The barge Viking towed to Gladstone, Michigan for scrapping

The barge Viking, formerly the rail carferry Ann Arbor No. 7 and, later, Viking, was towed to
Gladstone, MI, Dec. 11 for scrapping.

Ann Arbor No. 7 was built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, WI, for the Ann ArborRailroad Co. It was launched on January 2, 1925.

In 1964, The ANN ARBOR NO. 7 was sent to Lake Superior (she was the only carferry to go
through the Soo Locks) where she was extensively rebuilt at Superior, Wisconsin at a cost of $2
million. The original triple expansion steam engines were replaced with four diesel engines and
electric drive. The upper deck was raised to handle taller rail cars.

In 2002, The Erie Times-News reported that the VIKING 1 had been sold to K&K Warehousing
of Menominee, MI, to be reduced to a barge. Although cut down to a deck barge in 2103 she was
never used as such, and on December 11, 2023, she was towed to Gladstone, Michigan, for
scrapping.