SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The two new Corps of Engineers 76-foot-long ice-class tugs H.J. Lawson and R.J. Pearce will be christened at 9:30 a.m. Friday (Engineers Day) at the Soo Locks. The ceremony, which will include official remarks, introduction of the crews, and the traditional breaking of the bottles across the bows, can be watched from the public viewing platform inside Soo Locks Park in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Please remember that clear bags ONLY are allowed inside the Soo Locks Park between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
WIth the arrival of the new tugs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to dispose of the older tugs Whitefish Bay and Owen M. Frederick. The barge Harvey is also scheduled to be replaced. All have reached the end of their use lives and refitting or rehabilitation was deemed to not be fiscally feasible compared the acquisition of new, purpose-built vessels. The vessels will be offered for sale, then as scrap, and finally, if no buyers are found, the USACE will determine the best avenue for scrapping and disposal.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
