to arrive Wednesday morning in the Port of Duluth-Superior.

Resko, a 624-foot bulk carrier from the Polsteam fleet, will earn 2022 First Ship honors, completing the season’s first full transit of the St. Lawrence Seaway en route to the Great Lakes’ westernmost port. By tradition, this first full transit marks the annual opening of the Duluth-Superior Harbor, although the interlake navigation season began with the Soo Locks’ opening on March 25.

Upon arrival through the Duluth Ship Canal and under the Aerial Lift Bridge, Resko will visit Superior’s Gavilon Grain Connors Point Terminal to load approximately 16,200 short tons of spring wheat and 5,400 short tons of durum wheat destined for Italy.

The ship will arrive in ballast after unloading more than 5,500 short tons of steel skidded coils in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it was feted as that port’s first international vessel of the season. Resko’s journey originated in Ijmuiden, Netherlands, and also included a stop in Burns Harbor, Indiana.

“Despite winter’s lingering chill this year, arrival of the season’s first full Seaway transit is a true sign of spring and always of the prosperity these great ships help deliver to our region,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “We’re excited to see it and excited also to share its Midwestern wheat cargo with the world. It’s another example of how Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping delivers the critical goods and raw materials of everyday life.”

The Port Authority’s annual First Ship welcoming event is scheduled for Friday. A fixture of the celebration – the First Ship contest, co-sponsored by Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority – will crown a winner from more than 3,600 entries based on the official arrival time of Resko.

The first saltie’s arrival each season is a reminder that the Port of Duluth-Superior is truly Mid-America’s gateway to the world. Located 2,342 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, Duluth-Superior is the Great Lakes’ top tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20. It links North America’s heartland to regional and overseas markets, enabling manufacturers and cargo owners to compete in the global marketplace.

About Gavilon Grain Connors Point Terminal: Formerly known as Peavey Company-Connors Point, the Gavilon facility can hold more than 8 million bushels of grain. Most typically, that allotment includes spring wheat, winter wheat, durum wheat and sugar beet pulp pellets. The Gavilon terminal moves approximately 15-20 million bushels of grain annually.

About Polsteam and its vessel, Resko: Founded in 1951 and based in the Polish city of Szczecin, Polsteam is among Europe’s most prominent shipping companies, with 56 bulk carriers and four ferries sporting its colors. The company’s main focus is transporting bulk cargoes on the global shipping market. Resko is sailing under the Bahamas flag and is captained by Lukasz Pionke of Poland. The ship was built in 2010. Its carrying capacity is approximately 33,000 short tons.

Historical Note: The latest arrival of the port’s first saltie was May 7, 2014 (Diana). The earliest was March 30, 2013 (Federal Hunter).

Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Marine Mart in Port Huron to resume in June

Port Huron, MI – A long-standing tradition, sidelined by COVID, will make a return this year in a new location. The Summer Marine Mart, formerly the St. Clair Marine Mart, will be held Saturday, June 11, at the American Legion Post #8, 1026 Sixth St., in Port Huron, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Mart features nautical items, artifacts, photos, books, artwork, models, postcards and more. See the poster in the image gallery below.

World Ship Society casualties, demolitions

Vessels with Great Lakes / Seaway connections reported as a casualty or sold for demolition, taken from April 2022 issue of Marine News – Journal of the World Ship Society

Casualty: Julietta D (9590618) (Seas II-19, Priceless Seas-16) 24,196 / 2013 – Malta flag bulk carrier owned by Julietta D B.V. Netherlands collided with Maltese flagged tanker Pechora Star 9488322 – (1st seaway transit 2020), 8,581 / 2011 – after breaking her anchor chain and drifting in the North Sea 25 miles west of Ijmuiden, the Netherland in position 52.25.30N, 02.57.42E on 31.01. 2022.  She has serious damage to port quarter and took on some water, later striking a transformer platform.  The crew was lifted off and a salvage team attached a towline later the same day and she was towed to Rotterdam on 01.02.2022 for inspection

Demolitions: Elizabeth McAllister (7038348, United States of America) (Fournier Boys-04, J.A. Witte-93 – 1st seaway transit 1990, Carol Ann Witte-90, Elizabeth Moran-89) 289 / 1967 – tug. By McAllister Towing & Transportation Co. Inc., United States of America to U.S. breakers and arrived Boston, MA. 01.11.2021 – demolition commenced 01.11.2021

Glomma (8920531; Panama) (Leli-21, Stolt Dipper-16 – 1st seaway transit 2001, Margit Terkol-96, Stolt Margit Terkol-94) 3,296 / 1992 – Chemical products tanker.  By Granba Shipping Corp Ltd (Safemar Demizcilik Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd Sti) Marshall Islands, to Dynamic Ship Recyclers P Ltd, India, and arrived Alang 19.11.2021 – demolition commenced 25.11.2021

Report prepared by Barry Andersen and René Beauchamp

Obituary: Michael “Mike” Reed

Michael Francis Reed, 67, of Florence, AZ, formerly of Superior passed away on March 12, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born on April 2, 1954, to Francis and Victoria (Burbul) Reed.

He attended St. Louis Grade School and graduated from SSHS. Michael served his country as a United States Marine following in the footsteps of his older brother and sister. He worked as a longshoreman alongside his father, brother and uncles until he became a Merchant Marine at the age of 35. He sailed for 32 years, with 28 of those years aboard the Stewart J. Cort from which he retired as a wheelsman in March of 2021.

Michael is survived by the love of his life, his wife Maria, with whom he enjoyed 25 years of marriage until his passing. He leaves behind his daughter Stephanie Reed and granddaughter Sophia of Arizona, his stepchildren Justin Male of Esko and Jennifer Axtell of Proctor along with six step-grandchildren. Also surviving Michael are his siblings Brother John (Kathy) Reed of Nevada, Sisters Sandra Gunski of Florida, Trish Reed of Arizona, Cherie Stone, Kym (Michael) Nepper and Darla (Jim) Woodall all Superior, along with several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, stepfather Robert Reed and brother-in-law Michael Gunski, Sr.

Burial will be in Veteran’s Memorial Park at Greenwood Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard. Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4960 Miller Trunk Hwy Suite 700, Hermantown, MN 55811.

2022 edition of “Know Your Ships” ready for new shipping season

The new shipping season has started, and the 2022 edition of Know Your Ships, the popular annual field guide to boats and boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway, has been released.

This year’s 200-page book includes information on U.S., Canadian and international-flag cargo vessels, tugs, excursion boats and barges in regular Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway service, including owner and port of registry, year and shipyard where built, length, beam, depth, cargo capacity and former names, plus type of engine, horsepower and more.

In the Spotlight section, you can read stories about the 50^th anniversary of the Stewart J. Cort, check out some of the unique cargos carried on the lakes in 2021, get to know the ship-to-shore chef Catherine Schmuck and more.

Standard and spiral bindings are available. Order at this link: www.knowyourships.com

Viking Octantis cruise ship already ‘sold out’ for several of its initial visits to Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, ON –  More than two years since the return of cruise ships to Thunder Bay was first announced, Paul Pepe says preparations are going well. Near the end of May, Viking Octantis, the first cruise ship to visit Thunder Bay in nine years, is due to arrive with 378 passengers. It’s one of the largest passenger ships ever seen on the Great Lakes.

Pepe – manager of tourism for the City of Thunder Bay – said several of the initial voyages are already complete sell-outs, while sales for the others are going well. A smaller cruise ship, Ocean Navigator, is scheduled to visit Thunder Bay as well this summer.

A question arose earlier this year about ground transportation for the visitors while they explore local attractions, but Pepe says he understands the issue is being resolved.

“It’s a normal part of logistics planning for anything new, coming out of COVID. There are capacity challenges that pop up, but with that come a lot of solutions. A lot of people came to the table with solutions on how to address it, and we feel things are moving along quite well.”

Pepe noted that ground transportation arrangements are made between cruise operators and onshore service providers. “Everything’s on track this year for a solid recovery of the industry,” he said.

Cruise operator Viking Expeditions chose Thunder Bay as a turnaround point for one of its Great Lakes itineraries this summer. That means a new group of passengers will board the ship here for its return voyage to Milwaukee after arriving passengers have toured the city before returning home by air.

Between late May and September, Viking Octantis will dock in Thunder Bay seven times. “There’s a total of 14 itineraries. The ship will turn around in Thunder Bay. Guests will end their cruise here, and other guests will start their cruise here… And we have two day-stops with the Ocean Navigator, a 210-passenger vessel,” Pepe said.

Ocean Navigator is operated by American Queen Voyages.

Work is now underway to improve the docking facility at the former Pool 6 elevator site. The city recently hired a contractor to replace the bollards for ships to tie up to, install new rubber fenders, and to repair some concrete. Rubble from the demolished elevator will also be removed.

City project engineer Mike Vogrig said the contractor is currently running ahead of schedule, so he expects the work that’s necessary to be done will be completed before Viking Octantis arrives.

“The interest in the Great Lakes and Thunder Bay is growing,” Pepe said. “Viking’s global marketing reach is impressive. It’s a good alignment with Thunder Bay’s brand.”

He added that local hotels are starting to see bookings from ship passengers who plan to spend some time in the city.

“It’s going to be a year when we will all have to be nimble as we emerge from COVID and there’s a tourism recovery. It’s looking like it’s going to be a busy summer in Thunder Bay. Both cruise ship companies have been great to work with.”

TB Newswatch

Conrad to build two tugs for the U.S .Army Corps of Engineers

Conrad Shipyard has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and build two tugboats for use in the Great Lakes.

The two CELRE Detroit Ice Class tugs will be used for the mobilization of floating equipment on the St. Marys River, upper Great Lakes and the Soo Harbor, as well as breaking ice up to 12 inches thick and performing ice scraping operations at the St. Mary’s Falls Canal.

Conrad won out among five bidders for the $16,983,710 firm-fixed-price contract. Shipbuilding work will be performed in Morgan City, La., with an estimated completion date of December 26, 2024.

“Conrad has a long history with the US Army Corps of Engineers, and we have built several vessels currently in service around the country,” said Conrad Shipyard CEO Johnny Conrad. “We are proud to provide the Army Corps with two more top quality vessels to service its Detroit District.”

Each twin screw, open wheel newbuild will measure 76’ x 25’ x 10’-8.5” and will be diesel powered with 1,600 BHP, Conrad Shipyard said. Each vessel will also and have deckhouses with galley/mess, berths and sanitary facilities for a crew of three.

The tugs will be ABS classed as Maltese Cross A-1 Towing Vessels, Ice Class C0, Great Lakes Service with Maltese Cross AMS. Each will also comply with USCG 46 CFR SubChapter M requirements.

Marine Link

National Museum of the Great Lakes, Sandpiper tour boat partnership wins top award

 Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) has been awarded the Ohio Museum Association Award for Best Community Partnership in the Over $500,000 budget category for their Port of Toledo: Then & Now — Interactive Sandpiper Tour Boat Exhibit. The award was announced and presented to museum representatives during an evening ceremony at the Cincinnati Art Museum on Sunday, April 3.

“In August of 2021, the National Museum of the Great Lakes installed our first traveling exhibit aboard a vessel—the Sandpiper tour boat operating on the Maumee River in Toledo,” explains Kate Fineske, who oversees the museum’s community partnerships. “We are always looking for innovative ways to introduce people to Great Lakes History through mission-focused collaborations that also provide value-added benefits for other businesses.”

NMGL staff worked with tour operators to coordinate an exhibit to tell the story of the Port of Toledo’s history in a way Sandpiper guests could independently interact with—in this case utilizing QR codes and a large-scale map. The partnership also designated two days in 2021 to specifically target a dual experience by introducing “Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day”. During these dedicated “Ship & Shore” days, guests could explore Great Lakes history at the National Museum of the Great Lakes and experience the history of the Port of Toledo from the water aboard the Sandpiper.

The museum has already added three dates for the 2022 Ship & Shore days in June, July and August. The Sandpiper offers a number of relaxing and fun cruises on the Maumee River in Downtown Toledo and individuals can explore NMGL’s interactive exhibit onboard once it begins public seasonal operations this May.

For more information and to book a tour on The Sandpiper visit jmcruiselines.com/the-sandpiper. For more information and to book a Ship & Shore excursion, visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000.

Ojibway marks her 70^th anniversary year by arriving at scrap dock

 Port Colborne, ON – At 1017 Tuesday, Ojibway advised Seaway Welland they were secured at Wharf 17 and that the vessel will be turned over to Marine Recycling Corp. for scrapping on Saturday morning.

Coast Guard assists Mackinac Island ferry that lost steering in Straits

Mackinaw City, MI – The Coast Guard and others responded tonight in the Straits of Mackinac after a Mackinac Island ferry with 144 passengers and four crewmembers aboard lost steering while on its way from the island.

The Star Line ferry Huron lost steering about 6 p.m. and was subsequently unable to deploy its
anchor. The vessel drifted slowly toward St. Ignace and was in no danger of grounding as Coast
Guard Cutter Katmai Bay, which was breaking ice nearby, diverted to assist.

A local commercial vessel that also serves Mackinac Island, the Senator, responded as well, meeting the disabled ferry and taking all of its passengers aboard. The passengers were safely transported to St. Ignace, while the four Huron crewmembers stayed aboard their vessel and Katmai Bay stood by while towing arrangements were finalized.

“Tonight’s incident can serve as a reminder that life on the Great Lakes is far from predictable,” said Lt. Tyler Carslgaard of Sector Sault Ste. Marie. “Fortunately good cooperation and simple precautions like making sure everyone on board was wearing a life jacket helped everyone get home safely.”

USCG

Virtual Visitor Center: A Boat by Any Other Name – Vessel Namesakes

Who are James R. Barker and Roger Blough and why do they have a vessel named after them? What does Michipicoten mean? Park Ranger Sara will examine the names behind some of the vessels that we commonly see on the Great Lakes and learn more about the people, places and things they are named for.

This free program begins Thursday, April 7 at 12:30 EDT at https://meet.goto.com/VirtualVisitorCenter/vessel-namesakes . The Virtual Visitor Center is a cooperative endeavor between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association and the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association.