Spar begins Lake Superior ice-breaking ops

This past Monday USCGC Spar (WLB-206) began ice-breaking operations in the Duluth-Superior harbor. The real test was a narrow, but nasty, field of packed brash ice off the Superior entry. The Spar took 15 hours to break through to open water, a good test for what it might encounter in Whitefish Bay later this month. During the operation, the Spar is using its buoy crane attached to a concrete sinker pad to rock the vessel and lessen the suction of ice around its hull (see image in photo gallery). They also did a bunch of reversing and ramming, plus using fire hoses and shifting of ballast to help move through the ice, which was like driving a vehicle in wet concrete. Their return later on Tuesday through their track was much easier. Spar will head to Thunder Bay this weekend for an ice breaking assignment there. Note: drone flight near SPAR was pre-approved.

Shipping of the Lake Superior Region – David Schauer

 

Appeals court allows Mackinac Island
authority over ferry rates – for now

A federal appeals court has upheld Mackinac Island’s authority to regulate fares charged by the ferries that transport tourists to and from the island. The island city is now “evaluating its next steps with regards to the 2026 season and anticipates taking action over the next week,” Erin Evashevski, a St. Ignace attorney representing the city, said in an email to Bridge Michigan on Friday.

The city’s franchise agreement with the ferry operators says the city can regulate fares when there’s no ferry competition. When the Florida-based Hoffman Marine took over its sole ferry competitor in 2024, the city passed an ordinance that aimed to stop Hoffman’s planned $2 fare hike.

The ferry companies raised rates anyway and then sued, saying the island cannot unilaterally decide that no competition exists. A US District Court judge last summer ordered a preliminary injunction stopping the city while the case continued in court.

On Thursday, a panel of judges for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that injunction as it relates to ferry fares, calling the city’s interpretation of the franchise agreement’s language “reasonable.” The appellate judges upheld the part of the injunction blocking the city from regulating parking rates on the mainland.

The current ferry contracts expire June 30, 2027.

The case continues in District Court, where a trial seems likely in the yearlong court battle over ticket and parking prices charged by Hoffman.

In court filings this week, both sides expressed a willingness to participate in mediation but the island city said it “does not believe that the parties have any realistic prospect of settlement at this point.” No meaningful negotiations have happened since October, the city said.

Attorneys for Hoffman did not respond to messages seeking comment on Friday.

The case has roiled one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations, with many island businesses worried rising ferry prices could deter visitors.

At issue is whether Hoffman Marine violated its franchise agreement with the city when it raised ticket prices last spring over the objection of the Mackinac Island City Council.

The contract allows the city to regulate fares when there’s no ferry competition. Since 2024, Hoffman Marine — part of the private equity firm Hoffman Family of Companies — has owned both Mackinac Island ferry lines, Shepler’s Inc. and the Arnold Transit Co., formerly Star Line. The company also owns the ferry docks in St. Ignace, Mackinaw City and on the island, along with most of the long-term parking on the mainland (along with the Mackinac Island and St. Ignace newspapers).

Hoffman’s control of all ferry operations prompted the city in December 2024 to declare a monopoly and vote to nix the ferry companies’ $2 ticket price hike.

The ferry companies raised prices anyway, contending the city could not unilaterally declare that no competition exists.

The ferry companies sued the city, which countersued, accusing the companies of violating US antitrust laws. US District Judge Robert Jonker has twice ruled — most recently last month — that the city did not prove antitrust violations, but allowed the city’s breach-of-contract claims to continue in court.

The two sides are expected in court Monday for a status conference.

Last summer, an adult round trip ferry ride cost $38 and parking day passes cost $15. This year’s prices haven’t yet been announced.

Bridge Michigan

 

 National Museum of the Great Lakes
Offers Spring Lecture Series

TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced its spring programming. Coming up soon is the Spring Lecture Series, featuring three engaging speakers; the Lil’ Scupper’s Kids Club, featuring new community partnerships; and a special Sensory Friendly Weekend in partnership with Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Check out the press releases in the gallery below for all the details.

 

The 2025-2026 winter layup list, now being updated as vessels resume operations for the new shipping season, can be found at  https://www.boatnerd.com/winter-lay-up-list-2025-2026