Editor’s Note: The October 2 News has also been published. It was delayed due to a computer glitch.
Norisle Scrap Tow to be Wednesday
The McKeil Marine tug Ecosse is expected to tow the former Georgian Bay passenger and auto ferry Norisle from Manitoulin Island to the Marine Recycling Corp. scrapyard at Port Colborne, ON, Wednesday. Departure time is not known. Watch for Ecosse on vessel tracking sites such as Marine Traffic.
Algoma signs extension of iron ore contract with U.S. Steel
Algoma Steel Group Inc., announced Monday a two-year extension of its existing iron ore purchase contract with U.S. Steel, with an option to further extend for a third year solely at Algoma’s discretion.
Algoma says the extended purchase contract is anticipated to cover the expected volumes of iron ore required to complete its transition from blast to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking.
The extension with U. S. Steel represents another “strategic milestone” for the steelmaker as it “continues on its transformative journey” toward sustainable steel production through electric arc steelmaking.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with U.S.Steel, which we believe not only reinforces our strong collaboration but also aligns with our broader mission of transitioning to more sustainable steelmaking practices,” Algoma CEO Michael Garcia said in a release.
“We believe that the extension of this agreement provides the foundation for a reliable supply chain and uninterrupted access to essential raw materials to meet our production capacity and service the demands of our valued customers throughout North America.”
It was reported in June that Algoma will pay more, and wait longer, for its new electric arc furnaces to start working. The Sault Ste. Marie steelmaker projects spending $125 million to $175 million more than expected due to “inflationary pressures on construction costs and materials.” Algoma Steel’s board of directors approved spending $700 million on the furnaces in fall 2021.
Projected start date for the new furnaces is pushed back about six months. An expected launch in mid-2024 is now delayed to year-end 2024 because “global supply chain disruptions” are slowing delivery of “certain” microprocessing chips, a company release said.
The Q4 and F2023 year-end conference call revealed that it’s expected about $300-$350 million will be spent this fiscal year on the electric arc furnace project, and a further $110-$150 million on other maintenance or capital projects, including the completion of the plate and strip facility upgrades.
Muskegon to Milwaukee Lake Express car ferry on track for ‘best year ever’
MUSKEGON, MI – In its 20th season, the Lake Express is expected to have a banner year. Designed to bypass Chicago area traffic, the high-speed catamaran car ferry that connects Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Muskegon, Michigan, has officially left the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic in its wake, officials say.
“Been through a lot with COVID and the other things going on but what we saw starting last year, and continuing this year, is a real appetite for travel,” said Aaron Schultz, senior vice president for the Lake Express. “We’re having what we think will be our best year ever.”
The 192-foot ferry has a top speed of 34 knots, about 39 miles per hour, carrying up to 250 passengers. The high-speed car and passenger ferry boasts the fastest ferry service on Lake Michigan, crossing the around 80 miles in about 2.5 hours. Drive time from Muskegon to Milwaukee is about 4.5 hours.
“We’re meant to go fast,” Schultz said.
“We’ve got full car decks, people coming from all over,” Schultz said. “About 50 different countries have come through, all 50 states, and everyday we’re seeing people from dozens of states – even into the fall months here, we’re going strong.”
Built in Alabama in 2003, it was the first American-made ship of its kind. The Lake Express began relinking Milwaukee and Muskegon via cross-lake ferry in the spring of 2004, resuming the route left behind by the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, which was discontinued in 1970.
The Lake Express is currently the only car ferry crossing Lake Michigan after the historic S.S. Badger, connecting Ludington, Michigan, to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, – a four hour journey – ended the 2023 sailing season early after damage to its ramp system in July.
“We saw a significant boost of travelers in the days after the Badger dock failure as we worked hard to assist passengers stranded by the cancellations,” Schultz responded to MLive/Muskegon Chronicle in an email.
“We were already experiencing increased traveler volumes in spring and summer prior to the SS Badger closure and continue to see added ridership as former Badger customers continue to choose the Lake Express to avoid the long drive around Lake Michigan and Chicago traffic hassles and congestion.”
M Live
