Callaway and Clark head for lay-up

12/31

Cason J. Callaway and Philip R. Clarke are scheduled to begin their winter layup Jan. 1 at Sturgeon Bay.

More updates on the 4th Annual Winter Lay-up page

Reported by: Al Miller Happy New Year!

Twin Ports news

12/30

Twin Ports boatwatchers got a late Christmas treat when John J. Boland arrived Dec. 28 to begin winter layup at Fraser Shipyards. The winter fleet apparently is beginning to arrive now. H. Lee White is scheduled to arrive at Hallett dock Dec. 30 for layup.

Traffic remains brisk at Midwest Energy Terminal and the DMIR and BN ore docks. Paul Tregurtha cleared the Midwest Energy dock about 7:30 a.m. Dec. 29 and Charles M. Beeghly and Canadian Enterprise appeared to be waiting for their turns to load. Walter J. McCarthy Jr. is due at the dock Dec. 29 and tentatively scheduled to load again Jan. 4. This would certainly be the longest season in recent memory (and possibly ever) for the terminal. At the DMIR dock, a late rush has developed for Oglebay Norton vessels. Oglebay Norton and Buckeye loaded there Dec. 28, Courtney Burton is due in Dec. 29 and Armco is scheduled for Dec. 30.

Reported by: Al Miller

Final Bells

12/30

Capt. Aloysius “Al” Bammel, died Dec 17 in St. Clair, Michigan at the age of 101. He started sailing at the age of 13 on lumber hookers out of Marine City. He sailed for Interlake Steamship Co. for 36 years and served his last command on the Str. Elton Hoyt II before leaving the company after a disagreement with management. Some referred to Capt. Al as one of the best skippers on the lakes. During his time as shipmaster he never had a accident.

Reported by: Keith Winn

Marine Community Day

12/28

The U. S. Coast Guard Ninth District in Cleveland, OH., is hosting their annual Great Lakes Marine Community Day on January 28, 1997. The event will be held at the Radisson Inn, in Beachwood, OH. Further details are available on the Ninth District Homepage. Visit us there, and “Come Aboard”.Keith E. Grant

Reported by: Keith E. Grant

Correction

12/28

It was reported last week that the Louis R DesMarais experienced some type of damage, this information was incorrect.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Last Salty clears Seaway

12/27

The Liberian freighter Narragansett (xSteel Flower-96), preceded by the CCG vessel Tracy, cleared the Eastern end of the St Lawrence Seaway at 1837 edt December 26 1997 to close the 1997 Seaway season, and proceeded to Montreal East anchorage on the St Lawrence River.

Seaway East Clearance 12/26 – 1100. The last Canadian coasters cleared the Seaway overnight and were eastbound in the St Lawrence River yesterday. A R FARQUHARSON was headed for Halifax and THALASSA DESGAGNES for Seven Islands.

The CANADIAN MINER was approaching Montreal East from the Gulf and presumably heading to winter layup. The CANADIAN VENTURE was due to leave Port Cartier for Montreal. The SAUNIERE left Montreal for the Magdalen Islands and the ATLANTIC HURON and ATLANTIC ERIE were active in the St Lawrence River and Gulf. The NANTICOKE had departed for Halifax and the Maritimes.

Reported by: John Whitehead’s St Lawrence Ships home page

Astabula News

12/27

Yesterday was a busy day in Ashtabula. The J.W. McGiffin was loading coal at the Conrail dock and the H.M. Griffith was waiting her turn to load. Also, the Charles Wilson and the St.Clair were anchored off the breakwall awaiting weather to get into the Pinney dock and unload.

Reported by: Jeff P.

U.S. Coast Guard publishes final I.S.M. Code rules

12/27

The U.S. Coast Guard on 24 Dec. published a final rule establishing standards for certain U.S.-registry vessels to comply with the International Safety Management Code of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974. Starting 1 July, the I.S.M. Code standards will apply to certain vessels on international voyages including vessels that carry more than 12 passengers, tankers, bulk freight vessels and high-speed cargo vessels of at least 500 gross tons. Such vessels without I.S.M. Code certificates will not be allowed to enter U.S. ports after 1 July.

An interim rule published 11 Dec., and effective 26 Jan., states that such vessels, unless they are less than 500 gross tons and carrying more than 12 passengers, will provide their I.S.M. Code certification status 24 hours before entering a U.S. port. Compliance by foreign-registry ships will be through port state control inspections. If a vessel without I.S.M. Code certification is found in a U.S. port, it will be detained, its cargo operations will be restricted, civil penalty action will be taken and its country of registry and classification society will be notified.

On 15 Dec., the Coast Guard began a pre-enforcement inspection campaign. Vessels in I.S.M. Code compliance will be entered into a database and those found lacking certification will be sent a letter stating the requirements.

Beginning 1 July, 2002, the standards will also apply to other cargo vessels and self-propelled mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tons or more on international voyages.

In response to the I.S.M. Code Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published 1 May, the Coast Guard received 118 comments.

The Coast Guard also said 24 Dec. that, as final rule to improve the Alternate Compliance Program, it can authorize classification societies to issue international certificates usually issed by the Coast Guard. The program was implemented on 31 July. Under the final rule, the Coast Guard may issue a Certificate of Inspection based upon information from an authorized classification society that a vessel complies with certain international conventions, classification society rules and other requirements. The final rule was made after 17 letters commenting on the interim rule published 27 Dec.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

White’s last visit to Saginaw

12/25

M/V Fred R. White Jr. was delivering the last load of stone to Wirt Stone Dock at Crow Island Saginaw. Then it’s two loads to the Lakehead to Lorain and one to Lakehead to Toledo.Layup is approximately January 10th in Toledo. For Christmas the Compass “ROSE” [Oglebey/Norton’s redesigned logo] the outline on the stack in solid green, real neat, suggest they do it in yellow the rest of the year , much more unique than a flood light on the stack.

Reported by: Dan Maus and Lon Morgan

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 18

12/25

Mariners are advised that, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway, the surcharges for December 21st to 24th, 1997, have been waived. Special agreements will be required for vessels calling in at Cape Vincent downbound or CIP 2 upbound after 0001 hour December 25th. Arrangements for written agreements can be made at the Authority’`s St. Lambert, Quebec office. Further details are available in Seaway Notice no. 10.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 1997, due to high flows, low water levels and lower than normal water temperatures, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section is now 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 23rd, 1997 is 0.3 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 1.6 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 0.5 degrees celsius.

Thin ice is present in the navigation channel in the South Shore Canal between Saint-Lambert and Cote Ste-Catherine Locks.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements announced to take effect at 0001 hours on December 7th, 1997 have been postponed until further notice.

At midnight December 22nd, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 10 as compared to 8 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 3 as compared to 1 in 1996.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which now calls in upbound at CIP2 will be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 10 and 12 of 1997.

The thinning of non-essential buoys in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section has been completed. Removal of remaining buoys will commence today, December 23rd. Further information concerning this is available from the appropriate traffic control centre.

The installation of the Galop ice boom is in progress. The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 609m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Grain Trade remains busy

12/24

Despite the departure of the last salties, the Twin Ports grain trade remains active. CSL’s Manitoulin, an infrequent visitor here, was unloading grain at the General Mills elevator on Dec. 22-23. Once unloaded she was to shift to the DMIR ore dock to load.

Reported by: Al Miller

Toledo Shipyard drydockings for Winter 1998

12/24

In addition to the BUFFALO (bow repairs plus 5 year survey). Toledo Shipyard will do 5 year surveys on the FRED R. WHITE JR. and the COURTNEY BURTON. All 3 vessels will be ready to sail for the Spring opening of the shipping season. The Shipyard will also do repair work on several other vessels that are in layup at the various Dock sites around Toledo.

Reported by: J. R. Hoffman

Busy day in Saginaw

12/24

Tuesday was a busy day for the Saginaw River. The M/V Fred R. White Jr. was outbound to Stoneport, Alpena where she will load one more time for Wirt Stone Dock at Crow Island, Saginaw. Once completed Stoneport will close for the winter.

Also in the river was the Gemini at the Total Oil Dock in Bay City and the Alpena at the LaFarge Cement Dock in Saginaw.

Reported by: Dan Maus and Lon Morgan

Have a safe and happy holiday season! Smooth sailing to all, thanks for all your support over the past year.

Hamilton Transfer to be converted

12/23

Inside sources have confirmed that the aft section of the Canadian Explorer will be cut off and joined with the forward section of the Hamilton Transfer. Conversion is expected to begin in March 1998 at the Port Weller Dry Docks . She will be a self unloader but the exact configuration is unkown.

As reported on June 24th, 1997, ULS had placed an advertisement in the June 16th edition of Canadian Sailings, announcing she was for hire in 1998. The vessels small size will make her ideal to compete in the same trades as Lower Lake’s Cuyahoga.

ULS is no stranger to recycling older vessels. HILDA MARJANNE and CHIMO became CANADIAN RANGER, and NORTHERN VENTURE and CABOT were reconstructed to form CANADIAN EXPLORER. Both of these reconstructions were completed at Port Weller.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss and Mark Jackson

Frantz to the wall

12/23

The Joseph H. Frantz departed Huron, Ohio at 0730 Monday morning. She headed into Lake Erie for clean out, and proceeded to Toledo Lakefront #2 for lay-up. She layed-up at the Hocking Valley dock in Toledo last year.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak and Sharon Bouchonville.

Townsend enters lay-up

12/23

The Paul H. Townsend entered winter lay-up in Milwaukee yesterday. The Townsend is moored at the LaFarge Cement tower. Her anchors are down and her pilot house windows are covered. She is loaded with cement for winter storage.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde and James Zeirke.

Midwest Energy Running Strong

12/23

Midwest Energy Terminal is still running strong a couple weeks after it usually shuts down for the winter. The dock is booked through Christmas, with Courtney Burton and Oglebay Norton due Dec. 22, Paul R. Tregurtha and Walter J. McCarthy loading Dec. 23, Joe Thompson due Dec. 24 and Indiana Harbor expected Dec. 25.

Reported by: Al Miller

Last of the Salties clear the Soo Locks

12/23

The final 3 salties to visit lake superior this year locked downbound Sunday at Sault Ste. Marie. The Praxitelis logged downbound at Isle Parisienne at 0917, the Lake Ontario logged downbound at Parisienne at 1000 and the Narragansett logged downbound at 1229. The Narragansett was the last salty of the year at the soo.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Upper Lakes Group bulkers starting to lay-up/after busy season

12/23

SS Canadian Leader, SS Canadian Mariner and M/V Canadian Trader are already at their winter lay-up berths in Toronto. SS Seaway Queen has unloaded its last cargo for the season and she is also underway to Toronto to join her fleet mates. Canadian Explorer has layed up in Hamilton.

It has been a very good year for the Canadian Fleet. Almost all boats were out this year. ULS Group SS Seaway Queen was the last boat out for the fall grain rush.

Paterson’s Comeaudoc did not come out this year. Nor did CSL’s Tarantau–it was rumored she was through but now this is some talk she may have a make over. Vandoc and Quedoc did not come out as they have been in long term lay-up at the Lakehead.

P and H also had a busy season. In September I spoke to the skipper from the Oakglen while she was stopped for fuel at the Shell Dock in Port Colborne At that time the SS Oakglen was making its its 9th trip of the season from the lakehead to a St. Lawrence Ports in addition to making several shorter runs from Thunder Bay to either Owen Sound or Goderich. and has been down below several times since. Last year it only made 2 and was limited to a much shorter run from Thunder Bay to Owen Sound. (Last year SS Mapleglen was to the wall for 3 weeks in August. While the Oakglen was to the wall for a prolonged period.)

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Toronto update

12/23

In yesterday’s report, the ship along side of the Canadian Mariner was the Hamilton Energy not the Hamilton Transfer. Yesterday morning the Gordon C Lietch loaded with sugar, tied up at the Redpath Plant in Toronto harbour . The Canadian Trader, with a load of sugar tied up at pier 51 ,west face. The Seaway Queen tied up at the Cherry St. bridge, light ship. The Algosteel was in port unloading salt. So yesterday the harbour was pretty crowded.

Reported by: Jim Fitzgerald

Quebec ferry workers call off strike

12/23

Quebec government ferry personnel on the St. Lawrence River have cancelled a three-day strike that was to begin 24 Dec. after their labor union reached a tentative contract with the province early 20 Dec. Talks had lasted 30 months. The personnel work on routes between Quebec and Levis, Matane and Baie-Comeau and Sorel and Saint-Ignace-de-Loyola.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Proposal For Muskegon Naval Memorial Monument

12/23

The Muskegon Chronicle reported plans for a Naval Memorial Monument on Sunday. The city hopes to bring the WWII submarine, U.S.S. Silversides from the Muskegon channel to the downtown area. With her will come the McLane, a 1927 Coast Guard ship that also saw action in WWII. The Mclane now sits behing the Silversides in the channel. There has been talk of bringing the decommisioned nulear submarine U.S.S. Silversides Nuclear to Muskegon from the west coast but extreme cost make this highly unlikely. With the Silversides and the McLane would be the LST393. The LST393 was a transport trip for troops during WWII that was directly involved with the invasion of Normandy. Some time after the war, the ship was converted into a freighter to carry automobiles from Muskegon to Milwaulkee. It was renamed Highway 16 at that time. It has been inactive and docked at the West Michigan Dock Mart since 1973. They plan to convert it back to the LST393 and make it part of the memorial. The ship is said to be in excellent condition and is said to still be seaworthy. These plans are just talk for now but voting and final decisions should be made soon. The commitees involved also had reportedly talked about joining the Silversides downtown with the S.S. Milwaulkee Clipper but the paper said there was never talk and that is not a part of the future plans. The site where they paln to have this memorial monument is located in a bay in between the Dock Mart and the Lafarge Dock.

Reported by: Scott Golin

Wilfred Sykes makes rare Trip to Duluth

12/22

The Wilfred Sykes passed upbound at the Soo on Dec. 21 around 4AM. She was headed for the lakehead. She will load at Duluth’s DM&IR; Ore Dock sometime today. Though exact date is unknown, consensuses is that she has not left her usual trade on the lower lakes for Lake Superior since 1991. She made a late season run that year, and was followed downbound at the Soo on or very near Christmas Day by fleetmate Edward L Ryerson.

Reported by: Dan Sweeley and Andy Hering

Algocape clears Saginaw

12/22

The Algocape cleared Saginaw yesterday, the striaght decker had started unloading on 12/16 by a shore based crane with a clam bucket. At about 2200 the John Purvis called inbound at the front range so one can assume he probably assisted Algocape out into the bay where she had to turn around. The tug John Purvis then cleared the river with the deck barge holding the unloading crain.

Reported by: Lon Morgan and Dan Maus

Frantz to lay-up

12/22

The The 72 year old Joseph H. Frantz is due Toledo sometime today for Lay-Up at possibly the Hocking Valley dock. She was unloading a cargo of limestone at Huron, Ohio before making the short trip to Toledo

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak, Sharon Bouchonville, and Andy Hering

Toronto update

12/22

In port as of yesterday is the Algontario on the face of pier 35, drawing 25 ft. loaded with sugar for Redpath,(Redpath doubled it’s capacity to process sugar last year). On the north side of Pier 35 is the Canadian Leader also drawing 25ft. with sugar. The Canadian Mariner is in the “turning basin” channel along side of the hydro “Hearn” plant. She is “light” ship. The Hamilton Energy was along side Saturday & then left. The Seaway Queen is expected in the same channel, where the CSL Sagenay was,(pier 21 I think) at 23:00hrs Sunday the 21st Dec. light ship. The Canadian Trader is expected with sugar; date unknown & the Gordon C. Leitch is expected with sugar; date unknown. If last year was any indication there will probably be some Paterson ships also. All in all a busy port this winter.

Reported by: Jim Fitzgerald

Last Salties depart Twin Ports

12/22

The final two salties of the 1997 Twin Ports shipping season departed Duluth 12/20 approximately one hour apart. The Praxitelis departed at 9:09 a.m. from Harvest States #2 in Superior. Alittle over an hour later the Lake Ontario cleared the Duluth piers after loading at the AGP elevator on Rice’s Point in Duluth.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Independent enters lay-up

12/22

The Kinsman Independent finished unloading at General Mills on the 18th around 5PM. She then went out of the City Ship Canal and back up the Buffalo River with the Mississippi to the Lake and Rail Elevator on Childs St. She then began lay up proceedures that night.

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

More Christmas Lights

12/22

Two more ships are sporting Christmas decorations and lights. The Charles E Wilson has a Christmas Tree on deck and the Edwin H Gott has lights for the season.

Reported by: James Hile

Interesting Split Cargo

12/22

Passing through Port Huron on Saturday, the AMERICAN MARINER was headed downbound. She had a split cargo, oats for Huron Ohio and taconite pellets for Lorain Ohio.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Barker loads wheat

12/20

The Kaye Barker arrived in Milwaukee Dec. 19 to load wheat. She loaded at the Continental Grain elevators, making this her second grain run (see story dated 11/24).

The Barker cleared around 6:00PM for Chicago.The new procedure has been a great success. Continental Grain built a hopper at their Chicago elevator to accept the grain. They can load the Barker in 15 hours and 8 hours later have the cargo in Chicago. It then takes the Barker around 15 hours to unload. This trip they loaded 600,000 bushels of wheat. The cargo of wheat is used locally in Chicago or shipped down river by barge. The main reason for doing it this way is economics and speed. The railroads can’t come close to matching the hauling price or speed of unloading that the Barker can provide.

There is a possibility the Barker will make another run like this in January. Otherwise that’s it for grain boats this year.

Overseeing the loading procedure was Frosty the Snowman on top of the unloading tower. Also keeping an eye on things was Santa on top of the forward mast. There is a second Santa with sleigh and eight reindeer on the end of the boom. Rudolph was in the lead with his nose glowing bright red. Large lighted candles line the railings behind the pilot house as well as rows of Christmas lights on just about every remaining railing on the boat, both fore and aft.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde and Jim Zeirke

Rumors continue on the future of the Hamilton Transfer

12/20

Rumors continue to circulate about the future of the HAMILTON TRANSFER ex-CRISPIN OGLEBAY. As reported on June 24th, 1997, that ULS had placed an advertisement in the June 16th edition of Canadian Sailings, announcing she was for hire in 1998. It was widely hoped that she would return to service under her own power, after she completed her duties at Dofasco Steel. However, it now appears that ULS has other plans for her in the future. It is now rumored that the stern section of the HAMILTON TRANSFER will be removed, and be replace with the stern section of the CANADIAN EXPLORER. Apparently the cargo section of the C. EXPLORER is in pretty rough shape. The reconstruction is rumored to produce a stemwinder, but it has not been determined if the new vessel will be a straight-decker or a self-unloader. The future of her gantry crane is also uncertain. It is rumored that the engineering department at Port Weller Dry Docks is looking at the proposal, with a start date slated for later next year.

ULS is no stranger to recycling older vessels. HILDA MARJANNE and CHIMO became CANADIAN RANGER, and NORTHERN VENTURE and CABOT were reconstructed to form CANADIAN EXPLORER. Both of these reconstructions were completed at Port Weller.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Last of the Salties to clear Twin Ports

12/20

The Twin Ports will bid farewell this weekend to their final two salties of the season. The 621-foot Praxitelis arrived at the Harvest States grain elevator about 8 a.m. Dec. 19 to load 15,000 metric tons of sunflower seeds for Veracruz, Mexico. It is expected to be the last saltie out of Duluth-Superior when it departs this weekend. The only other saltie still in port is the 730-foot Lake Ontario, loading soybeans and peas for Antwerp at the AGP elevator in Duluth. It is expected to depart late Saturday or Sunday. Whichever vessel is last to leave, it will be the second-latest departure of a saltie since the St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959. The latest departure was Dec. 23, 1984.

Laker traffic is expected to continue in the ports until mid-January. There is still little ice in the harbor, and most channels are still open water. Midwest Energy Terminal now expects to load vessels after Christmas, which could be a record for late-season operation.

Reported by: Al Miller

Louis R. Desmarais

12/20

Reports are that the Louis R DesMarais lost her rudder and is done for the season. Details are not available, please e-mail if you can provide any.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Efficiency can be bad if you are a boat watcher

12/20

As the shipping season begins to wind down, with some vessels already in winter layup, predictions of this past spring have apparently come true.

Little Port Washington, Wisconsin has experienced perhaps its most dismal boat watching season in years. Although the local electric utility received more coal than in any year in the past 15 years, the ship watching was, as predicted, very poor.

Transfer of the coal contract to Interlake Steamship Co. allowed Wisconsin Electric to receive the majority of their coal in 1000-footers. Only 18 ships called at Port Washington this year, compared with 36 in 1996. With the notable exception of a few Inland Steel boats early in the year, the bulk of the coal came in the holds of the JAMES R. BARKER, MESABI MINER, and PAUL R. TREGURTHA.

Although this was probably good news for WEPCO, it made for very dull and uninteresting boat-watching for the rest of us.

Reported by: Paul Wiening

News From Saginaw

12/20

According to the Essroc Dock- the hope is that Algocape will be outbound sometime early Saturday morning. The straight decker has been undergoing unload by crain.

Fred R White Jr. is scheduled to make two more trips into the river this year. The White was to load 12/20 for Wirt Dock- Bay City then up to Saginaw, and then go back up and do the same thing again…

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Burns Harbor unloads at Algoma

12/20

On Thursday, Dec. 18 the thousand foot long Burns Harbor paid their first visit ever to the Algoma Steel mill in Soo, Canada when they arrived with taconite from Superior, WI. Previous thousand footers to call on Algoma have been the George A. Stinson and the Indiana Harbor. She proceeded upbound at 7:30 PM.

Other odd trips include the Columbia Star unloading ore in Ashtabula, then proceeding to Taconite Harbor to load for Cleveland.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak and Andy LaBorde

U.S. Coast Guard to require I.S.M. Code status

12/20

On 15 Dec., the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it will require relevant vessels on international voyages to include their International Safety Management Code status in arrival messages sent to the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port. The interim rule was published in the U.S. Federal Register on 14 Dec. and a final rule is expected by 1 Jan. As of 1 July, the code will apply to vessels trading internationally that transport more than 12 passengers, tankers, bulk cargo ships and high-speed cargo vessels of 500 gross tons or more. The Coast Guard’s interium rule will take effect 26 Jan. but the status of a ship’s I.S.M. Code will not be required for those carrying 12 or more passengers that are less than 500 gross tons. I.S.M. Code status will be required 24 hours before ships enter a U.S. port. Comments are being accepted until 12 Dec. through written materials sent to the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety Council (G-LRA/3406) (CGD 97-067), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20593.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Fire aboard Iroquois in Milwaukee

12/20

The Iroquois (U.S.-registry 18.82-meter/61.75-foot, 149-passenger motor excursion vessel built in 1946, operated by Iroquois Boat Line Co. and homeported at Milwaukee) caught fire 18 Dec. while at its mooring on the Milwaukee River, just north of the Clybourn Ave. bridge. No one was aboard at the time. Damage has been estimated at U.S.$20,000.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Christmas Spirt on the Middletown

12/20

The Middletown has Christmas lights strung around all the railings and a Christmas tree at the end of the boom. Not only that, they have a beautifully decorated 7 foot tree in the crew’s mess for all to enjoy during their meals and the galley is decorated with lights and decorations all around.

Reported by: Sharon Bouchonville

Two more vessels to the wall

12/19

Two more vessels entered winter lay-up yesterday.

The only U.S. grain boat to sail this year, the KINSMAN INDEPENDENT tied up in Buffalo.

Algoma’s ALGORAIL ended the season when she entered Port Weller Dry Docks, the shipyard will perform a major refit on the vessel over the winter. (see story dated 12/13)

Reported by: the Lake Carriers’ Association and Port Weller Drydocks

Wintering in Cleveland

12/19

Two Oglebay Norton vessels plan to lay up in Cleveland at the end of this season. The David Z Norton and the Earl W.Oglebay will tie up for the winter, no date or dock is known.

Also in the fleet, the Middletown will lay up in Superior and the Oglebay Norton will lay up in Sturgeon Bay.

Reported by: Sharon Bouchonville

November Coal

12/19

Coal loadings at U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 3,962,898 net tons in November, a slight decrease from the corresponding period last year. However, for the season, the Lakes coal trade stands at 35.5 million tons, an increase of 13.2 percent. Coal shipments from some Erie ports are expected to continue well into January, so 1997 should prove to be the best year for coal since 1990 when the float approached 38 million tons.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers’ Association

Medusa Announces Planned Fourth Quarter Charge

12/19

Medusa Corporation announced last Friday that it will take a fourth quarter pretax charge of approximately $4 million principally related to certain environmental matters at its Charlevoix, Michigan plant. As previously disclosed, the Corporation has been actively evaluating its exposure to various environmental matters and has retained outside environmental consultants to assist in this process. As a part of this evaluation, the Company has concluded that a charge to earnings is appropriate for certain of these matters at this time. Without the charge, 1997 fourth quarter results are currently expected to be slightly below a year ago ($.94 per fully diluted share), a period that benefited from unusually strong sales and low costs.

Medusa Corporation produces and sells portland and masonry cements; mines, processes, and sells aggregates, home & garden and industrial limestone products; and provides construction services for highway safety. Medusa operations are principally in the eastern half of the United States.

Reported by: James H. Neumiller

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 15

12/19

Mariners are advised that, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway, the surcharges for December 21st to 24th, 1997, have been waived. Special agreements will be required for vessels calling in at Cape Vincent downbound or CIP 2 upbound after 0001 hour December 25th. Arrangements for written agreements can be made at the Authority’`s St. Lambert, Quebec office. Further details are available in Seaway Notice no. 10.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 1997, due to high flows, low water levels and lower than normal water temperatures, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section is now 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 18th, 1997 is 0.5 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 2.9 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 0.8 degrees celsius. An ice cover has formed behind the islands in the South Shore Canal.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements announced to take effect at 0001 hours on December 7th, 1997 have been postponed until further notice.

At midnight December 17th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 25 as compared to 31 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 16 as compared to 21 in 1996.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which now calls in upbound at CIP2 will be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 10 and 12 of 1997.

The thinning of non-essential aids in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section commenced December 16,1997.

The installation of the Galop ice boom is in progress. The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 609m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Canadian Explorer involved in collision

12/18

The Canadian Explorer was in collision with the salty Island Skipper around midnight Sunday at the Beauharnois Locks. Damage to the Explorer is minor, some bent ribs, two vents, two lights and the gangway destoyed. The Island Skipper apparently went on to hit the bullnose of the lock and was holed as far back as the number two hold.

The Canadian Explorer layed-up on Tuesday at the Dofasco dock #1.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

BUFFALO update and picture

12/18

On Wednesday it was announced that repairs to the BUFFALO will cost at least $500,000, and take at least six weeks to be spent in drydock before repairs will be completed. An investigation is still ongoing as to the cause of the mishap.

Reported by: J. Hoffman, photo by D. Doright

Midwest Energy takes advantage of weather

12/18

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior continues to take advantage of this season’s mild weather. It now indicates it will operate into late December, with Indiana Harbor scheduled to load there Dec. 26.

Reported by: Al Miller

Canada Marine Act advances

12/18

The Canada Marine Act was approved 203 to 58 by the Canadian House of Commons the night of 9 Dec. The Canadian Senate has yet to vote on the bill. Among the provisions of the bill is a plan to transfer control of Canada’s operation of the St. Lawrence Seaway to a group of nine users. In addition, most ports, with the exception of some extreme northern locations, will be transferred from governmental control to local administrations. The Canadian government would retain ownership of the port’s real estate, however.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Follow the Bramble’s Cruise to Caribbean

12/18

As reported last week, the USCG Cutter BRAMBLE has been deployed to the Caribbean for the winter. The mission will include stops in many of the eastern Caribbean nations; Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuala, and Columbia. She is scheduled to return the second week of April. The Public Affairs Office, Ninth Coast Guard District will be maintaining a web page dedicated to the trip. Information will be provided through the page for families, friends and anyone else interested to keep up with what they are doing and where they are doing it.

Reported by: Capt. John Rigney

BUFFALO in drydock at Toledo Ohio

12/17

The BUFFALO entered the drydock at Toledo Shipyard on Sunday 14 December. She entered after unloading what appeared to be a petroleum coke cargo into the AMERICAN REPUBLIC. She will be in the drydock for sometime to repair her badly damaged bow area.

Reported by: J. Hoffman

Grain traffic in Duluth

12/17

The AGP elevator in Duluth is experiencing a last minute saltie rush for grain. Monday night 12/15 the Spar Jade was at the berth. Anchored directly off the berth in the harbor was the Federal Rhine. Out in the lake awaiting AGP are the Federal Mackenzie and the Lake Ontario. I can’t recall ever seeing a line-up like that for AGP. It’s very unusual to see one berth have 4 salties either loading at it or awaiting to load at this late in the season, especially AGP.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney and Al Miller

CSX Coal Docks ends season

12/17

On Tuesday the CSX Coal Docks in Toledo started to load the CSL vessel J. W. McGIFFIN with its final coal cargo of this season. Loading of the vessel was to be completed early today. The Torco Ore Docks are scheduled to remain open until early January 1998.

Reported by: J. Hoffman

USCG Acacia working Saginaw

12/17

Winter shipping season has finally arrived in Saginaw. The Cutter Acacia has been removing the”Aids to Navigation” (lighted buoys) and installing winter markers in the channel of the Saginaw River from the mouth to the Sixth St. turning Basin. Completion of this task is likely to be December 17,1997

Reported by: Dan Maus

Unloading progresses on the Algocape

12/17

As of 2345 on Monday evening the straight decker Algocape continues to be unloaded at Essroc Cement Dock in Essexville. This process had started at 2305 Sunday night (See story dated 12/16). The crane being used was brought in on a deck barge pushed by the tug John Purvis.

Reported by: Lon Morgan

Beeghly in the Christmas Spirt

12/17

The Charles M. Beeghly, decked out for the season, arrived in Milwaukee at dusk Tuesday, Dec. 16 with a load of coal. The first thing to catch your eye is a lighted, waving Santa below the pilot house, There are rows of colored lights both fore and aft lining every railing as well as the unloading tower. Behind the pilot house is the outline of a Christmas tree 3 levels high made from strings of green lights. The lights on the boom have been changed to red, gold and blue. At the end of the boom there is a real Christmas tree with blue lights on it. A very impressive sight.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Straight decker visits Bay City

12/16

The M/V ALGOCAPE arrived about 2200 yesterday as a first time caller to Bay City, she is loaded with 19000 metric tonnes of clinker material from Trois Rivier (Three River) Que. The 730′,75′ beam ship is a straight deck vessel and is being unloaded with a shore based crane with a clam bucket, the loading of the bucket is being relayed to the crane operator via two way radio using a spotter on the deck to direct the operator. Unloading will take all of three days to complete the process. The Algocape is owned by Algoma Central Marine and chartered by Seaway Bulk Carriers.

Reported by: Dan Maus and Lon Morgan

Middeltown makes unusual visit

12/16

Middletown paid an unusual visit to Duluth Dec. 15 when it called at the Cutler-Magner dock to unload stone. It pulled into the dock soon after Algoway finished unloading its cargo there.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 12

12/16

Mariners are advised that, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway, the surcharges for December 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 1997, have been waived.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 1997, due to high flows, low water levels and lower than normal water temperatures, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 15th, 1997 is 0.1 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 2.5 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 0.8 degrees celsius.

An ice cover has formed behind the islands in the South Shore Canal.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements announced to take effect at 0001 hours on December 7th, 1997 have been postponed until further notice.

At midnight December 14th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 38 as compared to 45 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 24 as compared to 37 in 1996.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which now calls in upbound at CIP2 will be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 10 and 12 of 1997.

The installation of the Galop ice boom is in progress. The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 609m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Calcite II enters lay-up

12/15

Calcite II arrived in Sturgeon Bay Dec. 14 for winter layup.

Visit the 1997-98 winter Lay-up list for more information

Reported by: Al Miller

Unusual runs for the Great Lakes Fleet

12/15

Several ships of Great Lakes Fleet are making unusual port calls this week. Edwin H. Gott departed Duluth on the morning of Dec. 15 with ore for Nanticoke. Arthur M. Anderson was due into Silver Bay Dec. 14 to load, followed by Roger Blough on Dec. 18.

Reported by: Al Miller

Frontenac Light Show in Essexville

12/15

CSL self-unloader FRONTENAC discharged a cargo of cement clinker for Essroc in Essexville Saturday December 13. The FRONTENAC was a special sight to behold in all her Christmas Spirit! Multi-colored lights were ablaze from stem to stern as she waited to depart Sunday morning (for winds to subside and daylight). A snowman stood watch on her port side deck, constructed from a winter storm on her upbound passage through the canal last Wednesday. The FRONTENAC departed the Essroc dock and proceeded stern first out of the river system (12/14 7:30am). A rare caller due at the Essroc dock in Essexville Sunday evening is the Algoma straight-decker ALGOCAPE with load of clinker from Lake Ontario. This is believed to be her first visit to the Essroc dock.

Reported by: Todd L. Davidson

Saltie Traffic in Duluth

12/15

Saltie traffic in Duluth remains brisk but work is taking on added urgency as the end of the Seaway season nears. Spar Jade arrived Dec. 14 and Federal Mackenzie also was due in that day. Federal Rhine is scheduled to arrive Dec. 15, anchor inside the harbor for inspection and then go to the elevator to begin loading in the evening. Also due in Dec. 15 are Lake Ontario and Great Laker.

Duluth’s AGP grain elevator is experiencing its own last-minute vessel rush. Spar Jade is loading there Dec. 15 and scheduled to finished at 1800 hours. As soon as it clears the berth, Federal Rhine is scheduled to enter the berth and load through the evening until midnight. The plan is to finish loading Dec. 16 and clear port that evening.

Reported by: Al Miller

Montreal plans dredging

12/15

The Port of Montreal has reportedly made plans to dredge sections of the St. Lawrence River.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Calcite II refloated

12/13

The Calcite II has been freed and the M/V Wolverine is now (as of 8:30A.M.) downbound, the Tug John Pervis which was working near the mouth of the Saginaw River was dispatched and did a great job. The wind has subsided and all seems normal again.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Buffalo suffers 25 -foot gash across bow

12/13

According to a story in today’s Toledo Blade, The American Steamship Company freighter BUFFALO struck the Detroit River Lighthouse early Friday. No injuries or pollutant spillage were reported in the incident that occurred about 5:20 am, The Detroit River light is located in Lake Erie to mark the entrance into the Detroit River.

The 635-foot BUFFALO was headed from Detroit to Cleveland (reporters note-where she usually winters) At the time of the collision, the visibility was clear and waves measured two to three feet, coast guard officials said. The collision caused a 25-foot gash across the bow of the freighter which took on water, but was considered seaworthy enough to proceed to the CSX coal dock in Toledo.

Yesterday afternoon, Detroit Coast Guard safety inspectors reported that damage to the lighthouse was minimal, involving only the structure’s rock and stone foundation. The lighthouse continues to function.

The BUFFALO, a self-unloader which frequently travels across Lake Erie is owned by American Steamship Company of Williamsville NY, near Buffalo. Company officials declined to reveal the vessel’s cargo. (Note: She was only drawing 14-feet forward after the accident, and was obviously in ballast.)

Lt. Neil Shoemaker, a Coast Guard safety inspector in Toledo, said that a joint investigation will be conducted by his office and coast guard investigators in Detroit to determine the cause of the crash.

The picture that accompanied the story shows a deep dent, in BUFFALO’s bow, below the starboard anchor. It runs from the 24-foot depth marker to below the waterline.

Reported by: Dave Wobser and Frank Bell

Sloan enters lay-up

12/13

George A. Sloan entered Fraser Shipyards in Superior on Dec. 12 to begin laying up for the winter.

Visit the 1997-98 winter Lay-up list for more information

Reported by: Al Miller

Kinsman Independent loading

12/13

Kinsman Independent was loading at the Cargill elevator in Duluth on Dec. 12, a departure from its usual practice of loading almost exclusively at Peavey in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Medusa Challenger sporting Christmas decorations

12/13

The Medusa Challenger recently spent 36 hours in Milwaukee waiting weather as well as giving anyone who passed their dock a Christmas light show. The entire after end is lined with colored lights. Two life rings are also outlined in lights. There is a Santa Claus below the stack as well as a second Santa and a Christmas tree on their unloading boom. The forward end is also decked out in lights as well.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

More on the refit of the Algorail

12/13

The November issue of the Detroit Marine Historian offers an expanded (see original story dated October ’97) report on the refit of the Algorail. Algoma Central Marine has awarded a $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of their self-unloader Algorail. Scheduled to arrive at Port Weller on December 15, Algorail will have a new, patent-pending gate, designed by Algoma in cooperation with EMS-Tech Inc. of Belleville, Ont., installed, making her the first ship in the Algoma fleet with this unique innovation. Her self-unloading boom cable-hoisting system will be replaced with a new hydraulic hoisting system, offering increased reliability and ease of maintenance. Major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, the hydraulic and electrical systems in the tunnels renewed, and a Garland roller system installed. She will also be fitted with wash water holding tanks, which offer both environmental and economical advantages. Algorail will be delivered April 3, 1998 to Coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season. This is the second modernization of this type for Algoma as part of a $85 million modernization program for its 23 vessel fleet. Last year Algoway underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

Reported by: Detroit Marine Historian

Another Banner Year for Stone trade

12/13

With shipments of 4.1 million net tons in November, the Great Lakes stone trade has again set a new post-recession record. As of the end of November, shipments of aggregate and fluxstone from U.S. and Canadian ports stand at 36,297,731 tons, the highest level achieved since the recession of the early and mid-1980s forced dramatic restructuring in the Great Lakes industrial basin.

This is the fourth year in a row that the Lakes stone trade has established a modern-day benchmark. Last year’s total was 35.1 million tons. The all-time peak for the trade was in 1974 when 43.1 million tons were shipped.

Stone will continuing shipping until approximately December 20, so the final tally should top 38 million tons. Given stone’s higher moisture content and the fact that some stone is “washed” before loading into vessels, the trade is much more sensitive to freezing temperatures and generally is the first to conclude. The iron ore and coal trades will continue well into January.

Reported by:Lake Carriers’ Association

John Wildhagen dies at 77

12/13

John H. “Jeep” Wildhagen Sr. died of a heart attack on 9 Dec. at St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee in Mequon, Wis., He was 77, according to an article by Eldon Knoche in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 12 Dec.

Wildhagen was born in Hamburg, Germany, on 1 Nov., 1920. He emigrated to the United States with his mother when he was 3 and they settled in Milwaukee where she cleaned houses and operated a rooming house. A 16-year-old student at Marquette University High School in the city when his mother died, Wildhagen moved to Port Washington, Wis., to live with a relative and finish school.

At first, he worked as a commercial fisherman from Port Washington and sold most of his catch to Smith Bros., later hauling his catch and gear in the family’s pink 1958 Cadillac. He worked aboard tugs, painted barns and ran a taxi service in the 1940s, in one case destroying a transmission while winning a bet he could not drive backwards from Saukville, Wis., to Port Washington. He also hired children to sell products door-to-door in Chicago and Milwaukee that were manufactured by local disabled residents and was known to ring doorbells at midnight selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners with the announcement that if he didn’t sell his stock, he’d be fired.

Wildhagen also sold used cars in Milwaukee and sold one lot and all its cars for U.S.$1.

Later, he operated a used appliance store near Teutonia and W. North Ave. in Milwaukee and operated a scrap business in Bay View, Wis., as Wrecker John. He also owned a semi-trailer and loaded whatever cargo he could.

On the water, Wildhagen towed boats out the St. Lawrence Seaway and in the 1960s, was hired by Erwin Uihlein, president of Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co., to be the master of his yacht, the Elena. Wildhagen will be buried 13 Dec. in the captain’s uniform Uihlein bought for him.

Wildhagen was also one of the organizers of Port Washington’s Fish Day, which now brings tens of thousands of visitors annually with music, arts and crafts, displays, food, a carnival, fireworks and a parade. Wildhagen was grand marshal in 1994.

In the 1960s, he wrote “Seagull’s Lookout,” a column in the weekly Ozaukee Press known for factured spelling and political commentary.

In 1980, Wildhagen stopped fishing to operate Port Recycling, a scrap business owned by one of his sons, Mark. He retired a few months ago.

Wildhagen’s wife, Mary, died in 1993. He is survived by sons John Jr. and Mark of Port Washington and Walter of Anaheim, Calif.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Calcite II aground in Saginaw update

12/12

For the second time in less than a week a vessel has grounded in the Saginaw River.

The Calcite II is still aground at 9:30 P.M. In a conversation with the Woverine, the capitan of the Calcite II reported difficulty making the curve. Seems the bow went right on her own. The Wolverine reported difficulties in navigating the river earlier in the day (11:00AM), reporting high currents. The Wolverine also offered to assist the Calcite II in any way. The Calcite turned down the assistance. The Calcite is south of the Zilwaukee bridge, immediatly under the high tension wires that cross the river. Closest buoy is 68. The Calcite II attempted to free herself by using the winch lines and full astern but made no progress and has stopped efforts. A tug is being requested. The Wolverine suggested calling the Manitou as she had assisted the Frantz earlier and reportedly would be staying about the Saginaw River area just in case she was needed again. The Zilwaukee park at the east end of the Tittabawassee is an excellent viewing area for those so inclined.

Reported by: Dale Stephan

At around 5:30P.M.today, the Calcite II was seen aground under the I-75 Zilwaukee Bridge. It appears that a combination of currents and possibly fierce winds may have caused the grounding. Currently the ship has it’s mooring lines extended to shore hoping to utilize deck winches to assist in freeing herself. She is reported to be “fully blocking the channel.” The vessel is still loaded with limestone and is not in ballast.

The M/V Wolverine is stuck in the River due to the grounding. Once the Wolverine finished unloaded they headed to the Sixth St. turning basin and then returned to the Wirts dock to tie up until they can safely pass the stranded Calcite II. More to come!

Reported by: Dan Maus

Jean Parisien loses rudder and damages prop

12/12

Reports are that the Jean Parisien got into some trouble below Quebec City earlier this week. The accident caused the vessel to wrecked her prop and tore the rudder off. She was towed back to Quebec City and CSL has laid her up for the year.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Ships waiting to load grain

12/12

A number of ships were waiting at the Twin Ports for a chance to load at the Peavey Connors Point grain elevator in Superior yesterday. Algoisle was under the spouts there and due to depart on the evening of Dec. 11. Anchored on Lake Superior and waiting to load at PV are salties Holck Larsen, Mecta C and Mitza. In addition, Kinsman Independent was due in overnight Dec. 11. The vessel usually loads at PV.

Reported by: Al Miller

ULS vessels sailing into February

12/12

Reports out of ULS indicate that CANADIAN TRANSPORT, CANADIAN OLYMPIC and the CANADIAN ENTERPRISE will continue to operate into February 1998. Early reports indicate they will continue to operate on the coal and salt runs on Lake Erie.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Snow delays fleet

12/11

The winter storm crossing Illinois, Indiana and Michigan has sent several boats to anchor yesterday. Great Lakes Fleet reported the Gott, Anderson, Callaway, Clarke, Munson, Sloan and Calcite II dropped their hooks while waiting for weather. The Sloan’s next destination is Superior, so it sounds like it may be going into layup.

Reported by: Al Miller

Mail boat ready to end season

12/11

The U.S. Mailboat J.W. Westcott II is scheduled to lay-up on the morning of December 19th. This will mark the end of the 102nd season of mid-river mail delivery for the Westcott Company.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Midwest Energy still loading vessels

12/11

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior is taking advantage of this winter’s mild start by handling vessels well into mid-December. In past years, the dock often has closed by Dec. 12. This year’s vessel schedule includes Joe Thompson and Columbia Star on Dec. 12 as well as Oglebay Norton Dec. 16 and Canadian Olympic Dec. 17.

Reported by: Al Miller

New trade development director at Duluth

12/11

Ronald L. Johnson will become the trade development director at the Port Authority of Duluth, Minn., on 1 Jan., when Sam L. Browman retires. Johnson, 48, is now customer relations manager at USG Interiors and has been with the company since 1987 when it was Conwed Corp. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and worked at Cargill Inc. as well. Browman, 61, has been with the port since 1978. With the personnel change, the title of marketing director will become trade development director.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 8

12/11

Mariners are advised that, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway, the surcharges for December 21st and 22nd have been waived. Weather and traffic conditions will continue to be monitored and, as per Seaway notice number 10, the decision for the remaining days will be announced prior to December 15th, 1997.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 1997, due to high flows, low water levels and lower than normal water temperatures, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 9th, 1997 is 1.0 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 2.7 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 1.4 degrees celsius.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements announced to take effect at 0001 hours on December 7th, 1997 is postponed until further notice.

At midnight December 8th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 45 as compared to 65 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 33 as compared to 50 in 1996.

It is important for mariners to note that any vessel which enters the Seaway upbound at CIP2 after 2400 hours on December 9th shall be designated a wintering vessel in accordance with all the terms outlined in Seaway Notices number 10 and 12 of 1997.

The installation of the Galop ice boom is in progress. The Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom opening has been reduced to 609m and is indicated by flashing green and red buoys.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

The Beet Boat

12/10

In Interlake Steamship Company’s proud tradition of innovation, they have become the first vessel to carry sugar beets using a self-unloading vessel. The company worked in reviewing the potential cargo and then followed through in its carriage of the sugar beets over the weekend in the Steamer Elton Hoyt 2nd. Their customer, Michigan Sugar Company was very pleased with the results, although quite a mess was made in the initial dropping of the beets into the cargo hold. The vessel successfully carried 1200 tons of beets to Marysville, MI and the Hoyt has been dubiously dubbed the “Beet Boat”.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Sailing into February

12/10

Reports are that the Algoma fleet is planning to haul Salt from Goderich and coal across Lake Erie into mid February, weather providing.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Cleveland

12/10

The recruiting rep for The Great Lakes Maritime Academy will be in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, December 13th. Anyone interested in learning more about the Academy and a career on the Great Lakes is invited to attend. A no-cost informational seminar will begin at 11am at the Cleveland Port Authority, 101 Erie Side Ave. For more information, call the Academy at 1-800-748-0566 extension 1200.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Great Lakes Ports Up 7.4 Percent Through October

12/09

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports stand at 119.2 million tons through October, an increase of 7.4 percent.

Iron ore loadings have increased 9.4 percent. Coal cargos are up 15.5 percent and stone loadings have increased 12.2 percent.

The Lakes stone trade is expected to set its fourth-straight post-recession record. The current post-recession record of 35.1 million tons should have fallen in late November. Another record to fall in 1997 will be shipments of low-sulfur coal from Superior, Wisconsin. At the end of November, coal loadings out of Superior Midwest Energy Terminal were only 600,000 tons short of the 1996 record of 13.6 million tons.

Reported by:Lake Carriers’ Association

Christmas Spirit on the Frontenac

12/09

The Frontenac is heavily lit-up. It was a very pretty site as she approached Bridge 21 in Port Colborne downbound in the canal last night. The wheel house has several sets of lights strung like Christmas trees. Look at the back of the wheel house there are four levels of lights strung. On the unloading gear in the stern of the boat is written Season Greetings. I have never remembered in all my years such a display on a lake boat.

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Frantz refloated

12/08

At approximately 16:40 yesterday afternoon the tug Manitou pulled the Joseph H. Frantz off the bank and back into the channel. Manitou took a stern line and pulled for about 15 or 20 minutes before she broke free of the bank. It was about 5 minutes later that the bow slid back into the channel. Frantz dropped her port anchor, then with the Manitou pulling from the stern the Frantz used her own engine to back off the bank.

A crowd estimated between 150-200 people watched the whole process with the sun setting over the vessel.

The Joe Frantz was outbound thru Bay City at 8:30 last night. They stopped at the Consumers Power Dock to drop off 2 representatives from the US Coast Guard, and then departed heading for the lake.

Reported by: Lon Morgan and Dan Maus

Season recap – Ryerson

12/08

The Edward L. Ryerson finished their 1997 season when they arrived at Sturgeon Bay, WI for winter lay up Dec. 4. They finished the year with 50 trips, 5 to Escanaba, the balance to Marquette. The Ryerson hauled over 1.3 million tons of taconite this year. The fastest Marquette load was completed in 2:28 at winter marks with a load of 26,600 tons.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Seaway traffic Delayed

12/08

Sometime before 1025 Sunday morning, traffic was delayed in the Seaway due to an incident at the Iroquois Lock. The delay involved the Sevilla Wave and a problem with their anchor. More information as it becomes available

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Wind Point takes over lighthouse

12/08

Wind Point, Wis., has acquired a 117-year-old lighthouse in the village. Wind Point received it for free in exchange for a promise to maintain the tower as a historic site. Tours are planned, but U.S.$40,000 will be needed to install a railing on top of the tower. The lighthouse was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and after it was declared surplus by the U.S. Coast Guard, Wind Point secured it through the U.S. General Services Administration.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Clipper Returns after 27 years

12/08

The SS Milwaukee Clipper has been saved and returned to her former home port of Muskegon. She arrived at the Muskegon breakwall at precisely 3:45pm Tuesday, December 2. The sun came out when she approached the channel and a very large and enthusiastic crowd lined the channel walls the greet the legendary ship. It was the first time in 27 years that the Milwaukee Clipper entered the channel! Currently, the vessel is moored at the old GT trainferry docks in the Lakeside district of Muskegon. The Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit group that will restore and preserve the ship, primarily through the efforts of donations and volunteers. Most of the work will commence in the spring, but a “Welcome Home” fundraising party will take place within a few weeks. The ship is easily visible at numerous locations around Lakeside, but until the GLCPA has installed proper approaches and such for the public, up-close viewing of the ship is extremely limited (contact myself for further details). Once the restoration work is underway, the GLCPA will open the Clipper for tours, banquets, parties, and a bed-and-breakfast facility. She will be a first class museum ship offering a view of passenger service on the Great Lakes from 1905 to 1970.

Here’s a short description of her history: 1905-1930s: She was the SS Juniata. As a passenger and freight steamer with a quadruple expansion engine, she carried tourists and pioneers alike from Buffalo, NY to Mackinac Island, Chicago, and Duluth, MN. In 1941 her wooden superstructure was removed and replaced with an all steel (art deco) superstructure. Over a million dollars was spent on the renovation and when she became the Milwaukee Clipper, she was the first streamline luxury liner on the Great Lakes. Her main ports-of-call were Milwaukee, Muskegon, and Chicago. She ceased cross-lake operations in 1970, and was moved to Navy Pier in Chicago in 1980. The owner at that time was Jim Gillon, and he had planned to operate the ship from Chicago for excursions on Lake Michigan. That didn’t happen, but he did invest a lot in the ship and brought back the grand luster she once had. Politics changed in Chicago in 1989 and the ship was forced out. She was sold the the Hammond Port Authority in 1990 and became the centerpiece of the new Hammond Marina. In 1995, her dock space was needed for a new gambling boat and the Milwaukee Clipper was moved to a temporary sight on the nearby Calumet River in South Chicago. Unfortunately, numerous items were stolen from the ship at this dock space. Her bell was stolen, some of the stateroom doors were needlessly bashed in, and (we just discovered on her return to Muskegon) a generator had been swiped. The FBI has been notified (the ship is a National Historic Landmark and as such, is protected by the Secretary of the Interior). She was towed to Muskegon by the Andrie tug “John Purves” on December 2. A speical “thanks” to everyone who has encouraged us on to save this vital and irreplacable piece of Great Lakes history. I have some great pics (both aerial and from the channel wall) of the Clipper’s return and hope to have them linkedto the Clipper’s web page soon. If you’d like to learn more about the Milwaukee Clipper and the efforts of the GLCPA please visit our Web page.

If you live around Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, tune into WGVU/WGVK TV Monday night (December 8) for the telecast of my documentary “Building the Mighty Mac”. I’ll give you an update about the Clipper and show some new pictures.

Reported by: Mark Howell

Christmas lights on the lakers

12/08

Many of the vessels sailing into the winter are decorated with Christams lights, reports are now coming in. At 11:00 PM on December 5 a wonderful Christmas display was seen on Lake Michigan at Port Ulao, WI, about 20 miles north of Milwaukee. The ship, heading north, was decked out in Christmas lights, including green lights in the form of a giant Christmas tree. Perhaps this is how St. Nicholas used to get to the houses of all the kids on the Great Lakes.

Reported by: David Bennett

New Kingston Tourboat

12/08

The 100′ long Catamaran Le Bateau Mouche II arrived in Kingston, at 1600 Thursday, Dec. 4. This was after 35 hour journey from Quebec City. The vessel is capable of sitting 200 people for dinner. The vessel is fully airconditioned and the eating area is glass covered. Power is by four Catapillar engines and jet drives. The vesssel is moored at the Crawford Wharf and will be moved to its winter berth on Monday. No new name has been given as yet for the vessel.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 6

12/08

Mariners are advised that, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway, the surcharges for December 21st and 22nd have been waived. Weather and traffic conditions will continue to be monitored and, as per Seaway notice number 10, the decision for the remaining days will be announced prior to December 15th, 1997.

Mariners are reminded that as of 2400 hours on December 15th, 1997, due to high flows, low water levels and lower than normal water temperatures, the maximum permissible draft in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be 79.2 decimeters or 26 feet 0 inches.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on December 5th, 1997 is 0.8 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 3.1 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 2.3 degrees celsius.

Mariners are advised that the implementation of the power to length ratio restrictions and minimum draft requirements announced to take effect at 0001 hours on December 7th, 1997 is postponed until further notice.

At midnight December 4th, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 48 as compared to 74 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 38 as compared to 46 in 1996.

The installation of the Prescott/Ogdensburg and Galop ice booms is in progress. Booms will be buoyed as they reach the channel.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Update on the Frantz

12/07

The Joseph H Frantz remains hard aground in the Saginaw River awaiting tugs.
Click here for a picture of the stranded vessel.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Update on the Frantz

12/06

The Joseph H Frantz remains hard aground just north of the Cheboyganing Creek Bridge in the Saginaw River, between Bay City and Saginaw. So far this morning there doesn’t seem to be much communication by radio, must all be by cell phone.

The vessel is high in the water with most of her bowthruster tube exposed. She appears to have a port list to the center of the river.

As has been the case for the past 3-4 weeks there is no current water level available. It was rumored at 0100 today that the water level, and lack of current readings may have been a contributing factor.

The ship is not and has not caused any problem relative to the channel , ship traffic has been passing without problems. The tug Jacklyn M of the LaFarge Barge “Integrity” has left the area. Using the tug was discussed but apparently was not chosen for her services. More as it becomes available.

Reported by: Lon Morgan and Dan Maus

Frantz hard aground in river

12/06

The M/V Joseph H. Frantz, while outbound after discharging a cargo at Crow Island is hard aground in the Saginaw River between Buoys 49&53, The vessel is partially blocking the channel. More information to follow as it becomes available.

Reported by: Dan Maus and Greg Brass

Ryerson calls it a season

12/06

The Edward L. Ryerson ended her 1997 sailing season yesterday. She arrived at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay for winter lay-up.

See the 4th Annual Lay-up list for more information.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Bramble passes thru 1000 Islands

12/06

United Coast Guard buoy tender ‘Bramble’ now in St. Lawrence Seaway and passed buoy 217, three miles east of Clayton, New York at 3:10 pm. today, December 05. See previous reports of 12/01 and 12/03. Inspite of misty rain and snow flurries, crew could be seen on deck viewing the beauty of these islands as they passed under the International bridge, the American span of bridge linking the United States with Canada. span linking the United States with Canada

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Jones Act Lakers Closing in on Another Post-Recession Record

12/06

With U.S.-Flag lakers moving more than 13.6 million tons of cargo in October, it is all but certain that the Lakes Jones Act fleet will set another post-recession record in 1997. The 60-plus U.S.-Flag ships and large tug/barge units working the Great Lakes need haul just 18.9 million tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo between November 1 and the close of 1997 shipping season in late January to surpass the post-recession record of 117 million tons set in 1996.

The strong October float was in part due to continued high demand for fluxstone and aggregate from the steel and construction industries. U.S.-Flag lakers moved 3.8 million tons of stone in October, an increase of 18.8 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, stone cargos in U.S. bottoms stand at 24.7 million tons, an increase of 10.8 percent.

Coal cargos in U.S.-Flag lakers increased slightly in October. Since the resumption of the coal trade in March, the U.S.-Flag coal float stands at 18.6 million tons, an increase of 12.9 percent.

Although iron ore loadings in U.S. bottoms dipped slightly in October, the season-to-date total of 48 million tons represents an increase of 4.7 percent compared to last year’s end-of-October tally.

Total cargo movement in U.S.-Flag lakers stands at 98,154,311 net tons at the end of October, an increase of 7.4 percent compared to 1996.

As of December 5, two U.S.-Flag lakers have arrived at their winter lay-up berths. A few of the smaller, low horsepower self-unloaders will conclude their season before Christmas, but the vast majority of the active fleet will sail into January.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Annual Marine Mart Today!

12/06

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum annual Marine Mart will be held today from 10-3 P.M. at the Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI (313-331-6880).

Directions to Harbor Hill Marina: from Jefferson Ave. turn south towards the river on St. Jean Ave. Turn right on Freud Ave. and watch for Harbor Hill Marina Gatehouse just a short distance down on the left. A volunteer will meet you at the gate with directions for parking. 35 dealers will be selling books, china, models, photographs, postcards, art work and artifacts. For more information call Dossin Great Lakes Museum 313-852-4051. I highly recommend this show , it’s well worth the trip!

Look for me at the Know Your Ships table.

I.M.O. to speed bulk carrier safety amendments

12/06

The International Maritime Organization voted last week on a new implementation schedule for amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea that pertain to bulk carriers under Chapter XII. Phase-in of required survivability and strengthening for older ships will be accelerated. The changes had been prepared over almost two years by the organization’s Maritime Safety Committee and are similar to requirements that the International Association of Classification Societies will bring into effect on 1 July. The basic text was agreed to in June and primarily deals with single-side bulk carriers of at least 150 meters/490 feet carrying high-density solid bulk cargoes. Concern was expressed over ships under that length or those lacking single-side hulls. Ships must withstand flooding of at least one hold, which such ships are not thought capable of. The conference decided to limit the application of SOLAS amendments for structural strength and damage survivability for these ships. Under a conference resolution, the committee will consider further safety issues of bulk carriers at its meeting in May. The amendments are expected to enter into force 1 July, 1999. The committee was also called on to resolve what ships are defined as bulk carriers under SOLAS Chapter IX/6.1. A technical working group defined them as “ships constructed with single deck, top-side tanks and hopper side tanks in cargo spaces and intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk, or ore carriers or combination carriers.”

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New COFR option

12/06

Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Ltd. has announced that a new form of certificate of financial responsibility has become available. Under the new method, a licensed bonding company provides a bond to the U.S. Coast Guard on behalf of a vessel operator. There is no requirement for collateral security. Under the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, operators are required to have a certificate certifying that they are able to pay for clean-up and damages caused by an oil spill in U.S. territorial waters. The new arrangement has been formed by International Sureties with support from U.S. registered bonding firms. It is available only to dry cargo operators who need certification up to U.S.$80 million and for ships up to about 90,000 gross tons. The facility is only available to members of protection and indemnity clubs in the International Group. The cost is U.S.$1,750 per ship per year for vessels under 20,000 gross tons and for larger ships, it is U.S.$2,250. The Coast Guard has approved the new method.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Midwest Energy busy as season heads to a close

12/05

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior usually ends it season in mid-December. Until then, however, it has a fairly busy schedule. Oglebay Norton is due Dec. 5; Columbia Star due Dec. 6 at 9 a.m.; Canadian Olympic due Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Algolake due Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.; H. Lee White due Dec. 7 at 11 p.m.; and Paul Tregurtha due Dec. 9 at 6 a.m.

Reported by: Al Miller

Clipper arrives

12/05

The Milwaukee Clipper tow arrived in Muskegon on Tuesday afternoon.

Reported by: Mark Howell

Port Weller Dry Docks

12/05

The Port Weller Dry Docks are busy as usual, the Canadian Navy ship Athabaskan left yesterday. Having work done is the Canadian Progress, work should be finished by the 10th. The salt water vessel Narraganette in for emergency repairs due to steering problems, she is scheduled to leave on the 12th. The Algorail is due on the 15th of December to be retro fitted. The Algowest should arrive close to Christmas to be converted to a self unloader and should return to Seaway Self Unloaders in June ’98.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

SMET Closing In On Record Season

12/05

With shipments of 1,438,359 net tons in November, Superior Midwest Energy Terminal now needs load but 665,000 tons in December to set a new record for the dock. The previous peak year from SMET was 1996 when the facility shipped 13.6 million tons of low-sulfur coal.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

First of the fleet scheduled to lay-up

12/04

Myron C. Taylor is scheduled to enter the yard at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay today for winter layup.

Reported by: Al Miller

With this first report, I have uploaded my 4th Annual Lay-up list. Please contribute any information you find over the winter.

Manistee gets final visitor

12/04

The Sam Laud arrived Manistee yesterday with Petroleum Coke from Indiana Harbor, Indiana for Seng’s Dock #2, the ex Bultema Marine/Great Lakes Dock. This should be the last boat for Manistee this year.
The winners of the most trips in to Manistee this year are, each with 5 trips in are the Joseph H. Frantz, and the David Z. Norton.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Bramble sails for the Caribbean

12/03

Port Huron’s U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender “Bramble” sailed yesterday morning downbound enroute to the Caribbean Sea and/or South America region. She will be off lakes for about four months. (See story dated 12/01)

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

December 1 Vessel Report

12/03

On December 1, the leading U.S.-Flag carriers working the Great Lakes had 64 of their 69 ships and tug/barge units in service, an increase of three vessels compared to a year ago. Initial projections call for a typical lay-up of the fleet. Several smaller self-unloaders will conclude their season before Christmas, but the vast majority of the active fleet will sail well into January.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Oglebay Norton to Sell Metallurgical Treatments Business

12/03

Oglebay Norton Company has reached an agreement in principle to sell substantially all the assets of the metallurgical treatments business and certain other assets of its Engineered Materials business unit to an as-yet undisclosed buyer. The parties intend to reach a definitive agreement and complete thesale in December 1997. These segments of Oglebay Norton Company’s business posted revenues of $22,239,000 in 1996 and $18,531,000 in the first three quarters of 1997. Additional details regarding this transaction will follow.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Annual Marine Mart update

12/03

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum annual Marine Mart will be held this Saturday from 10-3 P.M. at the Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI (313-331-6880).

Directions to Harbor Hill Marina: from Jefferson Ave. turn south towards the river on St. Jean Ave. Turn right on Freud Ave. and watch for Harbor Hill Marina Gatehouse just a short distance down on the left. A volunteer will meet you at the gate with directions for parking. 35 dealers will be selling books, china, models, photographs, postcards, art work and artifacts. For more information call Dossin Great Lakes Museum 313-852-4051. I highly recommend this show if you can make it, it’s well worth the trip!

Look for me at the Know Your Ships table.

Clipper underway

12/02

The Milwaukee Clipper exited the Calumet River into the open waters of Lake Michigan at 11:57pm Monday night on her way back to Muskegon. The ETA at Muskegon is 3:45pm. Check back for updates and pictures.

Reported by: Mark Howell

Twin Ports grain-loading berths busy

12/02

After a brief lull, grain traffic is brisk again in the Twin Ports, with five ships anchored on Lake Superior waiting to load.

On Monday, Utivken was loading at Harvest States berth 1, Golden D at Harvest STates berth 2 and Regina Oldendorff at Peavey. Anchored on the lake were Lake Champlain waiting for Harvest States 1, Kalisti and Canadian Trader, both waiting for Harvest States 2 and Island Skipper waiting for orders.

Due in later Dec. 1 was Algocen for General Mills. Due in Dec. 2 are Kinsman Independent, Metka and Fasness.

Reported by: Al Miller

Canadian Progress in dry dock

12/02

Canadian Progress went into the dry dock at Port Weller at 1900 on Friday, 11/28. She was being assisted by two tugs.

Reported by: Len VanDerLyke

Bulk carrier flees pending arrest in Montreal

12/02

The Queen (Cypriot-registry 19,297-dwt bulk carrier built in 1968, operated by Ships Management & Consultancy Inc.) sailed from Montreal recently in advance of an arrest warrant. Loaded with grain, the ship had been held under port state control detention since 20 Nov. for safety problems. Following the detention, the crew began legal action to get unpaid wages with support from the International Transport Workers’ Federation and secured an arrest warrant. However, the detention was lifted before the ship could be arrested and it sailed.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Boat nearly misses bridge

12/01

As the Joseph H. Frantz was departing Manistee, around 1630 Saturday, she ran into some problems. 1200 ft. from the Memorial Highway bridge in Manistee she bl ew for the bridge to open. No one was on duty at the bridge. The vessel proceded to blow continuos warning blasts, as the captain, who was a relief captain from Canada dropped the stern anchor and reversed the ship. She docked the Frantz against the Ma nistee Railroad Bridge, and stopped 45 ft. from the bridge. The vessel waited for 3 minutes till the bridge was raised. She had unloaded a cargo of stone at the Seng dock.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak and Marc & Jill Vander Meulen

Alpena at Bay Ship For Reduction Gear Problems

12/01

The Steamer Alpena arrived at Bay Ship last week for reduction gear repairs on her 4,400 HP DeLaval main turbine engine. She is reported to have rumbling noises in her engine when under way, indicating misalignment within the engine.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Steamer Buckeye update

12/01

Just a follow up on the Buckeye grounding. The evening of November 28th or 29th the Steamer Buckeye was freed and as of 10:30a.m. November 29th it has cleared th e soo locks downbound.

Reported by: Eric LaRoue

Annual Marine Mart to be held

12/01

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum annual Marine Mart will be held this Saturday at the Harbor Hill Marina foot of St. Jean St. Detroit, MI (313-331-6880). De alers will be selling books, photographs, postcards, art work and artifacts. For more information call Dossin Great Lakes Museum 313-852-4051. I highly recommend this show if you can make it, it’s well worth the trip!

Look for me at the Know Your Ships table.

Barker visits ship yard

12/01

The mid-November visit by Kaye E. Barker to Fraser Shipyards was to perform unloading boom modifications needed to handle grain cargoes. While the ship was in the yard, workers also began performing some of the inspections slated for winter layup.

Reported by: Al Miller

Possible new cargo for Manistee

12/01

Recently talks between Manistee’s Seng dock, and the employees at Kalium Potash corporation have come up with some interesting plans for Manistee. This plans are in the developmental stage, but possibly in 1 year Manistee could be loading out 30,000 tons of potash every 2 weeks on lake ships. Kalium would build a loading facility on the old Manistee Iron Works property, and load the potash mined in Hers ey Michigan. Manistee could see 3 Canadian ships every 2 weeks.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Last 1000 Footer Into Muskegon For The Year

12/01

The 1000 foot freighter, Oglebay Norton made a final appearance for all 1000 footers in Muskegon on Saturday. It docked at the B.C. Cobb Plan t at about 1:30pm Saturday and unloaded until 11:30. I was lucky enough to be at the channel and to see it leave Muskegon. There are more loads of coal expected but as of now that will be the last 1000 footer for the year. Muskegon got to see the Oglebay Norton once already this year in early June and also saw the Columbia Star 4 times during the months of September and October.

Reported by: Scott Golin

Bramble headed to Caribbean

12/01

The Coast Guard Cutter BRAMBLE, a 180-foot buoy tender homeported in Port Huron, Mich., will migrate to the Caribbean at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 1, departing for OPER ATION SNOWBIRD, an international initiative aimed at developing effective, multi-mission maritime organizations throughout the Caribbean.

BRAMBLE will conduct extensive training and a number of exercises with the Caribbean organizations between December and April to prepare them for increased opportunities in combined maritime operations. BRAMBLE’s main goals are to build up operational capabilities and develop strong partnerships with the United States’ Carib bean neighbors. Throughout the winter, BRAMBLE’s crew will support the military exchange program, Visit in Support of Technical Assistance, a program designed to aid foreign maritime services in any of the Coast Guard’s missions. Training under the VISTA program will include maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and damage control.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway Radio Messsage No. 1

12/01

This is the first radio message for the closing of the 1997 navigation season. Messages will be issued Monday through Friday. As the need arises, weekends wi ll be included. The purpose of this message is to provide Seaway users with information that may facilitate the planning of vessel transits throughout the remainder of the navigation season.

Water temperature at St. Lambert on November 28, 1997 is 1.5 degrees celsius. Last year’s temperature was 1.6 degrees celsius. The ten year average is 2.7 degrees celsius.

At midnight November 27, the number of ocean vessels above St. Lambert was 52 as compared to 77 in 1996. Above Port Weller the number was 36 as compared to 52 in 1996.

At 0700 hours November 28, 1997 the total number of vessels in transit and in ports between CIP 2 (St.Lambert) and CIP16 (Lake Erie) was approximately 50.

At 0700 hours November 28th, 1997 vessel queues exist at the Well and Canal due mainly to adverse weather conditions and are as follows:
5 upbound ocean vessels queued at Port Weller .
1 upbound ocean vessels queued at Port Colborne.

The installation of the Prescott/Ogdensburg ice boom is in progress. The booms will be marked with flashing buoys when they reach the navigation channel.

All closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notices No. 10 and 12 of 1997 remain in effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Collective Agreement for Seaway Workers

12/01

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority announced today that a new collective agreement has been ratified by the majority of its 525 operational and maintenance workers who operate the series of locks and bridges between Montreal and Lake Erie.

The two-year agreement, which expires on December 31, 1998, gives employees a 2% wage increase in 1997 and again in 1998. The deal also contains changes to the drug and medical administrative provisions resulting in decreased costs for employees.

The parties also agreed that the National Automobile Aerospace Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada would be consulted on the provisions of a new pension plan which will apply once a not-for-profit corporation is created. It is expected that the enabling legislation, Bill C-9, will come into force during the term of this agreement.

Both parties also agreed to embark on the development of a new employee classification plan due to new initiatives taking place at the Seaway in the areas of quality service and service teams.

“With this ratification, the Seaway will continue to operate without interruption, which is great news for our customers as the end of the navigation season approaches,” says Mr. Michel Fournier, Acting President of The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority. “This navigation season is shaping up to be as successful as the past three years.”

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seayway Authority

Steamer Buckeye aground in upper St. Mary’s River

11/28

As of Thanksgiving morning, November 27th, the Oglebay Norton steamer Buckeye is aground off of Brimley Michigan. Its location is in t he location of buoy 27. Apparently it was on a downbound run and failed to make a necessary course change. At last check two or three “G”tugs and two other tugs from Purvis Marine were working to free her.

Reported by: Eric LaRoue

Saguenay update

11/28

A visit to the SAGUENAY on November 26 found the following; she is lisiting to starboard between 10 to 15 degrees. Draft forward is 15′- midship is 20’06” startboard side draft is about 16′. There were men working on her, cannot tell if they are loading any cargo into her.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Welland Canal celebrates 168th anniversary

11/28

Welland Canal celebrates 168th anniversary (St. Catharines, Ont.) – November 26, 1997 – William Saunderson, Toronto, Chairman, Ontario Interna tional Trade Corporation, will discuss the importance of Ontario’s water transportation system at “Merritt Day”, Friday, November 28, as the Welland Canal, Canada’s oldest continuously operated transportation facility, celebrates its 168th birthday. Rec ent surveys have indicated that the Welland Canal and marine-related services generate $200 million annually in the Niagara region.

Ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lock 3 Complex in St. Catharines will recognize an upbound ship re-enacting the schooner the Anne & Jane, the first vessel to transit the canal, doing so over a three-day period, November 27-29, in 1829. The vessel and master to be recognized will be announced by the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority at approximately 8 a.m. Friday.

Since the historic 1829 event pioneered by Canada’s Father of Transportation, William Hamilton Merritt, a series of three additional enlarged canals have been built to encourage and accommodate Canada’s economic development.

“Long before railways and hard-surface roads existed anywhere in Canada, the Welland Canal which we recognize on Merritt Day, was operating and serving Canada’s development, and this ceremony recognizes that legacy,” said Harley Smith, President, Welland Canals Foundation. Bulk cargoes ranging from ore to grain economically moved through the canal on 730-foot ships are responsible for creating thousands of jobs a cross Canada.

“There is no other similar facility in Canada which has been in operation for 168 years. This anniversary is unique and a proud occasion for Canada and particularly the Niagara region,” he added. “We invite those involved in shipping and all citizens to attend the Welland Canal birthday party.”

Prominent marine and government representatives will join high school students and the public for the program organized by the Welland Canals Foundation in association with the St. Lawrence SeawayAuthority, Algoma Central Marine, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering, and Port Weller Dry Docks, commencing at 10 a.m.

Reported by: Laura Bruce

Saguenay listing at dock

11/27

A vessel passing the old C.N. Ore dock in Thunder Bay, the dock where the SAGUENAY is tied up, reported the SAGUENAY had a bad list to starboard. The radio r eport stated that she is in a dangerous condition and could roll over.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Bow thruster erodes dock

11/27

Tuesday, while the George A. Sloan was departing the Morton Salt Dock in Manistee, MI, the bow thrusters eroded a large part of Morton Salt’s unprotected dock. There was no piling around the dock, and the dock was in bad shape. Early on Wednesday officials at Morton Salt noticed that a large portion of their dock had sank in the water, taking a lot of coal with it. This should prompt a new dock for Morton Sal t. The thruster had eroded a 15 ft. section away under the dock.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Detroit

11/27

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy will have a recruiting representative at the Dossin Museum on Belle Isle Saturday December 6th from 11AM to 1 PM . Also scheduled to attend will be David Hollmeyer, Assistant Director of Personal for The Interlake Steamship Company. This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about what it takes to begin a career as an officer aboard a US flag Great Lakes vessel. For further info, call 1-800-748-0566 extension 1200.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Alpena at Bay Shipbuilding

11/26

As of 11/25 the Alpena was at the Bay Shipbuilding yards for a short term lay-up according to Inland Lakes Management. This could be for the 5 year survey, o r ILM may just have extra tonnage.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Update on the Pathfinder

11/24

The former lake freighter J.L. Mauthe, which is undergoing conversion to the tug/ barge Pathfinder is now out of the Bay Shipbuilding drydock and floating on h er own. The Pathfinder’s new notch has been installed along with the connection ladders (developed by Bay Engineering for Bark River Towing). Her boom has been complete and they are awaiting delivery of the luffing and slewing cylinders to place the boom in its final installation position. The remaining unloading system components have arrived at the yard and the drives and belt should be ready to install within the next month. The vessel’s owner, Interlake Steamship Company is using a state-of-the-art prologic controllers and a video display unit in place of the normal gauge console located in the unloading cubical. This system uses sensors placed throughout the system to monitor both unloading system performance as well as all of the alarm set-point conditions. Shipyard employee’s are in the final stages of pulling wires and hooking up all of the sensors. This system also has inputs for eventual installation of unloading gate automation and automatic ballast capability. The new bow thruster installation should be nearing completion as well as all of the equipment in the machinery space. The front end loaders are installed in the cargo holds and the internal modifications to the ship have been complete. The vessel should be completed by March 1 and testing completed by the 25th of March.

Interlake is having a new tug built to push the barge, until the new build tug is completed an interim tug will be used. This interim tug is in the final stages of completion and both units should be ready to m ate up in the spring.

Reported by: Marine Historical Society of Detroit

Progress loses Rudder

11/24

The Canadian Progress had lost one of its 2 rudders at the US Seaway locks last week. The vessel is loaded with ore for Lorain, spotters report the ship upbound in Lock 2 Welland Canal Saturday leading to the conclusion that she is still steerable. Speculation is that they are going to unload and come back to Port Weller DD for repairs.

Reported by: D. Ocean

News from the Twin Ports

11/24

Charles M. Beeghly entered Fraser Shipyards in Superior sometime overnight Nov. 21, arriving from Marquette. The vessel appeared to be undergoing repairs to its self-unloader system. It was scheduled to depart the yard Nov. 22 and load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal.

H. Lee White was due to make an unusual appearance in the Twin Ports Nov. 22/23, unloading at C. Reiss coal dock up the St. Louis River, then moving over to BN ore dock to load.

Duluth harbor was busy the morning of Nov. 21 with saltie Lake Superior loading at AGP elevator, Halifax unloading at Cargill B2 and Kinsman Independent tied up at the General Mills layby dock. The KI was idle all day, so it may be waiting for the Peavey elevator to finish loading another vessel.

Reported by: Al Miller

S.S. Badger back in Ludington

11/24

The S.S. Badger was towed back to Ludington on the morning of Friday, November 21st. According to Lake Michigan Carf erry officals, she passed her 5 year hull inspection with “flying colors” , although one propeller had to be replaced.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Update on the Barker loading corn

11/24

As reported on 11/20, the Kaye E. Barker loaded a cargo of corn in Milwaukee, this was the first time a U.S. self-unloader carried that type of cargo f rom the port since the late 80’s. To make this possible it was necessary for the vessel to undergo modifications to her cargo holds and unloading gear. The Barker headed down to Chicago with a load of ore from DM & IR, then to Milwaukee to load corn fo r Continental Grain. This was the first time vessel owner Interlake Steamship Company had loaded and unloaded grain using one of their self unloaders. Reports are that the vessel’s owners and Continental seemed to be very pleased with the results. With an exceptional grain harvest in the mid-west and transportaion by rail to Chicago being expensive, we may see more of this type of cargo being hauled by the vessel.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Milwaukee Clipper tow to Muskegon

11/24

Weather may delay the tow of the Milwaukee Clipper back to Muskegon today. Andrie Marine sent their large tug Purves and a barge from Muskegon down to the Clipper on Friday).

Reported by: Mark Howell

Labor contracts set to expire

11/24

Labor contracts expire in 1999 at steel mills and iron ore mines around the Great Lakes, and some people involved already are predicting a tough round of n egotiations.

Contracts for members of the United Steelworkers of America expire July 31, 1999, at steel plants across the country. For the first time since 1983, contracts will expire simultaneously at Minnesota’s six Iron Range taconite plants. O nly Northshore Mining Co. in Silver Bay (formerly Reserve Mining Co.) is nonunion.

Several Iron Range UWSA officials say they expect a tough round of negotiations. Range Steelworkers made concessions and agreed to modest contracts in recent years in hopes of helping their plants remain open and profitable. With the plants operating at or near capacity now, some are saying they’ll be asking for increase s in wages, benefits and pensions as well as seeking more capital investments in Range taconite plants and contract language on contracting out work.

Reported by: Al Miller

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority deal

11/24

Canada’s St. Lawrence Seaway Authority has reportedly reached a tentative agreement with a labor union that inlcudes 730 of its employees.

Repo rted by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

M/V Emerald Isle – new Beaver Island ferry

11/24

Washburn & Doughty Shipyard on the east coast has recently completed a new vehicle and passenger ferry for the Beaver Island Boat Line. It ha s completed trials and is in the precess of being delivered.

Reported by: R.K. Thompson

More on Barge losing cargo

11/21

The barge that took on water and dropped heavy machinery and 4900 tons of steel mill scrap into Lake Michigan Monday, was the Chief Wawatam and tug Avenger IV

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Barker loads cargo of corn

11/20

On November 19 the Kaye E. Barker became the largest boat ever to dock at Milwaukee’s Continental Grain elevator when the arrived to load a partial load of co rn. The 767′ long Barker will be delivering the grain to Chicago for eventual shipment overseas. The last American selfunloader’s to load grain here were the ‘Nicolet’ and ‘George A. Sloan’ in the late 80’s. (Those cargos were delivered to Port Colborne.) The midwest corn crop this year is excellent. Wisconsin’s crop is shaping up to be the third best on record. This could explain why the Barker was in Fraser Shipyards last weekend.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Barge loses cargo in Lake Michigan

11/20

A barge took on water the morning of 17 Nov. in bad weather, listed and dumped its cargo five kilometers/three miles southeast of the Rawley Point Lighthouse north of Two Rivers, Wis. About 4,900 tons of steel mill scrap, a crane and a front-end loader sank in 46 meters/150 feet of water after the scrap cargo shifted. The bar ge, owned by J.W. Purvis Marine Ltd., has minor damage though not to its hull. After a U.S. Coast Guard investigation, the tow was released at 1800 17 Nov. to continue its voyage.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Clear Majority of the House Favor Jones Act at Recess

11/20

As Congress begins its mid-term recess, a clear majority of the House of Representatives have endorsed the Jones Act. As of today ( November 14), 237 House members have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. (218 signers constitute a simple majority of the House.).

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Ass ociation

Ice forms while grain is busy

11/19

The thin layer of ice forming on Duluth-Superior harbor is a reminder that the end of the season is not far away. Yet grain traffic remains strong in the Twin Ports. On Nov. 18, Algontario was loading at Harvest States and Peavey and Ziemia Tarnowska was at Cargill B1. Anchored on Lake Superior waiting for grain cargoes are salties Alpha and Nordic Moor. Due in later this week for grain are Petka, Lake Superior, Island Skipper, Jeannie, and Kinsman Independent.

Reported by: Al Miller

Lakes Stone Trade Closing In On Another Record Season

11/19

If Great Lakes stone ports ship a mere 3 million tons between November 1 and the close of navigation, they will, for the third consecutive year, set a post-recession record for that trade. With shipments in October totaling 4,910,359 net tons, the stone trade currently stands at 32,109,798 tons. The post recession peak was 1996 when stone loadings totaled 35,099,215.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

New name

11/19

Hi all, I want to change the name and layout of this page. Any suggestions for a new name? I’m leaning to “Great Lakes News Channel” or “Great Lakes Shipping Channel.” When done, users of Microsoft IE 4.0 or Netscape Communicator will be able to subscribe to the page as a channel….thoughts?

Taylor loses power update

11/18

The MYRON C. TAYLOR was a couple of hours out from Detour after loading stone at Drummond Island when she lost power on Sunday. She drifted for 8 hours in upper Lake Huron before the PHILIP H. CLARKE arrived. Reports are that the CLARKE had engine parts the TAYLOR needed to make the repairs. Once completed she was able to continue to Detroit on her own.

Reported by: Randy Johnson and Scott

Barker clears Fraser

11/18

Interlake’s Kaye E. Barker departed Fraser Shipyards sometime over the weekend. Still no word on what type of work she needed.

Reported by: Al Miller

Grain Vessels at Toledo

11/17

In Toledo, Sunday the ninth of November there were three Canadian grain vessels. First there was a saltie I did not get the name of. Then the CANADIAN MINER left Andersons with ALGOWEST waiting near C.S.X. to be towed up. Finally the CANADIAN TRADER came in later that night.

Reported by: Josh McInerney

Closing of the 1997 Navigation Season

11/16

Montreal-Lake Ontario Section
The Seaway entities confirm that the closing procedures outlined in Seaway Notice No. 10 dated August 5, 1997, will be in effect at the end of the 1997 navigation season. Mariners are reminded that the clearance date for the 1997 navigation season is 2400 hours, December 20.

For the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section, vessel demand, weather and ice conditions will dictate the final closing date. It will be announced on December 3, whether or not, based upon operating conditions, vessels will be subject to operational surcharges after December 20.

Welland Canal

Vessels will be accepted to transit the Welland Canal upbound at CIP15 and downbound at CIP16 up to 0800 hours December 24, 1997. The Welland Canal may be kept open beyond this date depending on vessel demand and weather conditions. However, vessel tran sits after 0800 hours December 24, 1997 will be allowed subject to Agents/Owners signing a written agreement with the Authority.

Mariners are reminded that there is always a possibility that severe climatic conditions may occur during the closing period. Should this happen, there is a chance that the above-noted dates, for the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section or the Welland Canal, may not be met.

The Seaway entities will monitor weather conditions and demand, and the final closing dates for both sections will be confirmed ( via Radio Messages ) when better information is available.

Sault Ste. Marie Locks and Canal

Canada: The Canadian Sault Ste. Marie Canal is closed to navigation.

United States: The official closing date for the Sault Ste. Marie Locks (U.S.A.) is 2400 hours January 15, 1998.

Ports East of Montreal

Vessel owners and operators are advised that there are a number of ports east of the Seaway (St. Lambert Lock) on the St. Lawrence River that remain open to navigation during the winter months.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway System

Barker in Fraser Shipyards

11/15

The Kaye E. Barker has been in Fraser Shipyards since yesterday apparently undergoing work on its stern. A large crawler crane was alongside the vessel . No word on why the ship is in the yard.

Reported by: Al Miller

Court Ruling a Victory for Seaway Pilots

11/15

A federal court of appeals has told the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and its parent U.S. Transportation Department it cannot run the Seaway pilot operation and should give it back to the Coast Guard. A federal district judge in April of 1996 had agreed with the Seaway Corporation’s position but the pilots group had argued that the shift from the Coast Guard to the Seaway went beyond the Transportation Department’s authority under the law. This new ruling sends sends the case back to the U.S District Court for the District of Columbia “with instructions to vacate” the December 1995 Transportation Dept. order to transfer the pilot operation from the Coast Guard to the Seaway Corp.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Low water halts traffic in the Seaway

11/15

Lower water yesterday had about ten ships waiting in the Prescott and St. Zotique ancorage in the Seaway. The low water was in the American sector (Eisenhower Lock).

Reported by:

Great Lakes Shipping Tops 100 Million Ton Mark In September

11/14

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 17.1 million net tons in September, thus pushing the season-to-date tally over the 100 million ton mark. Through September, shipments of the leading dry-bulk commodities total 101,984,177 net tons, an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 1996.

Iron ore loadings in September totaled 8 million tons, essentially the same as a year ago. Since the resumption of iron ore loadings in early March, the trade stands at 48.2 million tons, an increase of 2.2 percent.

September coal shipments totaled 4,450,973 net tons, an increase of 5.8 percent. For the season, coal loadings have topped 26.6 million tons, an increase of 16.3 percent.

The stone trade continued on its pace toward another post-recession record in September. With loadings of 4.7 million tons in September, the stone trade now stands at 27.2 million tons, an increase of 10.4 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

Union warns of labour disruptions on Seaway

11/14

AThe St. Lawrence Seaway could be hampered by illegal walkouts near the critical end of the season by workers fed up with lagging contract taks, a union official says.

Jean Langevin said a lot depends on whether progress is made at a negotiating session scheduled for Thursday, November 13, with a conciliator.

Relations are strained between the 525 workers, who are represented by the Canadian Auto Workers, who maintain and operate the locks between Montreal and Lake Erie and the federal seaway authority, which is preparing to hand over management to a private group from the shipping industry.

Sporadic strikes or slowdowns would interfere with traffic just as ships are making their schedules to clear the system before it closes around Christmas.

Langevin blames the Seaway for stalling, depriving the union of its only means of pressure because it cannot legally strike until after 90 days of cincilation. By that time, the waterway will be closed for winter.

Union members voted last month 94 per cent in favour of a strike to back contract demands. The workers’ contract expired last Dec. 31. The union wants a two-year deal that would run till the end of 1998, the same as the contract for 110 supervisors, also affiliated with the autoworkers union. The Seaway is proposing just one year.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Melissa Desgagnes refloated

11/14

The Desgagnes was refloated and docked in Windsor. Still no word on why she grounded.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Oglebay Norton sells coal Reserves

11/14

Oglebay Norton Company has reached a definitive agreement with Arch Coal, Inc. by which Oglebay Norton will sell its interests in certain coal reserves situated on approximately 12,000 acres in Boone County, West Virginia to Arch Coal. The purchase price will be $6.0 million, and it is expected that the transaction will close on November 24, 1997. The net gain from this sale will improve Oglebay Norton Company’s 1997 net income by approximately $0.70 per share.

According to R. Thomas Green, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oglebay Norton, “The sale of the Rock Creek coal property is the latest in a series of planned divestitures that our company has made over the last several years in exiting the coal business. The proceeds from this transaction will strengthen our ability to pursue growth opportunities in our core business units.”

Reported by: James Neumiller

Name Change

11/14

The Kinsman Lines Inc. of Cleveland OH have changed their name to Great Lakes Associates, Inc. The company operates the last two remaining American grain ships.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Presques Isle’s management changed

11/13

The 1000 foot ITB Presque Isle has been seen sailing with out the Litton stack marking. Earlier this month management of the vessel was taken over by USS.

Reported by: Mark Nowell

More on the Melissa Desgagnes

11/13

As of 10:30 a.m. EST the Desgagnes is still aground in the Detroit River. Currently personnel from the Marine Safety Office in Detroit are heading to the stranded ship, they are going to check the vessel’s draft.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Superior’s grain-loading berths busy

11/13

For the first time this season, all four of Superior’s grain-loading berths were active simultaneously on Nov. 12. Grant Carrier was loading at Harvest States 2, Queen was at Harvest States 1, Golden Venture was loading at Peavey Connors Point and El Kef was loading at the seldom-used General Mills elevator, better known as the Great Northern elevator, adjacent to Midwest Energy Terminal.

Harvest States 1 and Peavey have been busy all season. Harvest States 1 only recently was returned to operation and Great Northern has seen only a handful of callers this year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Melissa Desgagnes aground update

11/12

as of 12:40 a.m. the Melissa Desgagnes is still stuck aground north of Grassy Island in the Detroit River. Sounded like another vessel was on scene trying to lighten her.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Badger at Sturgeon Bay

11/12

Max Hanley reports that the Badger is on the drydock in Sturgeon Bay. They had 1 prop off, and as of yesterday were getting ready to take the other one off with both anchors down. reports are that things are going pretty well. The Badger is expected to be in drydock into next week.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Melissa Desgagnes aground in the Detroit River

11/11

The Melissa Desgagnes grounded yesterday in the Detroit River. She was aground just north of Grassy Island clear of the shipping channel. As of 2:00 a.m. this morning she was still stuck, no word on how it happened.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

More on the Kinsman Enterprise

11/11

A call to Kinsman has lead to conflicting reports on the activity aboard the Kinsman Enterprise. The company states that they are just buttoning her up for winter.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News from the Twin Ports

11/11

After a weeklong lull, grain traffic is picking up again in the Twin Ports. Four salties were in port Nov. 11, including Queen and Yuri Dolgoroky Isp?) loading at Harvest States. Two familiar salties, El Kef and Grant Carrier, are due in later in the week. Kinsman Independent and Algocen also are in port for grain.

Some common callers at western Lake Superior ports are making some unusual calls this week. Adam E. Cornelius was in Two Harbors Nov. 10, Cason J. Callaway was due into Silver Bay Nov. 11, George A. Stinson is scheduled for Taconite Harbor Nov. 12 and St. Clair is scheduled for Two Harbors the same day.

Reported by: Al Miller

Transportation Secretary to Attend Seaway Events

11/11

U.S.Transportation Secretary Rodney E Slater will be in Massena, New York this week to attend ceremonies honoring the St.Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. Mr. Slater was named to President Clinton’s Cabinet in December 1996. The Arkansaw native was appointed transportation secretaty to replace Federico Pena, who left to become head of the Energy Department. Mr. Slater will arrive in Massena at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14th and go to the Seaway Corp’s maintenance facility/marine base for the dedication of the Seaway Corp’s new workboat. PERFORMANCE is a 50 foot tugboat that will be used in the spring and fall to break up ice. It replaces THE FOURTH COAST, which has been sold, according to Seaway Development Corp. spokeswoman Rhonda M. Worden who said ” this new workboat is great for our purposes. It turns on a dime, and it’s state-of-the-art. It actually is quite cute” Following the tugboat dedication, Mr. Slater will go to Eisenhower Lock for the dedication of a memorial anchor display honoring William Mitchell, a Seaway Corp. employee who drowned October 1983. Mr Mitchell, a St. Regis Mohawk, became the first and only Seaway Corp. employee to die while performing duties when he slipped and fell from an Eisenhower Lock approach wall.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Goviken visits Superior

11/11

Loading at Harvest States #2 in Superior on 11/10 was the saltie Goviken. The Goviken (ex. Omisalj) is making her first trip to the Twin Ports since her rename. She was reportedly loading soybeans.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Research of Lake Superior current to start

11/11

Researchers from six universities, including the Michigan Technical University at Houghton, the Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota at Duluth and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, are beginning a five-year project to track currents, chemistry changes and particulates in Lake Superior. The project has received U.S.$5.3 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation and will focus on a current along Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The current is thought to be one of the strongest coastal currents in the world but little is known about how it is formed or its effects. Starting at the Wisconsin border, it continues to the end of the peninsula and transports material from west to east with varying intensity, based on wind velocity.

Shortly after ice begins to break-up in spring, devices to measure current and temperature will be put in place while vessels will take water samples and collect organisms. In its first application on the North American Great Lakes, equipment that will create a moving Doppler profile of lake currents will be used. Satellites will also contribute information and eventually a computer model for predicting coastal currents will be formed.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

The lights are on and someones home

11/10

The Kinsman Enterprise may be waking from her three year sleep. The old boat had her lights ablaze the last few nights starting on the 7th. There have been cars parked at her ladder at the old Buffalo Port Terminal for the past few days as well. Reports are that she may go to Toledo for her 5 year and do a few runs before winter. The world wonders……….

Reported by: Brian Wroblewski

Phoenix to be commemorated

11/10

On 21 Nov. in Manitowoc, Wis., descendants of survivors of the Phoenix will begin a four-day commemoration. Events include a banquet, a bus tour of Sheboygan, Wis., and a reception with Dutch visitors from 1600 to 2000 at the public library in Oostburg, Wis. The tour, including lunch, is U.S.$30. Telephone 920-459-3023 for information. On 23 Nov., there will be another bus tour of Sheboygan County and the story of the Phoenix will be presented at the local Cedar Grove/Belgium High School at 1900. The tour is U.S.$25 including lunch. Telephone 920-452-9883 for information. The presentation is U.S.$5 for adults, U.S.$3 for those 12 to 18 and free for those under 12. The next day, a commemorative service will be held at 1600 at the Gibbsville Reformed Church at N3145 State Highway 32 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., including Dutch psalms sung by visitors from the Netherlands and a narrative of the Phoenix featuring the descendants.

On 11 Nov., 1847, the steamer Phoenix, a 302-ton, 43.9-meter/144-foot vessel built in 1845, sailed from Buffalo, N.Y., on its last voyage of the season. In addition to passengers, the ship carried coffee, hardware, molasses and sugar. The passengers were mostly Dutch immigrants, headed to the eastern and western shores of Lake Michigan as well as Iowa, where friends and relatives had settled starting the previous fall. A reform movement in the Dutch State Church had come under increasing government pressure and seeking religious freedom, many left for the United States where land was available in the Midwest. The Society of Christians for the Holland Emmigration to the United States had lead the way to what would become eastern Wisconsin, where 400 hectares/1,000 acres of land was secured. They had sailed to New York from Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

After several calls along the way, the ship called at Manitowoc to replenish cordwood for its boilers, which had worked to give the ship headway in heavy seas in Lake Michigan. Ten days out of Buffalo, the ship left Manitowoc as the weather improved. At 0400 21 Nov., 24 kilometers/15 miles north of Sheboygan and eight kilometers/five miles offshore, a fire was found above a boiler with flames under the main deck. Despite firefighting efforts, the blaze raced out of control. The hull of the Phoenix came ashore 11 kilometers/seven miles north of Sheboygan where it sank 300 meters/1,000 feet offshore in 6.1 meters/20 feet of water. Some of its cargo was salvaged.

Vessels from Sheboygan rescued 46 people. Between 190 and 250 were killed. It is the worst loss of life by fire on Lake Michigan.

The survivors settled in Cedar Grove, Sheboygan and Milwaukee. Almost 8,000 descendants of the survivors have been traced from almost 20 states and the Netherlands.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Wisconsin fishing amendment partially vetoed

11/10

Wisconsin Gov. Tommy G. Thompson recently vetoed part of a commercial fishing amendment attached to the state’s budget bill by Sen. Alan Lasee, R-DePere. The provision would have expanded commercial alewife and smelt fishing on Lake Michigan by allowing trawling every month except May and for the first three hours after sunrise in Green Bay during the summer. The veto kept the Green Bay portion but eliminated the Lake Michigan trawling. Currently, commercial fishing on the lake is limited to 15 Nov. to 20 April and only night trawling is allowed in Green Bay from 15 June to 30 Sept.

In response, Pete LeClair, a commercial fisherman in Two Rivers, Wis., has proposed in a letter to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that a task force be formed to study fishing management in Green Bay and Lake Michigan and make recommendations for changes. LeClair has suggested the force include biologists, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, tourism officials and the fishermen.

According to LeClair, Thompson suggested the budget provision but fishermen said the provision would be challenged by the Department of Natural Resources and sport fishermen. Nonetheless, LeClair said Thompson promised to sign the measure. However, 29 assemblymen and three senators were pressured, according to LeClair, and Thompson therefore vetoed the amendment.

The Department of Natural Resources has said that since alewives and smelt are declining, what remains should be reserved for use as food by salmon and trout. A survey last year said the seasonal value of Wisconsin salmon fishing was about U.S.$86 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

County board votes to seek lighthouse

11/10

As expected, the Milwaukee County Board has voted to apply to the U.S. government for ownership of the North Point Light Station, located in a county park.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

11/07

The three most frequent callers at the Burlington Northern ore dock in Superior are arriving at nearly the same time this week. George A. Stinson was first in Nov. 6 followed by Burns Harbors, which dropped anchor out on Lake Superior to wait for its turn at the loading berth. Sometime Nov. 7, the Stewart J. Cort — the dock’s steadiest customer — will arrive to complete the visit.

Reported by: Al Miller

Lake Erie Coal

11/07

Coal shipments from Lake Erie ports totaled 2,737,335 net tons in October, an increase of 23.4 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, the coal trade from Lake Erie stands at 17 million tons, an increase of 22.5 percent compared to 1996’s end-of-October tally. All indications point to continued strong demand for Lake Erie coal for the remainder of the 1997 season.

Reported by: Lake Carriers’ Association

News from the Twin Ports

11/06

Duluth-Superior had relatively few boats on the morning of Nov. 5, but every one of them was busy as the workday began. Adam E. Cornelius was loaded and outbound under the Blatnik Bridge, Algolake was unloading salt at the Cutler-Magner dock. It is scheduled to shift to the Midwest Energy Terminal later to load coal. Clipper Spirit was completing its unloading at the port terminal; Island Gem was unloading at Harvest States elevator and Erikousa Wave was loading at the Peavey elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten planning more cruises

11/06

Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten GmbH is currently planning its 1998 cruises in the North American Great Lakes with its U.S. general agent, U.S. Navigation Inc. A preliminary itinerary currently indicates two calls at Milwaukee. According to Ken Szallai, director of the Port of Milwaukee, Hapag-Lloyd is also examining cruises in 1999. The information was contained in an article by Rick Romell in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on 5 Nov.

The article also noted a problem that developed shortly before the company’s C. Columbus docked in Milwaukee on 30 Sept. The ship was to dock at a pier at the end of North Harbor Drive, near the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association, but the port found out that the ship had a draft 0.76 meters/2.5 feet deeper than they had been told. As a result, the ship had to dock at a pier in the port’s outer harbor. A similar problem was noted just before the ship called in Duluth, Minn.

Szallai said the port waived docking fees. In the future, it will charge passenger ships about U.S.$500 in addition to U.S.$5 per passenger.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Former Port of Milwaukee manager dies at 75

11/06

Robert K. Jorgensen, a retired traffic manager for the Port of Milwaukee, died at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee on 1 Nov. after a stroke. He was 75. Jorgensen was born 17 July, 1922, in Milwaukee to Lester and Clara Jorgensen and graduated from the city’s Rufus King High School before working in the traffic divisions of Rexnord Corp. and later Heil Co. Inc. Jorgensen was the only member of the port’s traffic division when hired in 1953 and became the sales representative. When the division expanded, he became manager. Jorgensen, whom associates said was a tall man “always on the go,” was known as “Elbows” by other port personnel. He retired in 1982 and is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and three children, Mark, Mary Ellen Bassette and Patricia Kreil, all of Milwaukee.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes Freeze-Up Outlook

11/05

The National Weather Service has issued its first forecast of ice conditions on the Lakes this winter. Freeze-up of bays and harbors on the Lakes should be near normal on Lake Erie and the southern areas of Lakes Michigan and Huron, while it should be later than normal on Lake Superior and the northern waters of Lakes Michigan and Huron. A later than normal freeze-up is likely on the open waters of Lake Superior and Lake Huron, near normal on Lake Erie and earlier than normal on most of Lake Michigan. Surface water temperatures at the beginning of November were above normal by a few degrees except on Lake Huron where they were near normal.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

News from the Twin Ports

11/05

Duluth’s port terminal has hosted several ships since late summer and fall. The most recent caller was saltie Clipper Spirit, which was unloading in the steel berth Nov 3-4. Its next port-of-call is Thunder Bay.

A couple of interesting port calls for vessels in Great Lakes Fleet. John G. Munson is bound for Silver Bay late Nov. 4 to load pellets for Lorain. Myron C. Taylor is scheduled to arrive in Carrollton Nov. 4.

Duluth’s Hallett docks are busy Nov. 4. Adam E. Cornelius is scheduled to unload stone at Hallett 5 while Tadoussac is due at Hallett 6 to load bentonite.

Reported by: Al Miller

SMET Well Ahead of Record Pace

11/05

With October shipments of 1,763,473 net tons, Superior Midwest Energy Terminal is now 5.4 percent ahead of last year’s benchmark season. Through October, coal loadings at SMET stand at 11.6 million tons. During the 1996 navigation season, SMET shipped 13.6 million tons, the most in any year since opening in 1976.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Cleveland Stevedore leaving Port of Cleveland

11/05

Pacific Great Lakes Corp. announced 3 Nov. it will withdraw its Cleveland Stevedore Co. operations from the Port of Cleveland on 31 Dec. The action is part of efforts by Pacific Great Lakes to focus on its Pacific Great Lakes Logistics Inc. and manufacturing of industrial protective apparel. Cleveland Stevedore has eight full-time employees and each will receive a severance package. Pacific Great Lakes has not announced what will happen to Cleveland Stevedore’s assets.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Chicago

11/05

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy will have a representative in Chicago on Saturday, November 8th. Anyone interested in learning more about the Academy, and a career as a ship’s officer on the Great Lakes, is encouraged to attend. This no cost open house will be held at the Holiday Inn Downtown, 300 E. Ohio St. from 10AM-1PM. Please call 1-800-748-0566 X-1200 for more information.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Badger towed to Sturgeon Bay

11/04

The S.S. Badger was towed out of Ludington last night at 9:00 PM to go to Sturgeon Bay for her 5 year hull inspection. She is expected to be in Sturgeon Bay for about 2 weeks.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

Reserve delayed by weather

11/04

The Reserve spent much of Nov. 3 anchored off Duluth waiting for sea and visibility conditions to improve so it could enter the harbor at Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algoway delivers salt

11/04

The Algoway entered Port Stanley harbour at 12:30 hours on Thursday October 30 with 10,000 tons of salt for Lakes Terminals & Warehousing, which will be loaded on trucks for the city of London Ontario.This is the second year that Lakes Terminals has handled salt, more salt may be scheduled later in the new year.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Area below Lock 1 in Port Weller busy Sunday with Lakers

11/04

Sunday evening at 1900 hours Algoville was at wharf 2, the Canadian Leader was at the sand dock-just below Lock 1 and in between was Canadian Enterprise. When the Leader entered Lock 1, the Canadian Mariner quickly followed.

Reported by: J J Van Volkenburg

More on the Iglehart at Fraser

11/03

The J.A.W. Iglehart was at Fraser shipyard October 28-29 for a 20 hour repair after suffering a small puncture in her #5 port ballast tank. The puncture occured on her previous trip while making her dock in Detroit.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Lakes Shipping into the next Century

11/03

In a story in the October 18, 1997 edition of Skillings Mining Review, W. E. Bardelmeier, Executive Vice President of Jones, Bardelmeier & Co. Ltd., Nassau, predicts that the close of the 1997 season will see the end of a 15 year period when transport capacity of the US flag Great Lakes fleet has significantly exceeded transport demand. He foresees the shortage continuing until at least the year 2000, because shipyards will not be able to respond any sooner.

His predictions are based upon a study that he has made based upon the assumption that 1998 is a “normal” 295-day shipping season for 1973/1981-built ships, and a 245-day season for Korean War era steamers. He has also based the study on a 4% annual growth in aggregate and fluxstone shipments, a 3% growth in coals and a 1% growth in ores.

His assumptions include several interesting thoughts for boatwatchers, including: in 1999, the conversion of JOHN SHERWIN to an ITB and the scraping of one “Golden Oldie” (JOSEPH H. FRANTZ, MYRON C. TAYLOR, or CALCITE II). The operation of SHERWIN in 2000 and the scrapping of a second Golden Oldie, followed by the scrapping of the third Golden Oldie in 2001. He also predicts that the RYERSON will be converted to a self-unloader or a barge in the next couple of years. His capacity estimates include the view that the owners of the three oldest 13,000-ton (Golden Oldies) will not elect to invest the substantial sums needed to pass another Special Survey interval and will scrap them by 2000.

Mr. Bardelmeier noted that after the newbuilding wave ended in the early 1980’s (COLUMBIA STAR and PAUL R. TREGURTHA were the last built in 1981), the three US Great Lakes shipbuilders foresaw the coming “dry spell” and shrank their new building capacity. American Ship Building (Lorain and Toledo), and Litton Corp. in Erie PA shrank into oblivion. Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay valiantly hung-in for several years by building three high quality ocean vessels for SeaLand, but in due course retrenched to building a few fine, large 30,000-ton barges. It is not entirely clear whether there will be Great Lakes yards ready to take orders for new ships once the coming shortage of capacity becomes appearant.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Study says ships major factor in air pollution

11/03

A study by two Carnegie Mellon University engineers states that ships are a major factor in world air pollution, especially in the Scandinavian countries, which are near shipping routes. The study says ships are responsible for about 15 perecnt of the nitrogen and sulfur emissions from fossil fuels. Using propulsion system characteristics, exhaust information and fuel consumption data, the two state that three million metric tons of nitrogen and more than four million metric tons of sulfur are put into the atmosphere from ships each year.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton dividend

11/03

The Directors of Oglebay Norton Company at a meeting held on October 29, 1997, declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share of Common Stock to be paid on December 19, 1997, to stockholders of record on December 2, 1997. The dividend amount was adjusted from the prior $.40 per share amount to reflect the two-for-one split of the Company’s stock that became effective October 30, 1997.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Court to rule on harbor tax

11/03

The U.S. Supreme Court said 31 Oct. it will decide whether a U.S. harbor tax used to fund channel maintenance imposes an unconstitutional tax on exports. The court will hear a U.S. Justice Department appeal defending the tax, which imposes a fee of 0.125 percent on the value of any cargo loaded or unloaded from a commercial vessel at any U.S. port. The tax was adopted in 1986 and was raised to its current level in 1990. About 4,000 cases have been filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the tax and seeking refunds. A case involving U.S. Shoe Corp. became the test case. The Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the tax was unconstitutional. Oral arguments will be heard early next year with a ruling by the end of June.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Salty Finnfighter departs Port Stanley

11/03

The ocean vessel Finnfighter registered in Helsinki, departed Port Stanley at 1900 hrs after loading 4000 tons of beans from Topnotch. She had assistance from the towtugs Miseford and Progress.

Reported by: Wayne Hopper

Lawsuits filed in Lake Superior log recovery

11/03

Superior Water-Logged Lumber Co., the Ashland, Wis., company recovering sunken 19th century logs from Lake Superior, has withdrawn its threat to leave Wisconsin but has now been named in a lawsuit filed by a competitor. Scott Mitchen, a co-founder of Superior Water-Logged Lumber, announced the intention to remain in the state at a ceremony in Madison, Wis., this week to dedicate a new building for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. The building’s lobby and some offices have wood recovered by the company.

Superior Resources Inc. filed a lawsuit 31 Oct. in the Wisconsin’s Dane County Circuit Court to revoke Superior Water-Logged Lumber’s permits. Also named is the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which issues the permits. The suit claims that Superior Water-Logged Lumber no longer meets a residency requirement for ownership after a merger involving firms based in Florida and Texas. Superior Water-Logged Lumber has denied the charge.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber has more than 400 permits pending, while Superior Resources has 48 permits but is seeking 100 from Superior Water-Logged Lumber.

The president of Superior Resources, Richard Loppnow, is a former investor at Superior Water-Logged Lumber and vice president Christopher Pilot left a management job at the competitor this summer. On 24 Oct., Superior Water-Logged Lumber filed a lawsuit against Pilot in Ashland County Circuit Court contending that he copied computer files, customer contacts and other information before leaving the company. It also accuses Pilot of defamation by spreading false allegations of misspending and fraud at Superior Water-Logged Lumber. Pilot has denied taking information but stood by claims of financial problems.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Boatnerd turns two years old

11/03

November 1995 was when I launched the boatnerd web site. The site has continued to grow with more than 60,000 visits in the second year. My sincere thanks to all the readers and contributors, you folks make the page happen and keep me going. Lots of new material to come over the next year and an overhaul of the site, keep watching for these changes.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Badger towed to Sturgeon Bay

11/04

The S.S. Badger was towed out of Ludington last night at 9:00 PM to go to Sturgeon Bay for her 5 year hull inspection. She is expected to be in Sturgeon Bay for about 2 weeks.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

Reserve delayed by weather

11/04

The Reserve spent much of Nov. 3 anchored off Duluth waiting for sea and visibility conditions to improve so it could enter the harbor at Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algoway delivers salt

11/04

The Algoway entered Port Stanley harbour at 12:30 hours on Thursday October 30 with 10,000 tons of salt for Lakes Terminals & Warehousing, which will be loaded on trucks for the city of London Ontario.This is the second year that Lakes Terminals has handled salt, more salt may be scheduled later in the new year.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Area below Lock 1 in Port Weller busy Sunday with Lakers

11/04

Sunday evening at 1900 hours Algoville was at wharf 2, the Canadian Leader was at the sand dock-just below Lock 1 and in between was Canadian Enterprise. When the Leader entered Lock 1, the Canadian Mariner quickly followed.

Reported by: J J Van Volkenburg

More on the Iglehart at Fraser

11/03

The J.A.W. Iglehart was at Fraser shipyard October 28-29 for a 20 hour repair after suffering a small puncture in her #5 port ballast tank. The puncture occured on her previous trip while making her dock in Detroit.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Lakes Shipping into the next Century

11/03

In a story in the October 18, 1997 edition of Skillings Mining Review, W. E. Bardelmeier, Executive Vice President of Jones, Bardelmeier & Co. Ltd., Nassau, predicts that the close of the 1997 season will see the end of a 15 year period when transport capacity of the US flag Great Lakes fleet has significantly exceeded transport demand. He foresees the shortage continuing until at least the year 2000, because shipyards will not be able to respond any sooner.

His predictions are based upon a study that he has made based upon the assumption that 1998 is a “normal” 295-day shipping season for 1973/1981-built ships, and a 245-day season for Korean War era steamers. He has also based the study on a 4% annual growth in aggregate and fluxstone shipments, a 3% growth in coals and a 1% growth in ores.

His assumptions include several interesting thoughts for boatwatchers, including: in 1999, the conversion of JOHN SHERWIN to an ITB and the scraping of one “Golden Oldie” (JOSEPH H. FRANTZ, MYRON C. TAYLOR, or CALCITE II). The operation of SHERWIN in 2000 and the scrapping of a second Golden Oldie, followed by the scrapping of the third Golden Oldie in 2001. He also predicts that the RYERSON will be converted to a self-unloader or a barge in the next couple of years. His capacity estimates include the view that the owners of the three oldest 13,000-ton (Golden Oldies) will not elect to invest the substantial sums needed to pass another Special Survey interval and will scrap them by 2000.

Mr. Bardelmeier noted that after the newbuilding wave ended in the early 1980’s (COLUMBIA STAR and PAUL R. TREGURTHA were the last built in 1981), the three US Great Lakes shipbuilders foresaw the coming “dry spell” and shrank their new building capacity. American Ship Building (Lorain and Toledo), and Litton Corp. in Erie PA shrank into oblivion. Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay valiantly hung-in for several years by building three high quality ocean vessels for SeaLand, but in due course retrenched to building a few fine, large 30,000-ton barges. It is not entirely clear whether there will be Great Lakes yards ready to take orders for new ships once the coming shortage of capacity becomes appearant.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Study says ships major factor in air pollution

11/03

A study by two Carnegie Mellon University engineers states that ships are a major factor in world air pollution, especially in the Scandinavian countries, which are near shipping routes. The study says ships are responsible for about 15 perecnt of the nitrogen and sulfur emissions from fossil fuels. Using propulsion system characteristics, exhaust information and fuel consumption data, the two state that three million metric tons of nitrogen and more than four million metric tons of sulfur are put into the atmosphere from ships each year.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton dividend

11/03

The Directors of Oglebay Norton Company at a meeting held on October 29, 1997, declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share of Common Stock to be paid on December 19, 1997, to stockholders of record on December 2, 1997. The dividend amount was adjusted from the prior $.40 per share amount to reflect the two-for-one split of the Company’s stock that became effective October 30, 1997.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Court to rule on harbor tax

11/03

The U.S. Supreme Court said 31 Oct. it will decide whether a U.S. harbor tax used to fund channel maintenance imposes an unconstitutional tax on exports. The court will hear a U.S. Justice Department appeal defending the tax, which imposes a fee of 0.125 percent on the value of any cargo loaded or unloaded from a commercial vessel at any U.S. port. The tax was adopted in 1986 and was raised to its current level in 1990. About 4,000 cases have been filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the tax and seeking refunds. A case involving U.S. Shoe Corp. became the test case. The Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit said the tax was unconstitutional. Oral arguments will be heard early next year with a ruling by the end of June.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Salty Finnfighter departs Port Stanley

11/03

The ocean vessel Finnfighter registered in Helsinki, departed Port Stanley at 1900 hrs after loading 4000 tons of beans from Topnotch. She had assistance from the towtugs Miseford and Progress.

Reported by: Wayne Hopper

Lawsuits filed in Lake Superior log recovery

11/03

Superior Water-Logged Lumber Co., the Ashland, Wis., company recovering sunken 19th century logs from Lake Superior, has withdrawn its threat to leave Wisconsin but has now been named in a lawsuit filed by a competitor. Scott Mitchen, a co-founder of Superior Water-Logged Lumber, announced the intention to remain in the state at a ceremony in Madison, Wis., this week to dedicate a new building for the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. The building’s lobby and some offices have wood recovered by the company.

Superior Resources Inc. filed a lawsuit 31 Oct. in the Wisconsin’s Dane County Circuit Court to revoke Superior Water-Logged Lumber’s permits. Also named is the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which issues the permits. The suit claims that Superior Water-Logged Lumber no longer meets a residency requirement for ownership after a merger involving firms based in Florida and Texas. Superior Water-Logged Lumber has denied the charge.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber has more than 400 permits pending, while Superior Resources has 48 permits but is seeking 100 from Superior Water-Logged Lumber.

The president of Superior Resources, Richard Loppnow, is a former investor at Superior Water-Logged Lumber and vice president Christopher Pilot left a management job at the competitor this summer. On 24 Oct., Superior Water-Logged Lumber filed a lawsuit against Pilot in Ashland County Circuit Court contending that he copied computer files, customer contacts and other information before leaving the company. It also accuses Pilot of defamation by spreading false allegations of misspending and fraud at Superior Water-Logged Lumber. Pilot has denied taking information but stood by claims of financial problems.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Boatnerd turns two years old

11/03

November 1995 was when I launched the boatnerd web site. The site has continued to grow with more than 60,000 visits in the second year. My sincere thanks to all the readers and contributors, you folks make the page happen and keep me going. Lots of new material to come over the next year and an overhaul of the site, keep watching for these changes.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Engine room fire damages tug

10/31

At approx. 1149 on Thursday, the tug Carolyn Joe left a tow,comprising the tug Glenside and barges, to bring a crew member to Kingston. Near Snake Island, just west of Kingston, the tug developed an engine room fire. The coast guard cutter Bittern was dispatched to render assistance. The crew of the Bittern extinguished the fire. The tug was taken to the dock at the Kingston Psychiatric Hospital where Kingston Firefighters checked to see the fire was totally extinguished. The tug was still at the dock this evening . There was obvious engine room damage but no injuries.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

J.A.W. Iglehart in for repairs while Mapleglen visits Superior

10/31

J.A.W. Iglehart cleared Fraser Shipyards in Superior after a brief stay. The vessel arrived there Oct. 28 and was gone by Oct. 30. No word on the reason for the visit.

P&H’s Mapleglen paid a rare call to Superior on Oct. 30 to load at Harvest States elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

Milwaukee County may acquire lighthouse

10/31

The Parks, Energy and Environment Committee of the Milwaukee County Board has recommended that the county should take ownership of the the North Point Lighthouse, located in the county’s Lake Park along Lake Michigan. The property is available at no cost and includes the cast iron tower, residence and a storage building on 0.64 hectares/1.6 acres east of Wahl Avenue. The U.S. Coast Guard no longer operates the facility and it has been declared surplus by the federal government. Originally 12 meters/39 feet tall, the tower was built in 1855 on a bluff overlooking the lake. After the bluff began to erode, it was moved 30 meters/100 feet inland in 1879. The tower was built to 48.8 meters/160 feet in 1912 and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Two organizations, the Lake Park Friends and the Water Tower Landmark Trust, have supported the committees recommendation while Hostelling International has shown interest in converting the residence to a hostel.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Bill upholds foghorns along Lake Michigan

10/31

Yesterday’s Detroit News reported that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that includes an amendment aimed at keeping more than half of 18 foghorns along the Great Lakes in operation. The amendment, passed last week as part of the Coast Guard authorization bill, orders the secretary of transportation to “take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that foghorns in the following ports are in working order.”

The foghorns are in St. Joseph, South Haven, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Pentwater, Ludington, Marquette, Saugatuck and Frankfort in Michigan and Michigan City, Ind.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

3rd Quarter profits for Canada’s big 3 steelmakers

10/30

STELCO: Canada’s biggest steelmaker, made $41 million (35 cents a share), up from $5 million (two cents a share) last year. Sales rose to $763 million from $712 million.

DOFASCO: No. 2 steelmaker, earned $43.6 million (51 cents a share), down from $50.1 million (58 cents a share). Sales improved to $743.6 million from $732.4 million.

ALGOMA STEEL: Third largest producer, earned $14.6 million (28 cents a share), down from $17.8 million (39 cents a share). Sales revenue rose to $319.8 million from $303.6 million.

All three steelmakers have mills on the Great Lakes, and receive their raw materials in whole or in part by Great Lakes freighters. Industry experts beleive the demand for steel will continue to be strong.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

September U.S.-Flag Float Up 6.3%

10/30

The leading U.S.-Flag carriers working the Great Lakes hauled 13.8 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo in September, an increase of 6.3 percent compared to the corresponding period in 1996. For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 84.6 million tons, or more than 8 percent ahead of last year’s record-setting pace. In 1996, U.S.-Flag carriers moved more than 117 million tons of cargo on the Great Lakes, the most in any single navigation season since the recession of the early- and mid-1980s.

The U.S.-Flag ore float in September was 6.8 million tons, an increase of 5 percent. For the season, Lakes Jones Act vessels have moved 41.9 million tons of iron ore, an increase of 6.1 percent.

September coal loadings in U.S. bottoms were essentially unchanged from a year ago. Since the resumption of the coal trade in March, the U.S.-Flag float is 15.8 million tons, an increase of 15 percent.

Stone cargos for U.S.-Flag operators totaled 3.6 million tons in September, an increase of 10.2 percent. For the season, stone loadings in U.S. bottom are nearing 21 million tons, an increase of 9.5 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Salty experiences engine troubles

10/30

While upbound on Lake St. Clair last night, the salt water vessel ISLAND GEM experienced a cooling problem with her engines. It was necessary to stop the engine and perform repairs about a half mile above the St. Clair Crib Light. This was a minor inconvenience to other vessels moving across the lake and repairs were made before day light.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Algowest conversion press release

10/29

Algoma Central awards $20 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks (St. Catharines, Ont.) October 28, 1997 – Algoma Central Marine has awarded a contract valued at approximately $20 million to Port Weller Dry Docks to convert the bulk carrier M.V. Algowest to a self-unloader. The conversion of the Algowest is in addition to an $85 million fleet modernization program for the 23-vessel Algoma fleet. The Algowest will arrive at Port Weller in December, and will be delivered in June, 1998. Upon delivery, the vessel will join the Seaway Self Unloaders fleet.

“This major investment in the Algowest demonstrates our confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping,” said Tim Dool, Vice President, Algoma Central – Marine Group. “This investment is also a sign of our commitment to our more than 1200 employees,” added Dool.

“This contract, in addition to other work secured, will bring winter employment at Port Weller to more than 400,” said Charles Payne, General Manager, Port Weller Dry Docks. Earlier this month, Port Weller announced a $5 million investment in state-of-the-art technology to upgrade the production facility, including a production panel line, a robotic welding line, and a robotic stiffener line. The investment coincided with the signing of a new 5-year collective agreement with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union, Local 680. Algoma Central previously awarded to Port Weller Dry Docks a $5.5 million contract for a mid-life refit of the vessel M.V. Algorail, for delivery April, 1998, to coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season.

The conversion of the Algowest is the fourth major conversion Port Weller has carried out for Algoma Central Marine during the last ten years. Other vessels converted to self-unloaders include the M.V. Capt. Henry Jackman, the M.V. Algomarine, and the M.V. Algosteel. The 730-foot (225-meter) Algowest, with a 32,000-tonne cargo capacity, was built in 1982 at Collingwood Shipyards.

A division of Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd., Port Weller Dry Docks was established in 1946, and is the only Canadian shipyard on the Great Lakes. Established in 1899, and with offices in St. Catharines and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Algoma Central Marine owns and operates the largest Canadian fleet on the Great Lakes, and employs more than 1200, including 300 in Niagara. On completion of the Algowest, the value of Algoma Central contracts to Port Weller Dry Docks since the fall of 1995 will total $60 million.

Another Ship in Seaway is Halted Due To Lack Of Water

10/29

The third ship since Saturday has been held up because of not having enough water in the St Lawrence Seaway to permit passage. The ALGOPORT, a Canadian laker was forced to anchor at Wilson Hill near Massena at 2:30 AM, Monday, October 27th because the ship dropped below the 26-foot, 3 inch draft level that the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation uses to determine if a ship can safely pass. Again, officials blame an easterly wind for reducing the water level. Is there a possibility that the Seaway will have to have an early closing if the apparent battle between high water and low water proponents is not resolved? This is the question that seems to be on the minds of many residents and business owners along the Seaway. Truly, if it is the wind direction that determines passage, Mother Nature may not cooperate by refraining from water lowering winds.

A decision by the International St.Lawrence River Control Board to compensate for high waters in western Lake Ontario’s residential area by increasing the flow of water at the New York Power Authority’s Robert Moses-Robert H. Sanders power dam has left areas like Lake St. Lawrence and the St.Lawrence River with less and less water. Now, to permit these stranded ships passage, the water flow has to be decreased so that sufficient water is retained to allow ships to continue.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Public hearings planned for water flow

10/29

A news publication, yesterday, stated that the International Joint Commission has scheduled public hearings to guage reaction to Plan 35-p, which would require “minor adustments” to the levels and flows. This new plan would authorize regulators to INCREASE the maximum flow rate from 310,000 cubic feet per second to 350,000 cfs at the Moses-Sanders dam at Massena. Many people are interested in this plan as water levels and water flow affects the economy of the locale, fish and wildlife, water quality, recreational boating and the overall eco-system of the area. For those concerned about this increase or outflow of water, a listing of 4 of these public hearings are as follows:

10/29/97 7 to 9:30 Central Library at 130 Johnson St Kingston, Ontario {613} 549-8888
11/12/97 7 to 9:30 TBA Brockport, N.Y.
11/13/97 7 to 9:30 Heights Golf Course at 7030 Bayview dr. Sodus Pt.N.Y.{315} 483-4767
11/14/97 7 to 9:30 TBA Massena, N.Y.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Seaway Salties Sold

10/29

The Seaway-Max salties OMISALJ and MALINSKA have been sold and re-registered in the Bahamas. The well known former Croatia Line light blue hulled vessels now sport green hulls similsr to another regular Seaway visitor -UTVIKEN.

The GOLIKEN-BAH, ex Omisalj was at Eisenhower Lock Oct 27 enroute to Hamilton Ont on her fourth trip to the Lakes this season.

Reported by: John Whitehead

More on the Algowest conversion

10/28

Reports are that the Algowest will be taken to Port Weller sometime in December of this year. Her delivery is expected in June, 1998.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

News from the Twin Ports

10/28

A pair of Algoma boats showed up in unusual ports Oct. 27. Algosteel was loading taconite at Silver Bay while Algolake called in Superior to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal.

Middletown is doing the tour of ports on western Lake Superior. The steamer called in Superior Oct. 27 to load coal at Midwest Energy Terminal. It’s then proceeding to Taconite arbor to unload the coal for the power plant there. Then it’s on to Silver Bay for taconite pellets.

Two unusual callers for Twin Ports — Mapleglen and Canadian Voyager — are scheduled for Oct. 28

Reported by: Al Miller

Algorail in Manistee

10/28

The Algorail arrived off of the Manistee piers at 1700 yesterday and anchored off the harbor. The captain stated that it was his first time in manistee, and he wanted the weather to be perfect. As of 2230 on 10/27 the rail will be in at 0700 on 10/28, providing the captain is comfortable with the weather. The rail has stone for the Seng dock.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

GLMA Open House in Duluth

10/28

On Saturday November 1, 1997, John Tanner, Superintendent of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, will be presenting an informational seminar at the Canal Park Museum in Duluth, Minnesota. The seminar will last from 10 am to 1 pm. Anyone interested in learning more about the academy is welcome to attend.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

New vice president named at Medusa

10/28

Medusa Corporation yesterday announced that Robert D. Vilsack, who joined the company in September, 1997, has been elected to the position of Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company in anticipation of the retirement of John P. Siegfried at the end of October, 1997. In this position, Mr. Vilsack will be reporting to George E. Uding, Jr., President of the Company.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Algowest to be converted to a self unloader

10/27

Saturday’s Globe and Mail newspaper reported that Algoma Central Marine awarded Port Weller drydocks a $20million contract to convert the ALGOWEST to a self-unloader. Not word yet on when she is due at the shipyard.

Reported by: Brian Bernard

Low Water Level Halts Seaway Traffic For 6 Hours

10/27

Low water in the St Lawrence River, which has been a problem for property owners, marinas, and recreational boaters for several year, was bad enough Saturday, October 25th to close a section of the Seaway for six hours. Two east bound vessels, Panamanian-flagged and Bolivian-flagged, dropped anchor after Seaway traffic was suspended at 11 am, according to Rhonda M Worden, spokeswoman for the St Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. Reductions in water flow downstream at the New York Power Authority’s power dam which affect water levels between Massena and Ogdensburg, N.Y. allowed the Seaway to reopen at 5 pm. Army Engineers, Power Authority officials, and Ms Worden were of the opinion that easterly winds that push much of Lake Ontario’s water westward and reduces the outflow into the St Lawrence were the main reason behind the low water. The St Lawrence River Board of Control decides water levels and the rate of water flow. Residents on the west end of Lake Ontario who have built homes on the shoreline of the Lake have been lobbying their legislatures and pressing the Board of Control to keep the water low.

In June, the Board made a decision to compensate for high waters in Lake Ontario and the upper lakes but this decision left Lake St Lawrence and St Lawrence River residents with less and less water and some feel this may have some responsibility in this present Seaway traffic closure. Just a month ago, the St Lawrence County Legistlature passed a resolution asking the St Lawence River Board of Control to treat communities along the River equally in its regulation of water levels but the message seemed to fall on deaf ears

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Majestic Star delivered

10/27

Atlantic Marine Inc. has delivered the Majestic Star to Barden Development Co. The 3,000-passenger vessel will be operated by Majestic Star Casino from Buffington Harbor, Ind. The 110-meter/360-foot Majestic Star has four decks and a 3,900-meter/43,300-square-foot casino with 2,100 gaming positions.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Cargo Vessel Sinks;Nine Rescued; Six Are Missing

10/27

A rescue ship pulled nine people from a life raft adrift in churning North Atlantic waters late Thursday,October 23rd, after their cargo freighter sank more than 400 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia. Fifteen crew members were forced to abandon the MV Vanessa after its cargo of chemical fertilizer shifted, causing the vessel to list and then disappear beneath the water’s surface. Leonato Cal, radio operator on the container ship Summer Wind, said there was no sign of the other six passengers, who were apparently wearing life jackets as they bobbed in two story seas about 420 miles east of St John’s

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Log salvage company threatens to leave state

10/27

Scott Mitchen, founder of Superior Water-Logged Lumber Co., will reportedly tell Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson to speed the licensing process for recovering logs from the bottom of Lake Superior or the company will leave the state next year. More than 800 permit applications are pending. The company’s salvage of logs that sank in the 19th century has created 30 jobs and reportedly has attracted thousands of people to Ashland County, Wis. Further, Thompson’s administration helped Superior Water-Logged Lumber secure a low-interest U.S.$350,000 loan from federal funding. Since then, it has also used political connections to try to make the permit process faster, which has bogged down due to the intensive investigations required and the limited amount of people to accomplish the task.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber has suggested it pay for new temporary positions at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources but the proposal has raised legal questions about Wisconsin accepting money from a firm it regulates. The company has also offered to let the department use its sonar equipment.

Under the newly enacted state budget, the permit process was reformed and the new system will take effect next season. However, log salvage companies have said it is too little while others have criticized it as special interest legislation that gives too much power to the businesses.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Project to study Lake Michigan mud plume starts

10/27

Forty-five researchers from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 11 other universities and six U.S. government agencies have received a U.S.$13.75 million grant to study an annual late-winter mud plume in southern Lake Michigan. The five-year project, sponsored by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. National Science Foundation, is reportedly the largest Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes study in 25 years. The university’s involvement is through its Great Lakes WATER (Wisconsin Aquatic, Technological and Environmental Research) Institute. It was formerly the Great Lakes Research Facility.

After shoreline ice thaws each year, weather conditions agitate the area and send more than one million tons of material from the lake bottom’s shallow areas into the lake. Currents form the material into a plume about 320 kilometers/200 miles long and 16 kilometers/10 miles wide along the southern shore of the lake from Milwaukee to Grand Haven, Mich. It is thought that the plume is material eroded from the shoreline as well as some sediment washed into the lake before. The plume usually dissipates in a month but is believed to carry with it nutrients and pollutants throughout the area. It begins to head into the lake with two main eddies before breaking up. After, the annual bloom of microscopic algae (diatoms) begins in which half of the lake’s plant growth occurs. Through the lake ecosystem, the algae is consumed by small organisms which in turn are eaten by other species.

Earlier this month, sediment traps of plastic tubes were deployed between Fox Point, Wis., and Grand Haven. They will be collected in early November. About 12 other traps, which can collect 23 samples, will remain deployed along with meters to measure currents. Early next year, U.S. Coast Guard helicopters will drop drifting instrument packages into the lake which will be monitored by satellites. The Great Lakes WATER Institute’s research vessel Neeskay will also sail this winter to collect samples. A section of heavy steel plate will be used to reinforce its hull for icebreaking.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

The SS Milwaukee Clipper will return to Muskegon!

10/24

MUSKEGON, MI-The Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association (GLCPA), a Muskegon-based nonprofit organization, will be returning the SS Milwaukee Clipper to her home port of Muskegon within the next month. The Hammond Port Authority has reached an agreement with the GLCPA to sell the Milwaukee Clipper for one dollar. Empress Casinos, the gaming company that now occupies the Clipper’s former berth at the Hammond Marina, has agreed to cover the costs of the prep, tow, and tow insurance for returning the historic ship to Muskegon after an absence of 20 years. Andrie, Inc. will perform the prep and tow of the vessel. The GLCPA along with its 200+ volunteers, will work towards the restoration and preservation of the ship. Once restoration work commences, the GLCPA will use the Milwaukee Clipper as a museumship, maritime activity and learning center, entertainment complex, and bed andbreakfast facility. Donations (both financial and material) are being sought by the GLCPA for restoration work on the famous ship. The Milwaukee Clipper will be the second of only two National Historic Landmarks located in Muskegon (the other being the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine). The SS Milwaukee Clipper dates back to 1905 when she was originally built as the SS Juniata, a passenger ship which carried tourists and pioneers alike into the heartland of our nation, traversing the Great Lakes from Buffalo, New York to Chicago, Mackinac Island, and Duluth, Minnesota. In 1941 she was rebuilt into the SS Milwaukee Clipper and became the first streamline passenger ship on the Great Lakes. She operated from Muskegon to Milwaukee and Chicago until 1970. In 1980, the Clipper was moved to Navy Pier in Chicago where she was used as a banquet facility and museum ship. She was sold to the Hammond Marina in 1990 and was their centerpiece until 1996 when her dock space was needed by a new casino boat.

U.S. House passes bill for ships with safety violations

10/24

On 21 Oct., the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill affecting commercial vessels violating international safety standards. Under an amendment by Rep. Bob Clement, D-Tenn., a vessel detained by the U.S. Coast Guard for violating the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations would be barred from carrying U.S. government cargo for a year. A report by the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee states that 14 percent of the 476 vessels detained last year for safety problems had carried government cargo within the past five years and 22 owners cited had more than one vessel detained. The bill also would require the Coast Guard to continue publishing on the Internet a list of vessels registered outside the United States that have been detained within the past year.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton Reports Strong Third Quarter Operating Results

10/24

Oglebay Norton Company reported that earnings from continuing operations in the third quarter of 1997 improved to $6.5 million, or $2.72 per share, compared with $4.8 million, or $1.95 per share, in the third quarter of 1996. Sales increased from $49.7 million to $53.4 million, and income from operations improved to $10.3 million, compared with $5.9 million in the same quarter a year ago.

For the first nine months of 1997, earnings from continuing operations reached $12.4 million, or $5.19 per share, compared with $6.9 million, or $2.82 per share, for the first nine months of 1996. Sales increased from $113.3 million to $124.4 million, and income from operations increased to $18.8 million, compared to $7.5 million in the same period a year ago.

The Company’s discontinued iron ore operations, which were sold in late 1996, contributed income of $1.3 million ($.54 per share) and $3.4 million ($1.39 per share) in the third quarter and first nine months of 1996, respectively.

Revenues and operating profit for the Company’s Marine Transportation Division increased substantially in the third quarter of 1997, compared with the third quarter of 1996. Customer demand continued to be strong for the shipment of iron ore, coal and stone on the Great lakes. Aided by favorable weather conditions and high water levels, enabling vessels to carry increased tonnage, the fleet operated very efficiently. The Cleveland Bulk Terminal, which the Company began operating in the second quarter, continued to contribute modestly to Marine Transportation’s strong performance.

The Company’s Industrial Sands unit shipped 481,000 tons in the third quarter, bettering the second quarter’s record shipments by 7,000 tons. Operating results mirrored the robust shipments, with net sales and operating profit improving by 17% and 6%, respectively, over the third quarter in 1996. Much of this improvement is attributable to the acquisition earlier this year of specialty screening operations in Bakersfield, California, which serve the oil and gas well service markets, and Kurtz Sports Turf operations in Ohio, which blends sands for golf courses and other recreation facilities.

The Engineered Materials business unit operated at about break even in the third quarter of 1997, on a 3% increase in net sales, compared with the third quarter in 1996. An improvement in operating profit on metallurgical products was not sufficient to offset a substantial decline in hot top product volume and profit. A decision regarding consolidation of our hot top operations into one facility will be made by the end of the year. Selling, general and administrative expenses continue to decline, amounting to a reduction of 6% in the quarter, compared with the third quarter of 1996.

R. Thomas Green, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “We expect 1997 to be a record-breaking year in several respects. Our stock price hit an all-time high of $61 per share in early October. Our Marine Transportation business unit is on course to haul a record 23 million tons, as long as weather conditions remain favorable. Our Industrial Sands business unit is on track for record revenues and operating profits, fueled in large part by the strong oil and gas well service markets; all indications point to continued strength in these markets for at least several months. These robust performances have offset lower-than-expected results from our Engineered Materials business unit, and we anticipate a record year as measured by income from operations. We have exceeded our expectations through the first nine months, and fully expect to sustain that level of performance through the remainder of the year.”

As reported earlier, the Board of Directors of Oglebay Norton Company on August 27, 1997 increased the quarterly dividend from $.35 to $.40 per share, and declared a 2-for-1 stock split payable via a 100% stock dividend to be distributed on October 3, 1997 to stockholders of record as of October 10, 1997.

Oglebay Norton is a Cleveland-based company engaged in Great Lakes marine transportation, the mining and marketing of industrial sands, and the manufacturing and marketing of metallurgical products and related materials used in steelmaking.

Reported by: James Neumiller

GATX Announces Third Quarter Earnings

10/24

The GATX Corporation announced third quarter earnings of $28.0 million or $1.12 per common share. This compares to last year’s third quarter net income of $33.4 million or $1.37 per common share.

Earnings for the first nine months of this year were $89.4 million or $3.59 per common share. Earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, were $83.8 million or $3.43 per common share.

Cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds was $206 million for the third quarter compared to $263 million for last year’s period. For the first nine months of 1997, cash flow was $584 million compared to $501 million for the first nine months of 1996.

Ronald H. Zech, chairman and CEO of GATX, stated, “The third quarter and year-to-date results reflect positive trends for GATX, particularly at General American Transportation and GATX Capital. General American Transportation’s earnings continue at record levels as a result of growth in the fleet and strong fleet utilization. GATX Capital’s remarketing activity for the quarter was excellent, resulting in significant gains from the sale of assets. These gains, however, were partially offset by one time expenses incurred during the quarter. On a year to date basis, GATX Capital is reporting net income 22 percent higher than last year’s levels.

American Steamship and GATX Logistics both reported earnings higher than a year ago. Strong demand for commodities carried in Great Lakes vessels and favorable operating conditions have resulted in American Steamship moving increased tonnage compared to last year’s season. GATX Logistics is benefitting from new contracts.

American Steamship Company earned $3.3 million for the 1997 third quarter compared to earnings of $2.6 million a year ago. Iron ore, coal and stone demand all remained strong, and favorable weather conditions resulted in efficient vessel performance. For the third quarter of 1997, American Steamship carried 8.8 million tons of cargo compared to 8.3 million tons for the year ago period. For the sailing season through the third quarter, there were virtually no lost sailing days.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Demand opens second berth at Harvest States

10/23

The fall grain rush apparently has prompted the Harvest States Cooperative elevator in Superior to put its second loading berth into operation for the rest of the season. Saltie Mena Cibi is loading Oct. 21-22 at the elevator’s Berth No. 2, the second vessel in the past several days to use the berth. The berth had been idle all season until recently even as ships anchored out on Lake Superior waiting for the elevator’s other loading berth.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Twin Ports

10/22

Normally quiet AGP elevator in Duluth is again hosting back-to-back salties. Alexandr Nevskiy took a quick load Oct. 20, clearing about midnight. Federal Rhine was anchored in Duluth harbor waiting its turn under the spouts at midday Oct. 21.

Kinsman Independent was set to arrive in Duluth on Oct. 21 and make an unusual call at the General Mills elevator rather than its usual stop at the Peavey elevator in Superior.

The Reiss Inland dock up the St. Louis River in Duluth is busier than usual this season. Its latest visitor is scheduled to be Charles E. Wilson on Oct. 21.

Great Lakes Fleets triplets are all in the stone trade for the next few days. Cason J. Callaway is due into Duluth with stone on Oct. 22, followed by Arthur M. Anderson on the 23 and the Philip R. Clarke shortly after that. Meanwhile, John G. Munson is scheduled to make a rare appearance in St. Ignace on Oct. 22.

GLF’s Calcite II also is due to call in Port Colborne Oct. 21 to load for Cleveland.

Reported by: Al Miller

Welland Canal Traffic busy with Fall Grain Rush

10/22

There were 13 vessels downbound on Sundayafternoon with several more ETAs for Port Colborne and Port Weller entrances.

Many of the boats were in process of hauling grain from the Lakehead to St. Lawrence River Ports.

Tuesday night for example S.S. Algoriver (x John A. France) made a routine stop at the Port Colborne fuel dock enroute back in Thunder Bay for more grain.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority makes profit

10/22

St. Lawrence Seaway Authority made a profit for the 1996-1997 fiscal year for the third consecutive year. The authority had net operating income of Canadian $7.3 million/U.S.$5.3 million and had C$5.1 million/U.S.$3.7 million more in revenues. Total toll revenue was C$88.6 million/U.S.$64.3 million, an increase from C$83.5 million/U.S.$60.6 million in 1995-1996. Total traffic was at its highest since 1988, near 50 million tons. The 1996 navigation season of 272 days saw 3,953 vessel transits, up from 3,868 the year before. While grain cargoes were less, coal, general cargo, ore and steel all increased.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Diver drowns exploring shipwreck off Milwaukee

10/21

A 34-year-old man from Downers Grove, Ill., drowned the morning of 18 Oct. while diving with 11 other people off Milwaukee. Martin G. Petik, who had three years of diving experience, was found “free floating” over an engine room skylight of the Prins Willem V and was entangled in a guy wire. He was not wearing his air tanks though they contained 810 kilograms/1,800 pounds of air, enough for about 45 minutes in those conditions. Other divers attempted to give him air and when that failed, brought him to the Lender, a 9.8-meter/32-foot boat, at 0945 from 21 meters/70 feet of water. The boat is operated by Pirate’s Cove Diving Inc. A call was sent about 1000 to the U.S. Coast Guard and Milwaukee Fire Department personnel were taken to the Lender by a Milwaukee Police Department boat. A Coast Guard 12-meter/41-foot utility boat then took Petik to shore where an ambulance and a medical evacuation helicopter were waiting. He died later that day.

The Prins Willem V, a Dutch-registry 1,567-gt steel general cargo ship, sank after colliding with a tank barge at 1916 14 Oct., 1954, about 2.5 kilometers/four miles and 92 degrees off Milwaukee’s harbor. The Prins Willem V suffered a 6.1-meter/20-foot by 2.4-meter/eight-foot hole in its starboard side that flooded the engine room. The ship sailed east three kilometers/two miles before sinking bow first at 2030. The 30 crewmembers boarded lifeboats and were rescued. The 78.6-meter/258-foot ship has a 45-degree list and is in 27 meters/90 feet of water with 12 meters/40 feet above the wreck. It carried general cargo including television tubes and was to transit the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Prins Willem V had been scuttled in the Netherlands on 10 May, 1940, to block a waterway during World War II. It was raised and returned to service in 1949 for Oranje Line.

Petik is the fourth person to be killed exploring the Prins Willem V. In 1992, Paul Yost, 35, was found deep inside the shipwreck with empty air tanks. In 1989, a man was found dead in the engine room and a 15-year-old boy died in 1985 after he was tangled in a winch cable.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Historic marker set to commemorate church

10/20

Yesterday’s Detroit News reported that Michigan’s secretary of state, Candice Miller, plans to speak today at the unveiling of a state historic marker at Mariner’s Church, downtown on Jefferson between Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center. The plaque commemorates the landmark church’s founding in 1842.

Reported by: Detroit News

Recovery of 19th century logs less than expected

10/21

Superior Water-Logged Lumber Co., which has been salvaging logs near Ashland, Wis., that sank in the 19th century, has said that this year its operations have recovered less than 100 hardwood trees of about 800 collected, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by Dave Umhoefer on 18 Oct. Varieties collected included hemlock, red oak, red pine, sugar maple, white ash and yellow birch. The company had planned on recovering up to 30,000 logs this year and estimated that U.S.$30 million worth of logs were on only a few of the 10-hectare/40-acre sites licensed. To meet orders, Superior Water-Logged Lumber has been buying from other firms such as Wassarosen Co., which found 144 hardwoods this year of 215 total.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber installed a new president, David Neitzke, in August. He said the smaller numbers were due to mismanagement, poor sites in Chequamegon Bay and a slow and confused permit process. Part of the problem may be that several firms have applied for permits after hearing of prices paid for the salvaged logs, with more than 800 permits pending. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has allocated more staff to the permits and so far has not denied any.

Superior Water-Logged Lumber started in 1992 but began its intensive operations this summer. Neitzke said that the firm has sonar images that indicate better sites are available, although a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources search found few or no logs at sites chosen by the company as top priorities.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

10/20

The western end of Lake Superior was busy this afternoon. The Edgar B. Speer and the Presque Isle were both at Two Harbors loading while fleetmate Philip R. Clarke departed Duluth. Within a few hours, the Columbia Star departed Duluth and passed the inbound Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. about eight miles from the Duluth piers. The McCarthy was headed in to wait for the Paul R. Tregurtha, which had taken its turn at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal after the Columbia Star departed. The Stewart J. Cort also departed Superior at about the same time the Columbia Star left Duluth, so 6 of the 13 1000-footers were within 30 miles of each other on Lake Superior this afternoon.

After a prolonged absence, Canadian Century is returning to the BN ore dock in Superior Oct. 19 for the second time in a week.

The grain traffic for salties remains strong in Duluth-Superior. Over the weekend of Oct. 18-19, Snow Rose and Oak were anchored on Lake Superior and expecting to come into port shortly, and Dobrush, Mini Cebi and Alexander Nevsky are expected to arrive. The Nevsky, a Russian ship, is due into the AGP elevator in Duluth, a normally quiet elevator that has hosted several vessels lately.

Reported by: Al Miller and Jody L. Aho

Group to buy Clipper

10/20

The current owners agreed to sell the former car ferry for $1. The Milwaukee Clipper, which appeared heading for certain scrap last month, soon could be sailing back to its former home port after its owners agreed to sell the former car ferry for $1.00 to a Muskegon group.

Jim Plant, President of the Great Lakes Clipper Preservation Association, calls it “one step closer on a very tall ladder. We’re very cautious and don’t want to falsely raise hopes, but we certainly are encouraged”.

Bob Nelson, Director of the Hammond Marina, said “what we did is tell the Great Lakes Milwaukee Clipper Preservation Association, ‘The ship is yours. Now find a way to get it out of here.'”

The group is now working with the Hammond Port Authority and Empress Casino, on a proposal for towing the ship to Muskegon. The article also mentioned concerns from local government officials. Up to this point, the group has not sought funding because a purchase agreement had not been signed. Once the details are ironed out, the group will begin fundraising and membership drives.

Reported by: George P. Micka IV

Japanese Ships Cleared For U.S.Ports

10/20

Breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Japan headed off a brewing trade war and Japanese ships can still enter and leave U.S. ports. Although the complete agreement has not been finalized, both sides feel it is clearly in reach. U.S. Maritime Commission has rescinded its earlier ban on Japanese ships in U.S.ports and have agreed to hold off until Monday, October 20th to reassess developments. Payment of fines by Japan would still be necessary for permanent lifting of the original order. Attorneys for Japan’s three largest shipping lines said yesterday that the companies have no intention of paying the fines at that time. The United States argues that Japanese ports discriminate against non-Japanese ships and push up costs. They also require all ships to receive prior approval for even the most operational changes in handling cargo at its ports. A general overhaul of policies with alternate systems put in place would seem to be required to end this serious trade dispute.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Calcite II make rare trip up Menomonee

10/18

The Calcite II, an occasional visitor to Milwaukee this year with salt, made a rare trip up the Menomonee River today with a delivery of stone to a local concrete company. At one time the Menomonee river valley was the center of maritime traffic in Milwaukee. The valley was filed with coal companies that received coal by boat, so many deliveries that Great Lakes Towing crewed their tugs around the clock to handle the load. The last regular fleet to venture up the valley was Huron Cement. The ‘Crapo’, with it’s steam whistle blowing for the bridges, was a regular visitor until LaFarge built their new silo in the outer harbor. Today the only river traffic left consists of tug/barges that shuttle coal to the Wisconsin Electric plant and the Triton/St. Marys Cement I.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Water Control board to improve Lake St. Lawrence levels

10/18

The St Lawrence Water Control board will carry out a a one day reduction of 200 m3/s water flow on October 18 to improve low levels of Lake St. Lawrence to aid the removal of large recreational boats at several marinas.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Order Bars Japanese Ships From U.S.Ports; Trade Dispute Escalates

10/18

On September 4th, the United States began imposing a sanction of $100,000 per port visit on 3 Japanese shipping companies. The companies–Kawasaki Kisen Kaisa Ltd., Mitsuit O.S.K Lines Ltd., and Nippon Yusen KK. These companies carry about a third of U.S.-Japanese shipping traffic. These companies had until Wednesday, October 15th to actually begin paying these sanctions of over 4 billion dollars. They missed the deadline because they claim talks to resolve the trade dispute were still underway. On Thursday, October 16th, the U.S.Maritime Commission, an independent federal agency that enforces shipping regulations in U.S.ports voted 4 to 0 to direct the Coast Guard to keep Japanese ships from entering U.S. ports and to detain Japanese ships already in American harbors. Barring an 11th hour agreement between the two sides, the action against Japanese ships will have begun yesterday Friday, October 17th. The U.S. sanctions apply only to cargo ships and not oil tankers and are in retaliation for what American officials see as restrictive practices against shippers in Japanese ports. More than 180 billion dollars worth of goods travel between our country and Japan each year. Thursdays action marks the first time in more than a decade that the United States has imposed trade sanctions on Japan and it is believed to be the first time the maritime commission has used statutory authority to block another country’s entire shipping fleet.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Twin Ports shipping

10/17

An infrequent visitor to the Twin Ports loaded today at the BNSF ore docks in Superior.The Canadian Century loaded taconite pellets at that facility. The Century makes maybe one or two trips a year into the Twin Ports,usually for pellets or on a rare occasions for a grain cargo.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Great Lakes Maritime Academy accepting new cadets

10/17

Setting aside its long held schedule of accepting new cadets only in the summer, The Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan will now be accepting new cadets for the winter semester beginning in January of 1998. This change was brought about by the increased need for qualified officers to operate the U.S. flag vessels on the Lakes. Anyone interested in learning more about the Academy should call 1-800-748-0566 extension 1200.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Lakes Stone Trade Remains Strong

10/17

Stone shipments from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4.7 million tons in September, an increase of 9.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

For the season, stone shipments stand at 27.2 million tons, an increase of 10.4 percent

Reported by: Lake Carriers Association

Medusa Reports Record Third Quarter Earnings

10/17

For the third quarter of 1997, Medusa Corporation reported net income of $23.7 million, a 7% improvement from $22.1 million in 1996’s third quarter. On a per share basis, earnings were $1.41 compared with $1.38 (primary) and $1.27 (fully diluted) a year earlier.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 was $43.9 million, a 15% improvement over net income of $38.3 million in 1996. On a per share basis, earnings were $2.61 compared with $2.37 per share (primary) and $2.23 (fully diluted) in the first nine months of 1996.

For the first nine months, net sales increased 15% to $277.1 million. Cement sales were almost 6% higher than 1996’s level with volume up more than 4% and prices up more than 1%.

Medusa expects that its cement plants will continue to operate at practical capacity for the remainder of 1997 and that its cement shipments for the year will exceed 1996 levels. Year end cement inventories are expected to be lower than last year, reflecting strong demand.

Medusa Corporation produces and sells portland and masonry cements; mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, home & garden and industrial limestone products; and provides construction services for highway safety. Medusa operations are principally in the eastern half of the United States.

Reported by: Company press release

News from the Twin Ports

10/16

H.M. Griffith is becoming a regular at the BN ore dock in Superior. The vessel was back again Oct. 15.

Some interesting coal action as the Northshore Mining Co. in Silver Bay, Minn., stocks up for the winter. Fred R. White Jr. loaded at Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior on Oct. 14 and hauled its cargo to Silver Bay. It’s unusual to see a Columbia boat under 1,000 feet hauling coal out of port. The next day, Indiana Harbor loaded coal in Superior for Silver Bay. It’s also unusual to see a 1,000-footer on these short-hauls for coal.

Reported by: Al Miller

Port Stanley’s first soy bean ship

10/16

Topnotch the west side of the harbour, received the cargo ship Mantadoc which was loading 12,000 tons of soybeans for Sorel Quebec. The vessel will stop of at Hamilton to get topped off before heading to Sorel. Mantadoc will then return to Port Stanley for another ship load of soyabeans. All soyabeans are then sold to Norway.

Reported by: Richard Hill

High winds send vessels to Keweenaw Waterway

10/16

Mondays winds, some in excess of 60 miles per hour sent members of the Oglebay Norton fleet to the Keweenaw Waterway to seek refuge. The Str. Courtney Burton, and the MV Fred R. White, Jr. sought shelter from the gales.

Reported by: Jim Grill

New Fitzgerald Video Available

10/16

The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigation was inspired by the success of the EDMUND FITZGERALD INTERACTIVE EXPLORER.. which is only available for IBM users. A MAC version would be too expensive to produce, and we decided it would be better to create a VHS documentary with the information that everyone could use.

Created by IMAGEWORKS, Ltd.. the documentary includes interviews and video included in the ROM, but more importantly uses extra interviews that wouldn’t fit on the disc. The half hour program also includes more on the Fitzgerald’s construction, and new information and comments from the men in charge of the 1989 3-D exploration of the Fitzgerald.

New interviews are also included with Capt Jimmy Hobaugh, the skipper who braved one of Superior’s worst storms to look for survivors.

The Edmund Fitzgerald Investigation is the only videotape to chronicle ALL of the expeditions.. from the initial Coast Guard investigation to the removal of the bell in 1995.

The video is $19.95 and is just now going out into stores. You can also call Imageworks toll free at 1-888-747-TAPE to get a copy. Ordering by mail will include shipping and handling charges.

Cuyahoga shuts down Amherstburg Channel

10/15

The Cuyahoga blocked the Amherstburg Channel in the Detroit River Tuesday evening while she unloaded a cargo at Bob-Lo Island. The Cuyahoga caused several vessel, including the St. Clair to use the Livingston Channel for upbound transits. The Amherstburg channel is restricted to upbound traffic and the Livingston for Downbound. Vessels were allowed to transit up the Livingston based on their call in time, a practice only seen in the winter when the Amherburg Channel is closed. The Cuyahoga cleared Bob-Lo about 10:40, heading up to Fighting Island S. light and turning down bound.

Reported by: Neil Schultheiss

More on Anglo-Eastern Montreal

10/15

Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. has formed Anglo-Eastern Montreal. It is reportedly the first full ship management firm in Canada set-up by a foreign ship operator and replaces a liaison office formed in 1993. Anglo-Eastern Montreal is the third such office of Anglo-Eastern Ship Management and currently operates the Arctic and the Arctic Trader, two Canadian-registry ships with Canadian citizens as crewmembers. Anglo-Eastern Montreal plans to manage up to 10 ships by the end of its first year.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Polish Steamship orders five new ships

10/15

On 14 Oct., Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. received an order to build five 34,600-dwt geared bulk carriers for Polish Steamship Co. The order is reportedly worth 16 billion Japanese yen/U.S.$130 million. Deliveries will start in March 1998 in two month intervals and the order is covered by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry’s trade insurance. The Lakemax vessels will replace ships calling in the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Canadian Century to visit Twin Ports

10/14

Canadian Century is scheduled to make a rare appearance in the Twin Ports on Oct. 14 when it calls at the BN ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Great Lakes Coal Trade Up 5.8 Percent In September

10/14

Coal shipments from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4,450,973 net tons in September, an increase of 5.8 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, the Lakes coal trade stands at 26.6 million tons, an increase of 16.3 percent. The most significant increase has come at Lake Erie ports. In respond to increased demand from a Canadian utility, shipments from Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut have increased 22.4 percent to 14.3 million tons.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Ship operator opens office in Montreal

10/14

Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. has formed Anglo-Eastern Montreal. It is reportedly the first full ship management firm in Canada set-up by a foreign ship operator. Anglo-Eastern Montreal is the third office of Anglo-Eastern Ship Management.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

City of Midland conversion update

10/13

Work on the City of Midland 41 doesn’t show from the outside, but this past weekend they had the after pilot house cut all the way around. It appeared that the work crews were getting ready to lift it off with the crane. There has been a lot of cutting inside and the whole boat smells like a house that has burned. Crews have been removing the fixture, furnishings, etc. Stuff is piled everywhere.

Reported by: Max Hanley and A HREF=”http://www.t-one.net/msh/spcm/”>George Micka

News from the Twin Ports

10/13

Kinsman Independent loaded at the Harvest States Elevator berth 2 this weekend, apparently the first time this season the berth has been used for loading. The ship was hurrying Sunday to beat the rain so it could depart. Meanwhile, the saltie Vulcan was loading on the other side at Berth 1

A pair of Interlake boats are making an unusual call at Two Harbors. Charles M. Beeghly arrived there Oct. 12. Elton Hoyt II is due in Oct. 13.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway statistics

10/13

Eight million tons of grain moved through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the St. Lawrence Seaway by the end of September, compared to 7.19 million tons for the same period last year. The increased tonnage is reportedly due, in part, to more grain being loaded at Thunder Bay, Ontario. China is buying less wheat and the Canadian Wheat Board is therefore selling more to the Carribean and Europe. Wheat for China moves through Pacific coast ports, while Carribean and European cargoes are by the seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

C. COLUMBUS Visits Toledo

10/13

The German cruise ship c.COLUMBUS arrived in Toledo, from Port Colborne, about 1/2 hour ahead of time Saturday morning. She made a pretty picture coming thru the bridges in the early morning sun, escorted by the “G” Tugs TENNESSEE and IDAHO. The trio made their way thru the Martin Luther King (formerly Cherry St.) Bridge, and then spun her around in the middle of downtown. She docked at the Maritime Plaza, just down stream of the bridge. Most of the passengers were on deck for the trip up the Maumee River, and many went to the dining room for breakfast after the boat was docked.

Very few spectators were on hand for the arrival, but the crowd grew as motorists on the bridge saw the large white liner close to the bridge. TV camera appeared within a short period as word spread.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

End of season for the Lake Michigan Carferry

10/13

Today was the last day of the 1997 season for the S.S. Badger. She arrived Ludington at about 7:12 PM. As she entered the channel, the crowd that had gathered started waving, horns started honking, and the Badger answered with her whistle, and the her passengers waved back. Able-bodied seaman Scott Peck was standing by the pilot house, playing his bagpipes.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Former Canada Ports president fined

10/13

Jean-Maurice Tessier, former president of Canada Ports Corp., has been fined Canadian$3,300/U.S.$2,400 after he pleaded guilty to expense account fraud and several charges were dropped. Tessier left the job in September 1995 on extended sick leave and was charged by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police last year. Tessier pleaded guilty to overbilling his expense account C$7,744/U.S.$5,617.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Iglehart carrying fly-ash

10/13

A few days ago the J.A.W. Iglehart was docked in Marysville loading. The ILM ships don’t usually stop there. The Iglehart was loading fly-ash for the production of cement in Alpena.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Duluth-Superior figures

10/13

Cargo moved through the ports of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., is up 7 percent through August. Some 20.9 million metric tons was handled, compared to 19.6 million metric tons for the same period last year. The figure is down 3 percent from the five year average of 21.5 million metric tons. In 1996, domestic cargo was up 12.6 percent to 16.4 million metric tons while international trade was down 8 percent to 4.4 million metric tons.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Algoriver visits Indiana Harbor

10/13

The Algoriver was unloading at Inland Steel at Indiana Harbor on Saturday. She was scheduled to leave sometime yesterday,10/12. The Algoriver is truly a rare visitor here.

Reported by: Gary Clark

Canada to change oil spill liabilities

10/13

Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette reintroduced legislative changes updating Parts IX and XVI of the Canada Shipping Act on 8 Oct. The changes will more than double the potential liability for oil spills by shipowners to a maximum of Canadian$270 million/U.S.$196 million. The current maximum is C$120 million/U.S.$87 million based on the International Convention Relating to the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Sea-Going Vessels of 1957. Canada will then become part of the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976 and its 1996 protocol. Also, the amendments will impleent the 1992 protocol to the Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969 and the Convention on the International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage of 1971. Shipowners will now also be allowed to recover the cost of pollution prevention and there will be special provisions for liability limits for ships of less than 300-gt as well as liability by shipowners for passengers. Compensation will be available for oil pollution damage caused by empty tankers immediately after a voyage.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

LaFarge plant back in service

10/11

The LaFarge plant in Alpena is back on-line after a brief interruption. The only vessels to lay up were the M/V Paul H. Townsend and S.S. J.A.W. Iglehart. The S.S. Alpena and the ITB Jacklyn M./Integrity remained in service. The Iglehart is scheduled to return to service 10-16 or sooner if the plant caches up on production. The Townsend is likely to return toward the end of the month.

Reported by: Stu Schmitz

Algolake visits Port Stanley

10/11

The harbour has been very quit, until Thursday 10:00am when the ALGOLAKE self-unloader delivered 23,000 tons of coal on the east side of the harbour for Lakes Terminals & Warehousing. The ship was done at 15:30 hours and had to race back to Ashtabula Ohio to beat a nother ship to get loaded of coal, which is heading down Lake Erie near Niagra when it’s done in Ashtabula. “FULL STEAM AHEAD” the captian said.

Reported by: Richard Hill

LaFarge plant out of operation

10/10

Reports are that the LaFarge cement plant was out of operation on 10-8-97 due to two of the three cement processers being out of order. The fleet of three vessels and one tub/barge combo will be laid up for at least 8 days. All crew members are laid off until repairs are completed.

Reported by: B. Kenwood

Saguenay arrives in Thunder Bay

10/10

The tug AVENGER IV and dead ship M.V.SAGUENAY arrived in Thunder Bay early Wednesday morning (see original story dated 10/1). The two waited at anchor until day break, then entered port with the help of the tug POINT VALOUR. The tow headed to the south side of the C.N. Ore dock, where the M.V.SAGUENAY tied up, bow in.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Unusual USS Transfers off Lorain

10/10

An unusual set of taconite transfers took place off Lorain, Ohio this week. EDGAR B. SPEER arrived off Lorain and anchored late on Tuesday the 7th. She was met by ARTHUR M. ANDERSON. ANDERSON pulled alonside the SPEER and received a load via the SPEER’s shuttle conveyor and proceeded up the Black River to the Lorain USS/Kobe Steel Plant. GEORGE A. SLOAN arrived later, from Detroit, and went through the same procedure. SLOAN came down the river, after unloading, and headed for Stoneport on Thursday morning. JOHN G. MUNSON had loaded from the SPEER during the night and headed up the river after SLOAN cleared the breakwater. SPEER headed back up Lake Erie behind SLOAN.

Judging by the scanner traffic between the skippers of the SLOAN and MUNSON, these trips aren’t the favorite mission for the smaller USS boats. One captain mentioned that this type of transfer was being scheduled again in the near future. The reply was “I hope I’m up in Lake Superior when they do it”.

During much of the USS river traffic, EARL W. OGLEBAY was loading at the Lorain Pellet Terminal with a load for LTV Steel up the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. Once the USS boats cleared, MESABI MINER appeared and backed into the harbor to unload at the pellet terminal. OGLEBAY finally started her trip after MINER was tied up. OGLEBAY arrived at the Cleveland breakwater about 3:30 PM Thursday afternoon.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

News from the twin Ports

10/10

Gale-force winds Oct. 9 on western Lake Superior affected some ships in the Twin Ports. Charles E. Wilson tied up at the port terminal to wait for wind to ease before transitting the harbor’s front channel to load at BN ore dock. St. Clair was forced to wait several hours before attempting to enter Two Harbors.

Canadian Transport departed Duluth on Oct. 9 and proceeded down the lake about 10 miles before turning around and returning to calmer waters off Duluth to transfer off a crewman for a medical emergency. There’s no word on the nature of the problem.

Federal Bergen was in the steel berth at the Duluth Port Terminal on Oct. 9. The ship called at the terminal on the heels of Florentia’s departure earlier. It’s unusual to get two ships in the terminal in the same week.

Reported by: Al Miller

Port Weller Dry Docks to get new equipment after union approves contract

10/09

(St. Catharines, Ont.) – Encouraged by Port Weller Dry Docks’ employees endorsement of a new five-year labour contract, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. announced today that it would proceed with the purchase and installation of advanced technological equipment, valued at $5 million, at its Port Weller division.

On Sunday, at the Ramada Parkway Inn, Port Weller employees, members of the International Boilermakers Union, Local 680, voted 75 percent in favor of a new five-year contract valid until May 2003.

“The support of our employees assures long-term stability in our operations at Port Weller,” Charles Payne, General Manager said.

“We can now go ahead with major capital improvements in the latest state-of-the-art technology. This will enable us to confidently bid on highly competitive shipbuilding and ship repairing contracts, many of which will require several years to secure and complete. It will also provide attractive new opportunities for our metal fabrication department,” Payne added.

Major components of the new equipment to be installed over the next six to nine months include: numerically controlled plasma arc steel-cutting machine; Robotic-operated steel profile cutting and welding equipment, and semi-automated panel fabricating production line.

The five-year contract provides for wage increases for the first three years tied to the Consumer Price Index and increases in contract benefits and pension contributions. The last two years provide for full CPI protection for the employees.

A profit sharing plan will also be included during the life of the new contract.

Alan S. Thoms, President, Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering, Port Weller’s parent company, described the union vote as “good news for the company, the employees and the St. Catharines-Niagara community”. Other CSE divisions include Pascol Engineering, Thunder Bay; Lansdowne Technologies, Ottawa; Canal Marine and CSE Marine Services, both of St. Catharines.

Port Weller Dry Docks is the only Canadian full-service shipyard throughout the Great Lakes system. Founded in 1946, the firm celebrated its 50th anniversary last year when at peak periods 450 employees were at work.

Summer employment this year averaged 350. At present the HMCS Athabaskan, a Canadian Navy destroyer, is undergoing a major overhaul with 325 working at various stages of the $6 million job.

Repairs Completed, Ship Leaves After A Long Wait

10/08

After an unplanned lengthy layover at Cape Vincent, the cargo ship Seba M and its crew of 22 departed Sunday, October 5th at 10:15 PM for Chicago. All of the crew had to remain on board during the 16 day wait as they were foreign nationals. Parts to repair the mechanical problems had to be obtained fron Japan and shipped here to this upstate New York village on the St. Lawrence Seaway. When repairs were completed, according to Rhonda M Worden,spokeswoman for the Seaway Development Corporation, both the United States and Canadian Seaway Authority representives and the U.S.Coast Guard went aboard to inspect the ship and the crew started the engine 16 times for the officials and they cleared it for transit.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Delphine Lives!

10/08

The following is an article that appears in the current issue of the Modoc Whistle, the news letter of the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society:

Last week it was reported on the internet Maritime History Discussion Group that, on September 26, a fine -hulled, riveted steel vessel of about 80 meters had arrived at the port of Zebrugge, Belgium, from Marseilles, France behind the Polish tug POSEJDON.

The writer was impressed by her beautiful lines and large brass whistle. She was painted bright white, had a ram bow and cruiser stern, and on her transom was the name DELPHINE. There was a question as to her identity and i suggested the possibility that she might be the 1921 former Horace Dodge yacht DELPHINE – perhaps the finest yacht ever built or sailed on the Lakes – as the description given matched the boat.

Though she had been reported scrapped as long as 25 years ago, this indeed turned out to be her. She had been languishing in French and Spanish ports for years, but is now scheduled to be rebuilt by Belgian parties as a cruise or charter vessel. She still retains her 76-year-old triple-expansion steam engine, which will also be refurbished. She was the largest private yacht ever to sail the Great Lakes. For more about her fascinating career, see Great Lakes Ships We Remember II, by the Detroit Marine Historical Society [Marine Historical Society of Detroit].

Reported by Dave Swayze

News from the Seaway

10/08

Salty visitors on a first trip to the Seaway and Great Lakes include:

Lis Weber-DAN, ’79, 1100 DWT, this small vessel wil be in Cleveland early November, perhaps the smallest salty this year.

>Snowrose-MAL, ’78 14382 grt standard bulk carrier is in the Seaway bound for Detroit

Kevser Gunes-TUR, ’94, 7289 GRT was above Sarnia on Sunday bound for Sault St Marie

In early November a series of large heavy crated reactors and reactor parts is due to leave Sarnia Ontario on a 45 day voyage to China, conditional upon delivery there by December 25/97. A suitable ship has not yet been found.

A formidable bridge structure was double barged down the Southshore Canal to Montreal and was transferred to the seagoing barge Ocean Hauler by The Port of Montreal/St Lawrence Seaway Authority 750ton capacity mobile floating crane Hercules. The tow departed Montreal for Boston USA October 05/97. The tow is by Cdn. tug Jerry Newberry.

The tug Daniel McAllister has been sold to the Port of Montreal for use as a Museum in the old Port of Montreal adjacent to the inactive lake Comeaudoc (R.Beauchamp)

The CCCG vessel Eider-Can, was broken up during the last year at Louiseville Qc. where she has lain since 1978. This ex WWII landing ship was converted to a multi-purpose vessel for Northern operations and was very active in the CDN Arctic from the late 50’s. (R.Beauchamp)

The 156,000 ton tanker Romea Champion-LIB now in Quebec City will not be entering the Seaway this trip. Amongst other things she exceeds the bridge heights.

The pusher tug Dixie Commander-USA and barge DXE 1640 05 (9.946 GRT) entered the St Lawrence Gulf via the Cabot Straits, Newfoundland and are now at the Ultramar berth in Montreal East

Reported by: John Whitehead and R.Beauchamp

ULS Marbulk to convert ships

10/08

ULS Marbulk Inc., a subsidiary of Upper Lakes Group Inc., will convert two bulk carriers to self-unloading vessels. The two are likely the Richmond Hill and the Thornhill, 37,939-dwt, 193.8-meter/635.8-foot motor bulk carriers built in 1981.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

October 1 Vessel Report

10/08

On October 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 63 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. This total represents a decrease of one ship compared to a year ago. As of the survey date, a 635-foot-long self-unloader was in the shipyard for minor repairs and a liquid-bulk barge and a self-propelled tanker were in short-term lay-up.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement. The CRAPO was recently disenrolled from LCA.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Lloyd’s Register of Shipping reaches milestone

10/08

Lloyd’s Register of Shipping has become the first non-U.S. classification society authorized to survey and plan approvals for ships on behalf of the U.S. Coast Guard. The society will be an alternative to the American Bureau of Shipping.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Challenger damaged by water spout

10/07

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 5 while passing White Shoal Light on their way to Charleviox, the Medusa Challenger found itself in the middle of a water spout. As the skies turned black and the crest of the waves were being blown in a horizontal direction, it began to hail violently. A spotlight on the pilothouse bridge wing lifted out of its support and crews bikes stored on deck began to rise vertically. At the same time the 1906 built boat was vibrating in an unusual manner. It was all over in 10 minutes. The Challenger’s anemometer was of no use in measuring the wind as it “pegged” itself in both directions. Another boat in the area reported wind gusts of almost 100 mph in the brief storm. That same day the eastern UP was hit with a violet storm that blew down trees a foot in diameter.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

c. Columbus draws a crowd in Duluth

10/07

The German cruise ship Columbus turned out to be quite a tourist attraction in its own right during its stay at Duluth. Hundreds of curious onlookers turned out Oct.4 to watch the vessel depart.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Welland on ULS Flatback steamers

10/07

ULS’s Seaway Queen stopped at the fuel dock in Port Colborne-enroute to a St. Lawrence River port. This marks her first run for the season–she is carring grain from Thunder Bay. She was at Port Weller for her 5 year earlier in the season-only to go to Toronto for a 2 month fit-out. She is expected to finish off the season. (She looked good loaded and freshly painted.)

Quebecois passed her while she was at the fuel dock also downbound from the Lakehead. (Other ULS (Flat back) steamers are also running-namily Can. Mariner,Leader and Montrealais. Each of these ships have been throught the Welland in the last Week.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

News from the Twin Ports

10/07

Grain traffic remains brisk in the Twin Ports. On Oct. 6 the Canadian Venture was loading at General Mills and Great Laker was at AGP, both in Duluth. Lake Champlain was docked at Harvest States elevator in its unused Berth 2. No indication on whether it was going to load there or was just using it as a layby berth. Vulcan was anchored on the lake waiting for Harvest States and Kalliope was anchored out waiting for Peavey. Olympic Merit is due in Oct. 6 to load at the Peavey elevator in Superior.

The Reiss Inland dock, located several miles up the St. Louis River, has received several ships this fall. Most recent was Oct. 6 when Reserve called there to unload stone.

Reported by: Al Miller

Greenpeace protests disrupts coal unloading

10/07

Five members of Greenpeace prevented a ship from unloading coal 6 Oct. at a storage area of Lakeview Thermal Generating Station in Mississauga, Ontario. The five, wearing a banner that read “Coal Kills, Go Solar,” chained themselves to a hopper used in handling coal. The action was taken in protest of plans by Ontario Hydro to increase its use of coal to compensate for the closure of seven nuclear generating facilities. The coal originated in Pennsylvania and was loaded in Ohio.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Update on the Saguenay and c. Columbus

10/06

The Saguenay tow entered the St. Mary’s River yesterday (5th) just after 14:00 and made very slow progress. The Scott Purvis assisted the tow through the river. The Saguenay tow is just now entering the locks. (09:20EST ) Avenger IV on bow with Scott Purvis on stern. The tow must have stopped overnight.

C. Columbus is presently moored at the Bondar Dock in Sault, Ontario.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

Canadian seaway legislation introduced

10/06

On 2 Oct., Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette introduced legislation to commercialize Canadian operaton of the St. Lawrence Seaway and reform Canadian ports. The bill is essentially identical to a December 1995 version that died in April when an election was held. Under the bill, the seaway would be commercialized through agreements between the government and non-profit user groups. Management of Canada’s major ports would by handled by a board of directors.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Michigan law on photographs takes effect

10/06

As of 1 Oct., it is a felony to take photographs of human remains in Michigan waters without written permission of relatives. Violating the law is punishable by up to two years in prison and a U.S.$5,000 fine. Exceptions are allowed for court orders, law enforcement actions, or for archaeological, medical or scientific purposes. Sponsored by Rep. Pat Gagliardi, the bill was passed after a 1994 expedition to the Edmund Fitzgerald that located a body. A U.S.-registry bulk carrier owned and operated by Oglebay Norton Co.’s Columbia Transportation Division, the Edmund Fitzgerald, loaded with iron ore, broke in half and sank 10 Nov., 1975, about 24 kilometers/15 miles off Whitefish Point, Mich. All 29 crewmembers were killed. The 222.28-meter/729.25-foot ship was sailing from Superior, Wis., to Detroit and was built in 1958 by Great Lakes Engineering Works at River Rouge, Mich. Fred Shannon, who led the expedition, included brief images of the remains in a videotape released last year. The body was not identifiable. A group of relatives of the ship’s crew requested the legislation in response. Critics have said that the bill might have broader effects than intended.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Engine part for vessel anchored at Cape Vincent is due

10/05

The cargo ship, Seba M, that has been stranded off the shoreline of Cape Vincent, New York for the past 16 days with air compressor problems is finally expected to receive the part needed for repair. This foreign-made part was apparently not accessible in either the United States or Canada and had to be ordered from Japan. While the St Lawrence Seaway Authority had originally predicted that the ship would be able to resume its journey to Chicago within 2 days after its breakdown September 18th, the difficulty in obtaining parts has meant a prolonged stay for this ocean-going ship. Some Cape Vincent residents have expressed interest in the fact that ships using United States waters and experiencing mechanical problems are so dependent on other countries for parts and that they are not obtainable in our country. After this length of time, Cape residents are becoming use to seeing the massive hulk of the Seba M anchored near their village break-wall. When it is finally able to depart, the sight of this shabby old craft will probably be missed by some.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Saguenay tow making progress

10/04

CSL’s Saguenay passed St. Clair, Michigan upbound on Friday evening at dusk (7:30 pm) with the tug Avenger IV on the bow and the Patricia Hoey (I believe) along her port side. I’m not sure if there was a third tug involved on the starboard side. She is head to Thunder Bay to aid in the clean up effort of the harbor (see story dated 10/1). The tow appeared to be making approximately 4 or 5 mph. It’s a little hard to believe that a 1964-built, diesel self-unloader is done sailing for her intended purpose.

Reported by: J. Luke and Andrew Severson

Ship damages dock in Windsor

10/04

The Nea Doxa (Greek-registry 17,882-gt, 30,820-dwt, 188.14-meter/617.25-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1984, operated by Fafalios Shipping S.A.) collided with a dock at Morterm Ltd. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on 1 Oct. The ship sustained a small dent to its starboard side but the dock has considerable damage.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

C. Columbus arrives in Duluth

10/04

At 7:30 this morning, the German passenger vessel C. Columbus arrived at the Duluth Aerial Bridge. It made a nearly 180 degree turn around the traffic buoy near Cargill Elevator to position herself to tie up behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

A possible problem with the vessel’s docking was solved after some quick last-minute planning yesterday. After manual soundings were taken of the area behind the DECC, it was discovered that the water depth at the dock edge was not enough for the C. Columbus’ 18’6″ draft. However, a few feet out from the dock edge, the water depth was sufficient. It seems local authorities were told the ship’s draft is 16.5 feet, the discrepancy may have been in the difference between the ship’s draft in saltwater versus fresh water. DECC officials were able to obtain several large tires from the D. M & I. R. Railway in Two Harbors and had them trucked down to Duluth, where a crane was put in place along Harbor Drive to lower them to be fastened to the dock. Workers did not finish making the last minute modifications to the dock until 1:30 this morning, just hours before the C. Columbus arrived. The vessel docked with no problems.

Reported by: Al Miller and Jody L. Aho

Algorail visits Holland

10/04

Holland saw a small change in routine 10/2, as the Algorail tied up at Verplank’s to deliver salt at 2130. Of the twenty deliveries this season, she is the first vessel other than an Ogelbay Norton ship to unload in this port.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

Elmglen damaged in allision near Quebec

10/03

The Vekua (Maltese-registry 10,948-gt, 16,231-dwt, 151.31-meter/496.42-foot motor tanker built in 1987, operated by Anglo-Georgian Shipping Co. Ltd.) collided with the Elmglen (13,884-gt, 207-meter/678-foot barge built in 1952 by Port Weller Dry Docks Ltd. at St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; operated by Groupe Ocean Inc.) on 1 Oct. near Quebec at 46 degrees 49 minutes north, 71 degrees 12 minutes west. The Vekua sustained slight damage to its upper bow and has sailed for Tampa, Fla. The Elmglen, formerly a bulk carrier, suffered a 0.6-meter/two-foot gash about 6.1 meters/20 feet above the waterline and a 3.0-meter/10-foot dent.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Fednav International has two options

10/03

As part of its order for four 34,000-dwt geared bulk carriers from Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Fednav International Ltd. also has options for two more ships. It signed a contract with Sumitomo Corp. in Tokyo on 18 Sept. worth 12 billion Japanese yen/U.S.$98 million. The four will be built at Nagasaki, Japan, for delivery in the latter half of 1999 and the first half of 2000. In addition to acting as Fednav International’s contractor, Sumitomo will be a partner with Fednav International in owning the vessels. Each ship will have six cargo holds and three 30-ton cranes. The bulk carriers will be built for navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

City of Midland 41 update

10/02

The tugs “Mary Page Hannah” and the “Bonnie G. Selvich” arrived Ludington at 2:15 PM. They hooked on to the City of Midland and began pulling her out at around 3:15. The Midland was flying the centennial flag that the Badger flew on her maiden voyage this year on her foremast.

The Midland cleared the harbor at 3:38 PM, and the onlookers in their cars started honking their horns in salute. The tug “Mary Page Hannah” was pulling, and the tug “Bonnie G. Selvich” was pushing.

The last time the carferry City of Midland steamed into Muskegon was in 1985, when the former owners were contemplating operating the ship out of the Port City. Contractors working at the West Michigan Dock & Market Corp. over the next three months will remove the superstructure of the 406-foot ship and turn the hull into a freight barge.

The Lake Michigan Carferry owners have an opportunity to enter the tug barge operations with the Midland’s hull through a new company, P.M. Shipping Inc. When converted into a barge, the Midland will be pushed by a 150-foot ocean-going Navy tugboat. Plans are that the Midland’s hull will be towed to a shipyard in either Sturgeon Bay, Wis., or Escanaba to complete the conversion. P.M. Shipping Inc. hopes to have the barge ready for operations by early next summer. Once the conversion is completed the barge will be named P.M. 41 and carry her original hull number. The open-air barge will be able to carry heavy cargo such as iron, steel, large stone, coal, wood or containers.

Reported by: Max Hanley and Steve Vanden Bosch

More on the Saguenay

10/02

The Saguenay will be used in the clean up of cresote at the bottom of Thunder Bay Harbor. Creosote is a derivative of petroleum and is used for the preservation of wood. It is black and has been used for many years to coat rail road ties. A vast quantity has leached into Thunder Bay Harbour and is now being cleaned up by a partnership including CN Rail, Northern Wood Preservers, federal and provincial governments. They are building a berm around what they call the black blob and will then pump it off the bottom of the lake, separate the water from the polluted material and then deposit the material into the old laker (Saguenay) and add microbes of some kind. The microbes eat the material and leave behind a reasonably clean product which is then diposed of in a landfill.

Reported by: Industry source

Salt boat in Manistee

10/02

The ALGOWAY arrived Manistee at 6:00PM on Wednesday with salt for the Seng dock. The Algoway is an unusual visitor to the dock, as the Agawa Canyon is the main salt vessel for Manistee. The Algoway brought in a partial cargo, it unloaded part in Muskegon Michigan and the rest in Manistee. Manistee should get a full load of salt in the next month.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Dreamward update

10/02

The Dreamward (Bahamian-registry 39,172-gt, 5,589-dwt, 190-meter/623-foot passenger ship built in 1992, owned operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.) docked in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, early 1 Oct. after drifting in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for more than 17 hours with 1,567 people aboard. An electrical problem disabled propulsion on 30 Sept. The Canadian Coast Guard’s research vessel Hudson escorted the ship to Sydney. The Dreamward left Montreal on 27 Sept. with 1,053 passengers and 514 crew on a cruise chartered by a French firm. It then called at Quebec and was sailing to Sydney when it lost power. The cruise will end in New York, after a rotation that included New York; Boston; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Montreal; Quebec; Sydney; and New York.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New Edmund Fitzgerald Song

10/02

The well loved Gordon Lightfoot song “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” was recorded and released by a rock group named Simon Bar Sinister. This group puts a new spin on an older song. Keep your ears perked for this one.

Reported by: Doug Wirsing

Saguenay heading for Thunder Bay

10/01

The SAGUENAY is headed for Thunder Bay. She will be used in the remediation of creasote pollution in the harbour. New owner is P. Gagne of Thunder Bay, contractor involved in pollution clean up at Northern Wood Preservers.
No word on what role she will play in the clean up.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

Merchant mariner pleads guilty to intoxicated vessel operation

10/01

In the first known case of its kind, a foreign merchant mariner has pled guilty in Federal court in Albany, NY for operating a vessel while intoxicated in U.S. waters. The third mate of the 644 ft Croatian bulk carrier M/V HERCIGOVINA was sentenced to 13 days in jail and fined $10,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Hartunian reflected the U.S. Coast Guard’s firm stance that they will not tolerate operation of any vessel by intoxicated crewmembers when he asked the court to assess a severe penalty.

The third mate was in control of the propulsion of the vessel when U.S. Coast Guard boarding officers from Marine Safety Detachment Massena conducted a boarding on September 17th in conjunction with Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. personnel in Massena NY. Alert Coast Guard personnel detected evidence of alcohol consumption and took immediate action.

Further interviews with the crew and results of field sobriety tests revealed that crewmembers-including the master-had been drinking alcohol. The results of sobriety tests administered later by the New York State Police confirmed that the third mate’s blood alcohol content (BAC) significantly exceeded the U.S. regulatory limit of .04 for commercial mariners. The master’s BAC was very near the legal limit; he was released but still faces possible civil penalty action. The third mate was arrested by Coast Guard personnel.

The condition of the crew came to light during a routine Coast Guard boarding aimed at preventing the introduction of non-indigenous aquatic species into the Great Lakes through foreign ballast water. This boarding is one of the various types of safety inspections conducted by the U.S. and Canadian agencies to keep waterways and the surrounding community safe and protect the environment.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Algoma rumors

10/01

Rumor mill has the Algowest being converted to self-unloader in the near future, Algowood receiving new engine blocks, and an unidentified boat getting new Pielstick engines.

Reported by: Ron Konkol

News from the Twin Ports

10/01

Canadian vessel traffic into Silver Bay continues. Algomarine and Canadian Transport were scheduled to arrive there Sept. 30. Kaye E. Barker also was scheduled to arrive that day.

Grain traffic remains heavy in Duluth. Canadian Leader and Canadian Miner were loading Sept. 30. At anchor waiting to load are salties Verily, Florentia and Captain Christos. Canadian Venture and Ocean Pretty were expected to arrive Sept. 30 for grain.

Reported by: Al Miller

Cargo Vessel Still Sitting Off Cape Vincent Shore

10/01

The Seba M spent its 10th day yesterday waiting as workers continued to make repairs to the ship’s engine. The 424 foot ship and its 22 crew members are bound for Chicago with 10,000 metric tons of steel but due to mechanical problems was forced to lay anchor at this small waterfront village at the east end of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. The Watertown, N.Y. Daily Times reports that the spokeswoman for the Seaway Authority, Rhonda M. Worden has said that shuttling the broken engine parts between Cape Vincent and Montreal has meant a prolonged stay for the ocean-going vessel. Ms Worden said “the problems center on the ship’s faulty air compressor but the ship is safe and the crew is OK.” Different engine problems delayed it for several days a few miles up river from the Eisenhower lock at Massena, N.Y. earlier this month. SAVE THE RIVER, a non-profit environmental organization with about 1000 members, seek to protect the water and shoreline of the St. Lawrence River through educational and promotional events, has been in touch with Ms Worden and the U.S. Coast Guard and was told that the parts needed to repair the ship’s engine “were pretty scarce.” Based on the information the Clayton-based organization hs been given, Ms.Grimes,executive director said, “SAVE THE RIVER” has identified no major threats to the River but we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Passenger ship adrift in Gulf of St. Lawrence

10/01

The Dreamward (Norwegian-registry 39,000-gt, 5,589-dwt, 190-meter/623-foot passenger ship built in 1992, owned operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.) was adrift in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on 30 Sept. with 1,567 people aboard, after an electrical short-circuit disabled propulsion and steering. The ship was sailing from Quebec to Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, and was last reported slowly drifting northeast about 59 kilometers/37 miles northeast of the Magdalen Islands of Quebec, Canada. Winds were reported to be brisk with seas of 3.0 meters/9.8 feet. The ship left Montreal on 27 Sept. with 1,053 passengers and 514 crew on a cruise chartered by a French firm. It was to call at Boston and Newport, R.I., before sailing to New York.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

City of Midland 41 update

09/30

The City of Midland 41 was scheduled to be towed from Ludington today, but rough weather has postponed the tow until Wednesday Morning.

The former carferry is going to be converted to a barge (see original story dated 9/24).

Reported by: Max Hanley

Barge PATHFINDER Named For Previous Steamer

09/30

A story in the September 20, 1997 issue of “Skilling Mining Review” indicates that the name PATHFINDER, that is being given to the barge being made out of the str. J. L. MAUTHE, to honor another Interlake Steamship Company steamer named PATHFINDER that was scrapped in 1985 at Port Maitland, Ontario.

The earlier PATHFINDER was built in1906 at River Rouge for Pickands, Mather & Co. as SAMUEL MATHER ((1). She was sold to Interlake in 1913 and renamed PATHFINDER.In 1964, she was sold to ULS who named her GODERICH. She became SOO RIVER TRADER in 1980 when purchased by the Soo River Company. She spent her last two years un the P & H flag as PINEGLEN, and was sold for scrap in 1984.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Cuyahoga loses power

09/30

According to news reports, at 1100 yesterday, the Cuyahoga lost power off the port of Oswego , N.Y. There was fear that she would run aground but at 1600,she regained some power and went into Oswego harbour for repairs.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Rare Hungarian Visitor to the Great Lakes

09/30

A Hungarian ship that has been docked in Toledo for two weeks is only the second vessel from that country to visit the Great Lakes since World War II, Toledo Sister Cities International announced.

The Balaton Arrived in Toldeo Sept. 12 and since then has been unloading 76,000 bags of Mexican sugar at the Toledo World Industries Dock at the foot of Front Street. During the port call, the captain and 16-member crew have had the opportunity to visit Hungarian landmarks in Toledo, including Tony Packo’s Cafe (of MASH fame).

Reported by: Jim Flury

More on the Hercegovina

09/30

Just after midnight 18 Sept., U.S. Coast Guard personnel boarded the Hercegovina (Croatian-registry 30,882-dwt, 197-meter/645-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1977, operated by Atlantska Plovidba dd Dubrovnik) at the Eisenhower Locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Three licensed officers aboard were found to be legally intoxicated. The third mate, who was operating the ship’s throttles as it neared the locks, was arrested. The Croatian citizen was taken to the jail in Malone, N.Y., and arraigned before a U.S. magistrate. The ship then moved to the Wilson Hill Anchorage and was released on 19 Sept. It was sailing from Venezuela to Toledo, Ohio, to load soybeans.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

More on I.M.O. regulations

09/30

The International Maritime Organization adopted new regulations to reduce air pollution by ships on 25 Sept. The new rules set limits on nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide from vessel exhausts and prohibit deliberate release of substances that deplete ozone. The sulphur content of bunker fuel will be reduced to 4.5 percent though the present average is 3 percent. In the Baltic Sea, the sulphur content must be no more than 1.5percent. The fuel regulation will come into effect in 2003 if the new regulations are ratified by 15 countries. The 15 must have merchant fleets that account for more than 50 percent of the gross tonnage of world ships. Also, diesel engines of 130 kilowatts or more for ships built in 2000 and after will be affected by new restrictions on nitrogen oxides. Emissions will have to be no more than 0.34 ounces/9.8 grams per kilowatt for high-speed engines operating for more than an hour with revolutions per minute of 2,000 or more. There will be a compulsory review of the new regulations unless they take effect within five years. The regulations, which have been worked on for six years, will become Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973 as amended in 1978.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Seaway Queen update

09/29

The Seaway Queen is active again and passed Detroit today westbound for Thunder Bay. Also today the re-activated Algosound passed Detroit, eastbound for the St Lawrence Gulf. At 6pm tonight the Laker Saguenay (at Toronto since 1992) was at Welland Canal etd today for an Upper Lake Port

Reported by: John Whitehead

Seaway Queen departs as Saguenay is towed

09/29

The Seaway Queen departed Toronto, pier 35, on Friday the 26th @ 17:00 hrs. for the lakehead. She has completed her five year drydock certificate & extensive metal work in Toronto.

The Saguenay was towed from Toronto harbour Sunday, at 12:30pm. Destination unknown. Saturday she was accompanied by by two small McKiel tugs, she had a tow line off the aft end and was completely welded up. The ship name & the “Canada Steamship Lines” name have been removed from the ship.

Meanwhile, a little further down the turning basin the “Tarantau” appears to await the same fate. Apparently CSL, owner of Fednav intends to launch new “Fednav” ships as “CSL” ships are taken out of service.

Reported by: Jim Fitzgerald

Rare calls on the Twin Ports

09/29

Duluth received an extremely rare visit Sept. 28 when Atlantic Huron called at the DMIR ore dock.

American Mariner is scheduled to make another trip Sept. 29 up the St. Louis River to unload stone at the C. Reiss dock. The ship has been up there several times this season.

Another unusual caller scheduled for Sept. 29 is Kaye E. Barker going into the DMIR ore dock at Two Harbors.

Reported by: Al Miller

Cement barge calls on Marysville

09/29

Medusa Cements barge MEDUSA CONQUEST was seen on September 27 docked at Marysville, Michigan’s Detroit Edison Power Plant dock. With the barge was it’s tug the SUSAN W. HANNAH. As of late Sunday, September 28, this tug-barge combination was still at this location. Late word had it that another Hannah tug was to dock directly behind the SUSAN W. HANNAH sometime Sunday night. Although Marysville has several calls every year by cement carries, namely the ILT vessels, this I believe is the first time that the MEDUSA CONQUEST has arrived at this location.

Reported by: Ray Bawal Jr.

The Majestic Star passes Harsens Island

09/29

The new gambling vessel Majestic Star USA passed Harsens Island around 10:30 Sunday morning after departing from Detroit.The ship has a delivery crew of 15 aboard along with twenty others along for the ride. She spent Saturday docked in Detroit’s Hart Plaza so residents could get a look at what gambling could be like if the vessels owner is granted one of the three Detroit gaming licenses. She was travelling at a speed of eight and a half knots on the St Clair River on the way to replace the temporary riverboat in Gary, Ind.

Reported by: James Hile

New warehouse for Port of Milwaukee

09/29

In his budget address on 26 Sept., Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist said that the city has budgeted U.S.$3 million to build a new warehouse at the Port of Milwaukee. It will be built on one the port’s piers for use by Federal Marine Terminals Inc. Federal Marine Terminals recently closed a facility in Chicago and will use the Milwaukee location to handle metal cargoes for the domestic market. Increased revenues from Federal Marine Terminals and other businesses are expected to pay back all principal and interest for the project in about 13 years.

In related port news, Milwaukee has asked the Milwaukee County Stadium Board to demand that Mitsubishi International ship about 10,000 tons of steel through the port. The board is overseeing construction of Miller Park, a new stadium for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team. Mitsubishi International has been contracted to supply and install a retractable roof for the stadium. According to the city, Mitsubishi International is planning to buy steel in a foreign country, ship it to the western or Gulf coast of the United States and then bring it to Milwaukee by rail. The long lengths of steel required are reportedly no longer produced in the United States. Businesses involved in constructing the stadium are given incentives for using local subcontractors, so it is hoped that Mitsubishi International will find using the port economical. Roof construction will begin in the summer and HCH Joint Venture, which is the main contractor for the stadium, will meet with Mitsubishi International in Chicago next week to discuss the steel situation.

The last pile for the stadium’s foundation was driven 26 Sept.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Port of Thunder Bay figures for August

09/27

The amount of cargo hanlded by the Port of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, was 1.314 million metric tons, down from 1.554 million metric tons in July. However, in August 1996, 919,123 metric tons were handled. For 1997, the port has handled 7.024 million metric tons, compared to 5.185 million metric tons in 1996. Most of the increase is due to grain shipments.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

I.M.O. adopts new air pollution regulations

09/27

The International Maritime Organization adopted new regulations to reduce air pollution by ships on 25 Sept. The new rules set limits on nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide from vessel exhausts and prohibit deliberate release of substances that deplete ozone. The regulations, which have been worked on four six years, will become Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973 as amended in 1978.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Oglebay Norton to try ECPINS

09/26

Oglebay Norton Co. has bought an ECPINS system from Offshore Systems International Ltd. for operational evaluation, with an eye towards ordering systems for the balance of its ships. ECPINS continuously displays, in real-time, a vessel’s actual position relative to land, charted objects, aids to navigation and other items.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Algoma Central in acquisition

09/26

Algoma Central Corp said on Thursday that it agreed in principle to acquire a 50 percent stake in Upper Lakes Group Inc’s Marbulk Canada Inc unit through the C$33 million purchase of treasury shares.

Algoma Central said the transaction was subject to due diligence and approval by the respective boards and was scheduled to close by October 31.

Marbulk Canada and its Marbulk Shipping Inc subsidiary, which is based in Salem, Mass., own and operate four ocean vessels that trade on the eastern seaboard and South America. Marbulk Shipping will soon take delivery of a fifth vessel with a carrying capacity of 70,000 tonnes

Reported by: James Neumiller

Parade of Algoma boats

09/25

The parade of Algoma boats continues at the Harvest States grain elevator in Superior. Several Algoma boats have loaded there in recent weeks. Algowest presently in the loading berth and Algoville is anchored on Lake Superior waiting its turn. Also in port for grain is Algoriver, which is loading at the Peavey elevator.

Reported by: Al Miller

City of Midland 41 to be converted to a barge

09/24

The City of Midland 41 is being readied to be towed to either Muskegon or most likely Holland, where she will be converted to a barge. According to James Anderson, executive vice-president at Lake Michigan Carferry, she will be leaving as early as next Tuesday. Crews have been hard at work removing interior items of all types.

Robert Manglitz, president and chief executive officer at LMC, announced that she will be part of a new tug-barge company that he has formed, called P.M. Shipping, Inc. Plans are to begin operations next spring or early summer and will serve shippers throughout the Great Lakes.

The City of Midland 41 was launched at Manitowoc on September 18, 1940 and made her maiden voyage on March 12, 1941. She was the last carferry built by The Manitowoc Shipbuilding Corporation for the Pere Marquette Railway, ending a relationship which began with the Pere Marquette 21 in 1924. The City of Midland has been in layup in Ludington since 1988.

Reported by: Max Hanley

Croatian ship halted by Coast Guard

09/24

Late news reported by Watertown Daily Times reveals that a Croatian ship was forced the moor at the Wilson Hill anchoring area Wednesday,September 17th after the U.S Coast Guard officers, during a routine ballast water test at the Snell lock, determined that the navigating crew members were under the influence of alcohol. The Coast Guard officers summoned State Police and a sobriety test was administered. The Captain tested under the legal limit and returned to the ship but the 3rd Mate was found to be legally intoxicated and was taken to Franklin County jail in Malone to be arraigned before a U.S.magistrate. Both crew members are from Croatia. The ship was en route to Toledo. Ohio from Venezuela to pick up soybeans. It was not carrying any cargo at the time of the incident. The Seaway Authority spokesman said that “our main concern was safety, obviously safety was a factor here.”

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

Stranded Ship remains at Cape Vincent

09/24

The cargo vessel, Seba M, is still stalled off the shoreline of Cape Vincent as of Monday, September 22nd awaiting the parts needed for repair to arrive from Montreal. A Seaway Authority spokeswoman, Rhonda M Worden, said “The ship is stable and hasn’t changed positions. It’s still sitting where it has been.” She also said that the ship would be required to undergo inspection by the St. Lawrence Seaway Authority,the U.S. Coast Guard and the Seaway Authority of Canada before it is permitted to resume its journey.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

More on Fednav International’s order

09/24

Fednav International Ltd. signed a contract with Sumitomo Corp. in Tokyo on 18 Sept. for four 34,000-dwt bulk carriers at a cost of 12 billion Japanese yen/U.S.$98 million. They will be built by Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at Nagasaki, Japan, for delivery in the latter half of 1999 and the first half of 2000. In addition to acting as Fednav International’s contractor, Sumitomo will be a partner with Fednav International in owning the vessels. Each ship will have six cargo holds and three 30-ton cranes. The bulk carriers will be built for navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Collision in the Welland Canal

09/22

At 5:15AM Saturday morning the tug Anglian Lady was towing a barge below Lock 1 in the Welland Canal when she collided with the CSL vessel Nanticoke. The tow was heading from Hamilton to Sarnia. After the Anglian Lady’s collision with the Nanticoke, she collided twice with the canal walls. The Toronto Sun reported that the tugboat’s captain was later arrested by Niagara Regional Police for operating the vessel while intoxicated.

Reported by: Ron Walsh, J J Van Volkenburg and Brian Bernard

Stranded Ship Sitting Off Cape Vincent Break-Wall

09/22

The cargo vessel Seba M, a 424 foot vessel registered in Lebanon and bound for Chicago, lost power Friday, September 18th and was forced to drop anchor. The ship developed problems when it slowed down to change pilots at Cape Vincent. Strong winds came up overnight and the vessel began to drift toward shore until a second anchor was dropped. The ship which has 22 crew members is carrying 10,000 metric tons of steel. The parts needed to repair the engine are coming from Montreal and it was hoped that the repairs would be completed by yesterday, so the vessel can continue. Late Saturday night,the ship remained about 1000 feet from the break-wall at the Cape but had not moved since dropping the second anchor although winds continue to be stong. Village residents expressed concern that the vessel would break loose from its mooring and smash into the break-wall as it is an imposing sight from the shoreline. The Jefferson county emergency director has discussed the situation with the Seaway Authority and was told that “everything was holding firm.” The Seaway Authority has said there is no danger that the ship would run aground and that there is no danger of leaking fuel.

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

More on the Seba M.

09/22

The Lebanese vessel Seba M. was built in Japan in 1976-7244 GRT. She was registered as Hans Leonhart-CYP prior to her name change this year. The vessel entered the St Lawrence Seaway Sept 01 and has experienced several days delay for engine repairs at both Beauharnois Locks and at Wilson Hill anchorage prior to the current incident at Cape Vincent.

Under her old name she was here many times and is the first LEB vessel in the Seaway-Lakes since the Late 60’s

Reported by: John Whitehead

C. Columbus arrives in Windsor

09/22

The new 13,950-ton Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship c. COLUMBUS arrived in Windsor yesterday about 4:00 P.M. The new 420-passenger German-built cruise ship was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd lining the river front to witness this historic event. Passengers were shuttled off to various locations around Windsor and Detroit, only to return to catch the ship by about 2:30 A.M. when she departed Windsor for Macinac Island.

Pictures will be posted to this page later in the week.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News from the Seaway

09/22

Thorswave-CYP, which departed Montreal for Sea Sept 12 on her first voyage for Christensen Cdn African Line, is psg w at Quebec City , returning to Montreal.

Cruising Ships currently in the St Lawrence include Silver Cloud-BAH, Royal Princess-BR, Regal Empress-BAH, Seabourn Pride-NOR and Astor-BAH. Above Montreal the Grande Caribe -USA 1997, is at Oswego since 0912 and the Canadian Empress-CDN was at Cornwallis Isl. today for Kingston Ont. The c.Columbus was on passage west at SE Shoal at noon bound for Windsor Ont.

The new /replacement gambling casino Majestic Star-USA departed Montreal anchorage at 2pm to transit the Seaway en route to Gary IND.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Flu outbreak on cruise from Montreal

09/22

The Westerdam (Dutch-registry 5,340-dwt passenger ship built in 1986, operated by Holland America Line Westours Inc.) was sanitized at a dock in New York on 20 Sept. after a flu outbreak during a cruise from Montreal. At least 96 passengers and crew had symptoms of Influenza A during the voyage, which began 11 Sept. Epidemiologists from the Canadian national health service and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention boarded the vessel in Nova Scotia, Canada, in an attempt to treat the disease. All 2,100 people aboard (roughly 1,400 passengers and 600 crew) were given vaccinations and Romantadine, meant to keep the virus from spreading. However, 53 passengers and 43 crewmembers reported aches, pains, fevers and coughs. Influenza A is spread by personal contact, so new passengers do not face an undue risk. It is believed the virus was brought aboard by a group of Australian citizens on the ship’s previous voyage from New York to Montreal. On that cruise, some 40 passengers and 40 crewmembers reported flu symptoms and six were hospitalized in Montreal. Passengers on the cruise to New York have been offered a refund.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

300 Million tons of taconite reserves

09/20

A newly approved plan opens up 300 million tons of taconite reserves in northern Minnesota to Hibbing Taconite and USX’s Minntac.

The agreement approved by the State Executive Council divides up an ore reserve near the center of the Mesabi Range. It allows Hibbing Taconite to move east as it mines taconite from the Buhl-Kinney area. Minntac gains easier access to taconite adjacent to its existing West Pit near Mountain Iron.

The deal enabled the two companies — the two largest producers of taconite pellets in Minnesota — to swap land so they could mine ore closer to their processing plants.

Minntac gains an estimated 16-year supply of taconite based on current production rates. Minntac already has begun stripping operations on the land in preparation for mining it.

Hibbing Taconite isn’t expected to begin mining its newly acquired land for about four years.

Minntac ships its taconite pellets through Two Harbors. Hibbing Taconite’s pellets go to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Duluth-Superior trade up

09/20

Cargo handled by the Ports of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., increased 5.4 percent for the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year. Some 16.1 million metric tons were handled, compared to the five-year average of 17.1 million metric tons. Both domestic and foreign cargoes increased 10 percent.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

09/20

Several unusual callers are expected on Lake Superior Sept. 20. After a prolonged absence, J.A.W. Iglehart is scheduled to make its second call in about a week to Duluth-Superior. John B. Aird is due into Silver Bay and Buckeye is expected to load at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth.

Fred R. White Jr. made a rare appearance in Duluth on Sept. 19 when it pulled in the DMIR ore dock (‘west of 6 Missabe’, in local parlance) to load.

The recent parade of Canadian ships through the Midwest Energy Terminal continues. There have been several in the past few weeks. The latest was Algolake, which pulled in to load Sept. 18.

Reported by: Al Miller

Raymond Luzar dies at 66

09/20

Raymond W. Luzar, who some considered the “dean” of shipping agents at the Port of Cleveland, died 8 Sept. of cancer. He was 66. A native of Cleveland, Luzar was a state roller-skating champion and a boxer in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending a local business college. He joined Pulp & Paper Co. before becoming an agent at what is now Norton Lilly International Inc. in 1956. Luzar founded the Ohio Foreign Commerce Association in 1971 and helped start the Cleveland World Trade Week. He advised on trade education for Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College and John Carroll University. He was also a member of the board of the northeastern Ohio chapter of Christians and Jews. Luzar is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cory, and three sons, a daughter and two grandchildren.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New gambling vessel enters system

09/19

The newly built gambling vessel MAJESTIC STAR-USA traversed the Cabot Strait Sept 17 on a delivery voyage to Gary Indiana.

Reported by: John Whitehead

U.S. Coast Guard seeking private lighthouse operators

09/19

Fednav International Ltd. signed a contract with Sumitomo Corp. in Tokyo on 18 Sept. for four bulk carriers. They will be built by Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. at Oshima, Japan, for delivery in 1999 and 2000. In addition to acting as Fednav International’s contractor, Sumitomo will be a partner with Fednav International in owning the vessels. Each ship will have six cargo holds and three 30-ton cranes. The bulk carriers are designed for navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Seaway

09/18

Two of the three lakers laid up in Montreal are to get under way. The Algoriver is scheduled to depart September 18th and Algogulf on Sept 20th. The Comeaudoc appears unmoved by it all and remains berthed in the vicinity of the passenger ship c.Columbus-BAH, which arrived Montreal Sept 17th at 8am and was re-fueled by the oiler Horizon Montreal in preparation for her departure last night for the Great Lakes.

The container ship Maersk Montreal-CYP, 21,584 GRTons will arrive Montreal section 67 tonight to open a new combined service to Northern Europe.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Update on the Mauthe Conversion

09/17

At Bay-Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, WI, work is progressing on conversion of the JL MAUTHE to a self-unloading barge. Her pilot house has been removed and cabin interiors gutted. Simultaneous work is underway on removing machinery and steel from the stern, cargo hold modification, and boom fabrication. Completion is scheduled for December 19, 1997, and she will be renamed PATHFINDER. A new 8000 HP tug to push the PATHFINDER has been designed by Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering of Boston, MA. The 124′ x 44′ tug will have 14 individual staterooms and be powered by twin Z-drives, making her the largest and most powerful Z-drive tug ever built in North America. She will be suitable for ocean service. Eight shipyards – four on the lakes, four in the Gulf area – have bid on construction.

Reported by: Rod Burdick

More on the C. Columbus

09/17

For the first time since 1975, a foreign flag will fly over a passenger liner passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The 472 foot German-owned passenger liner, the C.Columbus will pass through the Eisenhower and Snell locks at Massena on Thursday, September 19th. It is on a maiden voyage on a nine day cruise from Montreal to Chicago with stops along the Seaway and through the Great Lakes. It is the first modern passenger vessel to be built to Seaway size specifications and will have about 420 passengers and 169 crew on this trip. It was built this year at the Mathisa-Werft Wismer shipyard in Wisma,Germany for the Hapag-Lloyd Cruise Ship Management Co. It has been fitted with state-of-the-art navigational technology and has numerous passenger amenities such as a swimming pool, spacious passenger accommodations, a lounge for receptions, shows and other entertainment. The C.Columbus is scheduled to make two 0ther Great Lakes cruises while on the Seaway system this year

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

August Float Is Post-Recession Record

09/17

U.S.-Flag vessel operators carried 14,569,883 net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo on the Great Lakes in August, the most cargo to move on the nation’s “Fourth Seacoast” in any single month since the recession of the early- and mid-1980s. A total of 66 U.S.-Flag ships and tug/barge units were required to move that tonnage.

For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 70,855,525 tons, an increase of 8.7 percent compared to last year’s end-of-August total. The 1996 “float” for U.S.-Flag lakers, 117 million tons, is the current top season for the industry since the recession, but that record could well be toppled if the current pace continues.

George J. Ryan, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, congratulated the entire Great Lakes maritime community on this accomplishment. “Although ships are the most visible component of our industry, achieving peak efficiency requires the contributions of many others besides the American mariners onboard U.S.-Flag lakers. The dockworkers who load the vessels, the shipyard workers who perform repairs quickly when needed, the U.S. Coast Guard who maintains the Aids to Navigation, the Corps of Engineers who operate the Soo Locks and dredge the channels… all played a major role in this new benchmark for Great Lakes shipping.”

Ryan further noted that this new tonnage record is good news for the entire Great Lakes industrial basin. “Waterborne commerce is not a speculative business. The U.S.-Flag Lakes fleet moved those cargos because our steel mills, power plants and other industrial complexes continue to operate at very high levels of productivity and employment. That’s good news for America.”

Shipments of iron ore for the steel industry in U.S. bottoms totaled 6,866,511 net tons in August, an increase of 4 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. Since the resumption of the iron ore trade out of Escanaba, Michigan, on March 8, shipments in U.S.-Flag lakers stand at 35.1 million tons, an increase of 6.3 percent compared to last year’s end-of-August total.

Coal loadings in U.S.-Flag vessels topped 2.8 million tons in August, an increase of 7.4 percent. For the season, the U.S.-Flag coal float totals 13.4 million tons, an increase of 18.3 percent.

Stone, the third pillar in domestic waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes, approached 4 million tons in August, and for the season, stands at 17.3 million tons, an increase of 9.3 percent.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

U.S. Coast Guard seeking private lighthouse operators

09/17

During the summer of 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard sought public comments on plans to disestablish (stop operating) eight lighthouses on the U.S. Great Lakes. Following a review, the Coast Guard has announced that the Fort Gratiot Light has been taken off the closure list, while action regarding the seven others has been indefinitely delayed. Instead, the Coast Guard has decided to seek local organizations to aid in finding private operators for the lights. Operators have been found for the St. Helena Light on the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan and the Thirty Mile Light on Lake Ontario in New York. The five remaining are Forty Mile Light, Point Aux Barques, Point Sanilac, and Sturgeon Point in Michigan on Lake Huron and Dunkirk in New York on Lake Erie. Capt. Tim Sullivan and Lt. Cmdr. Bob Desh of the Coast Guard’s Ninth District Aids to Navigation will be at the Second Annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Vessel in Alpena, Mich., on 11 Oct. to discuss the issue. Desh will also make a presentation on the lighthouses at 1900 11 Oct. For information, contact Desh at 216-902-6065 or Lt. J.G. Henige at 216-902-6066.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain rush in full swing

09/16

Duluth’s AGP grain elevator handles only a handful of ships each season, but it’s due to take back-to-back callers this week. Federal Fuji is loading there on Sept. 15-16. The saltie Marillis T is anchored off Duluth and due to arrive at AGP as soon as the Fuji clears.

Another unusual grain load is taking place at the old Great Northern elevator (now apparently leased by General Mills) in Superior. The Federal Fraser pulled into the slip Sept. 15. The Fraser is easily the largest ship to ever call at this old elevator, which is immediately adjacent to Midwest Energy Terminal. In a good year it might see three or four ships.

Reported by: Al Miller

Cruise Ship enters system

09/15

The passenger liner C. Columbus -BAH. is in the Lower St lawrence River heading for Quebec City, and reported at 7 am – eta Escoumains Pilot 0915/1200. -right on schedule for her visit to the Great Lakes

Reported by: John Whitehead

Unusual calls for the USS fleet

09/15

Vessels from Great Lakes Fleet are showing up in some unusual places this week. Arthur M. Anderson was in Escanaba Sept. 14; Philip R. Clarke was in Silver Bay Sept. 14; John G. Munson will be way up the St. Louis River Sept. 16 to unload at the Reiss Inland dock in Duluth

Reported by: Al Miller

Canada to change liability limit

09/14

On 9 Sept., Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette signed the May 1996 protocol to amend the 1976 Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims in London. As a result, the Canada Shipping Act, which bases its liability limitation on the International Convention Relating to the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Sea-Going Vessels on 1957, will be revised. Under the protocol, the maximum compensation abailable for claimants will increase.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grampa Woo III calls on Lakehead

09/14

The Grampa Woo III will arrive in Thunder Bay a week early. The cruise ship was to start a series of fall trips between Grand Portage, Minnesota and Thunder Bay September 20th. However, Captain Dana Kollars says the trip is so popular, they’ve added two more visits. The first is this weekend with the second additional trip scheduled for September 17, 18. While in Thunder Bay, passengers will stay at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Shore excursions include a visit to Silver Islet on the Sleeping Giant penninsula. The Grampa Woo III is the replacement ship for the Grampa Woo II which was destroyed during a viscious storm last fall. Kollars bought the new ship which had been the Southern Comfort. He shrugs off lore against renaming a ship by saying he’s countered that with good luck traditions like tossing salt over the shoulder and putting a coin in the bilge. Kollars is looking forward to meeting Captain Garry Dawson and the crew of the tugboat Glenada. They’re the ones who braved 20-foot waves to rescue Kollars and his first mate during the storm that claimed the Grampa woo II.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Cort gives Boatwatchers a treat

09/14

Boatwatchers in Duluth got a rare treat Sept. 13 when Stewart J. Cort sailed through the Duluth piers before tying up at the port terminal. The Cort, which almost always uses the Superior entry, was waiting for Indiana Harbor to load at the BNSF ore dock.

Reported by: Al Miller

Canada to change liability limit

09/14

On 9 Sept., Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette signed the May 1996 protocol to amend the 1976 Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims in London. As a result, the Canada Shipping Act, which bases its liability limitation on the International Convention Relating to the Limitation of Liability of Owners of Sea-Going Vessels on 1957, will be revised. Under the protocol, the maximum compensation abailable for claimants will increase.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

HMCS Shawinigan tied up in Thunder Bay

09/14

One of Canada’s newest warships, the HMCS Shawinigan has been in the Port of Thunder Bay since Thursday, September 11. While in port, it will provide training exercises for local sea cadets. On Saturday, September 13, the ship will be open for public tours and will also host a private reception. The Shawinigan is tentatively scheduled to ship out on Monday, September 15.

Reported by: Richard Boon

Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Toledo

09/12

The Great Lakes Maririme Academy will have a representative in Toledo on Saturday September 13. If you have an interest in attending the Academy or are just curious about their program please stop by the S.S. Willis B Boyer “Maritime Market” from 10am to 5pm.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

S.T. Crapo tow making progress

09/11

The S.T.CRAPO tow was due at lake St.Clair crib light at 7:10 yesterday morning. The tow was running about one hour slower than regular traffic. According to Sarnia Traffic it was taking 3 1/2 hrs from Grassy Island to the crib light.

Later in the day it was a somber moment in Marysville, as about a dozen boat watchers watched the tow of the CRAPO go by. The group preceded to follow it under the Blue Water Bridge. Sort of a mini funeral prosection.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Sloan working Lake Erie ports

09/11

George A. Sloan is on the Lake Erie run for the next few days. It’s scheduled to call in Buffalo Sept. 11 before proceeding to Port Colborne and then to Cleveland.

Reported by: Al Miller

August Coal Shipments From Lake Erie

09/11

The Lake Erie ports of Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut shipped 2,767,135 net tons of coal in August, the highest monthly total since the 1991 navigation season. Compared to a year ago, August loadings were up 22.4 percent.

For the season, coal loadings at Ohio’s Lake Erie ports stand at 12,031,507 net tons, an increase of 27.1 percent compared to last year.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Seaway Bulk Carriers Gearing Up For Grain Rush

09/10

With the re-activation of ACM’s ALGOISLE on September 8, and ULS’s CANADIAN MARINER this past weekend, Seaway Bulk Carriers is gearing up for the autumn grain rush.

Seaway Bulk Carriers operate 24 straight deck bulk carriers. On Tuesday, September 9, nineteen were in service, leaving the following 5 in inactive:

MONTREALAIS Port Weller Dry Docks
SEAWAY QUEEN Toronto
ALGOGULF Montreal
ALGORIVER Montreal
ALGOSOUND Thunder Bay

ALGOGULF, ALGORIVER, and SEAWAY QUEEN have yet to operate this year, while both ALGOSOUND and MONTREALAIS were used briefly during the summer.

Incidently, the reports on the Canadian side indicate that the 1997 grain harvests in Canada are far better than last year’s. The bean crops should begin being harvested in October, or late September at the earliest, and they too appear to be headed for a banner year.

Last year, all 24 vessels operated by S.B.C. saw at least some work, so it is hopeful that the remaining 5 inactive ships will operate in 1997.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

U.S. Stone Ports Up 2.6% In August

09/10

U.S. Stone Ports Up 2.6% In August The eight U.S. stone shipping ports on the Great Lakes loaded 4,359,141 net tons in August, an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, stone shipments from U.S. ports stand at 19.6 million tons, an increase of 9.8 percent.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

M.V. ALGOISLE Departs Layup

09/10

After being inactive since December 25, 1996, the M.V. ALGOISLE has finally departed her winter layup berth at Pier 10 in Hamilton.

The bunkering vessel HAMILTON ENERGY fueled the vessel on Monday, September 8, and ALGOISLE departed shortly after.

She was upbound the Welland Canal early on Tuesday Sept. 9 in ballast. Her E.T.A. for Thunder Bay, Ontario is 0800 on September 12, to load for a St. Lawrence port.

ALGOISLE is the ex- SILVER ISLE that was built in 1963 at Verlome Cork Shipyards Ltd. in Cork, Ireland. She was owned by Mohawk Navigation from 1963 to 1980, and Pioneer Shipping from 1980 to 1991. She was added to the vessel pool of Great Lakes Bulk Carriers, and operated for that company until the end of the 1993 shipping season. Algoma Central Marine purchased and renamed the vessel in 1994.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

News from around the lakes

09/09

The Wolf River, built in 1956 as Tecumseh and which later sailed as the New York News and Stella Desgagnes, was towed deadship up through the Soo August 31 by the tug Peninsula. After a brief stop for fuel at Government Dock in Soo, Canada, the two locked upbound around midnight, destination Thunder Bay. The pair are owned by Gravel and Lake Services of Thunder Bay. The Wolf River has a fairly fresh coat of black hull paint, her cabin and stack are plain white. Reports indicate the pair may be used in some cross-lake cargo service.

A visit to the LaFarge dock in Saginaw Sept. 4 found the E.M. Ford with a fresh coat of paint on the majority of her starboard side. Evidence of other cosmetic work could also be seen, leanding some credit to rumors she may come out to celebrate her centennial.

A report from the Sturgeon Bay area indicates the J.L. Mauthe’s barge conversion may not be ready for service until spring. Predictions earlier this year indicated the job woud be done by fall.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

S.T. Crapo ready for tow

09/09

The S. T. Crapo tow is ready to depart Cleveland. Her tow to Green Bay was to take place either yesterday afternoon or this morning. Reports yesterday had her moving down river to unload her storage cargo and then returning to her collision bend berth. A large air-compressor was on her deck. There were also some workers checking the operation of her mast and running lights.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde and Bob Martel

ULS Canadian Mariner underway

09/09

Upper Lakes Group Canadian Mariner was upbound in the Welland enroute to Thunder Bay, on Sat. 6 Sept. This marks the first trip since going aground in June in the American Narrows. (1000 Island section.) (That trip marked the 1st since coming out of Port Weller and her 5 year inspection.)

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Rare salty call in Duluth

09/09

Regina Oldendorff arrived in Duluth on Sept. 7 and proceeded to the port terminal, where Sept. 8 it was unloading steel coils. The Oldendorff is one of the few salties to call at the terminal this year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Seaway East News

09/09

First information on the new Joint Nedlloyd-PO-Sealand-Maersk weekly Container Service to Montreal can be found on the Maersk website at http//www.maersk.com. Vessels for this weekly year round service include Maersk Montreal, Maersk Toronto and a third TBA. The first vessel departs Rotterdam on Sept 10 and is scheduled to arrive Montreal Sept 18.

The Elan Vital-CYP ’93-16,075 grt is in Montreal at Section 50 preparing for service with Christensen Canadian African Line. Although already renamed THORSRIVER, this name will not be used by reporting agencies until she makes her first movement, currently scheduled for Sept 12. Under a former name of KOVROV-RUS she was arrested after arrival in Tahiti May09/96 and sold under auction within 2 weeks. She is listed in LLoyds index as a roll on/roll off vessel and is equipped with a stern quarter lifting ramp and side doors.

After a quiet summer with little news on her activites in the Lakes the hospital ship CARIBBEAN MERCY-PAN will transit the Eastern Seaway tomorrow on her way to Sea

Reported by: John Whitehead

Vessel assignments for new service

09/09

Maersk Line, P&O; Nedlloyd Container Line Ltd. and Sea-Land Service Inc., which will begin a container service between northern Europe and Canada this month, have announced vessel assignments. The weekly container service will use three ice-class containerships with 1,000-TEU capacity. Two will be operated by Maersk Line and one will be operated by Sea-Land Service with P&O; Nedlloyd Container Line purchasing slots. Calls will be made at Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Bremerhaven, Germany; Felixstowe, England; and Montreal.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

U.S. Coast Guard orders four more tenders

09/08

The U.S. Coast Guard announced 5 Sept. that Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis., has received a U.S.$50 million contract to build four more Ida Lewis-class Coastal Buoy Tenders. Under the contract for the lead ship awarded 22 June, 1993, 13 options were included. The order announced 5 Sept. are the last four of these options, for a class of 14 ships. Construction of the last four will begin this year for delivery between 2000 and 2002.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Rare Appearance in Duluth

09/08

J.A.W. Iglehart made a rare appearance in Duluth on Sept. 6 when it was seen unloading at the Lafarge Cement Terminal. Once a regular on the Duluth-Superior run, the ship has been rarely seen up here for the past two seasons. The Alpena has been handling most of the duty along with a few visits from the tug/barge Integrity and Jacklyn M.

Reported by: Al Miller

Oglebay Norton Increases Quarterly Dividend

09/08

Directors of Oglebay Norton Company at a meeting held August 27, 1997, approved a $0.05 (14.3%) per share dividend increase by declaring a cash dividend of $.40 per share of common stock to be paid September 26, 1997 to stockholders of record on September 9, 1997.

Separately, the directors of Oglebay Norton Company authorized a 2-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock, which will be effected through a 100% stock dividend at the rate of one share of common stock for each current share of common stock held. The stock dividend will be made on October 30, 1997 to stockholders of record on October 10, 1997.

According to R. Thomas Green, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oglebay Norton Company, “The strong operating results posted by the Company to date, along with the increase in the price of the Company’s common stock warrants the increase in the cash dividend. That increase, along with the 2-for-1 stock split declared today, is a result of the Company’s continued drive to increase returns and liquidity for its investors.”

Reported by: James Neumiller

Medusa Acquires White Stone Company

09/08

Medusa Corporation announced Aug. 28 that it had acquired White Stone Company of Southwest Virginia (“White Stone”), a privately owned industrial limestone and aggregates producer based in Castlewood, Virginia. White Stone also operates a limestone pelletizing plant in Paradise, Pennsylvania. Terms of the cash transaction were not disclosed.

White Stone is a leading producer of home and garden products and other industrial limestone products in certain Mid-Atlantic markets and the Southeast. White Stone is also a leading producer of construction aggregates in Southwest Virginia. White Stone home & garden products include the White’s Pelletized Limestone, White’s Pulverized Limestone, White’s Pelletized Gypsum, White’s Micro-pellet Limestone and White’s Micro-pellet Gypsum brands.

The combination of White Stone with Medusa operations in Thomasville, Pennsylvania, and Sparta, New Jersey will give Medusa significant added presence in lawn & garden and industrial limestone products in the Eastern half of the country. The White Stone acquisition represents another step in Medusa’s strategy to grow in these market segments. As previously announced, Lime Crest Corporation, based in Sparta, New Jersey was acquired in January 1997. Medusa anticipates that its expanded geographic presence will provide customers of both Medusa and White Stone with a broader range of products at a higher level of service.

Medusa Corporation produces and sells portland and masonry cements; mines, processes, and sells construction aggregates, lawn & garden and industrial limestone products; and provides construction services for highway safety. Medusa operations are principally in the eastern half of the United States with strong market positions in the Great Lakes and Southeast regions.

Reported by: James Neumiller

Carey reappointed to commission

09/08

William C. Carey, a former aide to the late Henry Maier, a longtime mayor of Milwaukee, has been reappointed by Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson as the state’s representative to the Great Lakes Compact Commission. The appointment is for four years. Carey was initially appointed in 1992. The commission promotes development, use and conservation of the water of the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

New seaway toll postponed

09/06

Canada has decided to delay a planned toll increase for ships using the St. Lawrence Seaway. Instead, it will work to complete negotiations with an industry group seeking to control the Canadian operations of the seaway. A toll increase of 2.5 percent was to have been put in place 1 Aug. Rates have been frozen since 1994.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Passenger liner Season Opens and Canadian Navy visits

09/06

The 1997 Montreal Passenger ship Season opened with a visit from the 56,000 ton dutch vessel Westerdam . Other vessels scheduled to make one or more visits this year are: Crystal Symphony, Royal Princess, Silver Cloud, Seabourn Pride, Astor, Dreamward, Astra 11, and the new vessel Columbus which is currently scheduled to arrive and depart Montreal 0900 & 2400 on September 17th, and 0800 & 2200 October 21th. In between these dates she will be making several Great Lakes cruises.

Canadian Navy Visits
The new ship HMCS Shawinigan entered the St Lawrence Seaway yesterday evening for points west.She is the seventh Canadian naval vessel to enter the Seaway and Great Lakes this year.

Reported by: John Whitehead

New contract for Canada Steamship Lines

09/06

Steel Dynamics, Inc. announced Thursday that its wholly owned subsidiary, Iron Dynamics, Inc. (IDI) has finalized and executed several major contracts related to its project to build a scrap substitute production facility at Butler, Indiana. For IDI’s first reduced iron module at Butler, Indiana, IDI has finalized long term contracts with Quebec Cartier Mining Company to supply iron ore concentrate from the Mt Wright and Port Cartier operations in Quebec; U.S. Steel Mining Company, LLC to supply coal from the Pinnacle Coal Mine in West Virginia; Canada Steamship Lines Inc. of Montreal to provide self-unloader vessel transportation of iron ore concentrates from Port Cartier, Quebec to Lake Erie ports; and Norfolk Southern Railway Company to provide rail transportation of iron ore concentrate and coal to IDI’s facility at Butler, Indiana.

Reported by: James Neumiller

New grain terminal at Hamilton

09/06

James Richardson International will build an 18,000-ton capacity grain terminal at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The terminal will handle maize, soybeans and wheat grown in Ontario.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain rush in theTwin Ports

09/05

t’s becoming difficult to tell the players without a scorecard as the fall grain rush begins in the Twin Ports. Canadian Provider and Algonorth departed with grain Sept. 3. Meanwhile, Kinsman Independent arrived to load at Harvest States 1, LT Argosy is loading at Peavey Connors Point and Wartanes is loading at Cargill. Anchored on Lake Superior waiting for a grain berth are Algoville (waiting for Harvest States), Yuriy Dolgurukiy (waiting for Harvest States) and Canadian Miner.

Reported by: Al Miller

Expansion of Wisconsin spoils dump denied

09/05

New uses are being sought for Wisconsin’s Renard Isle dump, a 22-hectare/55-acre site containing spoils from dredging, after an adminstrative law judge denied an application for a water quality permit as part of an expansion plan. Suggestions have included a golf course or a public park. The dump, off Bay Beach Park in Green Bay, Wis., contains toxic spoils from the nearby Fox River and lower Green Bay channels. The Brown County (Wis.) Harbor Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had proposed expanding the site to 70.4 hectares/176 acres at a cost of U.S.$20 million. The water quality permit was part of the clearances necessary for the project. Due to the lack of places to dump spoils, dredging in Brown County has decreased from 357,000 cubic meters/470,000 cubic yards annually to less than 114,000 cubic meters/150,000 cubic yards.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

U.S. Coast Guard tender transferred to Estonia

09/05

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Balsam-class Seagoing Buoy Tender Bittersweet (WLB 389), which was decommissioned 18 Aug., will be transferred to Estonia during a ceremony 1300 5 Sept. at Woods Hole, Mass. Renamed the Valvas, the ship will sail Estonian territorial waters undertaking border patrol, law enforcement, search and rescue and icebreaking. The Estonian crew has been undergoing training and familiarlization since the ship was decommissioned. The tender was laid down 16 Sept., 1943, and launched 11 Nov., 1943, at Duluth Iron & Shipbuilding Co. in Duluth, Minn. It was commissioned 11 May, 1944.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Crapo to Greenbay

09/04

Weather permiting, the Great Lakes Towing tug Ohio is scheduled to tow the S.T. Crapo out of Cleveland Thursday and take it to Green Bay. The Crapo has been layed up in Cleveland ever since the ILM officers walked off the LaFarge boats in early September1996. The Crapo will be used for cement storage in Green Bay.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

News from the Seaway

09/04

Coastal Shipping:

The Algoport and Nanticoke arrived in Montreal today and are discharging. They are both classified by the Port of Montreal as “coastal” (appropriately) versus the usual “inland” category given to Lakers

The Isle of Man registered ex German Tanker Weserstern, 5480grt,is discharging at Ultramar in Montreal East after arriving from overseas. Similar in style to Canadian coasters Jade, Emerald and Diamond Star but smaller, this vessel is to become Canadian registered, with a “star” name and be active in the coastal trade soon, along with a larger sister Isarstern.

Ocean Shipping:

The Elan Vital-CYP, 16075 grt, arrived in Montreal yesterday and was renamed Thorsriver-GRK. This appears to be a replacement vessel for Christensens’ Canadian African service. She may make a Seaway voyage before departing for sea on Sept 12.

The Markborg-NED, 1996, is expected to depart Montreal Sept 04 and enter the Seaway for the first time.The Misty-WIN, and Admiral Ushakov-RUS, are also expected to make a Seaway trip. in the next few days The Wana Maree-THAI, is due at Montreal anchorage for Seaway clearance on Sep 05. The Captain Christos-PAN, is departing for the Seaway from Sorel momentarily.

In response to an e-mail sent to the submarine HMCS Okanagan, on behalf of the Montreal Boat Paparazzi re her itinery for the trip from Toronto to Montreal, they have replied she will be between Iroquois lock and Montreal from 0600 to 2200 Sep 04.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Algoma Awards C$5.5 Million For Refit of M/V ALGORAIL

09/04

Algoma Central Marine, St. Catharines, Ontario, has awarded a C$5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of the self-unloader M/V ALGORAIL. Improvements to the ALGORAIL are part of Algoma’s C$85 million modernization program for its 23-vessel fleet. In addition to the Port Weller refit, other improvements to the ALGORAIL during the winter works program will bring the total investment this year in the ship to C$7.2 million.

Tim Dool, vice president, marine group, said that the investment in the ALGORAIL demonstrates the company’s confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping. He said that this investment will ensure the ALGORAIL will serve Algoma’s customers well for the next 20 years. This is the second modernization of this type for the Algoma fleet. Last year, the mv. ALGOWAY underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

The ALGORAIL will arrive at Port Weller December 3. A new patent-pending gate, designed by Algoma in cooperation with EMS-Tech, Inc., Belleville. On will be installed, making ALGORAIL the first ship in the Algoma fleet with this unique innovation. The self-unloading boom cable-hoisting system will be replaced with a new hydraulic hoisting system, offering increased reliability and ease of maintenance. major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, the hydraulic and electrical systems in the tunnels renewed, and a Garland roller system installed.

ALGORAIL will also be fitted with wash water holding tanks, which offer both environmental and economical advantages. The ship will be delivered April 3, 1998 to coincide with the beginning of the Great Lakes shipping season.

Reported by: Dave Wobser

Big Ten in Ludington

09/04

It was a “Big Ten” day in Ludington this Labor Day. In port at the same time were the Badger, Spartan and Wolverine.

Reported by: Jim Bearman

Western Coal Trade Continues To Outpace Last Year

09/04

Coal shipments from Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, totaled 1,750,855 net tons in August, an increase of 3.6 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, coal loadings at SMET stand at 8.3 million tons, an increase of 10.5 percent

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Update on The E.M. Ford

09/03

It was reported last month that the E.M. Ford would sail this year, as we head into fall this does not look like it will happen. However, if demand warrents, she’ll run next year for at least a few months in honor of 100th birthday.

Reported by: D. Ocean

Oakglen and Mapleglen in the News

09/03

P + H ‘s Oakglen was anchored off Port Colborne Monday from 07:00- 17:00 hours waiting for the Port Colborne Fuel Dock. The Thelassa Desgagnas was unloading fuel at the Shell dock.

The Mapleglen which has been in drydock since the first week of August at Port Weller was slated to come out yesterday and pull up above Lock 1 and take on Ballast. She is slated to go to the Thunder Bay for Grain. It is believed that the Mapleglen will resume running from Thunderbay to St Lawrence Ports and The Oakglen will resume the shorter run from Thunder Bay to Owen Sound or Goderich.

Mapleglen ex Algocape and Carol Lake 1960
Oakglen ex T.R. McLagen 1954 (Last boat built at Midland, ON)

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

Twin Ports Reports

09/03

Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior saw a string of unusual callers over the past several days. Armco was loading at the terminal Sept. 2 with coal bound for the power plant at Taconite Harbor. Algolake loaded at the terminal Sept. 1 and Canadian Enterprise is due in Sept. 3.

Arthur M. Anderson unloaded coal at Ashland, Wis., over the weekend then made a rare trip to Silver Bay on Sept. 2 to load.

Reported by: Al Miller

Nanticoke returns to St. Lawrence

09/03

With the ballasting finished, of the Hibernia oil rig off Newfoundland (see story in News Archive dated 6/10/97), the Canada Steamship Lines NANTICOKE is returning to Montreal. She reported being in the St Lawrence Gulf on passage west for Montreal and expected to arrive at Escoumains Pilot 0903/0015

Reported by: John Whitehead

September 1 Vessel Report

09/03

On September 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 64 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. This total represents a decrease of two ships compared to a year ago. As of the survey date, a 1,000-foot-long vessel is in the shipyard for repairs {BURNS HARBOR in the yard for a stern tube seal} and a cement carrier {PAUL H. TOWNSEND} is in short-term lay-up.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships can be activated if demand warrants. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Dry-Bulk Trades top 17 Million Tons In July

09/03

A record month for stone shipments and a strong coal float pushed the major Great Lakes dry-bulk trades to nearly 17.3 million tons in July, the highest monthly total recorded yet this season and an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Stone shipments from U.S. and Canadian ports totaled 4,980,154 net tons in July, the highest monthly total for the stone trade since LCA began its survey last decade. Spurred by strong demand from the construction industry, through July, the stone trade stands at 17.5 million tons, an increase of 13.3 percent compared to 1996’s end-of-July tally.

Coal shipments in July neared 4.7 million tons, an increase of 16 percent. For the season, the coal trade stands at 17,256,626 tons, an increase of 20.1 percent. Increased demand from a Canadian utility is a major factor in coal’s revival this season.

Iron ore shipments dipped slightly in July, totaling 7.6 million tons. While the July float represents a decrease of 3.7 percent, for the season, the ore trade is 2 percent ahead of last year’s pace.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

Mint Thrust departs Great Lakes

09/03

The medium sized salty MINT THRUST, completed her Great Lakes voyage and has departed Montreal for Sea. She is offered up for charter on the west coast of South America on Sept 15th.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Collingwood-built ship to sail British Columbia

09/02

Trevor Jones, a Canadian property developer, has formed Inside Passage Cruises, a passenger line that will sail Canada’s inside passage between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland. The line will use the Taverner (Canadian-registry 357-dwt passenger ferry) which had been operated by Marine Atlantic Inc. The vessel will receive a Canadian$7 million/U.S.$5 million refit in Vancouver, entering service in March as the Pacific Aurora. There will be berths for 70 to 80 people and a crew of 22 to 24. The Pacific Aurora will be registered in Canada and homeported at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. It will operate seasonally with a four to five-month lay-up during the winter. The connection to the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes is that the Taverner was built in 1962 by Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd.’s Collingwood Shipyards Division in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Grain rush ready to begin?

09/01

The fall grain rush may be starting in the Twin Ports. Several vessels called for grain last week. On Aug. 30 Canadian Provider, Algoville and a Russian salty were anchored off Duluth waiting to load tuesday.

Reported by: Al Miller

Indiana Harbor update

09/01

A couple of unusual callers at Indiana Harbor this weekend. Canadian Miner arrived on 8/29 for Inland Steel. Kaye E. Barker was unloading the evening of 8/31 at LTV Steel.

Reported by: Gary R. Clark

Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration

09/01

The Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration will be held around Bayfield, Wis., from 3 to 7 Sept. Centering around six 19th century lighthouses in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, activities will include tours, displays and a production of “Keeper of the Light” at Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua. For information, telephone 715-779-5619.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Canadian Salt at Cutler

09/01

CSL’s Frontenac pulled into the Cutler-Magner dock in Duluth on Aug. 30 to unload salt. It was the third ship carrying Canadian salt to unload at Cutler in the past two weeks. Most of the dock’s salt comes by Algoma boats.

Reported by: Al Miller

Maritime Days in Milwaukee

09/01

The Bud Light Maritime Days – Taste of Wisconsin festival is underway in Milwaukee from 29 Aug. to 1 Sept. Several vessels are on display and open for tours, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Katmai Bay-class Icebreaking Tug U.S.C.G.C. Mobile Bay (WTGB 103).

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Twin Ports

08/30

Kaye E. Barker has been a rare caller in the Twin Ports this season. The ship loaded at DMIR ore dock in Duluth on Aug. 28

Grain traffic seems to be picking up in Duluth and Superior. On Aug. 29 Federal Rhine was loading at General Mills, Canadian Provider was at Cargill B1 and Algocape was at Peavey. Two more Canadians are due into Harvest States today.

Ashland, Wis., gets one of its occasional callers Aug. 31 when Arthur M. Anderson is due to arrive with coal.

Reported by: Al Miller

U.S.-Flag Float Tops 14 Million Tons In July

08/28

U.S.-Flag lakers moved more than 14 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargos in July, the highest monthly total recorded yet this season, and an increase of 3.7 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Iron ore cargos in U.S. bottoms increased 4.7 percent to 6.6 million tons. For the season, the U.S.-Flag ore “float” stands at 28,250,670 tons, an increase of 6.9 percent.

The July coal trade in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 4.3 percent. Strong demand from utilities has pushed the season-to-date total up 21.6 percent to 10.5 million tons.

The U.S.-Flag stone float in July was 3.9 million tons, one of the highest monthly totals on record, and an increase of 6 percent compared to last July. For the season, stone loadings in U.S. bottoms stand at 13,355,852 tons, an increase of 11.9 percent.

With the June 13 sailing of the CALCITE II (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.), all boom-type self-unloaders are in service. The only U.S.-Flag ships yet to sail this year are the small cement carriers E. M. FORD and S. T. CRAPO (both of which are currently holding storage cargos of cement) and the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE.

Reported by: The Lake Carriers Association

HMCS OKANAGAN

08/28

The Canadian submarine HMCS OKANAGAN is preparing to embark on a voyage into central Canada. The last time a Canadian submarine visited the interior of Canada was in 1990 when OKANAGAN made several stops in Ontario and Quebec.

Reported by: John Whitehead

Seaway Notice No. 11 Outflows from Lake Ontario

08/28

Mariners are advised that Seaway Notice No. 7 of 1997, dated May 21, 1997 dealing with Outflows from Lake Ontario is hereby cancelled. Flows in the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section have returned to normal values for this time of the year.

Reported by: The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

Ship Spills Jet Fuel Into Snell Lock

08/27

About 150 people were forced to evacuate Barnhart Island Sunday morning 8/24 after the Maltese tanker Vekua suffered a 4 inch fracture on one of its starboard tanks while entering the Lock. About 300 gallons of jet fuel spilled into the lock. Although a cleanup was not considered necessary according to St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.spokeswoman Rhonda Worden because jet fuel evaporates very quickly in warm weather, several fire departments, police agencies, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Red Cross were prepared for the worst. The ship, 151 meters long with a fuel capacity of 17,000 metric tons is 75 feet wide and the lock is 80 feet wide. The timber fenders in the lock allow the ships to enter smoothly but there are currents and occasionally ships will shift some. The US Coast Guard is investigating why the fracture occurred and should issue a report within 30 days

Reported by: Joan Baldwin

News from the Twin Ports

08/27

A couple of unusual callers Aug. 25 at Twin Ports ore docks. Halifax arrived for taconite pellets at the BNSF ore dock in Superior. (Lately it’s been on a grain in/DMIR pellets out routine). The St. Clair arrived late to load at DMIR.

Unusual callers scheduled for later this week include Kaye E. Barker due at Cutler stone dock and Canadian Transport due at Hallett 5 and 6.

Reported by: Al Miller

Escanaba Ore Dock Loads Star in record Time

08/27

Congratulations to the personnel at the Escanaba Ore Dock for their record setting loading time of the MV Columbia Star,on Saturday, August 23. They loaded 66,000 tons of ore in the record time of l4 hours. This is a local record.

Reported by: Jim Grill

Boats become TV stars

08/26

Episodes of the popular TV show Due South are being shot on board the Seaway Queen and Canadian Mariner while they are laid up in Toronto this summer. The episodes take place aboard the fictional laker “Henry Allen”. The galley of the Queen has had various notices posted around with the Allen’s name displayed prominently for the cameras. The Mariner was under steam Sunday, August 23. She was to go for a little sail out out into Lake Ontario so they could shoot the exterior scenes. They will be used for this work until September 5.

Reported by: Clare Gilbert

Name Change at the Soo

08/26

A few weeks ago the name of the traffic center was changed to “Soo Traffic” from “Soo Control” on ch. 12. Anyone inbound at DeTour making their securite’ call to Soo Control will be politely corrected.

Reported by: D Ocean

Ryerson Flying the Jolly Roger

08/26

Captain Eric Treece of the Eward L. Ryerson has chosen the Jolly Roger (pirate flag) as his house flag. Captian Treece, a World War II air war buff explains: “the VF-17,”Jolly Rogers” were a U.S. Navy fighting squadron in the Solomon Is. in the S. Pacific and had a very distiguishing service record. I fly it to honor them.” Captian Treece also flies an 8th Army Air Force flag. Inland Steel gave the green light to fly the Jolly Roger from the Ryerson earlier this summer. The flag is flown when ever Captian Treece is in command of the Ryerson.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

News from the Twin Ports

08/26

Demolition began Aug. 22 to the former Cargill D grain elevator adjacent to the Duluth Port Terminal. Small explosive charges collapsed part of the original brick structure nearest the water. Demolishing the elevator and adjacent Cargill C is expected to take two years.

Federal Polaris is loading at AGP grain elevator in Duluth on Aug. 25, one of the few salties to call there this year.

Joseph H. Thompson called at Midwest Energy Terminal on Aug. 24 to load coal. The tug/barge unit has been in the Twin Ports several times this season, but not as frequently as last year.

In an unusual cargo movement, several Canadian ships have called at Silver Bay this season to load taconite pellets. The latest is John B. Aird, scheduled to load there Aug. 26.

Reported by: Al Miller

Car ferry Badger on Fall sailing schedule

08/26

The S.S. Badger car ferry began its fall sailing schedule yesterday, making one daily round trip across Lake Michigan. The boat leaves Ludington, MI at 8:30 am Eastern Time for the four-hour cruise to Wisconsin; then departs the Manitowoc dock for the return trip at 2:00 pm Central Time.

Reported by: Kari Karr

Busy day in Goderich

08/26

Saturday, August 23rd, was a busy day at the Port of Goderich, Ontario. Four vessels arrived in about 4 hours. The Algoway arrived around noon to load salt at the Sifto Mine. Then the James Norris arrived to load salt. Finally the Agawa Canyon and the Oakglen (P&H;) arrived about the same time. The harbour was quite busy for several hours. The Oakglen arrived to unload grain and the other took on salt.

Reported by: Chris Wilson

Coast Guard to honors sailors after 54 years

08/26

David Ginsburg’s vigil began in December 1942. His son, Irving was killed, with five others, during a Coast Guard rescue attempt at the Oswego Lighthouse. All six men drowned in a fierce gale. Coast Guard officials promised they would build a monument.

Sunday, after 54 years, the promise will be kept when the monument is dedicated on the Oswego waterfront.

David, now 99, will be a special guest at a riverside ceremony. It will feature a Coast Guard color guard and sailors from the USS Fahrion, FFG-22, a Navy ship visiting Oswego. Andrew Cisternino, 75, a former Syracuse man who nearly died trying to reach the body of his commanding officer, also plans to attend.

“That day has never gone out of my heart,” said Cisternino, of Long Island. Irving Ginsburg was wearing Cisternino’s boots when he died.

As for Irving’s father, he said he never lost faith that his son would be honored.

Reported by: Scott Marriam

Server up and running

08/24

The web server is back!! Sorry for the delays, below is a week’s worth of news all stories have been added as of 8/24. Passage will be updated Monday

Thanks for your patience, Neil

Jackman visits Missabe dock

08/23

Inbound Duluth 8/23 was Seaway Self Unloaders Capt. Henry Jackman. Bound for the Missabe docks in west Duluth. This could possibly be its first trip to the Missabe docks. The Jackman has become an infrequent visitor to the Twin Ports since its conversion to a self-unloader.

Reported by: Gary A. Putney

Cort arrives Duluth

08/22

The Stewart J. Cort arrived through the Duluth piers just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, headed for the Port Terminal to await a dock at BNSF (formerly Burlington Northern) in Superior. The Cort has made fewer than a dozen trips under the Aerial Bridge in her 25 years on the Lakes. The vessel uses the Superior Entry almost exclusively on her trips to the Twin Ports.

Reported by: Jody L. Aho

E.M. Ford to sail again

08/21

The E.M. Ford is scheduled to be painted in October in preperation for her 100 year anniversary. The vessel will make a few trips, and head back in to lay-up.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Algosound in Lay-up at Thunder Bay

08/21

An earlier report mentioned an unconfirmed report that Algosound is in Lay-up. It is in Thunder Bay in Lay-up.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Thunder Bay harbor clean-up

08/21

The Canadian government, the government of Ontario and three businesses have agreed to spend Canadian$9.3 million/U.S.$6.7 million to clean-up the harbor at Thunder Bay, Ontario. First planned in 1994 under the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, the work will reduce toxic sediment near the Northern Wood Preservers Inc. site in the harbor. Abitibi Consolidated Inc., Canadian National Railway Co., Northern Wood Preservers and Ontario will spend C$1.5 million/U.S.$1.1 with the federal government contributing C$3.3 million/U.S.$2.4 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Marcus Hanna to be launched

08/21

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Ida Lewis-class Coastal Buoy Tender Marcus Hanna (WLM 554) will be launched at 1100 23 Aug. at Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis. Kay Loy, wife of the Coast Guard’s chief of staff, Vice Adm. James M. Loy, is the sponsor. The tender will be homeported at South Portland, Maine. It was laid down in September and will be delivered in December. Marcus Hanna was the keeper of the Twin Lights at Cape Elizabeth, Maine. While serving in the U.S. Army during the U.S. Civil War, he received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor and later the U.S. Gold Lifesaving Medal. The latter was awarded after Hanna rescued crewmembers of a schooner that ran aground in a storm.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Salty overdraft at Port Colborne

08/20

Update, confilcting report.. “the vessel was dispatched to wharf 12 as the deepest draft read in lock 8 was 8.05 metres (26’05”).

Salty Mallard was drawing over 27′ draft. It was forced to stop after leaving Lock 8 above wharf 12 (stone dock) and shift some fuel around to meet Seaway standards.

The boat was carring Grain from Thunder Bay and rolls of Steel from an unknown port. The boat remained in Port until Sunday afternoon.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Great Lakes Maritime Academy

08/20

The new class at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan has begun its three year program of training to become licensed officers on Great Lakes commercial vessels. The first week is spent learning the proper use of lifeboats, life rafts, survival suits and other safety equipment. The Academy welcomes 29 cadets this year.

Reported by: Gary Schweitzer

Canadian seaway privatization

08/19

Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette has announced his intent to privatize operation of the St. Lawrence Seaway by the start of the next shipping season. Michel Fournieras, vice president of the Canadian Seaway Authority, has been named acting president and instructed to persue privatization. The presidency of Glen Stewart will apparently not be extended.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Rigel Shipping Canada bringing new ships

08/19

Rigel Shipping Canada Inc. has announced it will bring two double-hulled tankers of its parent company, Rigel Schiffahrts GmbH & Co. KG, to Canada for use in the domestic trade. The Ledastern (10,511-dwt, 123-meter/405-foot motor tanker built in 1993) and the Westerstern (17,000-dwt) will arrive by December.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Henry B. Smith found?

08/19

A group of US Navy reservists has determined the possible resting place in the depths of Lake Superior of the ore freighter Henry B. Smith The 525-foot Smith, downbound from Marquette’s lower harbor with 11,000 tons of hematite ore, sand with all crew members in the great November l9l3 gale that claimed dozens of ships on the Great Lakes. The Smiths’s location has remained a mystery. On Sunday, the reserve group from Pennsylvania used an aircraft-mounted device to detect magnetic pattern changes caused by iron in the vessel’s steel hull. The group located a strong reading about four miles northeast of Marquette. The Mining Journal of Marquette reported. The detection came after a local fisherman told searchers that he had accidentally happened across what appeared to be a large sunken object in the early l990s. He spotted the object using a “fishfinder” device. The object appears to be in 250-300 feet of water. It was great to get the information, said Randy Beebe of Ishpeming, a diving enthusiast who arranged for the military unit search. “Sometimes, this is what it takes.” The site was near the southern fringes of a l00 square-mile box the reservists were prepared to search, Beebe said. In addition to the possible Smith site, the aircraft’s magnetic detection equipment found a pair of other sites Beebe believes are the known resting places of a schooner and package freighter. Beebe said several local boats equipped with up-to-date fishfinders will conduct a thorough sweep this week. If contact is made, a dive attempt will be considered

Reported by: Jim Grill

H.M.C.S. Okanagan in the Seaway

08/18

The Canadian Maritime Command Ojibwa-class Attack Submarine H.M.C.S. Okanagan (SS 74) left Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 18 Aug. for a four-week series of Canadian port visits and public tours. Calls will include Quebec; Toronto; Montreal; and Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. This is the first time a Canadian submarine has sailed in the St. Lawrence Seaway since 1990.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Ryerson Aids in Rescue

08/18

Late last night the Ryerson aided in the rescue of a sinking 43′ sailboat about 20 miles off the coast of Belmont Harbor in Chicago. The sailboat was enroute from Holland to Belmont Harbor when it sprang a leak and quickly started to fill w/ water. As several of the men on the sailboat tried bailing and figuring out what had happened, another had sent out a distress call. The Ryerson being in the area came to their aid and served as sort of a homing device for the coast guard. This information was heard on this morning’s tv news.

Reported by: D. Ocean

Soo’s Poe Lock Seeing Downtime

08/16

During a recent visit to the Soo Locks I became aware that the Poe Lock has been out of service on almost a daily basis. Apparently every day they have been closing the lock to do some work on downbound gates. Don’t know what the problem is. A linetender there said that on one day they were down almost the entire morning.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

Twin Ports report

08/15

Tug Sarah Spencer and barge Atlantic Hickory made an unusual call Aug. 13 at the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Amid the stream of U.S. lakers calling at Midwest Energy Terminal, Algolake is scheduled to call there Aug. 14.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algoma central Corp. Reports 2nd Quarter Net Income

08/15

The Wednesday, August 13, 1997 edition of the Toronto Star reported that Algoma Central Corp. of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario reported a June 30th second-quarter net income of $7.2 million, or $1.84 a share, up from $2.7 million, or 69 cents per share, a year earlier. Revenues were $54.8 million, a slight increase from $54.1 million.

Algoma Central Corporation is the parent company of Algoma Central Marine Group which owns and operates the largest fleet of vessels on the Great Lakes. As of August 14, all ACM self-unloaders are active, and all but four bulk-carriers are active. ALGOGULF, ALGOISLE, and ALGORIVER have yet to see service in 1997, and ALGOSOUND apparently has returned to layup, after brief use in June and July.

Reported by: Mark Jackson

Sarnia Natutical flea market and crafts show

08/15

The Sarnia Natutical flea market and crafts show is Sunday August 23 at the Sarnia Bay Marina activity center. The show runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (set up 7-8 a.m.) admission is free.

Dealers – space is available at $5 a table, call 519-332-0533 to reserve, Ask for Laurie.

Reported by: Roger LeLievre

St. Lawrence Seaway in 1996

08/15

St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. reported this week that in 1996, shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway of wheat increased 48 percent from 1995 to 492,000 tons. Iron and steel shipments were up 32 percent to 1.1 million tons. Direct U.S. shipments through the Montreal – Lake Ontario section increased 16 percent to 2.5 million tons. As of 5 Aug., 369 loaded foreign-registry ships and 471 loaded “Lakers” had passed through the Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock and the Snell Lock. This is up 21 from the same period in 1996.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

News from the Seaway

08/14

The 1979 built OOCL ASSURANCE-HK, a regular visitor to Montreal is at anchor at Montreal East today awaiting a berth at the Canmar Terminal, under her new name “CANMAR VALOUR”, ready to replace the CANMAR SPIRIT and CANMAR VENTURE, who have spent the last year on the Canmar Mediterranean sevice after many years in the Canmar service from Montreal to Northern Europe . The Canmar Spirit arrived Montreal at 1am today and the Canmar Venture is inbound for Montreal in the Cabot Strait this evening. The future use or disposition of these two vessels is not known at this time

The small 1962 built Cdn coastal tanker PETROBULK that exploded July 16 killing the Master/owner, and seriously injuring 3 Crewmen burned for 6 days in spite of CCG efforts to extinguished the fire. 1000 people were evacuated from St Barb. NFLD and considerable damage was done to the wharf causing disrupted and diverted ferry services to the town

The new (1997) small USA cruise ship GRANDE CARIBE spent most of this season in Eastern Canada and USA As the Hibernia construction project winds down vessels are being diverted to other duties. The excursion type vessel Garden City is in the Seaway at Calling Point 7 today enroute to Hamilton. The Macassa Bay arrived Hamilton Aug 09. The Canadian Steamship Lines vessels, lakers ATLANTIC HURON, NANTICOKE, and ATLANTIC ERIE are dispensing of their Hibernia ballasting equipment to return to normal service.

The well known Cdn Navy diving support vessel HMCS CORMORANT, a regular visitor to the Seaway was decommissioned in July (date unknown). She is replaced by HMCS SECHELT which arrived in Eastern Canada from the West coast.

The changes to the Christensen Canada African Services involve the departure of the THORSWAVE from the service and the arrival of a new vessel to the service, name of THORSRIVER which will have some ro/ro capabilities. The veratile general carriers THOR 1 and THORSCAPE which have completed over 50 round trips each to Africa since 1978 are expected to remain in service.

Reported by: John Whitehead

A G FARQUHARSON in Desgagnes Colours

08/14

The tanker A G FARQUHARSON arrived at the Government Dock in Sault Ste Marie today. Although the hull is still red the ship has Desgagnes blue with yellow stack markings and is flying a Desgagnes house flag.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

July Cargo Preview

08/14

U.S.-Flag carriage on the Lakes in July likely topped 14 million tons. Iron ore cargos in U.S.-Flag lakers totaled 6.6 million tons, an increase of 4.7 percent. Stone loadings in U.S. bottoms topped 3.9 million tons, an increase of 6 percent. The U.S.-Flag coal float totaled 2.7 million tons, an increase of 4.3 percent.

A complete report on U.S.-Flag haulage in July will be issued later this week on the LCA’s home page.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Seaway Notice No. 10 1997 closing

08/14

Welland Canal

The St. Lawrence Seaway Authority will carry out a number of major structure restoration projects in the Welland Canal during the 1997-98 non-navigation season. Because of the volume of work, and in order not to delay the opening of the 1998 season, it is necessary that these projects start as early as possible.

Mariners are advised that the closing of the Welland Canal will be scheduled to take place near the end of December. The final date will depend largely on vessel demand and weather conditions.

Confirmation regarding the above will be provided in a timely manner.

Closing Procedures, Montreal-Lake Ontario Section

For the 1997 navigation season, the Seaway entities have agreed to apply the closing procedures outlined below. In these procedures the following definitions are used:

The closing period: the period beginning December 1 and continuing until the last vessel has completed its transit; the clearance date: 2400 hours, December 20. During the closing period, the following procedures will be in effect:

Reporting:

Commencing at 0001 hours, December 1 and for the duration of the closing period, each upbound vessel entering the Seaway at CIP 2 or departing upbound from a port, dock, wharf or anchorage in the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must declare the furthermost destination of its voyage.

Commencing at 0001 hours, December 17 and for the duration of the closing period, each downbound vessel entering traffic control Sector 4 at mid-Lake Ontario must declare the furthermost St. Lawrence River destination of its voyage, along with all intermediate destinations.

Regarding a) and b), each vessel must advise the nearest traffic control centre of any changes in these destinations.

Upbound Vessels with Destinations above Port Colborne:

A vessel which enters the Seaway system upbound at CIP 2 after 2400 hours on December 9 and transits above Port Colborne shall be designated a ‘wintering vessel’.

A ‘wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section will be granted downbound transit privileges only if, in the opinion of the Authority and the Corporation, such transit can be accomplished safely and without interfering with the orderly and timely transit of any vessel not designated as a ‘wintering vessel’ or without otherwise disrupting the system.

A ‘Wintering vessel’ wishing to return downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section must give notification of such intent to the Authority or Corporation at least 48 hours prior to arriving at CIP 16 (Port Colborne). If a ‘wintering vessel’ is granted downbound transit privileges through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section, it will be subject to the following:

A ‘wintering vessel’ will yield, whenever required to do so by the Authority or the Corporation, its downbound order of turn at Port Colborne (CIP 16) and in the area from Cape Vincent to Prescott anchorage in favour of vessels which are not designated as ‘wintering vessel’.

The application of sub-paragraph (i) above shall not excuse a ‘wintering vessel’ from liability for the post-clearance-date operational surcharges as specified in the St. Lawrence Seaway Tariff of Tolls.

A ‘wintering vessel’ will be required to accept and acknowledge that a downbound transit is not assured, and that the Authority and the Corporation make no representation whatsoever as to their ability to successfully transit the vessel downbound through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section.

Acceptance for Transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario Section

Upbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at Cap St. Michel up to 2400 hours, December 20.

Downbound vessels not otherwise restricted will be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section at calling-in point Cape Vincent up to 2400 hours, December 20.

Vessels which have complied with these clearance date call-in procedures will be cleared through the system, operating conditions permitting. ‘Operating conditions’ means all conditions which affect or may affect the operation and maintenance of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway as determined by the Seaway entities.

Vessels which report at the designated call-in points at Cap St. Michel and Cape Vincent after 2400 hours, December 20, will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit. Such transit will be subject to the provisions of Paragraph 4 below.

Vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf in the Cap St. Michel-Cape Vincent section of the Seaway and which report for transit after the clearance date will be allowed to transit only if, in the judgment of both Seaway entities, operating conditions permit.

Such transits will be subject to the surcharges as outlined in Paragraph 4 below, with the exception that, for vessels which are at a port, dock or wharf within the St. Lambert-Iroquois Lock segment, the application of the surcharges will commence after 2400 hours, December 21, i.e. $20,000 on December 22, $40,000 on December 23 and $60,000 on December 24.

For vessels included in the foregoing paragraph, the time and date that the vessel reports to be ready in all respects to transit will be taken as the criteria for the establishment of the amount of surcharge.

In no event will any vessel be accepted for transit through the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway after 2400 hours, December 24, unless it has reached a prior written agreement as to approval of such transit with both the Authority and the Corporation.

Post-Clearance-Date Transit
Vessels which report at a designated call-in point after 2400 hours on December 20, and which are permitted by the entities to transit may be subject to the operational surcharge specified as follows:

For vessels reporting on December 21 – $20,000
For vessels reporting on December 22 – $40,000
For vessels reporting on December 23 – $60,000
For vessels reporting on December 24 – $80,000

It will be announced no later than December 15 whether or not, based upon operating conditions, vessels will be subject to the aforementioned operational surcharges on December 21. Should the surcharge for this date not be applied, then at 24-hour intervals, similar reviews will be made for subsequent days, until such date as the applicable surcharge is to be applied. However, in no event will such a review be made after December 18.

In the event there is a postponement of the application of surcharges, the applicable daily amounts will be based on the vessel’s call-in time at Cap St. Michel or Cape Vincent. Appendix 1 to this Notice provides the details on this.

Assessed operational surcharges will be prorated on a per lock basis. Surcharges representing transit through U.S. locks will be for the account of the Corporation and payable in U.S. funds and surcharges representing transit through Canadian locks will be for the account of the Authority and payable in Canadian funds.

Regardless of conditions, no vessel will be accepted for either upbound or downbound post-clearance-date transit of the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway until it has furnished the applicable operational surcharge. In cases where it appears as if it may be necessary to request post-clearance-date transit, vessels are urged to deposit security in the amount of $80,000 to cover the potential operational surcharge. Failure to have sufficient funds on deposit will cause delay which could result in additional surcharge cost, or denial of transit, to vessels unable to furnish the applicable operational surcharge immediately upon reaching the designated call-in point.

Transit Restrictions (Draft and Power to Length Ratio)

Unique ice conditions are encountered in the St. Lambert-Iroquois segment. To reduce the problem of lengthy delays caused by vessels operating in ice, the following restrictions will apply during the closing period.

After 0001 hours on December 7, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:

Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 20:1 (kW/metre);

Vessels with a forward draft of less than 40 dm. Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 20 dm.

After 0001 hours on December 12, vessels in the following categories will not be accepted for transit between St. Lambert and Iroquois Locks:

Upbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 24:1 (kW/metre) Vessels with a forward draft of less than 50 dm.

Downbound Vessels with a power to length ratio of less than 15:1 (kW/metre); Vessels with a forward draft of less than 25 dm.

In all cases, the draft is to be sufficient to have the propeller fully submerged. The draft limitations referred to in a) and b) do not apply to tugs. Subject to approval, vessel operators may utilize a tug of a minimum of 3000 HP to augment the power of a vessel not meeting the requirements as specified above. In calculating the vessel’s power to length ratio, 50% of the tug’s horsepower can be added to the vessel’s power. For determining the power to length ratio, the information contained in the Lloyd’s Register will be used. Vessel operators should note that compliance with the above restrictions does not assure transit and that the Seaway entities may increase or decrease the restrictions as ice or other conditions dictate. These changes will be announced as early as practical, but in no case later than 24 hours before they go into effect.

Reported by: St. Lawrence Seaway Authority

News from the Twin Ports

08/13

The fuel boat Reiss Marine, which served the Twin Ports until going out of business last winter, reportedly has been sold Mexican and a Mexican crew is in town preparing the boat for the transit south. Two companies are now using trucks to provide fueling services to ships in Duluth.

Demolition work is proceeding on Duluth’s former Cargill C and D elevators, which stood empty for about 20 years. The company doing the demolition reportedly has hauled three large truckloads of bird dung out of the elevators and still has a long ways to go before cleanup work is finished.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Twin Ports

08/13

The fuel boat Reiss Marine, which served the Twin Ports until going out of business last winter, reportedly has been sold Mexican and a Mexican crew is in town preparing the boat for the transit south. Two companies are now using trucks to provide fueling services to ships in Duluth.

Demolition work is proceeding on Duluth’s former Cargill C and D elevators, which stood empty for about 20 years. The company doing the demolition reportedly has hauled three large truckloads of bird dung out of the elevators and still has a long ways to go before cleanup work is finished.

Reported by: Al Miller

Record Month For Lakes Stone Trade

08/12

Shipments of limestone and gypsum from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 4,980,154 net tons in July, the highest monthly total since LCA began its survey of the trade. The previous record was 4,879,662 net tons, loaded in August of last year.

For the season, stone loadings stand at 17.5 million tons, an increase of 13.4 percent compared to last year’s end-of-July total.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

M/V Algoway helps save 5 people

08/11

At about 10:00 A.M. Sunday morning the U. S. Coast Guard, Saginaw River Station,received a distress call from the 43′ pleasure craft “Sole Pleasure” , near Gravelley Shoals, in the Saginaw Bay, that there was a fire aboard. The fire was extinguished without harm to the occupants, but the vessel was now dead in the water. The Coast Guard was aware that the M/V Algoway was inbound and requested the Captain to see if he could spot the “Sole Pleasure” and he was able to. The Captain of the Algoway went out of his way , took a line and towed the crippled vessel in to the Mouth of the Saginaw and the vessel was taken in for repairs. Big thanks to the Captain and crew of the M/V Algoway and the joint efforts of the U S. Coast Guard Saginaw River Station.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Carferry bolts down stateroom beds

08/11

“All the stateroom beds on the S.S. Badger have been secured in an open position so that passengers cannot raise or lower them.

‘We did this voluntarily,’ said Thom Hawley, director of public information for Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc. ‘We realize this may cause some inconvenience for our passengers, but we felt it was a measure we should take.’

Hawley said the fold-down beds in all 42 staterooms on the Badger have been fastened in the down position so that they cannot be raised or lowered by passengers.

The modification followed the death of a passenger last month who apparently suffocated when a pull-down bed raised up, trapping her.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

St. Lawrence Seaway in 1996

08/11

St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. reported this week that in 1996, shipments through the St. Lawrence Seaway of wheat increased 48 percent from 1995 to 492,000 tons. Iron and steel shipments were up 32 percent to 1.1 million tons. Direct U.S. shipments through the Montreal – Lake Ontario section increased 16 percent to 2.5 million tons. As of 5 Aug., 369 loaded foreign-registry ships and 471 loaded “Lakers” had passed through the Dwight D. Eisenhower Lock and the Snell Lock. This is up 21 from the same period in 1996.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Midwest Energy line up

08/11

The Blues Festival is not the only place in town to have a line waiting to get in. Midwest Energy, the coal terminal in Superior that brings low sulfer coal in from Montana by train and loads that coal onto ships destined for Detroit Edison and other ports on the lower lakes, joins the club. They had a party and everybody came. There are fours ships either here, or about to be here, that will load coal at Midwest Energy. And the party has already started. Last night (8/7), the St. Clair was literally in line to get into the terminal. She had pulled out of her berth at the Reiss Coal Dock in West Duluth, and moved across the St. Louis River and sat in the water just behind the Columbia Star, waiting for the Star to finish. As soon as the last lump of coal entered the last hold on the Star, she was off for the lower lakes and the St. Clair moved into place. She left early this morning, and was replaced by the Walter J. McCarthy. The McCarthy is there now and should be departing through the Duluth Ship Canal late this afternoon. The H. Lee White will follow the same path the St. Clair did, moving from the Reiss dock to Midwest Energy. The Indiana Harbor is already at the Port Terminal waiting to go, and the Canadian Transport is steaming across Lake Superior, due to arrive around the middle of this afternoon. She may set anchor off the Duluth piers. If she is smart, she might try docking over at the DECC, settle in and enjoy the Blues Festival. She will be here a while. It would make a nice weekend aboard ship. She was the first laker to be outfitted with an exercise room and a sauna.

Reported by: Duluth Shipping News

“Princess” now on The Saginaw

08/11

The “Princess” a 38′ steel hull ,steam fired, single cylinder, walking beam engine has been launched and has been seen paddling up and down the Saginaw River. She is equipped with feathering, side paddlewheels on both sides of her and will reverse as needed, all speeds and needs of the engine are requested by bells rung from the pilot house to the engineer. It is also equipped with the typical river boat steam whistle, being of proper tone and loudness[genuine riverboat]. However, due to liability reasons no rides for pay will be available, but, members of The Saginaw River Historical Society CAN ride for free. want to JOIN the SOCIETY??? This engine was designed and utilizes the most “up to date” 1860’s technology and functions as smooth as a “school marms leg”, It can be seen docked at “The Brass Lantern”, a fine dining and watering hole on the east side [1019 N. Water St.] of Bay City, Mich 48708, on the Saginaw River.

Reported by: Dan Maus

Vintage Oldsmobiles on Badger

08/11

60 or so vintage Oldsmobiles will be crossing the lake from Manitowoc on August 20 on the S.S. Badger, to be a part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Oldmobile in Lansing. They are scheduled to arrive at Ludington at 5:30 PM on Aug 20, and will be available for public viewing for about an hour after they are off-loaded.

The caravan will be given some Lake Michigan water to take to Lansing as part of the Pacific Ocean-Lake Michigan connection. The water is to be used to sprinkle the cars coming from San Francisco which have been have already been sprinkled with Pacific Ocean water.

Reported by: Max S. Hanley

New Montreal to South Africa service

08/11

Christensen Canadian African Lines will operate three ships every 21 days from Montreal to the Ports of Cape Town and Durban in South Africa. The Thorl (ro/ro), the Thorscape (Singaporean-registry 20,321-dwt ro/ro built in 1977, operated by Jaya Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd.) and the Thorsriver (ro/ro) will work on the service.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Canada Maritime Services changes

08/11

Canada Maritime Services Ltd. has placed the Canmar Valour (1,000-TEU capacity containership) in service on Route B of its container service from North America to the Mediterranean, which it operates with Orient Overseas Container Line. Canada Maritime Services bought the ship from O.O.C.L. to replace the Canmar Spirit (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services) and the Canmar Venture (Hong Kong-registry 16,963-dwt containership built in 1971, operated by Canada Maritime Services). The ships had sailed Route 3 of Canada Maritime’s northern service, which includes the St. Lawrence Seaway. In October, the Canmar Valour will be drydocked for a new radar installation, a new electronic chart system and a new fuel treatment plant.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tug VENTURE sinks Again

08/08

The tug VENTURE which sank at the compensating gates in the St. Mary’s River on May 20 (see news archive) suffered a similar fate on Tuesday, August 5 as the tug lost power and was again pinned to the gate by the strong current. Attempts to free the tug will be made today. (August 7). Three crew members escaped serious injury although the Captain apparently suffered an injury to his jaw.

Reported by: Scott McLellan

Big Month for Lake Erie Coal

08/07

Coal shipments from the Lake Erie ports of Toledo, Sandusky, Ashtabula and Conneaut totaled 2,545,025 net tons, an increase of 44 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. For the season, Lake Erie coal loadings total 9,264,372 net tons, an increase of 28.6 percent.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

71 members of the House of Representatives have signed to support Jones Act

08/08

When Congress recessed on August 1, 214 members of the House of Representatives had signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Lakes legislators was Sabo (MN). In total, 71 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution to date and this group represents virtually every lakefront district. More members of Congress are expected to sign the Resolution when the House returns in September.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Canadian Mariner departs Port Weller Drydocks

08/07

At 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, August 5th, the tugs Glenevis, Glenside and Argue Martin pulled the Canadian Mariner out of Port Weller’s deep drydock and proceeded downbound through lock 1 of the Welland Canal. The four vessels entered Lake Ontario at about noon and shortly thereafter Argue Martin, which had been assisting at Mariner’s stern, left the tow and returned to the canal.

Glenevis and Glenside took Canadian Mariner across the lake to Toronto where it seems the bulker will spend a short time in mid-summer layup.

Argue Martin returned to Port Weller Drydocks at 15:30.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Something smells fishy in Port Stanley

08/07

Port Stanley is very congested with commercial fishing vessels, boats from Port Colborne, Port Dover, Port Maitland, Kingsville and Wheatley are trolling for smelt and gill netting for perch and pickerel. There are 35 or more boats fishing out of Port Stanley, the harbor is recieving 300,000 pounds of fish per day.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Algolake makes unusual call

08/07

Algolake made an unusual call Aug. 6 at the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. Not far away, Algontario wass unloading cement at St. Lawrence Cement.

Reported by: Al Miller

American Merchant Mariners Tell Congress The Truth About Jones Act “Reform”

08/07

The crew of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA has written Congress a letter in support of the Jones Act.

July 24, 1997

Dear Representative:

We are the officers and crew members of the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the largest U.S.-Flag vessel on the Great Lakes. We carry Jones Act cargo, primarily Montana coal from Superior, Wisconsin, to a power plant on the St. Clair River in Michigan. Every 5 1/2 to 6 days, we deliver the equivalent of 6 100-car unit train loads of coal. Last year alone, we carried over 3,000,000 tons of this coal. We did it safely, swiftly, and in a manner which did not degrade our environment. We work hard, under all sorts of conditions – from the ice in spring, into the summer, through the gales of November, and back into the ice of winter.

We have given up a lot for this job, counting among the hardships absence from our families for long periods of time. We make a good living, with good benefits for us and our families. We are able to educate our children and pay our mortgages. We are productive members of society. We are all tax-paying American citizens. And we are angry. The movement afoot to “reform” (read: “abolish”) the Jones Act would put us out of our jobs. The so-called Jones Act Reform Coalition twists facts, invents others, and generally insults us and our profession.

They claim their bill will create jobs for the American mariner, but this is not true – our jobs will go to foreigners because of a loophole in the law wider than Lake Superior. The provision allows foreign flag ships to move cargo between U.S. ports WITHOUT employing American sailors, WITHOUT paying taxes and WITHOUT compliance with U.S. safety and environmental laws. There is no way this ship and its owner, The Interlake Steamship Company, could ever compete under those circumstances. “Reform” of the Jones Act will simply be the end of the U.S. Flag fleet.

There is a resolution in the House in support of the Jones Act (H. Con. Res 65). As of today, 187 members of the House have signed this resolution. (note: As of the August 5 recess, 214 members have signed.) I urge you to join with your fellow legislators and voice your support for our nation’s Cabotage laws. If you have already signed, thank you for your support. We think we earn it every day by safely and efficiently delivering cargo on the Great Lakes, and will do so as long as there is shipping on the Lakes, provided the Jones Act remains the foundation of U.S. maritime policy.

Sincerely,

Officers and Crew Members of M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA

Captain Mitchell B. Hallin, Phoenix, AZ
Michael E. LaCombe, First Mate, Marine City, MI
Karl G. Hardesty, Second Mate, Plainwell, MI
Dennis S. Badaczewski II, Third Mate, Marquette, MI
Douglas R. Paulson, Wheelsman, Calumet, MI
Polly A. Sales, Wheelsman, Superior, WI
Bill M. Sales, Jr., Wheelsman, Superior, WI
William B. Bosley, Watchman, Beaver, WV
Bob A. Moss, Watchman, Duluth, MN
Jason K. Law, Watchman, Springville, NY
Dave A. Myklejord, AB Maintenance Man, Fosston, MN
Matthew J. Dunham, Deckhand, Marquette, MI
Brian K. Olson, Superior, WI
Kymberli King, Deck Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Robert Liimatta, Chief Engineer, Hawthorne, WI
Henry R. Taylor, Jr., 1st Asst. Engineer, Taylor, MI
Brian O. Berghefer, 2nd Asst. Engineer, Laurium, MI
Stephen J. Kowalski, Jr., 2nd Asst. Engineer, Staten Island, NY
Gary A. Heagerty, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Stockton, CA
Glen M. Lahti, Jr., 3rd Asst. Engineer, Brule, WI
Bill F. Jurey, QMED), Fort Meyers, FL
Randy Johnson, QMED, Barnes, WI
Carmen J. Tucker, QMED, Cleveland, OH
Brian D. Gallop, Conveyorman, Grand Rapids, MN
Joe R. Evans, Gateman, Vermillion, OH
Kenneth Barnett, Engine Cadet, Traverse City, MI
Donna Dresp, Chief Cook, Stuart, FL
Andy Jaworski, Second Cook, Beulah, MI
Sandy L. Vantassel, Porter, Walbridge, OH

Note: QMED = Qualified Member of the Engine Department

I salute the crew aboard the M/V PAUL R. TREGURTHA, you can help their effort by writing your own Representative.

Reported by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Ore tonnage from Superior up

08/06

Iron ore shipments from three Lake Superior ports were ahead of last year’s pace through June even though ore consumption is slowing, the American Iron Ore Association reported.

Ore tonnage from Superior was up 10 percent over last year; Duluth was up 9 percent; and Two Harbors 29 percent.

Shipments were down 17 percent in Silver Bay and 11 percent in Taconite Harbor.

The statistics for Two Harbors and Taconite Harbor likely were affected by the train wreck last winter that slowed shipments through Taconite Harbor and prompted some tonnage to be routed through Two Harbors.

In May, iron ore consumption was 8 percent below last year’s pace.

Reported by: Al Miller

Victor L. Schlager heading for refit

08/06

The tug Ohio towed the tug Victor L. Schlager dead ship down the St. Clair and Detroit River on Saturday, August 2. Another vessel inquired, and the Ohio said it was going for a complete refit, but didn’t give the destination. The Schlager, a fire tug (engine # 58) for the Chicago fire department, was built at Christy Corporation in 1950.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Dock worker hurt in Toldeo

08/06

Arthur Woodward, a Toledo World Terminal dock worker was severely injured Sunday, August 3. A bundle of Aluminum fell on him while he was in the hold of a ship. He was flown by Life Flight to Mercy Hospital in Toledo where his leg was amputated. Unloading of the vessel was delayed for several hours.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Ore Boat article in Lake Superior Magazine

08/06

There is a nice cover article in the July, 1997 issue of Lake Superior Magazine about life aboard the ore boats.It features the second mate on the COURTNEY BURTON and goes into a bit of detail about the various superstitions as well as the working conditions. It is nicely illustrated, too. It was written by Donn Larson and photographed by Paul L. Hayden. If you can’t find it in your store, visit the web site.

Reported by: Jim Zeirke

News from the Seaway

08/05

The ice strengthened Dutch built S.L.I.L -BR reg., ex J.A.Z. Desgagnes made stops at Gaspe and Newfoundland before departing from Cdn shores. She has since passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and is in the Mediterranean bound for the Suez Canal and will take the Red Sea route to Madagascar off the East Coast of Africa. She is reportsd to have Chinese owners and will trade to the Mediterranean from Madagascar.

The well known Cdn tanker A R Farquaharson is underway again after layup in Halifax NS, since Oct 1996. The ex Texaco Chief, and owned in 1996 by Imperial Oil is in Quebec City and due to depart for the Great Lakes. Her master is currently acting as the vessel’s agent

The CSL laker Jean Parisien while eastbound in the Seaway gave a destination of SEA.. causing speculation that she may be joining the 3 CSL Lakers engaged in the HIBERNIA rig ballasting. However she passed Latittude 66 West today at 0105, eastbound, ordered for Belledune, New Brunswick

The Jacques Desgagnes and Cecilia Desgagnes are west bound in the Strait of Belle Isle, returning from another successful Arctic voyage. The Arctic Viking will berth at Cote St Catherine tonight, to load for another sea-lift trip

The tanker Emerald Star will depart Quebec City this evening bound for Goose Bay on the Coast of Labrador.

The Maltese vessel SEDOY departed Montreal this evening on a first visit to the Great Lakes. The russian tanker Vlasimir Vysotski tentered the St Lambert Lock at 1052 on a first time visit, destination Sarnia. The Swiss tanker RHONE with a cargo of European wine in bulk will not proceed west of Montreal

Reported by: John Whitehead

Ferry, U.S. Coast Guard vessel damaged in explosion

08/05

A fireworks explosion on the city pier in Charlevoix, Mich., on 26 July killed one person and injured 17 others, with shrapnel spread within a 300-meter/1,000-foot radius of the explosion. A local ferry was holed above the waterline and half its windows were destroyed. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Balsam-class Seagoing Buoy Tender U.S.C.G.C. Acacia (WLB 406), homeported at the pier, suffered minor scrapes and dents to its hull and flying bridge.

Reported by: Steve Schultz
From the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Confirmed Mapleglen is at Port Weller for 5 year

08/05

P + H MAPLEGLEN x Algocape, x Carol Lake 1960 is at Port Weller Dry Dock for her 5 year inspection.

Reports are that she is expected to be there for about one month.

The Mapleglen runs mainly from The Lakehead (Thunder Bay) to down below (St Lawrence River Ports) The Oakglen x T.R. Mc Lagen her fleet mate does the same but often runs the shorter trip to Goderich from the Lake head.

Reported by: J.J. Van Volkenburg

Former Mackinaw Island Ferry working in Maine

08/05

While on vaction in Bar Harbor Maine I came across the 1923 built CHIPPEWA (X-MARY MARGRET). She used to be a Mackinwaw Island ferry. She was purchased by the Downeast Windjammer Cruises in 1994 and brought to Maine where they restored her. She is now used for sightseeing tours of the waters around Bar Harbor Maine.

Reported by: Andrew Severson

Montrealais and Mapleglen arrive at Port Weller Drydocks

08/04

At 08:54 on August 2nd, the tugs Glenevis, Argue Martin and James E. McGrath assisted the P&H; bulker Mapleglen into the facility’s shallow dock. Once she was secured the HMCS Athabaskan was moved northward along Port Weller’s long fitout wall until her stern was adjacent to Mapleglen’s stern. This was done so that there would be room for Montrealais to secure forward of her.

Montrealais departed wharf 1, below lock 1 where she had been since 11:35 on July 31st, and arrived at the drydocks at 14:02. The three tugs then assisted her to the fitout wall.

Both Mapleglen and Montrealais are apparently in for 5-year inspections and minor general reparis.

See the Welland Canal section of Vessel Transits for a complete record of daily ship movements through the canal.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

Rare trip to Silver Bay

08/04

John B. Aird paid a rare call Aug. 3 to Silver Bay.

Reported by: Al Miller

August U.S. Vessel Report

08/02

On August 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 65 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. These vessels represent nearly 97 percent of available carrying capacity.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships can be activated if demand warrants. The idle cement carriers are presently holding storage cargos of cement.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Lakes Virtually Ringed With Jones Act Supporters

08/02

As of August 1, 212 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Carson (Indiana); Coyne (Pennsylvania); and McHale (Pennsylvania). In total, 70 members of the Lakes delegation in the House have signed the Resolution and this group represents virtually every lakefront district.

Equally important, the Resolution now needs just 6 more co-signers to reach a majority of the House of Representatives.

Click here for a list of Great Lakes legislators that have signed H. Con. Res. 65. Including links to web pages and e-mail

Visit the Lake Carriers Association for more information

Armco calls in St. Clair

08/01

Oglebay Norton’s, ARMCO, unloaded a cargo of coal in St. Clair yesterday, July 30. Her destination was not the Edison Power Plant but the small Azco Salt Dock in downtown St. Clair. This visit might have been her first to that dock?

Reported by: Rod Burdick

Twin Ports news

08/01

Kinsman Independent was finishing its load July 31 at Harvest States elevator in Superior, another location it’s visited rarely in the past year.

American Mariner was busy on Lake Superior July 30-31. The vessel arrived at the Reiss Inland dock in Duluth to unload July 30, then came back down river to load at Midwest Energy Terminal with a cargo of coal for Taconite Harbor.

St. Clair paid one of its occasional visits July 30 to the BNSF ore dock in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

News on the Hermine

08/01

The vessel La Grande Hermine was towed to Jordan Harbour,to the Marina at the Beacon Inn. The Macassa Bay is still the Macassa Bay, she was towed back from Hibernia where her and the Garden City had been used as ferries carrying workers back and forth between the GBS structure and the shore-side construction facilities. The Garden City should be returning under her own power.

Reported by: Dan Ocean

Duluth Activity

07/31

Fred R. White Jr. departed from Fraser Shipyards sometime overnight of July 29.

Kinsman Independent looked right at home July 30 as it loaded at the AGP grain elevator in Duluth. Kinsman boats for years loaded regularly at AGP, which is formerly known as Cap 6. In the past few years, however, their visits to AGP have become increasingly uncommon, and the vessels now call almost exclusively at the Peavey Connors Point grain elevator in Superior.

Reported by: Al Miller

Milwaukee gets run on cement

07/31

Yesterday the Port of Milwaukee saw a run on cement carriers. Arriving were: the tug Jacklyn M and barge Integrity, the tug Triton and barge St. Marys I, and the Medusa Challenger.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Rouge Steel dissatisfies EPA

07/31

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accused Rouge Steel of violating the Clean Air Act at its Dearborn mill. The EPA said the percentage of light obscured by smoke, dust and ash exceeds the state’s limit of 20 percent.

Reported by: the Detroit News

Canadian Coast Guard sues to recover Irving Whale salvage cost

07/31

The Canadian Coast Guard has filed a lawsuit to recover the cost of the recovery of the 7,000-ton tank barge Irving Whale. The claim for Canadian$42,447,638.75/U.S.$30,651,439.94 was filed in federal court in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, on 29 July. Those named include Atlantic Towing Ltd. (the operator of the tug towing the barge), J.D. Irving Ltd. (the owner of the barge), Irving Oil Co. Ltd. (owner of the cargo), Universal Sales Ltd. (the firm whose tug was towing the barge) and the administrator of the Canadian Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund. A bill was presented in April and talks began soon after without success. The Irving Whale was raised from the Gulf of St. Lawrence 60 kilometers/37 miles northeast of Prince Edward Island, or 100 kilometers/62 miles southwest of the Magdalen Islands, at 0854 30 July, 1996. It sank in a storm 7 Sept., 1970, in 67 meters/220 feet of water with 3,100 tons of Bunker C oil and 6,800 liters/1,800 gallons or 7.2 tons of polychlorinated biphenyls. Following testing of the site in 1992, the decision was made to raise the barge. J.D. Irving contends that it has already paid for salvage of the Irving Whale though contributions to the Ship-Source Oil Pollution Fund in the 1970s and 1980s. J.D. Irving includes interest on the amount contributed.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

USS Niagara in the Welland Canal

07/31

The 1812 era brig USS Niagara was in the Welland Canal yesterday at the east side wharf below lock 1. The Niagara is scheduled to be in the St. Catharines area again for the weekend of Aug 8-10 when she will be in Port Dalhousie for The Henley Regatta. Shaker Cruise will run special ferries for that event for information call 1-888-842-5253

Reported by: Roger Tottman

New rules for Dockworkers

07/31

U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman and Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Gregory R. Watchman announced new working rules for dockworkers on 18 July. Issued by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the new rules are expected to save more than 30,000 lost work days annually. In addition to updating existing regulations, some standards for terminals were amended so that ship and port rules are the same. As an example of the updates incorporated, former dockworker rules referred to the International Labor Organization convention of 1932, while the new rules refer to the most recent convention of 1979. OSHA estimates that the additional cost of compliance, per year, will total U.S.$3.1 billion, but savings due to avoided injuries will be U.S.$7 billion. States with OSHA-approved programs that affect dockworkers must revise their standards within six months, or show why there is no need, in the event that the existing state rules are at least as effective as the new federal ones. Specific changes include mandated locking devices and above-deck cell guides for containers to reduce the hazard of working on top of stacked containers, along with the use of gantry cranes. Those regulations will be phased in over two years. In the meantime, fall protection systems will be required, a requirement that also extends to working of containers with non-container gantry cranes. The trigger height for fall protection equipment will be 2.4 meters/eight feet. In other changes, testing and inspection rules for lifting equipment were changed, with one-year phase-in for testing and four years for inspection. Other changes involve acceptable conditions for non-vertical lifting of containers (non-gantry), ro/ro ramp traffic patterns and loading logs from water. OSHA updated the rules in conjunction with the American Association of Port Authorities, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the International Longshoremen’s Association, the International Maritime Organization, the International Standards Organization, the National Maritime Safety Association and the Pacific Maritime Association.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes News & Rumor page celebrates its first anniversary

07/30

One year ago today I open the page with a story about a coal fire aboard the H. M. Griffith. In its first year the page has had over 31,000 visits, a huge success and I’d like to thank all who have contributed!

— Neil

MACKINAW’s days may be limited

07/30

The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard Maritime Affairs has approved $2 million “for concept exploration to refine the specifications and costs for a heavy icebreaking replacement vessel, including a multi-mission vessel, for the 53-year old MACKINAW .”

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996 directed the service to develop a plan and cost estimate for modernizing the MACKINAW, the only heavy icebreaker stationed on the Great Lakes. The study projected modernizing the vessel would cost close to $100 million and only extend the icebreaker’s life for 20 years, and so concluded that modernization was not the most cost-effective option.

Icebreaking has become one of the U.S. Coast Guard’s most important missions on the Great Lakes. To meet the needs of commerce in an efficient manner, the Great Lakes dry-bulk shipping season now begins in early March and can extend into early February. During the past three ice seasons, U.S.-Flag lakers have carried more than 45 million tons of iron ore and other cargos. In the severe winters that have characterized much of the 1990s, the MACKINAW has been fully utilized and even had to lead convoys across a frozen Lake Superior.

The House and Senate Appropriations Committees must still approve the $2 million for preliminary design of a new heavy icebreaker. It is estimated that the new vessel may not be in commission until the year 2006, so the MACKINAW will be fully maintained until replaced.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Fred R. White Jr. enters Fraser shipyards

07/30

After unloading stone at the Northland Constructors dock in Duluth, Fred R. White Jr. proceeded to Fraser Shipyards in Superior, where July 29 it is docked and ballasted down by the bow. No word yet on the reason for the visit. This may be the White’s first call ever at Fraser.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Seaway

07/30

Small vessel activity in Seaway East – The Danish registered EMILIE K, built 1982, and of 1510 dwt is one of the smallest salties to visit the Lakes this year. She arrived in Montreal June 29th with destination Cleveland.

The psuedo sailing vessel GRANDE HERMINE was a tourist attraction in Montreal until withdrawn in 1996 and berthed on Lake St Francis. She departed June 26th for Grassy Island ONT under tow of the Cdn tug GLENSIDE and assisted by tug CAROLYN JO

The 1984 built accomodation vessel MACASSA BAY (210 tons) owned by McKeil Marine Departed the Seaway in 1994 for Cheticamp NS. She returned to the Seaway July 24 this year bound for Valleyfield under the tow of JERRY NEWBERRY. The towed vessel showed no visible names on entering the Seaway. The tug is returning to the Gulf of St Lawrence

The large tugs ATLANTIC CEDAR and ATLANTIC OAK departed the Montreal area for the CDN Arctic and passed Lat 66w passage east at 2017 and 2018 respectively July 27th. Large long boom crane fitted barges have been used in the Arctic sealift in previous years

HMCS ATHABASCAN has entered the Seaway for a Lakes port

HMCS CORMORANT which visited Lakes ports early this year has been paid off in Halifax NS

Reported by: John Whitehead

Jones Act Resolution Steaming Toward A Majority

07/30

As of July 29, 197 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Rivers (Michigan) and from New York – McCarthy, McNulty and Schumer.

Algoma awards $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks

07/29

(St. Catharines, Ont.) July 25, 1997 – Algoma Central Marine has awarded a $5.5 million contract to Port Weller Dry Docks for a major refit of the self-unloader M.V. Algorail. Improvements to the Algorail are part of Algoma’s $85 million modernization program for its 23-vessel fleet. In addition to the Port Weller refit, other improvements to the Algorail during the winter works program will bring total investment this year in the ship to $7.2 million.

“This significant investment in the Algorail demonstrates our confidence in Port Weller Dry Docks, and in the long-term viability of Great Lakes shipping,” said Tim Dool, Vice President, Marine Group. “We’re confident that this investment will ensure the Algorail will serve our customers well for the next 20 years,” added Dool. This is the second modernization of this type for the Algoma fleet. Last year, the M.V. Algoway underwent a similar mid-life refit at Port Weller.

Both the Algorail and the Algoway are part of St. Catharines-based Seaway Self Unloaders’ fleet of 19 vessels. “These ships serve an important niche in Great Lakes shipping, and can reach docks that larger, full seaway-sized vessels cannot,” said Wayne Smith, Vice President and General Manager of Seaway Self Unloaders, a partnership of Algoma Central Corporation that commercially manages Algoma’s self-unloading vessels.

The Algorail will arrive at Port Weller December 3. Major components in the cargo holds will be replaced, and the ship’s self-unloading equipment will be modernized. The ship will be delivered April 3, 1998 to coincide with the beginning of the shipping season. The 640-foot M.V. Algorail , a self-unloading bulk carrier with a 20,828-tonne cargo capacity, was built in 1968 at Collingwood Shipyards. Established in 1899, and with offices in St. Catharines and Sault Sainte Marie, Ont., Algoma Central Marine owns and operates the largest Canadian fleet on the Great Lakes. On completion of the Algorail, the value of Algoma Central contracts to Port Weller Dry Docks since the fall of 1995 will total $40 million.

Rare call in Duluth

07/29

Fred R. White Jr. paid a rare call July 28 to the Northland Constructors dock in Duluth to unload stone.

Reported by: Al Miller

Imperial St. Lawrence stops for repairs

07/29

Imperial St Lawrence spent the weekend in Port Colborne for repairs. (Warf 16) unconfirmed reports say her pumps are down. This tanker is flying the ESSO flag. She is x Le Brave and x Texaco Brave. Unknown how long she will be in Port for repairs.

Reported by: J. J. Van Volkenburg

GATX Corporation Announces Second Quarter and First Half Earnings

EPS Increases 15 Percent Over 2nd Quarter 1996

General American Transportation and GATX Capital Show Continued Strength

CHICAGO, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — GATX Corporation {parent company of American Steamship} (NYSE:GMT) today announced that second quarter earnings were $30.2 million or $1.21 per common share, fully diluted. This compares to 1996 second quarter earnings of $25.7 million or $1.05 per share, fully diluted.

Earnings for the first six months of 1997 were $61.4 million or $2.47 per share, fully diluted. Earnings for the first six months of 1996 were $50.4 million or $2.06 per share, fully diluted.

Cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds was $159.3 million for the second quarter compared to $111.1 million a year ago. For the six months ended June 30, 1997, cash flow from operations and portfolio proceeds reached $377.6 million compared to $238.0 a year ago.

American Steamship Benefits from Favorable Weather

American Steamship, GATX’s Great Lakes shipping operation, achieved net income of $3.3 million in the second quarter of 1997 compared to $1.3 million a year ago. The second quarter of 1997 includes a $1.3 million after-tax gain related to a transaction in which American Steamship partnered with GATX Capital in a third-party vessel financing and remarketing. Excluding this gain, American Steamship achieved net income of $2.0 million. Favorable weather conditions in the Great Lakes region resulted in a more normalized shipping season during the second quarter this year compared to the difficult conditions experienced in 1996. Demand for iron ore, coal, and limestone, American Steamship’s primary cargoes, remains strong as customers continue to replenish inventories.

Reported by: GATX home page

Integrity visits Duluth

07/28

Tug-barge Jacklyn M. and Integrity paid another call to the LaFarge Cement terminal in Duluth on July 26. J.A.W. Iglehart, which once carried the bulk of LaFarge’s Cement to the Twin Ports, has been seldom seen this year.

Reported by: Al Miller

Vessels arrive for Coast Guard festival

07/28

The cutter Biscayne Bay was scheduled to arrive at Grand Haven’s Escanaba Park, next to Coast Guard Station Grand Haven, at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The cutter Bramble is scheduled in Grand Haven at 9 a.m. Wednesday July 30.

Both vessels will be open for public tours 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. during most days of the festival, which kicks off July 26 and continues through Aug. 3. Exact tour hours will be posted outside both ships.

Reported by: Steve Vanden Bosch

2nd load for McAshalt barge 401

07/28

McKeil Marine tug, John Spence pushed McAshalt barge 401, which entered Port Stanley harbor at 16:00 hours on Monday, July 21, with 2,000 tons of hot ashpalt for McAshpalt Industries,Marine Terminal, West Pier. The captain of the John Spence did an excellent job spinning the full barge at the mouth of the harbor so he could back her in. They were finished at 22:00 hours that day.

Reported by: Richard Hill

Electric barrier to be placed in Chicago canal

07/28

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to build an underwater electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in order to prevent the round goby from spreading to the Mississippi River from the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes. From the Mississippi, the round goby could spread throughout waterways in the eastern United States. The round goby is a 13-centimeter/5-inch to 15 centimeter/6-inch, pug-nosed fish that is a bottom feeder. It came into the Great Lakes about seven years ago in ballast tanks of ships. The fish have threatened native species, often by eating fish eggs. To prevent them from spreading, wires and electrodes, measuring 50 meters/165 feet long by 7.0 meters/23 feet deep, will be installed in an area of the canal. The water above the grid will become charged, which, it is hoped, will stop the round goby. The current is not lethal to other fish. Construction could begin next year pending testing in the coming weeks.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

HCMS Athabaskan arrives Port Weller

07/28

HCMS ATHABASKAN arrived at Port Weller Dry Docks at 1700hrs Saturday July 26 for refit.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Model ship contest

07/28

A model ships and boats contest will be held 2 Aug. and 3 Aug. at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wis. The public will vote and a people’s choice award will be given. For information, telephone 414-684-0218.

Reported by: Steve Schultz

CSL Trillium arrives at Port Weller Drydocks

07/26

At 16:50 on Sunday July 20th, the barge CSL Trillium arrived at Port Weller drydocks under tow of Glenside and Glenevis.

Reported by: Jeff Cameron

KAYE E. BARKER Boat Trip Raffle winners

07/26

Grand Prize – Charles L. Anderson, Ashtabula, OH
2nd Prize – Al Wolfe, Olmsted Falls, OH
3rd Prize – Nancy Slusser, Rocky River, OH
4th Prize – Robert L. Stausmire, Oregon, OH

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. Stay tuned — we’re planning another in 1998!

Reported by: Christine Hilston

Update on accident aboard the Badger

07/25

Edith Lambert, 84, died in an accident aboard the Badger (U.S.-registry 4,244-gt, 2,033-nt, 125-meter/410-foot ferry built in 1953 by Christy Corp. at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., operated by Lake Michigan Carferry Service Inc.) when the Pullman-style bed she was sleeping in flipped up and trapped her against the wall of her cabin. Lambert, a former teacher from Mount Vernon, Wash., was found about 0130 22 July, an hour after the ferry left Manitowoc, Wis., for Ludington, Mich. The Badger sailed back to Manitowoc where Lambert was pronounced dead at 0213. She had boarded with two daughters and three grandchildren, and were on their way to eastern Michigan where she had lived in the 1950s. A daughter, aided by a member of the housekeeping staff, found Lambert trapped in the bed and administered CPR. The funeral will be held 25 July in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. Lambert taught elementary school in California, Michigan, North Carolina and on a Native American reservation in Arizona. She divorced in the 1960s and was a constant traveler. A family reunion had been planned in North Carolina this weekend. The Badger later sailed for Ludington, two hours late, with the remaining 69 passengers and 27 vehicles.

Reported by: Steve Schultz and Andy LaBorde

Busy evening in Duluth

07/25

It was a busy evening at the D. M. & I. R. ore docks in West Duluth Thursday evening. The Adam E. Cornelius was backed into the east side of #6 (unusual to see a boat backed into East of #6), while the Presque Isle and the John G. Munson occupied West of #6. The Presque Isle was unloading limestone into the hopper, while the Munson was under the chutes.

Reported by: Jody L. Aho

Sanders interim administrator

07/25

David G. Sanders has been appointed acting administrator of St. Lawrence Seaway Devlopment Corp. It is the second time in five years Sanders, 37, has served in the capacity. He has been deputy administrator since January 1996.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Passenger vessel strikes elevator bridge

07/25

The American vessel GRANDE CARIBE- built 1997 is reported to have struck an elevator bridge over the Piscataqua River connecting New Hampshire and Maine. The vessel, on a cruise from the St Lawrence was freed by a tug. No injuries to the 100 passengers were reported. The vessel is owned by the American Canadian Caribbean Line and is on her first year of cruises

Reported by: John Whitehead

Seaway Queen Departs Port Weller

07/24

At 11:30 a.m. yesterday, the tugs, Argue Martin, Glenevis and Glenside towed the Seaway Queen away from the fitout wall at Port Weller drydocks and proceeded downbound through lock one of the Welland Canal. The tow was destined for Toronto where Seaway Queen will remain laid up likely until the autumn. Glenevis and Glenside towed Seaway Queen across Lake Ontario while Argue Martin returned to Port Weller Drydocks.

Report by: Jeff Cameron

Sheriff investigating death on the Badger

07/24

A woman was found dead about 0130 22 July aboard the Badger (U.S.-registry 4,244-gt, 2,033-nt, 125-meter/410-foot ferry built in 1953 by Christy Corp. at Sturgeon Bay, Wis., operated by Lake Michigan Carferry Service Inc.) 90 minutes after it sailed from Manitowoc, Wis., for Ludington, Mich. The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department is investigating, but criminal activity is not suspected. The woman is believed to be in her 80s and from Washington state.

{This report comes from a passenger on board during the trip} A passenger’s sudden and severe illness forced the car ferry Badger to return to Manitowoc approximately an hour after departing on the overnight Manitowoc-to-Ludington run on July 22. As a result, the car ferry was running about 2 1/2 hours behind schedule when it arrive in Ludington July 22. By limiting the Ludington turnaround to just an hour, the Badger was able to make up much of the time lost, arriving in Manitowoc just an hour behind schedule on the next trip.

They did a creditable job of trying to get back on schedule. They had every one just drive their own vehicles (big trucks, mostly) right off the car ferry. Then the kids literally ran as they loaded the inbound cars.

Reported by: Steve Schultz and Al Miller

Pride of Baltimore II to visit Milwaukee

07/24

The Pride of Baltimore II will visit the Wisconsin Lake Schooner Education Association in Milwaukee during the first weekend of August. The Pride of Baltimore II will be open for public tours at a cost of $5 per person from 1100 to 1800 3 Aug. The association, which is building a schooner, is at 500 N. Harbor Dr., between the festival grounds and the Milwaukee Art Museum/War Memorial. Telephone 414-276-7700 for more information.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Hibbing Taconite to lay off employees

07/24

Hibbing Taconite will lay off about 70 hourly employees over the next year as it reduces pellet production for the remainder of this year and cuts production by 10 percent in 1998.

Company officials said the production cuts reflect reduced needs by the three steelmakers that own the taconite mine and mill near Hibbing, Minn. The open market for pellets is also glutted right now.

An official of the Steelworkers Union said much of the decision to cut production was steered by Bethlehem Steel, one of Hibbing Taconite’s three owners. Bethlehem will soon begin relining one of its blast furnaces in Burns Harbor, Ind., reducing the amount of pellets it can use there.

The production cuts will take Hibbing Taconite from about 8.3 million tons of pellets a year, to about 7.3 to 7.5 million tons. Hibbing Taconite ships through the BNSF dock in Superior, Wis. Much of Bethlehem’s tonnage is handled by Stewart J. Cort.

Report by: Al Miller from a story appearing in the Duluth News Tribune

David Norton at Alabaster

07/24

The David Norton arrived at Alabaster Michigan on 6/22 to load gypsum for the Detroit United States Gypsum dock. This run was made by the George A. Sloan earlier this year.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

New container service to call on Montreal

07/24

Maersk Line, P&O; Nedlloyd Container Line Ltd. and Sea-Land Service Inc. will begin a direct route between northern Europe and Canada in September. The weekly container service will use three ice-class containerships with 1,000-TEU capacity. Calls will be made at Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Bremerhaven, Germany; Felixstowe, England; and Montreal.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

American Mariner in Welland Canal

07/23

AMERICAN MARINER followed her fleet mate H. LEE WHITE (July 2) in a two way transit of the Welland Canal. She passed downbound yesterday, clearing lock 3 about 1500, with iron ore pellets for Stelco Hamilton. She arrived light about 12 hours later to proceed upbound. The MARINER’S and WHITE’s passage are charters of Canada Steamship Lines who usually have the exclusive contract to carry ore and coal for Stelco. Stelco’s other steel mill at Nanticoke on Lake Erie has been receiving shipments of U.S. ore by 1000 footer this year. CSL presently has three self-unloaders ATLANTIC HURON, ATLANTIC ERIE and NANTICOKE busy in ballasting the 600,000 ton oil production platform HIBERNIA in the Altlantic Ocean off the coast of Newfoundland. (News and Rumour 06/10) There might be more trips down the Welland Canal by American Steamship Company vessels on this trade in the near future.

Report by: David Bull

Elton Hoyt 2nd visits Carrollton, Mich [Saginaw]

07/23

On Monday the Elton Hoyt 2nd was being guided backwards to be turned around,at the airport turning basin , south of Middleground Island, by Tug Gregory Busch. This ship is seldom seen in these waters,she looks real good!

Report by: Dan Maus

CSL TRILLIAM

07/23

CSL TRILLIAM has now arrived at Port Weller Dry Docks and is rafted to the SEAWAY QUEEN at the fit out dock.

Report by: Roger Tottman

Major Dry-Bulk Trades Approach 17 Million Tons In June

07/23

Shipments of iron ore, coal and stone from U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes ports totaled 16.9 million net tons in June, the highest monthly total recorded this season, and an increase of 6.8 percent compared to last year.

Iron ore loadings at Great Lakes ports totaled 7.6 million tons, essentially unchanged from a year ago.

Coal shipments totaled 4.6 million tons, an increase of 13.8 percent. Stone loadings at U.S. and Canadian ports neared 4.7 million tons, an increase of 13.7 percent.

For the season, shipments of iron ore, coal and stone stand at 49.4 million tons, an increase of 11.2 percent. All three trades are experiencing significant increases compared to 1996’s end-of-June tally.

Report by: Lake Carriers Assocation

Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee events

07/23

“Annual Meeting, Sleepover, Other Events Planned for Labor Day Weekend”

“The SPCM will be hosting a variety of events during Labor Day weekend. Members and guests are invited to bring a sleeping bag and spend part of the weekend aboard our historic carferry (no charge SPCM members, $5.00 non-members). The ship will be open from noon Saturday, August 30th until noon Monday, September 1st.

Saturday will be “Railroad Day”, with members from various groups throughout the state invited. Those attending are invited to bring their own slides and carousel trays (Kodak carousel projector and screen will be available). This event will run from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, the SPCM will host its annual meeting. Highlights of the meeting will be the SPCM’s status at Elberta, election of at least 3 board positions, and status of the ships restoration projects. The meeting portion will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Tours of the ship will be available Saturday and Sunday, immediately after the meetings. Various restoration projects will take place during the weekend, and members are encouraged (but not required) to lend a hand. There is no working plumbing aboard the ship, but we do have a port-a-john nearby and arrangements for showering facilities. All parties boarding must agree to and have a representative sign the SPCM’s liability waiver.

Cost to attend any of the events is $5.00 for non-members, and no charge for members. SPCM memberships begin at only $10.00 per year (individual) and $25.00 per year (family). Food and refreshments will be available during the meetings (donation). SPCM carferry souvenirs will also be available.

Chi-Cheemaun suffers engine troubles

07/21

The car ferry “Chi-Cheemaun” has suffered its second major breakdown in less than a year. The vessel was on a return trip to Tobermory when the engines apparantly failed again. This is the second time they have failed, and sources say that the ship is due to be replaced next year for the 1998 season, by a slightly smaller vessel. Last October, the vessel was taken out of service for the remainder of the 1996 sailing season because of major mechanical failure. There are also unconfirmed reports that Ontario Northland is in financial difficulties, and questions surrounding its future are uncertain. However, Ontario Northland said that all sailings for Thursday, July 17, and Friday, July 19, were cancelled, and normal service will resume on Saturday, July 19, barring any other failure aboard the vessel. This is from BBS news broadcast which aired Thursday, July 17.

Reported by: Brad Gagner

Four dive rescue personnel injured in training

07/20

Four personnel of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Dive Rescue Team were injured 18 July during a training exercise in Lake Michigan. Three men and one woman were diving from the department’s Boston Whaler fireboat, the Phoenix, to a shipwreck 12 meters/40 feet to 21 meters/70 feet down, just east of U.S. Coast Guard Station Milwaukee. The four were injured between the surface and the top of the wreck about 2130. They were taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee and treated in a hyperbaric chamber for “dive-related injuries.”

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Great Lakes Delegation Lining Up Behind Jones Act

07/19

As of July 17, 187 members of the House of Representatives have signed House Continuing Resolution 65, a statement of full support for the Jones Act. Joining the list of Great Lakes legislators are Levin (Michigan) and Vento (Minnesota).

The Jones Act is one of several U.S. “Cabotage” laws and reserves the movement of cargo between U.S. ports to ships which are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed. Although the Jones Act dates from 1920, the United States has had Cabotage laws since 1789 and these laws have fostered a domestic fleet second to none. The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes is the largest assemblage of self-unloading vessels in the world. For information on how the Jones Act benefits other regions of the country, please visit the homepage of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, the national organization promoting the U.S. Cabotage laws.

Legislation to largely repeal the Jones Act was introduced in the House by Michigan Congressman Nick Smith, but the bill (H. R. 1991) has a mere 11 co-sponsors and no hearings are scheduled.

Salty Dog in Manistee

07/18

On July 12th, the Salty Dog #1 and the Evans Mckeil arrived in Manistee for the Ambar plant to load calcium chloride for Thunder Bay, this is the first Canadian tank barge in to Manistee to load.

Reported by: Chris Franckowiak

Booming Western Coal Float Leads Increases in June U.S.-Flag Float

07/18

Lead by a significant increase in western coal cargos, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleets hauled 13.5 million net tons of dry- and liquid-bulk cargo in June, an increase of 2.2 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

Cargos of western coal loaded in U.S. bottoms in June totaled 1,765,651 tons, an increase of 27.8 percent compared to last year. For the season, the western coal trade in Jones Act lakers stands at 4.7 million tons, again an increase of 27 percent.

The June U.S.-Flag stone float totaled 3.4 million tons, an increase of 7.5 percent. There was a slight dip in iron ore loadings, but that reflects the capacity working the western coal trade.

For the season, U.S.-Flag carriage stands at 42.1 million tons, an increase of more than 4.4 million tons. Salt cargos have decreased slightly, but only because salt shipments from Cleveland did not resume until June.

With the June 13 sailing of the CALCITE II (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.), all boom-type self-unloaders are in service. The only U.S.-Flag ships yet to sail this year are the small cement carriers E. M. FORD and S. T. CRAPO (both of which are currently holding storage cargos of cement) and the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Desgagnes fleet

07/17

The veteran canadian coasters J.A.Z. and Jacques Desgagnes, built in Holland in 1960 are open hatch log carriers formerly engaged in St Lawrence timber trades. Both vessels were in the Seaway at Cote St Catherine Wharf in 1996 to load for the Arctic sea lift. The Jacques Desgagnes arrived yesterday at section 52 Arctic loading site in Montreal Harbour. The J.A.Z. Desgagnes has been registered with LLoyds as the Sea Land of Panama and a delivery crew is sought for a voyage to Madagascar

Reported by: John Whitehead

Great Lakes Naval Architect/Marine Engineer

07/17

Richard Riley, a respected naval architect and marine engineer, passed away July 16 in Minneapolis MN after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a naval architect in the 60’s and 70’s for Defoe Shipbuilding in Bay City, MI where he was involved in the design of many US and Australian naval vessels as well as several oceanographic vessels. One of his vessels, the Knorr of Woods Hole Oceanographic discovered the wreck of the Titanic. In the late 70s through 1993 he was a marine engineer with USS Great Lakes Fleet in Duluth MN. He was a memeber of the international shipmaster’s association Detroit Lodge No. 7. His love for the Great Lakes and Great Lakes shipping will always be remembered.

Reported by: Robyn Riley

Algobay in for repairs

07/16

Algoma’s Algobay is at warf 16 the old R and P dock Port Colborne for repairs. She has been their since 0400 Sat July 12. An unconfirmed report she had major engine trouble with one of her engines. It is unclear how long she will be in Port Colborne.

Reported by: J.J.Van Volkenburg

Seway Queen to Toronto

07/16

The Seaway Queen will be shifting to the fit out berth at Port Weller Drydock this Friday and is planned to be towed to Toronto the following week.

Barge headed for drydock

07/16

The barge CSL Trillium, owned by Mckeil Marine may be going to Port Weller Drydock over the weekend. She will be going up for initial assessment of general condition and to see the extent of damage that was done to her when she ran aground three years ago. The incident occurred while entering St John’s Harbour under tow (not a McKeil tug) when the tugs towline parted. McKeil Marine purchased her in that condition and are keenly interested to see her bottom. She spent most of her life in the grain trade in the Gulf and was then converted to haul cement for the Hibernia Project.

Port Weller Dry Docks to work on destroyer

07/16

The Port Weller Dry Docks Division of Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd. in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, has won a contract to refit the Canadian Maritime Command Iroquois-class Destroyer H.M.C.S. Athabascan (DDH 282). The work will employ 125 people and will cost Canadian $6.4 million/U.S.$4.7 million.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Tugs to the rescue

07/16

The tugs used in the refloating of the Canadian Navigator last weekend included the John Spence, Paul E no.1 and Lac Como as well as the hopper barge AGS 359. There were also the American tugs Malcolm and Kodiak (ex CN ferry tug). The Menasha may have also been on scene.

Delivery to Louisiana

07/16

The tug Doug Mckeil was succesfully delivered to her New Owners in Morgan City, Louisiana on Monday. It appears that she will be used in the offshore industry in the Gulf and will be based out of Mexico. There is talk that her new name will be the “Doug” but this is unconfirmed as yet. She spent most of her life in the North Sea as the “Mammoth” before being purchased by McKeil’s last year. Her time with McKeil Marine was short and consisted of working on the Fixed Link Project in PEI.

Update on the Canadian Navigator

07/15

The CANADIAN NAVIGATOR ran aground at 9:30pm pm July 10, 1997 in the St Clair River across from St Clair, Michigan. The ship was enroute to the stone dock at Courtwright, Ontario where it was to unload a partial load of stone, then continue up to the Mueller dock in Sarnia to unload the remainder.

Upon grounding the CANADIAN NAVIGATOR swung lengthwise across the river, but did not block shipping traffic, although passing traffic did check down when passing. Reason for the accident has initially been blamed on the malfunction of a bow thruster.

Throughout Friday tugs attempted to pull the vessel off of its perch, without success. The ALGORAIL made an attempt to pull along side of the CANADIAN NAVIGATOR late Friday evening to take on some of the grounded vessel

Reported by: Ray Bawal Jr

Southern Lake Michigan Report

07/14

On Sunday 7-13-97 Indiana Harbor Ship Canal will be visited by the WILFRED SYKES, the EDWARD L. RYERSON,both ships unloading their cargo’s at Inland Steel. Also on Sunday the ITB JACKLYN M/ BARGE INTEGRITY will be unloading in Lake Calumet,South Chicago.On Monday 7-14-97 the COLUMBIA STAR will be arriving at LTV STEEL at 08;00 in Indiana Harbor.This is the first of two trips schedualed for this week.The CHARLES M. BEEGHLY is due at 15:00 on Monday at ACME STEEL in the CALUMET RIVER,then shifting across the river to load coal at KCBX. This is the second trip to south Lake MI.since early SAT. morning, when they discharged cargo atLTV STEEL in IN. HRB.. Quickly looking back at Fri. 7/11/97 the MEDUSA CHALLENGER was in Lake Calumet unloading.Now quickly looking ahead this week, the region will be visited by; THE ITB JOESPH H. THOMPSON, HERBERT C. JACKSON, BURNS HARBOR, STEWART J. CORT, KAYE E. BARKER (2) and MESABI MINER.

One final note of interest; The TANKER JOS. F. BIGANE said good bye to their long time captian Richard (Dick) Symanski. He gave the company 20+ years of dedicated service. Before working for the Bigane Fueling Co., he skippered the tanker GARY until it was condemmed. Congradulations on a job well done. The new captian on the tanker JOS.F.BIGANE is William (Zeke) Zucollo formerly of Hanna Marine.

Reported by: Kevin Kelley

Canadian Navigator aground

07/12

The Canadian Navigator (Canadian-registry 18,788-gt, 31,650-dwt, 12,830-nt, 222.2-meter/729.0-foot motor bulk carrier built in 1967 by J. Readhead & Sons Ltd. at South Shields, England; operated by Upper Lakes Group Inc.’s ULS Corp.) ran aground in the St. Clair River on 10 July. The ship, carrying stone, reportedly grounded on a soft bottom.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Toronto Harbour ferry Accident

07/12

Radio reports yesterday had the Toronto Island Ferry,Thomas Rennie, crashing into the dock at about 1030. Apparently she was going too fast and could not stop in time. One crew member and several passengers were injured. The crewman and one passenger went to hospital. The Transportation Safety Board was investigating the accident.

Reported by: Ron Walsh

Bluenose II in Thunder Bay

07/12

The famed schooner, Bluenose II arrived in Thunder Bay on Thursday, July 10. It will be on display at Keefer Terminal until 5:00 pm Saturday. Tours are free. Today, Friday, July 11, the schooner took a number of children for a sail around Thunder Bay harbour. The children were chosen through a contest based on their service and involvement in the community. Also on board for the excursion are a number of scouts who are in Thunder Bay for the Scouts Canada Jamboree which officially gets underway on Saturday, July 12.

Reported by: Richard Boon

U.S. Records on the Lakes

07/10

Even though the 1997 Great Lakes shipping season is just 4 months old,U.S.-Flag “lakers” have already set new cargo records for two commodities. On July 6, the 1,000-foot-long COLUMBIA STAR (Oglebay Norton Company) set a new benchmark for the Head-of-the-Lakes coal tradewhen she loaded 70,903 net tons of low-sulfur coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin. The cargo was delivered to Detroit Edison’s powerplant in St. Clair, Michigan.

In April, the 767-foot-long PHILIP R. CLARKE (USS Great Lakes Fleet, Inc.) upped the salt record to 27,621 tons when she loaded a Buffalo-bound cargo at Fairport Harbor, Ohio.

“While cargo records provide a great sense of accomplishment for the ship’s crew and operator, their true value is a measure of the ever-increasing efficiency of the Lakes Jones Act fleet,” said George J. Ryan, President of Lake Carriers’ Association. “Competition from the railroads and other modes of domestic transportation, as well as overseas suppliers of raw materials, demands that U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleets constantly raise the standard of excellence. In reviewing cargo records over the years, it becomes obvious that each time technology permitted bigger ships, the Lakes Jones Act fleet seized the opportunity to better serve its customers.”

An analysis of record cargos for the three major commodities, iron ore, coal and stone, shows that since 1940, the benchmark cargo has increased by as much as 328 percent.

“There is one story that cargo records don’t tell,” Ryan continued. “Today’s record cargos are discharged in less than 8 hours without any assistance from shoreside personnel or equipment. It would have taken days to unload 71,000 tons of coal from the straight-decker vessels which once ruled the Great Lakes.”

Ryan further noted that the current record cargos for the iron ore and coal trades represent in one trip more cargo than a ship could carry in a whole season a century ago. “According to LCA’s 1890 Annual Report, ‘one of the largest ore carriers on the Great Lakes made 30 trips, moving 66,000 tons, or an average of 2,200 per trip.’ Few industries can boast of such dramatic increases in efficiency.”

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Interlake tug Drawings

07/10

The first “SEAWAY” Class design is underway for Interlake Transportation Inc. This 126′-6″ AT/B TM tug will be used to push the new bulk barge “PATHFINDER”, currently being created from the ex-steamer “J.L. MAUTHE” at Bay Shipbuilding. The yet unnamed tug will be the most innovative tug ever created for a tug/barge unit. Designed specifically with Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway service in mind, this class of tug from Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering has a number of features designed to enhance safety, operation and efficiency.

Columbia Star sets new record for head-of-the- lakes coal trade

07/10

The 1,000-foot-long COLUMBIA STAR has set a new record for the Head-Of-The-Lakes coal trade. The vessel loaded 70,903 net tons of low-sulfur coal at Superior Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior, Wisconsin, on July 6 and discharged the cargo at Detroit Edison’s St. Clair, Michigan, power plant today (July 9). The previous record coal cargo for the Head-Of-The-Lakes trade (Lake Superior to lower Lakes ports) was 70,706 tons, again carried by the COLUMBIA STAR in 1986.

The COLUMBIA STAR is one of two supercarriers in the 12-ship Oglebay Norton Company fleet. In terms of vessels, Oglebay Norton is the largest U.S.-Flag carrier on the Great Lakes. Oglebay Norton’s other 1,000-footer, the OGLEBAY NORTON, holds the record for the Lakes largest stone cargo – 59,078 net tons.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

U.S. Stone Ports Heading For Big Month

07/09

Although not all docks have reported, June stone shipments from U.S. Great Lakes ports will likely top 4.1 million net tons, an increase of 14.6 percent compared to a year ago and one of the highest monthly totals on record. For the season, stone shipments from U.S. ports will approach 10.8 million tons, an increase of 15.5 percent compared to the end-of-June total in 1996.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Jones Act debate continues

07/09

Please visit the Lake Carriers Association home page for the LCA’s response to the Steel Manufacturers Association’s criticism of the Jones Act

Weekend activity at Holland

07/08

The Joseph H. Frantz paid an Independence Day visit to Holland. She arrived early enough in the day to make it to Brewer’s Dock on the far east end of Lake Macatawa, before the holiday rush of recreational boaters became too thick. She was joined in port by the tallship Madeline of Traverse City, which spent the weekend in Holland as part of the city’s ongoing sesquicentennial celebration. Beginning in the afternoon, Lake Macatawa filled with boats to watch the evening fireworks, which are launched from a barge in the middle of the lake. Thousands of people lined the shores to see them. The Frantz remained until after the show.

Also on the 5th, Project Lakewell sponsored a wooden boat gathering that drew about two dozen vessels.

Reported by: Bob Vande Vusse

New Canadian Tanker Named

07/08

The brand new Canadian flagged/crewed tanker “KOMETIK” was named at Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea on July 3rd. The tanker was built to shuttle oil from Hibernia in the Grand Banks to the Newfoundland mainland. The tanker is double-hulled, has a length of 716′, a beam of 138′, has a deadweight tonnage of 127,000 and can carry 850,000 barrels of crude oil per trip.
KOMETIK is Inuit for “sled”.

Reported by: James Neumiller

CORRECTION II: M.V. Joseph H. Frantz grazes bridge

07/08

On June 17 it was reported that the Joseph H. Frantz dragged her stern anchor in order to keep from hitting the bridge.The stern anchor was dropped and the engines reversed, but the anchor was weighed before proceeding to Wirt Stone Dock.

Paint and the City of Milwaukee

07/07

The Society for the Preservation of the S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE would like to thank Rust-Oleum, Sherwin-Williams, and society members for their recent paint donations. The society ended it’s paint donation campaign with over 2500 gallons of paint, three times more than the society hoped to receive. The paint donations will allow the society to repaint the decks and hull of the ship, and begin interior restoration as well. The restoration schedule now depends upon obtaining the necessary volunteers and equipment to complete this project.

A portion of the paint can be used as is. For the hull color, the society will need to tint the paint. Since we will need 700 gallons to paint the hull, uniform tinting will be a challenge. Right now we are considering dumping the paint into a clean dumpster, then mixing it up to the desired tint. After tinting, the paint would then be returned to it’s 55 gallon drum containers. A barge and scaffolding will also have to be obtained. Deck painting will be completed first, since this is not as difficult as painting the hull.

Painting the ship will help our efforts to open her as a maritime museum. The village of Elberta recently purchased adjacent property, and hopes to develop it as a combination museum, condominium and business district. We have begun discussions with the village, and hope to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement. In the interim, the ship is open to society members by arrangement and during special events (eg. July 4th fireworks, annual meeting, restoration work sessions, etc).

The society is currently seeking donations of the following equipment

welder, power washer, air compressor, needle guns, painting equipment, lighting, electrical supplies, and other tools. Monetary donations are also welcome (donors may specify how their donations will be used). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible in accordance with U.S. tax laws. The society also believes in working with other maritime organizations.

At this time we are entirely membership and donor supported. We have members from 17 different States and the Canadian Province of Quebec.

S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE is a 1931 triple expansion steam railroad carferry, now berthed at Elberta MI (former home port of the Ann Arbor Railroad carferry fleet).

George P. Micka IV. Volunteer Restoration Coordinator, S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE

Twin Ports report

07/07

Alpena departed Fraser Shipyards sometime over July 4th.

Ontonagon received one of its infrequent visitors July 6 when John G. Munson arrived.

Myron C. Taylor paid a rare call to Marblehead July 6 to load stone.

A pair of unusual callers at the DMIR ore dock in Duluth July 6 were Algobay and tug/barge Atlantic Hickory and Sarah Spencer.

Reported by: Al Miller

News from the Seaway

07/05

The American flagged replica aux. sailing vessel NINA is reported heading west in the Seaway. The 66ft long 100 ton vessel built in Brasil, arrived Sorel QC with an American and Brasilian crew where her masts were re-set after a transit of the Champlain canal from Albany and the Hudson river. She entered the Seaway for Cornwall and other exotic places on July 02/97 and is reported to have met with time delays as a result of grounding of the Laker ALGOSOUND in the Beauharnois Canal area and due to Seaway equipment mechanical delays There are no formal reports on the vessel.

The salty SPRING LAKER-PA is on her first trip to the Lakes and will visit Cleveland.

The Arctic Sea Lift for 1997 is now under way with vessels loading in Montreal and at Cote St Catherine wharf

The reported departure of laker MONTREALAIS for the gulf was in-correct . She headed down river to Elevator #4, made the turn and entered the Seaway. She is now past Detroit and headed for Thunder Bay

The St Lawrence Water Control Board report the weekly drop in Lake Ontario Water levels was 3 cm this week compared to only 1 cm last week. Maximum outflows and velocities will be maintained which do not hazard ship traffic further down river

Reported by: Rene Beauchamp and John Whitehead

Yacht launched at Burger Boat

07/05

The Evelyn-U, a 26-meter/85-foot yacht, was launched by crane recently at Burger Boat Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. It is the seventh vessel built by Burger Boat since February 1993. The firm had been declared bankrupt in 1990.

Reported by: Steve Schultz from the weekly electronic publication “The World Maritime News”

Twin Ports report

07/04

Tug Evans McKeil paid another of its rare visits to Duluth on July 2, arriving with a tank barge for the Hallett 6 dock.

Hospital ship Carribbean Mercy arrived in Duluth today and docked behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. It’s open for tours July 4-27

Several Canadian vessels have called at Midwest Energy Terminal in the past few weeks. The latest is Canadian Olympic, due in July 3 or 4.

Reported by: Al Miller

Algobay arrives Port Stanley

07/04

June 28 at 19:00 hours the “ALGOBAY” entered Port Stanley Harbor with 20,000 metric tons of coal for Lakes Terminal & Warehousing. They had engine trouble on the way in and were operating with only one engine. They were finished at 01:00 hours Sunday morning. It is the second coal shipment this year.

Reported by: Richard Hill

July Fourth Fireworks aboard the CITY OF MILWAUKEE

07/04

Society for the Preservation of the S.S. CITY OF MILWAUKEE members and non-members are invited to an annual Frankfort’s Fourth of July fireworks gathering aboard the former railroad carferry. The fireworks outing is the society’s largest event, with over forty members attending. Brats, pop, coffee, and other food items are available for donation. Society T-Shirts, Fredericksons History of the Ann Arbor Auto and Train Ferries book and other souvenir items are available. The event is included in society membership, which is $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family (annual). Non-members may attend for a cost of $5.00. If the ship becomes open to the public, additional details will be made available.

H. Lee White passes down Welland Canal

07/03

H. LEE WHITE passed downbound through the Welland Canal early yesterday morning (July 2). To my knowledge it is the first time this ship has transited the canal. The last U.S. ship with her beam (78 feet) to pass through the canal was her fleet mate AMERICAN REPUBLIC in 1993. On the Canadian side the ALGOVILLE was rebuilt last year at Port Weller Dry Docks to 78 foot beam.

Reported by: David Bull

Tadoussac at wharf 16

07/03

CSL’s self-unloader Tadoussac spent over 2 days at wharf 16 the old R+P Dock in Port Colborne because of a failed steering gear. She arrived on Sat 0800 and did not leave until 1500 hours on Monday. She was loaded with stone enroute to Port Cartier, PQ. The whole side port side of the ship was repainted by a number of deck hands during her time in port. This included the bill board letters CANADA STEAMSHIP LINES. I was told she had been well cared for over the years because she had a mate that was very fussy. CSL’s Frontenac passed among many others and one could not help notice the stark difference in the 2 vessels which are just a year apart. The Tadoussac looked flawless in contrast to the very dirty Frontenac which is larely engadged in the cement and iron ore trade.

Reported by: J. Joseph Van Volkenburg

Alpena enters Fraser Shipyards

07/03

After unloading cement at the LaFarge terminals in Superior and Duluth, the Alpena steamed into Fraser Shipyards late in the afternoon of July 2. No word on how long it intends to be there or the reason for the visit.

Reported by: Al Miller

Storms delay traffic in the Rouge

07/03

High winds and storms ripped through the Great Lakes on Wednesday, these storms cut off power to the lift bridges in the Rouge River, Detroit, MI. This has caused the delay of one tug boat and any other traffic for an undetermined amount of time. Some 100,000 homes in the area are reported to be without power.

Reported by: N. Schultheiss

Pathfinder and Playfair

07/03

The sail training vessels Pathfinder and Playfair sailed out of Toronto and entered the Welland Canal yesterday morning. The vessels are upbound for their annual cruise to the upper lakes.

Reported by: Roger Tottman

Big Month For Superior Coal

07/03

Superior Midwest Energy Terminal shipped 1,829,889 net tons of coal in June, an increase of 17.2 percent compared to a year earlier.

For the season, shipments of low-sulfur coal from SMET’s Superior, Wisconsin, dock total 4.7 million tons, an increase of 820,000 tons compared to the end-of-June tally in 1996.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

July 1 Vessel Report

07/02

More than 97 Percent of Jones Act Fleet In Service – July 1 Vessel Report

On July 1, U.S.-Flag Great Lakes carriers had 66 of their 70 ships and tug/barge units in service. These vessels represent 97.2 percent of available carrying capacity.

Vessels yet to see service this season are the straight-decker KINSMAN ENTERPRISE and the small cement carriers S. T. CRAPO and E. M. FORD. The ships could be activated if demand warranted.

The straight-decker J. L. MAUTHE is currently undergoing conversion to a self-unloading tug/barge at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Reported by: the Lake Carriers Association

Lake Guardian to hold open house

07/02

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ship Lake Guardian will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in Bay City. It shoves off again around July 14.

The 180-foot ship returned to its home port here near Veterans Memorial Bridge on June 26.

Reported by: the Dan Maus

Pride of Baltimore II

07/02

Pride of Baltimore II is currently transiting the “Upper St. Lawrence. Last night, she was anchored between Mary Island and Club Island in the vicinity of the American narrows for the night. ETD is not known. Destination remains unchanged as far as I Know.

Reported by: David A Aitcheson

J.A.W. Iglehart loads in Montreal

07/01

Inland Lakes’ J.A.W. Iglehart loaded a cargo of cement in Montreal yesterday. Reports are that she will make the trip down the Seaway for a possible delivery to Cleveland.

Reported by: Industry source

Weather cooperates for Engineers Day 1997

07/01

This years Engineers Day at the Soo couldn’t have been more perfect. It was sunny, 78 degrees and the Edward L. Ryerson was in the Mac lock at 1:00 PM. A rarity at the Soo were three days of perfect weather. The only cloud to appear all weekend decided to show up just as the Ryerson approached the Mac lock. There was a unanamous groan of dismay from all the boat watchers who had assembled in the west observation platform to photograph the Ryerson. The cloud soon passed and the cameras started clicking. Engineers Day always takes place the last Friday in June. The Corps of Engineers holds an open house and allows the public to cross over the first lock and tour the first floor of the administration building.

Reported by: Andy LaBorde

Cuyahoga to load in Toledo

07/01

The Cuyahoga was scheduled to load roughly 420,000 bu. corn at Toledo’s Anderson’s elevator on June 30. The cargo is destined for Port Colborne, Ont

Reported by: Mark Shumaker

Miller Lines takes delivery of new ferry

07/01

Miller Boat Lines new ferry M/V Put-In-Bay was delivered to Catawba Island on May 12 from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Christening was held on May 31. The vessel is an exact duplicate of the 100′ M/V Wm. Market and M/V Islander. The ferry is running opposite the M/V Wm. Market between Catawba Island and Put-In-Bay.

Reported by: Mark Shumaker