Cruise ships Victory I and Victory II will return to the Great lakes next year

 

John Waggoner is reviving Victory Cruise Lines, which he once ran as part of American Queen Voyages. He plans to relaunch Victory I and Victory II in spring 2025 on the Great Lakes with a veteran team of executives. The 190-passenger vessels will cruise the five lakes with sailings between Chicago and Toronto or Montréal, or roundtrip Chicago.

“I cannot believe all the people who’ve come out to say I will help you and do whatever you need, and for free or next to nothing, just to help you get up and going,’ Waggoner said. ‘It’s been heartwarming.’

Waggoner’s made a career of buying undervalued assets at a discounted price, using his knowledge to restore the vessels and putting them in underutilized markets to make profitable businesses. ‘My history speaks for itself,’ he said. ‘I’m glad to be back.’

As earlier reported, Waggoner snapped up the pair of coastals, most recently called Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, as part of AQV’s bankruptcy auction. In 2011, he had founded what ultimately became American Queen Voyages by acquiring the paddlewheel steamboat American Queen from the U.S. Maritime Administration, grew the company over a decade to field seven vessels and was bought out by Crestview Partners a few years ago.

Waggoner told Seatrade Cruise News he got back in the game because he was too young to retire and missed the business, he wanted to leave a better legacy and to ‘put the band back together.’ Also, he got an ‘unbelievable deal’ on the vessels, and he loves Great Lakes cruising.

He’d forged a company that started as Hornblower Marine Services in 1994 and became HMS Global Maritime, adding Seaward Services, HMS Ferries then American Queen Steamboat Co. and Victory Cruise Lines (the last two combined as American Queen Voyages). After selling the business to retire, he was saddened it ‘evaporated in a quick period.’

He’s using the Victory name as there was no reputational brand damage and ‘it’s a great platform’ should he wish to expand. Waggoner champions the Great Lakes, where there’s little cruise competition and ‘so much to offer,’ he said.

Victory’s core 12-day itinerary, between Chicago and Toronto, is expected to feature a coveted berth at Chicago’s Navy Pier, cruising to historic Mackinac Island, a transit of the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie into Lake Superior, Detroit and Cleveland calls, the Thousand Islands of Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls and winding up at Toronto — touching all five Great Lakes.

Waggoner paid $55m for Victory I and II in 2018 but now was able to acquire both at bankruptcy auction for less than $2m. The deal closed May 9. Originally he’d bid on one coastal and the riverboat American Countess but he couldn’t best American Cruise Lines’ $6m for the four riverboats.

Waggoner and wife Claudette paid cash, and now he’s in the process of raising $10m from banks to cover vessel renovations and start-up costs. He expects to nail the financing in the next 60 days.

Ocean Navigator (Victory II), which suffered a generator fire last year, will be getting a new engine and control system and fresh carpet and wallpaper, all to the tune of $3m, while Ocean Voyager (Victory I) needs only half a million dollars of cosmetic refurbishments, according to Waggoner. The vessels are in Portland, Maine, where the work will be done.

Victory Cruise Lines targets a July 1 marketing launch with an outreach to past customers and an invitation from John and Claudette Waggoner to the inaugural ‘family reunion cruise,’ Victory I’s repositioning from Portland to Toronto.

Waggoner said it makes sense to come out marketing to loyalists, including many who are members of AQV’s Steamboat Society of America and have kept in touch.

The company plans 31 10-day cruises between Chicago and Toronto — always Victory’s most popular prior route, with an average $600 per diem. Plus, there will be three 12-day Chicago-Montréal cruises and two 12-day Chicago roundtrips that explore Lake Michigan and go far into Lake Superior.

During 2025, Victory I will operate a 197-day season and Victory II will be in service 153 days.

“We only need 7,000 customers to fill for the year. That’s about one week on Oasis of the Seas,’ Waggoner said. But this will significantly boost the 20,000 cruisers expected on the Great Lakes in the 2024 season.

Pricing will be inclusive with a pre-cruise hotel night, hop-on, hop-off excursions and Wi-Fi in the fare. The same menus, wine list and onboard style/programming are planned, including a Lakelorian.

‘I want people to feel like they’re coming home,’ Waggoner said.

Among Waggoner’s cheerleaders is Stephen Burnett, executive director, The Great Lakes Cruise Association, who called him ‘an inspiration,’ admiring his ‘ability to operate efficiently and to bring a superb product to market. Having Victory Cruise Lines back in the Great Lakes is a heartwarming notion and we are thrilled that John will be at the helm, bringing his extraordinary expertise to this new enterprise.’

Seatrade Cruise News

 

 

Officials on hand for unveiling of new Eisenhower Lock  Visitor Center in Massena

 

MASSENA, NY –  After two years of construction, the new Eisenhower Visitor Center at the Eisenhower Lock is ready to open to the public. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, May 13 with many federal, state, county and municipal officials in attendance.

Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), along with Polly Trottenberg, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) both addressed the attendees, which likely numbered over 200.

In his address, Tindall-Schlicht praised the efforts of the many parties involved in bringing the vision of a new visitor center to life, from the federal officials that assisted, to the contractors who completed the work, to the staff who will operate the center and lead tours.

“The creation of this visitor center is a testament to the strong bipartisan support it has received since inception,” he said.

In particular, Tindall-Schlicht praised U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao for their bipartisan efforts to fast track the project. First proposed in 2018 by Sen. Schumer, the visitor center saw officials on site in 2022 to break ground. Just two years, the public will be able to witness what it has to offer.

“The vision and the care and the investments made by the Biden-Harris administration are truly historic. The new visitor center at Eisenhower Locke and the future of shipping on the Great Lakes Seaway is secure because of once in a generation leadership that is exemplified by you, ma’am,” Tindall-Schlicht said in reference to Trottenberg.

Tindall-Schlicht touched on the momentous occasion, saying it marked a great day for the seaway on what was also the 70th anniversary of the Wiley Dondero Act, legislation that was signed into law by then President Dwight D. Eisenhower, paving the way for the creation of the seaway. Exhibits will honor both former Senator Alexander Wiley and former Congressman George Dondero for their efforts to bring the seaway to life.

“After much planning and much expectation, we are immensely proud to offer you all of our visitors this spectacular new experience, which will feature more than 38 interactive exhibits that rival the best maritime museums in the country,” Tindall-Schlicht said.

Visitors will also be able to view ships traversing the locks from two viewing decks, with indoor and outdoor opportunities when weather does not cooperate.

According to Tindall-Schlicht, the facility will stand as a “testament to the enduring impact that the Seaway has had on the Great Lakes maritime economy supporting complex courts in the United States and Canada.”

Tindall-Schlicht said it was his hope, and that of GLS, that the new visitor center would “remain an important and welcoming space in which all voices and perspectives are heard and celebrated.”

While the Baie St. Paul sat in the locks on the momentous day, Deputy Secretary Trottenberg called the event and the center a “home run.” He praised the many parties involved while acknowledging the sacrifices made to not only create the seaway as we know it today but to also praise those whose efforts include revitalizing the visitor center.

Trottenberg, who was in attendance two years ago for the groundbreaking ceremony, said the facility was completed in “record time” and was a testament to what teamwork can achieve.

“I couldn’t be more impressed. The visitor center is world class and you should be very proud. The many exhibits are very educational, but actually are also a lot of fun, with interactive exhibits for all ages,” she said.

Trottenberg said the seaway plays a vital role not just in the shipping of goods, but also in promoting tourism along the Great Lakes and seaway system.

According to Trottenberg, the seaway supports over 350,000 jobs on both the American and Canadian side of the system, generating over $50 billion in economic activity between both nations.

“The Visitor Center celebrates that strong bi-national operating partnership with Canada and has lots of wonderful history, including pictures and letters from Queen Elizabeth during the Second Inaugural visit. It provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the wonderful history of friendship and partnership between Canada and the U.S.,” she said.

Trottenberg said the visitor center, which will benefit the entire region, will help bring more jobs and add to the “beautiful, unique destination” that is the north country. “This is a beautiful facility that will benefit this region for generations to come,” she concluded.

The visitor center will officially open to the public on May 14 at 9 a.m. Regular hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

North Country Now

 

An Erie tall ship is getting ready to set sail once again.

After major work this weekend, one of Erie’s tall ships is close to being ready to setting sail.

The Lettie has a new mast. It took the Flagship Niagara League (FNL) a lot to get it here but once she’s back on the water and sailing, the work will have paid off.

A 65-foot ship mast made a journey from Boothbay, MN to Erie’s bayfront this weekend, as those working on the Lettie G. Howard finally had one of the last pieces of the puzzle in place before it sails once more.

The FNL acquired a mast which was initially built for another ship, but never installed so after 11 years of sitting, it made it’s way to Erie to be placed on the Lettie.

The FNL’s executive director says it was an intricate process and adds it’s one of the more impressive jobs the league and their shipwright have done.

“It’s one of the things that we’ve always been able to do is all of our work in-house. We have the expertise on staff to do these incredibly difficult and incredibly skill-oriented tasks. We’re really happy to do that, and we’re doing it right here at the Bayfront Maritime Center so people can come in and see the process the entire time while we’re doing it,” said William Sabatini, executive director, FNL.

The 65-foot mast was brought out of the building, down the sidewalk, and finally lifted by a crane before being tied and rigged up by volunteers and crew. Finally, her sails will be put on, and she’ll be ready.

“Tomorrow we’re hoping by the end of the day it’ll be our shake-down sail to see how it all works and it’ll be the first time in almost two years that the Lettie’s foresail will be set,” said Sabatini.

The Lettie was able to be sailed with one mast, but Sabatini said she’s able to do much more with two, such as comfortably setting sail once more in the open waters of Lake Erie.

Sabatini said he’s grateful for everyone involved for helping to get this far and they’re looking forward to bringing some consistency to Erie’s bayfront.”

“We’re just excited to do what we do. The whole thing that we’ve been talking about these past few months or so is that we’re the same people you know doing the things you love. We’re out here providing opportunities for people to go sailing on a tall ship, and that’s what the Flagship Niagara League has been about for 40 years,” said Sabatini.

Sabatini said he’s looking forward to training programs, college history programs with Mercyhurst, and finally opening to public day sails soon after a brief trip to the shipyard.

[Nexstar Media]

Expert expecting another big cruise ship season this summer.

 

Expect to see a lot of cruise ships once again on the Great Lakes this summer.

The Viking Octantis on its maiden stop to the Georgian Bay community of Killarney in 2022. (File photo/Image courtesy of Drone Malone)

That’s according to Stephen Burnett, executive director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association,(opens in a new tab) who tells CTV News there should be some interesting traffic coming to ports around northeastern Ontario.

“The industry, as you know, is rather cyclical and we’ve lost three ships this year,” said Burnett.

“Certainly we’ll be seeing good cruise traffic through all three ports (Little Current, Killarney(opens in a new tab) and Sault Ste. Marie) and I think given the quality of the shore experience, which is what people come for, you’re going to have some very satisfied customers on your hands.”

It is shore experiences, like the ones created in Killarney(opens in a new tab) through the Killarney Mountain Lodge(opens in a new tab) and Conference Centre that have many in the industry chatting.

“What’s interesting about the Killarney experience is the cruise industry tends to be an industry that has sort of a spyglass on each other and the fact that the cruise industry went to Killarney, you’re going to see more cruise ships going into Killarney,” said Burnett.

“First of all, it’s a stunningly beautiful place. It’s a little bit unusual with that marvelous narrow channel and dropping an anchor, going into Killarney Mountain Lodge by tender, is really an unforgettable experience and I think you’re going to see more of that happen.”

It is a similar deal on Little Current, which has made quite a name for itself, marketing the community alongside its Indigenous neighbours on Manitoulin Island.(opens in a new tab)

“I think Little Current will see a little bit of a dip this year and that’s because two of the ships that we temporarily have lost,” said Burnett.

“But that will come screaming back pretty soon. One of the most significant positive things that we have is the quality of the shore experience. You know people go ashore to see what’s what and they want to see what the people look like, what they’re doing and how they’re living their lives and the quality of the shore experience in these three ports is really some of the finest that we have so that will all do well for the future.”

Burnett added the Great Lakes and northeastern Ontario, continue to be popular not only with American tourists, but the industry is seeing many from France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“In terms of the demographic, the clientele is a somewhat more mature clientele, they’ve travelled far and wide around the world and the Great Lakes have been there but they didn’t get around to cruising them so now they’re doing that,” he said.

“And we’re now starting to see a slightly younger clientele on the more expedition-focused ships so it’s broadening out and we’re very happy to see that.”

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/—

 

Fednav adds  Federal Ohio to its Laker-class fleet

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added another new vessel, Federal Ohio (IMO 9975399). built in 2024 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Ltd. shipyard in Oshima, Japan. This is the first time that Fednav Ltd. has named one of its vessels after the state of Ohio.

Federal Ohio is 199.98 meters in length and around 23.760 meters in width, or 656 feet in length and 78 feet in width. The vessel has four large cranes on its deck for unloading cargo or loading. The Federal Ohio is part of Fednav’s fleet renewal program that has since added three new ships prior to the addition of the Federal Ohio.

Denny Dushane

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/—

 

Algoma Bear arrives at Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – The Algoma Bear (IMO 9619309), built in 2024 in China and the newest and most efficient, modern vessel in the Algoma fleet, arrived at Hamilton on May 8 in the early morning.

The vessel moored at Pier 26 N – GLS but will shift over to another dock in Hamilton to unload a cargo of iron ore pellets loaded at Port Cartier, QC. While in Hamilton, she will have the deck-strengthening steel added for its delivery voyage from China removed from alongside of its cargo deck.

Denny Dushane

 

Fednav renames former Lakes Visitor Federal Rideau

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has renamed its Federal Rideau (IMO 9200445), built in 2000 at the Oshima Shipbuilding Ltd. Shipyard, Oshima, Japan. Now sailing as Kiba, she flies the Barbados flag, According to Marine Traffic, she is still owned by Fednav. As Federal Rideau, the ship was a regular visitor on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway between 2000-2003.

Denny Dushane

 

Museum Ship Keewatin set to open at Kingston.

KINGSTON, ON – Keewatin, built in 1907 in Scotland and which sailed the Great Lakes for Canadian Pacific Railway, is the largest of the remaining Edwardian era passenger steamers remaining in the world,

Please see the graphic in the photo gallery.

 

Program explores history of Ford Motor Co.
ships Henry Ford II and Benson Ford.

As has been the case for two decades, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Grosse Pointe Historical Society will again co-sponsor a free presentation during National Preservation Month. This year’s program takes place at the Ford House Visitors Center at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, to celebrate the centennial of the Great Lakes ships, MS Henry Ford II and MS Benson Ford.

These ships were launched in March 1924, and were the first large vessels on the Great Lakes to be powered by diesel engines. While built at different shipyards, they were nearly identical and were the most modern on the Great Lakes at the time, with guest accommodations containing inlaid mahogany doors and paneling, wall sconces and chandeliers. The Benson and the Henry remained in service nearly 60 years, becoming a familiar sight along the Grosse Pointe shoreline.

Former Grosse Pointer Greg Rudnick, who served on both ships during college while completing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Detroit, will present. Rudnick is on the staff at the Great Lakes Maritime Institute’s Telescope magazine and on the board of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit. His reports also appear in the Inland Seas Journal and on boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/.

Visit fordhouse.org/events/ to register for this presentation, which is free and open to the public.

 

Make Your Plans Now for Soo
Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/—

 

S.S. Badger is ‘back, better and stronger’ earlier than planned for 71st sailing season

 

LUDINGTON, Mich. — The S.S. Badger is preparing for her 71st sailing season kicking off early on May 17 after her 2023 season was cut short.

Following months of structural repairs and improvements to the ramping system at the Ludington home port, the team at Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC) said she’s almost ready to set sail.

“We are thrilled to welcome our passengers back more than a month earlier than originally anticipated,” said Sara Spore, the general manager of LMC. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff here and the hard work of local vendors to make sure we are ready to go.”

The S.S. Badger is the largest cross-lake passenger and car ferry service on the Great Lakes. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the ferry can carry 600 passengers and 180 vehicles.

“We know the important role our Badger plays in tourism, travel and adventure for our port communities of Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin,” Spore said. “We can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best on the shores of our Great Lake.”

Last summer, an integral component of the ramping system failed, causing the ferry’s 70th season to end sooner than expected. No one was injured in the incident and both the ramp and the S. S. Badger weren’t damaged.

‌”With the successful construction of two new counterweight structures for the carferry’s ramp system, the Badger is back, better and stronger ready to carry passengers and transport freight across our marine highway on Lake Michigan,” Spore said.

‌The S.S. Badger makes a four-hour journey across the 60-mile shortcut passage on Lake Michigan in her daily crossings.

Both cities are graciously welcoming us back with bands and fanfare at the dock,” Spore said.

‌There will be 100 employees working on the day the S.S. Badger sets sail, with 40 between the deck and engine crews to ensure a safe, smooth ride.

Spore said they’re also planning on bringing back night crossings in June.

WZZM

 

Make Your Plans Now for Soo

Boatnerd Picnic, Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during
the annual Engineers’ Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 27-38. Find details on both events here: https://www.boatnerd.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-27-28-2024/—

Roger LeLievre
Editor/Publisher, Know Your Ships

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down in April

 

CLEVELAND – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes totaled 4.6 million tons in April, a decrease of 3.4 percent compared to last year.  Shipments were 2.1 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 8.97 million tons, an increase of 5.5 percent compared to the same point in 2023. Through April, iron ore shipments are 11.9 percent above their 5-year average for four months of the year.

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

Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)

www.lcaships.com

 

 

EUPTA votes to reduce ferry service
to Neebish Island amid protest

SAULT STE. MARIE — An informational picket was held Tuesday morning to protest proposed schedule changes to the Neebish Island ferry service.

Before the monthly board meeting even started at the Eastern U.P. Transportation Authority (EUPTA), several people held signs in protest. EUPTA is financially and legally responsible for the ferry that connects the mainland near Barbeau to Neebish Island.

The island has around 50 year-round residents, but the island population grows to nearly 600 in the summer months.

Back in March, the U.S. Coast Guard notified the EUPTA that the ferry service was out of compliance when running the service beyond their 12-hour shift.

EUPTA board members voted unanimously Tuesday to stop the evening ferry service at 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and at 8 p.m. on weekends. Emergency first responder crossings would not be affected.

“The only solution is to put additional staff on. Along with additional staff comes additional funding and right now, we have to look at the cost-benefit and how many people are benefiting from the amount of money we need to pay for a second crew or a night crew,” said Peter Paramski, EUPTA executive director.

Paramski says the new schedule start date is expected to begin Friday, May 24, the start of Memorial Day holiday weekend.

9&10 News

Tanker catches fire at Imperial dock

 

SARNIA, ON – Imperial Oil says there was a fire just before noon Tuesday on board a ship docked at the company’s Sarnia site. The company said the fire was contained to the boat, the ship’s crew was able to quickly put it out, and all on board were accounted for.

The vessel is the saltwater tanker Prabhu Lal, formerly Chem Polaris.

The Imperial Sarnia fire department attended, but the fire had been extinguished by the time they arrived. The Sarnia Fire Rescue Service was also called to assist.

Ferry Chi-Cheemaun Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Season

 

Chi-Cheemaun’s 50th anniversary sailing season officially kicks off May 3.

The Chi-Cheemaun, operated by the the Owen Sound Transportation Co., is one of the most recognizable ferries in Canada and an integral symbol of Georgian Bay. Since 1974, it has completed 24,000 voyages between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, carrying 10 million passengers and three million vehicles.

This sailing season, the Sail Through Time Exhibit will commemorate 50 years of the Chi-Cheemaun and her predecessors with authentic artifacts, posters, photographs and reproductions on loan from the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre in Owen Sound, the Collingwood Museum and the Grey Roots Museum & Archives. The exhibit is free to all passengers.

The Chi-Cheemaun can accommodate a variety of vehicles – from cars to RVs to bicycles – safely and securely. Walk-on passengers are also welcome.

For reservations and information: 1 800-265-3163 or www.ontarioferries.com

Owen Sound Current

Great Lakes Limestone Trade Up 19.9 Percent in April

CLEVELAND — Shipments totaled 2.3 million net tons, an increase of 19.9 percent compared to a year ago.  Loadings were above the month’s 5-year average by 9.6 percent.

Loadings at U.S. ports totaled 1.9 million tons, an increase of 15.5 percent.  Shipments from Canadian quarries increased by 42.2 percent to 459,393 tons.

Year-to-date the limestone trade stands at 2.6 million tons, an increase of 26.6 percent from 2023.  Shipments from U.S. ports increased by 22.8 percent from the previous year, while shipments from Canadian ports increased by 46.7 percent.

U.S. ports: Calcite, MI; Cedarville, MI; Drummond Island, MI; Marblehead, OH; Port Inland, MI; and Presque Isle, MI.  Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on) and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).

About Lake Carriers’ Association

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

 Information based on data from knowledgeable sources.  However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.  LCA assumes no legal responsibility for the outcome of decisions or commitments made on the basis of this information.  This report represents the views of LCA and may not necessarily represent the views of its individual members.

Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)

www.lcaships.com

Polsteam Koprowo, a new ship in the Polsteam fleet, christened

A new ship has joined the fleet of the Polish Steamship Co. (Polsteam), and she is headed for the Great Lakes. She is the bulk carrier Polsteam Koprowo, named after a lake located on Wolin Island in Poland.

The delivery and christening ceremony occurred at the Chinese Shanhaiguan shipyard in Qinhungdao (Hebei province) of the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) group. Dorota Kubiak, head of the Technical Settlement Department at Polsteam, became the godmother.

The Polsteam Koprowo is the second in a series of twelve 37,000 dwt lake-type (laker-max) bulk carriers built by the Dalian Shipbuilding shipyard for the Polish Owner. The first of the series – the Polsteam Dabie – was handed over in mid-January 2024 and arrived in the Great Lakes at the beginning of April after a long voyage worldwide.

Subsequent vessels will be delivered every quarter. The first eight vessels will be equipped with engines running on low-sulphur fuel. The last four will already be able to burn emission-free ‘green’ methanol.

Polsteam Koprowo will sail on her first voyage on 26 April, commanded by experienced Capt. Andrzej Tłusty. The bulk carrier will load steel in the ports of Shanghai, Zhangjiagang (China) and Pohang (Korea) before crossing the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, taking a course for the St Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes ports of Hamilton and Windsor.

On its fixed route to the American lakes, Polsteam carries high-grade steel from the Netherlands for the American automotive industry (about 300,000 tonnes per year) while on return voyages to Europe or North Africa, American and Canadian grain.

The Polsteam fleet comprises 56 vessels, including 52 bulk carriers and four ferries.

 

AI system to assist in St Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes traffic management

 

St Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and Great Lakes St Lawrence Seaway (GLS) have agreed a deal to deploy a new Voyage Information System (VIS) from Global Spatial Technology Solutions (GSTS) to enhance joint management of the bi-national waterways between Canada and the US.

GSTS will provide predictions for the VIS through OCIANA, its AI-powered SaaS platform for ports, shipping lines, pilotage authorities, civil agencies and border security organisations.

The software will use information from the Seaway Traffic Management System and GSTS data streams to create a predictability model to forecast vessel ETAs, with the aim of assisting port operators in managing of voyages and optimising lockage schedules.

OCIANA is designed to incorporate the Locks System Rules, ensuring that all vessel movements adhere to safety and operational guidelines while adjusting for the impact of dynamic events stretching from the Atlantic approaches to the Great Lakes, to improve throughput and reduce delays.

Smart Maritime Network

Lake Ontario water levels expected to stay near or just below average into summer

by: Liam Healy

Updated: May 2, 2024 / 05:58 PM EDT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — While nothing is set in stone, early indications and forecasts from the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board, which maintains outflow from Lake Ontario for the International Joint Commission, are that the normal mid-summer high point for Lake Ontario levels will remain slightly below average. That is according to Bryce Carmichael the US Section Secretary for the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board.

“Lake Ontario itself this year is forecast to be a bit below average, but not to the extent where we see a drastic need for remediation or mitigation measures. The St Lawrence River, however, is already more below average than the lake is,” said Carmichael.

Lake Ontario is currently a few inches below 246 feet and expected to rise, which is normal through May and June, to just over 246 feet based on current forecasts. Which would leave Lake Ontario a few inches below its normal peak and much lower than the above-average levels seen around this time last year. Of more concern for the summer is levels along the St. Lawrence River near Massena.

“What we’re really looking at right now is really the impacts to the recreational boating community and tourism at large. We understand that under low water conditions, it causes people difficulties in access to Lake Saint Lawrence and the Saint Lawrence River and especially that section on Lake Saint Lawrence, which is just upstream of Moses Saunders Dam near Messina, New York,” said Carmichael.

Longer term where the levels on Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River end up will be influenced greatly by the amount of rain we see through May and into June. Further considerations will be made by the Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board on how to best manage levels if needed. Primarily though, outside of the already mentioned concerns for the St. Lawrence River, there isn’t much concern that levels on Lake Ontario in the coming months will pose much of an issue barring any short-duration changes that can’t be forecasted this far out.

Adella Shores shipwreck discovered 115 years after it sank near Whitefish Point

 

WHITEFISH POINT – The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society this week announced the discovery of the wooden steamship Adella Shores, one of the many ships that “went missing” over the years in the vicinity of Whitefish Point. The Adella Shores went to the bottom of Lake Superior with no survivors on May 1, 1909.

In shipwreck parlance, the reference “went missing” is used to describe a vessel that left the dock and was never seen again. Such vessels vanish with no survivors, no witnesses, and are yet to be located. All of that changed when GLSHS found the Adella Shores more than 40 miles northwest of Whitefish Point in over 650 feet of water.

The Adella Shores had a storied career. Built in Gibraltar, Michigan, in 1894, the 195-foot, 735-ton wooden steamer was owned by the Shores Lumber Company and named after the owner’s daughter, Adella. Adella’s sister, Bessie, christened the new ship with a bottle of water (instead of Champagne or wine) as the family was strict about alcohol consumption. Old time sailors might have seen that as a bad luck omen. The Adella Shores had her share of trouble – she sank twice in 15 years in shallow waters, later being refloated each time and put back into service.

On April 29, 1909, the Adella Shores was upbound for Duluth with a load of salt. The Adella Shores was following the larger steel steamship, Daniel J. Morrell, through a thick ice flow, with the Morrell plowing a path through the ice as they went. As both ships rounded Whitefish Point, they were met by a fierce northeast gale. The Adella Shores was already two miles behind and out of sight of the Morrell. The Adella Shores was never seen again, disappearing with all 14 crew members. Some debris was found, but no bodies. Captain Millen of the Morrell thinks the smaller Shores might have struck a large ice flow, puncturing her hull, and quickly sinking.

In the summer of 2021, GLSHS Director of Marine Operations Darryl Ertel and his brother Dan were out running grids towing the society’s Marine Sonic Technology side-scan sonar system when they found a target.

“I pretty much knew that had to be the Adella Shores when I measured the length of it, because there were no other ships out there missing in that size range,” said Ertel. “As soon as I put the ROV down on it for the first time, I could see the design of the ship and I could match it right up to the Adella Shores.”

“She still tells a very poignant and fascinating story,” said maritime historian and author of “Went Missing,” Fred Stonehouse. “The folks that are out there actively hunting for shipwrecks like the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society are helping to answer that story. And they keep looking for the ones that are not yet told and not yet found. For that, they deserve the highest commendation.”

Cleveland’s Nautica Queen relocates to the Soo

The Cleveland-based river cruise boat Nautica Queen was upbound at the Soo Thursday.  Waterfront reports indicate that she is now owned by the Interlake Steamship Co. and she will take over the shuttling of workers to the new Soo Locks project that has been handled by the smaller tour boat Hiawatha, which is also owned by Interlake.

With ferry service facing cuts, an island in Northern Michigan fears for its future

Neebish Island is separated from the Upper Peninsula mainland by a narrow channel of the St. Mary’s River. The ferry ride across takes a scant five minutes. But soon the ferry won’t run as late or as often as it used to, and the island’s few dozen permanent residents and the few hundred who come during the summer are worried that it will choke off Neebish Island’s lifeblood.

“Our very livelihood, the whole strength of our island, is being pulled back,” said Phylis Reed, president of the Neebish Island Improvement Association, “and we don’t have any reason to get people to move here or stay here, because we don’t support anything.”

The 21-square-mile island once supported two year-round stores, four schools and two churchesThe schools and most of the school-age children are gone. The one remaining church and one remaining store are seasonal.

Without ferry service after 7 p.m. in the summer, Reed said, it will be harder for summer residents to dart up to the island for weekend trips.

Without ferry service after 6 p.m. from December through April, it will be harder for everyone on the island to do the ordinary things of living: going to the doctor or out to eat or shopping for groceries.

“We can’t attract anybody to come to the island,” Reed said. “Why would people want to buy here and say this is like their second home? They can’t even come up here and get to it on a long weekend because there’s no late ferry.”

The reason for the changes in the ferry schedule is twofold, according to Pete Paramski, the executive director of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority, also called EUPTA, which has run ferry service to the island since 1981.

The ferry once operated during the summer until 10 p.m. on weekdays, but Paramski said the later runs weren’t used enough to make them worthwhile. EUPTA announced last fall that they would be eliminated.

“The bang just wasn’t worth the buck to make a 10 o’clock run that very, very few people were using,” he said.

The second set of changes, which will come before EUPTA’s board for approval next week, were set in motion by the U.S. Coast Guard, which regulates ferry operations.

Coast Guard regulations say crews shouldn’t work shifts more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.

On the Neebish Island, the ferry crews been working more than 12 hours a day “for many, many years,” Paramski said.

“It’s a very rural Island. with not a lot of population,” he said. “There’s no businesses out there and whatnot, so we run a very limited schedule and there’s lots of breaks throughout the day. It doesn’t run like every hour on the hour like our ferry operations do at Drummond and Sugar Island.”

Because of the long breaks, they’d gotten an exemption, Paramski said, but the Coast Guard told EUPTA earlier this year that wasn’t going to work.

“Our primary concern is safety of passengers, crew members and the vessel,” said Lt. Phillip Gurtler, a spokesman for the Coast Guard’s 9th District, “and, when you’ve got a crew on board that’s operating for more than 12 hours in a single 24-hour period, frankly you’re kind of inviting an incident.”

He didn’t have an answer for why the ferry had been able to do so previously.

Paramski said hiring a third ferry crew would be prohibitively expensive, and EUPTA is now proposing a schedule that pushes what had been an 8 p.m. crossing on weekdays in the summer back to 7 p.m. and gets rid of 11 p.m. crossings on Friday and Saturday.

It would also expand the winter schedule, which is currently in effect from mid-January through March, to December through April. The last ferry run in the winter is at 6 p.m. When the channel to the mainland freezes, the ferry doesn’t run at all, though residents can then cross on foot or with snowmobiles.

Neebish Islanders are used to being self-sufficient, embracing a certain separation from the outside world.

But several residents said the changes already made in the ferry schedule and those proposed will create too great a distance.

To justify the changes, transit officials “keep saying, ‘Well, the population of Neebish Island keeps going down and down,’” said Helen Vogl, whose family has been coming to the island for more than a century. “Well, it goes down because people can’t live there and feel like they can get off the island (and) go to work.”

And for other reasons, too.Lori Miller moved to Neebish Island with her husband, Ed, a decade ago. Ed Miller and his siblings had spent years of their childhoods on the island. First a sister moved back. Others followed.

Ed Miller died in 2022 from COVID. Lori Miller moved from the island last year because her health was failing and she couldn’t get the help she needed.

“When we moved here, we knew what we were getting into, and we could make our life work around the schedule and around the lack of services and the lack of amenities,” she said, “but now they just keep taking away and taking away.

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Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum

We will open TODAY for the season! 11:00-4:00 pm. We are looking forward to another year of educating the visiting public on our incredible sailing history here in Rogers City and all of the Great Lakes fleets!
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