Cozy Corners holds 3rd annual Freighter Fun Day

Roger LeLievre, Mr. Know Your Ships, was on-site mingling with fellow boatnerds.’I love the energy of this event and I love that it is multi-generational,’ said guest Roger LeLievre

Jim Lehocky

The Cozy Corners was packed with boatnerds for the 3rd annual Freighter Fun Day.

The 3rd Annual Freighter Fun Day at the Cozy Corners Tavern and Grill in Barbeau was Saturday, and it was packed.

The eatery is located on the north end of Rock Cut where downbound freighters must pass by to continue on.

Sara Gordon, co-owner of the Cozy Corners, said the first Fun Day was small with only BINGO. But in the past two years, it has exploded in popularity.

“It’s grown significantly. The first year was only a few tables, last year half the dining room was used and this year we were full even before the event started. It is successful thanks to our location and re-branding focused on freighters and the addition of trivia,” Gordon said.

Gordon also said the event could not be as big as it is without the help from area businesses and sponsors.

“We had prizes for BINGO and trivia from Original Soo Locks Boat Tours, Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, Sault Historical Society, Bricco Designs, The Little Gift Shop, and Roger LeLievre,” Gordon said.

LeLievre, who produces the annual informational book each March called Know Your Ships was at the event.

“I love the energy of this event and I love that it is multi-generational. It’s the ship fans that make it special. I love catching up with some of the same people year after year. I especially love the kids who love the boats as they are the future of the hobby. Sara and Ron are so welcoming and they have created a community space that also doubles as an amazing restaurant. They have really turned the place around,” LeLievre said.

“Roger’s been a part of this event since the first one. All boat nerds know him and we have repeat customers for this event every year because of him,” Gordon added.

Many look at LeLievre and see a “superhero” of sorts due his extensive knowledge of freighters and the books he publishes.

“As far as being a superhero, nah. I am the luckiest boatnerd in the world and I do my best to represent the hobby and bring the next generation into the fold,” LeLievre said.

To top off the afternoon, the CSL Laurentien freighter passed by the gave a hearty salute to those at the event.

“It was perfect timing of the Laurentien! It completes the event for sure! Getting a salute was a pretty big deal considering a CSL salute is rare. Seeing the kids excitement is the best part,” Gordon concluded.

Cleveland-Cliffs reported a $53 million loss in the first quarter.

Cleveland-Cliffs, the Cleveland, Ohio-based steelmaker, one of the region’s largest employers, lost 14 cents per diluted share. It brought in revenue of $5.2 billion in the first quarter.

“Our first quarter results were highlighted by the resiliency of automotive production in the United States, which helped to offset a temporary buyers strike from service centers in January and February,” Chairman, President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said. “With more automotive and less service center business, first quarter mix was richer than originally anticipated, driving both our average selling prices and production costs higher than expected.”

Cleveland-Cliffs shipped $3.9 million net tons of steel in the first quarter. It brought in $414 million in EBITDA or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization.

“This quarter, our efforts towards green steel production were recognized in an unprecedented way. As a result of our strong track record with emissions reductions and labor relations, we became the largest intended recipient of federal grants toward decarbonization in the history of the United States,” he said. “These investments will go toward two game-changing projects, not only with immense carbon reduction prospects, but also robust returns and manageable capital commitments.”

The company repurchased 30.4 million shares of 6% of those outstanding.

“In the first quarter, we returned capital to our shareholders at an aggressive rate,” he said. “Our stock was cheap throughout the quarter and remains so, driving the exhaustion of our previous $1 billion share repurchase authorization and the commencement of another larger one. Buying our own stock is clearly a better use of capital than any M&A opportunities at current valuations — so that’s our primary focus.”

The steelmaker has liquidity of $4 billion.

“Looking forward, we expect to benefit in Q2 from the lower costs under our guidance, which we have maintained,” he said. “Our largest end market, the automotive sector, is expected to remain strong. Orders from our service center customers have started to increase, with spot pricing also on the upswing. We are fortunate to have such a remarkable partnership with our workforce, and we will navigate this world of abundant opportunities together with our union partners.”

NY Times

The MacArthur Lock officially open
for the 2024 shipping season

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Harvest Spirit was the first ship of the season  heading downbound through the MacArthur Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, MI, on Thursday.

The MacArthur Lock winter maintenance work included a dam safety periodic inspection to determine asset performance and conditions. These assessments drive future repairs to ensure the lock stays operational. In addition, crews also performed a wide range of other maintenance tasks from fender timber replacements on the piers, to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and mechanical systems

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

Tawas Point Lighthouse will reopen in early
May after a year of construction

IOSCO COUNTY, MI – After a year of reconstruction, Tawas Point Lighthouse in Iosco County will reopen in early May. The 67-foot-tall lighthouse sits between Tawas Bay and Lake Huron at Tawas Point State Park.

The $455,500 project, paid for using federal Covid-19 relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, included restoring the exterior of the lighthouse as well as repainting the lantern room and gallery inside the lighthouse. Ventilation and moisture issues that caused the tower to deteriorate were also corrected during reconstruction.

“After many years we are so excited to see the tower of Tawas Point Lighthouse return to the gleaming white beacon it was meant to be,” Laurie Perkins, a Michigan History Center site historian for Tawas Point Lighthouse, said in a news release issued by the state Department of Natural Resources. “The crowning glory of the restoration project is the lantern room where the 1891 fourth order Frensel Lens still resides.”

Tawas Point Lighthouse is one of the 129 lighthouses in Michigan, more than in any other state.

The money to renovate the lighthouse and make other enhancements to state parks and recreational facilities are part of the $250 million the DNR received from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s $4.8 billion Build Michigan Together Plan.

The lighthouse will officially reopen on May 8 but the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan History Center and the state park will host an early viewing of the lighthouse on May 2, which marks 147 years since its first lighting.

“We are grateful for the hard work and immense care that the Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park consistently dedicate to this historic site,” Micah Jordan, the Tawas Point State Park supervisor, said in the news release.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 2 visitors can tour the lighthouse for free and browse the gift shop, but a recreation passport is required for vehicles entering the state park. There will also be vendors and food trucks at the event.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the lighthouse just before the campground closes for the season. Tawas State Park will also undergo renovations and the modern campground will be closed from September 3, 2024, through April 30, 2025, for electric enhancements.

Bridge Michigan

National Museum of the Great Lakes breaks ground on addition

TOLEDO, OH – Amid sunny skies and a brisk wind that occasionally carried a gull or two overhead, the National Museum of the Great Lakes broke ground on a 5,000-square-foot expansion Monday afternoon.

The museum’s capital campaign has already raised $4.5 million toward the Second Wave expansion project’s $6 million price tag, which includes construction and exhibit acquisition costs.

“Our fundraising efforts for this project are in full swing. We’ve had support from the State of Ohio, forward thinking businesses, generous donors, loyal museum members, and visitors,” said Paul LaMarre, vice chairman of the board of the museum, who was among the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The expansion of the museum, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary on Front Street in East Toledo, will provide dedicated areas for temporary and traveling exhibits, new permanent exhibit spaces, and a community education center. “We’re expanding our horizons. We’re taking a pivotal step, breaking ground on the new addition to the museum,” Mr. LaMarre said.

The National Museum of the Great Lakes will become the place where all Great Lakes conversations happen, he added.  “Imagine a space where the past, present, and future combine to create a dynamic hub for community education, cultural enrichment, and economic growth,” Mr. Lamarre said.

“Our mission at the National Museum of the Great Lakes is to educate and inspire visitors with the rich history of the Great Lakes. We’re embarking on an exciting new journey,” he said.

Dr. William Davis, a museum board member and the leader of the Second Wave campaign, agreed. “Education is going to be a big part of this expansion,” Dr. Davis said. “Because of this new development, we will be able to put on a lot more programs for the area, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. It’s going to be great.”

He was hopeful the museum could soon team up with the Coast Guard and have programs on boat safety. “That’s an area that needs a lot of help,” he said.

Kate Fineske, executive director of the museum, said she was grateful for the support of the museum over the years. She noted how much the museum has grown since its first wave — moving to Toledo 10 years ago. The museum grew from just a few team members to its current 25.

“We have 11,000-square-feet of interior museum exhibit space, the maritime park, and a 617-foot lake freighter that you cannot miss, the museum tug Ohio, the St. Marys Challenger Pilot House, and now a 5,000-square-foot addition that we’re putting on to the back of the space. That space is going to be incredible for us,” Ms. Fineske said.

“Of the $4.5 million we raised, over 72 percent of that is derived from resources outside Lucas County. Over 70 percent of visitors who spend at least one hour on the museum grounds stay at least one night in a hotel. We are bringing visitors and revenue to Toledo. With this expansion, we are going to be the gathering place of all Great Lakes conversations,” she said.

Some in the small crowd who attended the groundbreaking ceremony were enthusiastic about the expansion. “I’m so excited that there is a community that wants to continue to educate so we can keep the Great Lakes at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” said Jackie Csiszar, senior vice president of World Shipping, agents for the ships of the Great Lakes.

“We have such a gem,” Lucas County Auditor Katie Moline said. “It really has a lot of room to grow in terms of its prominence in our community. And this is just one step in that direction. I love that the museum is always looking to the future, especially in this region. They have the foresight to expand so that the next generation can enjoy this.”

Toledo Blade

Toledo museum boats open for the season on May 1

TOLEDO –  The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced the reopening of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the 2024 season on Wednesday, May 1st.

“Our entire team and community always looks forward to the seasonal opening of our museum boats,” said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Our visitors eagerly anticipate this time of year, and we can’t wait to immerse them in the living history that our vessels embody.”

The boats, which undergo seasonal closure over the winter, will be open for public tours between May 1st and October 31st. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the 617-foot cargo ship and historic tug, gaining insight into life on the lakes through the 20^th century. In addition to time aboard the vessels, guests are encouraged to explore the museum galleries, which showcase captivating stories through stunning photography, over 300 remarkable artifacts, immersive audiovisual displays, and interactive exhibits.

“During the summer season, we will have construction crews on site working on our 5,000 square foot expansion,” Kennedy added. “The museum and vessels will be fully open during construction with hopes of no interference with the guest experience. We just kindly ask that visitors pardon our dust during this exciting time of growth.”

In addition to the boats’ opening, beginning in May, the Museum’s open hours will also increase from 6 to 7 days a week, Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets can be pre-purchased at nmglstore.org or purchased upon arrival inside the museum at the front desk. No tickets are sold on the vessels themselves and anyone boarding the ships needs a wristband.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

How low ice coverage is changing the future of Lake Michigan, the Great Lakes

CHICAGO – This past winter was one of the warmest on record. It led to record-low ice coverage on all five Great Lakes, a sign that the world’s largest freshwater system is not immune to climate change.

“We’re seeing the Great Lakes kind of as sentinels of climate change. They’re showing us what’s happening in this sort of global change that we’re experiencing,” said Joel Brammeier, president and CEO of the Alliance for the Great Lakes. The Alliance for the Great Lakes advocates for policies needed to protect the Great Lakes for the future.

“We’ve had the lowest ice cover year in about 50 years on the Great Lakes,” said Brammier. “And we know that the climate is changing around us. We see evidence of that in warming water, less ice, highly variable water levels”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration started keeping track of the Great Lakes’ ice cover in 1973. The Great Lakes typically see an average of 53 percent ice coverage in the winter. This year, it peaked in mid-January at just 16 percent, the fourth lowest on record.

Even more staggering, from January to March, total ice cover across all 5 Great Lakes measured a mere 4.4%, an all-time historic low.

“We started late, we never really got the cold air in place to let the ice catch up to where it needed to be. And so we trailed behind all season,” said Bryan Mroczka ,a physical scientist with the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

“If the lake just goes up a few degrees, it can totally change the kind of habitat that’s available for that, for those fish and other wildlife, they might go somewhere else looking for a better place to live and we might see, for example, more invasive species coming into the Great Lakes,” said Brammeier.

The ice not only helps shelter marine wildlife, it also helps shield the beautiful beaches we all enjoy. The city’s prized shoreline is susceptible to extreme erosion, especially during the winter when there are strong storms and high waves.

“When you have frozen water at the shoreline that actually blocks some of those big winter storm waves from hitting the shoreline and can reduce erosion, it can reduce the loss of land and property,” said Brammeier.

Less ice cover could also mean more impactful lake effect snow events. When the Lakes freeze over, the fuel that drives these storms shuts off. Years that feature less ice have the greatest potential for snowier seasons. Year to year variability of ice cover will continue but less ice may be the new normal.

“We will see significant ice on the lakes again. That’s a guarantee, we will have colder winters, but the probability of any given year is increasing, that it will be a low ice year,” said Mroczka.

Climate change is already painting a different picture of the future of our fresh water source. Still, there are ways to preserve and protect the lakes.

“You’ll just see a lake that looks different, perhaps from the one that that I grew up with or my parents and grandparents grew up around,” said Brammeier. “And so that’s just going to be the reality that we face as well, is that we’re going to see a lake that is that is in its own way adapting to climate change and the unfortunate impacts of global warming. When you see that ice, you know, don’t just think of it as cubes in your freezer. Think of it as part of that living Great Lakes that we’re all part of and that we are privileged to live here and so protecting all those parts of the living Great Lakes is really important.”

WLS

Ferry Badger will start season June 1

The S.S. Badger’s schedule has been updated, with crossings now starting earlier than expected. Departures will commence on June 1st instead of June 14th. Continue checking back for even earlier booking dates. Read more here:

https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Crossings-Now-Starting-June-1st—.html?soid=1102183130649&aid=zm8W0bYeVtU

Lake Michigan Carferry

Keewatin museum at Kingston rebrands

Kingston, ON – The Marine Museum of the Great Lake at Kingston has rebranded itself the Great Lakes Museum. Visit https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/ to learn about the museum and centerpiece the steamer Keewatin.

Tours of Keewatin start May 13. Two tours will be offered: a 75 minute Passenger Experience and a 45 minute Engine Room Experience. Tickets go on sale, online, April 24 – tomorrow – here: https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/buy-tickets/.

On July 6, 2007, during S.S. Keewatin’s centenary celebration, her then owners RJ and Diane Peterson appointed Eric Conroy as “Captain Rick”… that is, as S.S. Keewatin’s (honorary) captain. (Although it is a marketing persona, Eric took the trouble to become qualified to use the honorific, obtaining certification from the International Shipmasters Association.)

Since then, it is a role Eric has played during hundreds of presentations, while telling the story of S.S. Keewatin to prospective visitors in audiences of up-to several hundred at a time. On Monday April 15 Eric gave his final presentation as “Captain Rick” and at the end of it presented his uniform to Doug Cowie, Manager of the Great Lakes Museum.

Great Lakes Museum

CMU buys sub to help research Great Lakes

Researchers at Central Michigan University are exploring the Great Lakes with the help of a brand-new submarine.

By Lauren Piesko
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (WNEM) – Researchers at Central Michigan University are exploring the Great Lakes with the help of a brand-new submarine.

CMU’s Institute for Great Lakes Research bought a two-person submersible with big plans for its future.

Don Uzarski, director of the CMU Institute for Great Lakes Research, said the machine is fully grant-funded and was bought on a whim from private sub owners.

“It was kind of odd, because I was contacted just out of the blue by an individual from Virginia and from Texas that said, ‘Hey. We own our own submarines, or submersibles, and we like to get together and try to help out scientists with these.’ And these are just guys from across the country who have submarines that their vacations, vacationing one week out of the year, going to do research at research stations,” Uzarski said.

CMU’s biological station on Beaver Island is the new home for this maroon and gold submersible.

“I got into the sub and I spent three hours just doing habitat surveys in the sub and I was able to write things down and look around and I’ve been scuba diving for 20 years and this was still a whole new world,” Uzarski said.

Uzarski said this is a huge addition to CMU’s biological station and he is excited to see what new information it will help uncover in the Great Lakes.

“Not only can we stay down longer, we can travel much farther distances. The hopes are, I want to get it in the water as soon as possible and start using it for data collection,” Uzarski said.

One of his primary goals will be using the sub to go regular checks on the Enbridge line 5 pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac.

“When I got in that sub for three hours last year, I was amazed at what I was seeing. It can immediately help in understanding the system much better through our water quality and chemistry data that she could already collect, but also help the managers manage that ecosystem and understand it better,” Uzarski said.

Link to Story & Video:     https://www.wnem.com/2024/04/22/cmu-buys-sub-help-research-great-lakes/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2plS0T7kBnqo3fnNfoHZ7T2C7-BjJd_rHSgNnkCCU7lLi0m8evNM2DVUU_aem_AXzqicn9aXBgtfqW5DqN6aOx3DjAaofWPOm4GUZNmbY1TzerTXH_i1rBgwJhJcdFljBYemtcIYu9urJYgQ94wctR

Copyright 2024 WNEM. All rights reserved.

National Museum of the Great Lakes to break ground on expansion

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will break ground on a 5,000-square-foot expansion Monday afternoon to provide additional space for temporary and traveling exhibits, new permanent exhibit spaces, and a community education center.

The museum’s capital campaign has already raised $4.5 million toward the Second Wave expansion project’s $6 million price tag, which includes construction and exhibit acquisition costs. “It will allow us to bring in multiple Smithsonian quality exhibits annually,” said Kate Fineske, executive director of the museum, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Front Street in Toledo.

She is particularly enthusiastic about the community education center. “We’ll have space set aside for youth and adults for conversations about the Great Lakes that will happen right here in Toledo,” Ms. Fineske said.

The museum holds a fall and spring lecture series that quickly sells out. “A big part of this addition is it will also allow us to have space to bring more folks in to listen to the lectures. We do share them virtually as well and have anywhere from 100 to 500 devices logged on with each lecture we give,” she said.

Most who visit the museum are surprised by its size. “They think it’s going to be a rinky dink museum. But as soon as they step inside, they are impressed by what they see. We’re state of the art,” she said.

The museum is becoming more popular. There has been a 45 percent increase in visitors in 2023 compared to 2022, and admission revenue has increased by 33 percent.

“Our exhibits are made for any age — adults and youth alike — they’re interactive, fun, and exciting, but also knowledgeable, and they produce a lot of information so people can learn more about the Great Lakes,” she said. “We cover all five of the Great Lakes, their history both in the United States and Canada, and we do it top notch.”

Kate Fineske, senior director of institutional advancement and soon-to-be museum executive director, speaks during the state of the museum presentation at the National Museum of the

Visitors to the museum will learn about the rich history of the Great Lakes, including fur trading, the underground railroad, rum runners, and the many ships and sailors that traveled the lakes to provide goods and services.

Two of the largest and most known exhibits at the museum are the Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship and the museum tug Ohio. The Col. James M. Schoonmaker is an iron vessel over 617 feet long and 64 feet wide. It was first launched in 1911 as a coal hauler and sailed the Great Lakes for more than 70 years. The tug Ohio was donated by the Great Lakes Towing Co.

“We’ve only been in Toledo for 10 years, but we’ve been around for 80 years now,” Ms. Fineske said.

The Great Lakes Historical Society, which owns and operates the museum, was formed in Cleveland in 1944 by a group of maritime enthusiasts. The society’s continued mission is to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes.

The society first had a small museum in Vermilion, Ohio. In 2014, operations were moved to Toledo and the National Museum of the Great Lakes opened, developed on the banks of the Maumee River.

Toledo City Council issued a proclamation celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo at a meeting earlier this month. Toledo City Councilman Theresa Gadus, who represents East Toledo, said she was honored to have the museum on the east side.

“It has been celebrated by so many generations of shipyard workers in East Toledo. My dad was one of them. It’s something so many East Toledoans are proud of and to have that on our side of the river is amazing,” she said.

“I hope people continue to see the value that it brings to Toledo,” Councilman Nick Komives said. “It is an important part of our history and all of the Great Lakes.”

Toledo Blade

Great Lakes Towing announces plan for Caribbean service

Cleveland, OH –The Great Lakes Towing Co., familiar for its work in specialized marine services, including harbor towing, ice breaking, emergency response, vessel repair and construction and machine shop services, has announced the acquisition of the barge Crimson Clover from Crimson Shipping Co., Chickasaw, AL.

GLT has purchased the 270’ x 80’ fully enclosed deck barge (called a “warehouse barge”) from Crimson Shipping and will charter the barge to a newly created operating company named Great Lakes East, LLC.

Great Lakes East, LLC (GLE) will start up a new domestic and International marine transportation service which will effectively be a reactivation of Crimson Shipping’s former business, based out of Mobile, AL. However, GLE will shift the primary load port to Fernandina Beach, FL.

GLE is a U.S.-flagged, Jones Act-compliant ocean freight carrier specializing in breakbulk, RORO/ heavy-lift, PL-480, dry bulk, Government & Military, construction, aviation, energy, and EXIM Bank project cargo customers, with regular service to San Juan, PR, and on inducement to neighboring islands and other ports in the Central Caribbean basin, Central America, and the north coast of South America. GLE is taking orders for its maiden voyage that is scheduled to depart Fernandina on June 19th.

GLE has partnered with terminal operators in the Port of Fernandina and San Juan to receive, load, discharge, and store weather sensitive cargo in on-dock warehouses. GLE is excited to offer a service that can leverage last mile on-dock rail in Fernandina and a strategic, niche loading port that is easily accessible from the main highways in Northeast Florida.

Great Lakes Towing Co.

Documentary video on the Cleveland Huletts

Here’s a new documentary video on the Cleveland Huletts which tells the story of their dismantling and the efforts made to save them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=-URVQgQZI_k&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1VirfQazbQMOgQwdtGiyXG56l_HcwFYzAFScKNeHayHbBIX8DYSFGMNqY_aem_AbDSC4qK3igub6_gm35oMLVQyGOzm8AIZYlz2ta4sTnUQe_m5PfX5jffvEzisRZ9DR1F8wSv7AvVIS66JtsB2J9L

STEAMSHIP WILLIAM G. MATHER

Tour this restored 618-foot historic ship and see what life was like on board a working Great Lakes freighter. Explore the 1925-built Mather from stem to stern and see its huge cargo holds, brass and oak pilot house, elegant guest quarters and four-story engine room. Walk the decks and marvel at the “engineering firsts” that helped transform Northeast Ohio into a great industrial center. Experience the golden era of steamships on one of the best.

2024 Schedule
May, September, and October
Saturday – Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

June – August
Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

*Please note that the last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

Ontario Shipyards temporarily pauses operations in Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON – Ted Kirkpatrick, director of business development and government relations, told The Chronicle-Journal that they have decided to temporarily idle operations at its shipyard largely due to market conditions and the availability of skilled labor.

“Despite these challenging conditions, we remain committed to revitalizing Ontario’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, including in Thunder Bay,” Kirkpatrick said, adding their organization has no plans to divest from the Thunder Bay shipyard and will remain committed to the city community.

“We continue to actively pursue a number of high-potential shipbuilding opportunities for the Thunder Bay Shipyard, and we still see the Thunder Bay shipyard as playing a key role in supporting shipbuilding activities in Ontario and across Canada.”

He said they are confident that the situation they are facing is temporary and plan to bring shipbuilding back to the city in the “not-so-distant future.”

During the summer of 2021, Ontario (Heddle) Shipyards purchased Fabmar Metals and moved their equipment onto the shipyard campus as part of their development plan. At the same time, the federal government moved forward with construction plans for two Canadian Coast Guard polar icebreakers under the National Shipping Strategy.

Plans to fabricate ship components at the Thunder Bay shipyard, particularly for the Sea-Span Polar icebreaker build taking place in B.C., are now undetermined.

This year on Jan. 1, Heddle Shipyards rebranded itself as Ontario Shipyards. The company, which also operates facilities in Hamilton and St. Catharines, said in a release that the rebranding reflects its growth and future expansion plans.

Meanwhile, Fabmar Metals, which has operated in Thunder Bay for more than 30 years, remains fully operational but idled at the Thunder Bay shipyard after its staff of 15 employees were laid off with severance pay in January shortly after Heddle’s name change.

Dale Ryynanen, retired president of Fabmar Metals Inc., called the plant a turnkey, full-functioning fabrication machine shop facility.

“If an individual went in there, he could start machining something tomorrow,” he said. “It’s still intact and nothing has been stripped out. Fabmar (Metals) is disappointed with the outcome of what’s happened. My vision is that hopefully, there is a future in shipbuilding and industrial work in Thunder Bay for that facility and I’m hopeful the Ontario Shipyards will come back to Thunder Bay.”

The Chronicle-Journal

Port of Lorain adds two livestream cams

LORAIN, OH – The Lorain Port Authority has added two livestream cameras at Oasis Marinas at Port Lorain and Black River Landing. The cameras are using an Axis Q6128-E and Axis Q6318-E. These cameras deliver great image quality in 4K resolution with the kind of wide-area coverage and flawless detail you expect from a high-performance PTZ (Point-to-Zoom).

Viewers can access them two ways: On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@LorainPortandFinanceAuthority

or

https://www.lorainport.com/livecam/

FRASER INDUSTRIES SECURES BOND FINANCING, FORGES AHEAD WITH HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN MARITIME INDUSTRY AND WORKFORCE

Apr 18, 2024

SUPERIOR, WI – Fraser Industries, a historic maritime company with subsidiaries Fraser Shipyards, Lake Assault Boats, and Northern Engineering, located in Superior, Wisconsin, and Portsmouth, Virginia, has successfully closed a bond financing deal that will pave the way for a sustainable and robust maritime workforce for future generations. Founded in 1890, the company has been a leader in the Great Lakes maritime industry with unmatched expertise and innovation.

Over the decades, Fraser has built a reputation for excellence in ship construction and repair, serving a diverse range of clients in the commercial, government, and military sectors. From constructing state-of-the-art vessels to providing expert repair services for existing ships, Fraser has consistently delivered exceptional results and earned the trust of customers both locally and internationally.

“These funds will be instrumental in upgrading and expanding our existing facilities, purchasing new equipment, and enhancing our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Fraser CEO Patrick Kelly. “This investment will not only drive growth and innovation at the yards but also create new opportunities for the workforce in Superior and Portsmouth.”

Fraser leadership appreciates its partners in the State of Wisconsin, Douglas County, and the City of Superior. “Our partners at the State, County, and City levels made it abundantly clear from the beginning – they were ready to assist us in securing the funds for this historic investment. We look forward to collaborating with government leaders in the future as we advance our mutual goal of making Superior a global maritime leader.”

The financing agreement, finalized at the end of March, positions Fraser well to continue building on its historic foundations, driving innovation in the maritime sector, and contributing to the economic growth of the Superior area.

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

Eureka Shipping Announces Construction of New
Cutting-Edge Cement Carrier for Great Lakes Trade

Eureka Shipping, a leading provider of sustainable, high-efficiency cement carrier services jointly owned by SMT Shipping and The CSL Group, is pleased to announce the construction of a state-of-art mechanical/pneumatic cement ship destined for operation in the Great Lakes. The cutting-edge vessel with a deadweight of 12,500 metric tonnes, is designed to replace two older vessels, while maintaining the same cargo capacity.

“Building a ship aligned with eco-friendly principles is a top priority for both Eureka Shipping and our customer,” said Kai Grotterud, Managing Director of Eureka Shipping. “Our new cement carrier is expected to contribute significantly to decarbonization by drastically reducing the emissions per metric tonne of cargo carried.

From its propulsion system to its onboard amenities, every aspect of the new vessel’s design reflects a dedication to safety, environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. Key features include:

a diesel-electric propulsion system consisting of four generator sets, providing redundancy for both navigation and cargo operation;
modern, fuel-efficient engines capable of operating on HVO biofuel, to enhance performance and reduce emissions;
two rudder propellers with 360 degree thrust, plus a powerful bow-thruster, for superior maneuverability and optimized navigation safety;
energy-saving measures to minimize power consumption, including LED lighting throughout;
state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment to reduce power usage during loading and unloading operations;
extensive noise insulations and silencers on machinery and cargo handling equipment;
prepared for operation on shore power when such power becomes available; and
high-quality accommodations for officers and crew, prioritizing comfort and well-being.

The new vessel, currently under construction by the Holland Shipyard Group in the Netherlands, is scheduled for delivery in 2025 and will commence operations in the Great Lakes region.

In the interim, prior to the new vessel’s arrival in Canada, MV Sunnanvik, a 8,600 DWT mechanical/pneumatic cement carrier previously operating in Europe, will service its trade routes starting in early April 2024. Equipped with modified discharge equipment tailored to the customer’s receiving terminals, the vessel will discharge cargo at rates of up to 1,000 tonnes per hour.

As part of Eureka’s commitment to decarbonization, MV Sunnanvik was fitted with two flexible, vertical “Ventofoil” “wing” sails from Econowind in 2023. These innovative sails harness wind energy to provide additional thrust, contributing to lower emissions. Conditions permitting, they will be tested on the Great Lakes, enhancing the vessel’s speed in favorable wind conditions.

MV Sunnanvik holds the distinction of being the first sail-equipped vessel to operate in the Great Lakes.

Eureka Shipping Ltd. is a leading provider of logistical services within the specialized segment of pneumatic and mechanical cement carriers. Eureka owns and commercially operates a fleet of self-unloading cement carriers ranging in size from 3000 DWT to 23.000 DWT in the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean and the Great Lakes.

SMT Shipping has, over the past 30 years, grown to a fleet of about 72 vessels through a number of joint venture companies operating in various bulk commodities markets, focusing on highly efficient geared bulk carriers, floating storage/transhipment terminals and belt-unloaders.

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

Huron’s lime plant pulverized

Andy Ouriel
ouriel@sanduskyregister.com

Apr 12, 2024 7:00 PM

HURON — Brenda Michel reveled in seeing a storied structure getting razed on Friday morning.

“I like to watch things blow up,” said Michel, a lifelong Huron resident.

Along with Michel, a couple of hundred people lined Main Street — stretching from the North Main Pier to the Huron Boat Basin — to watch a historic lime plant come crumbling down.

Earlier this year, Carmeuse, a global manufacturer of lime and limestone, notified city officials about vacating its Meeker Street site bordering the Huron River not far from Nickel Plate Beach.

Because of this, they demolished the factory — a notable sight spanning Huron’s skyline for decades.

Promptly at 10 a.m., and in one fell swoop, the building toppled over in a quick but notable implosion.

Carmeuse must clean up, clear and level this entire site.

“As much as this is the end of one legacy, we really believe this creates a brand new opportunity for this community to completely reimagine this waterfront property,” said Huron city manager Matt Lasko, alluding to a forthcoming public input process.

Regarding the redevelopment plan, Lasko said, “We hope it supports the legacy of industry on the Huron River but also creates an opportunity for reimagining for what could be a phenomenal greenspace and/or additional residential and recreational amenities for the public.”

No concrete plans for this site’s next use have been publicized.

Lasko noted Norfolk Southern hasn’t provided any updates on when possible work could happen. The railroad company owns this waterfront land, totaling about 20 acres.

Friday’s implosion harkened back to another notable demolition in Huron, ConAgra’s demise, which occurred 12 years ago in 2012.

“I was here for that one, too,” said Michel, referring to the one-time grain mill’s silos crashing to the ground.

History lesson

Carmeuse represents a global manufacturer of lime and limestone.

The company — which provides lime, limestone and mineral-based items; offers freight and logistics support; and operates lime-handling systems — stopped manufacturing its products from Huron sometime last year, thus leaving this site basically vacant, city officials said.

Locally, the lime plant’s roots date back to around 1967 following a coal dock closure, according to the Huron Historical Society. For many years, it was known as Huron Lime Co. before Carmeuse acquired it a few years ago.
Many locals refer to the lime plant as a “cloud maker” for producing similar shapes floating above its facility.

“The plant converted shiploads of limestone into hydrated lime for steelmaking,” according to a society statement. “The first ship, the Joseph Young, arrived Aug. 23, 1977. It was bought by Carmeuse Lime and Stone in 2018 and closed shortly after.”

Fast-forward to present day, and Carmeuse informed Norfolk Southern it would not renew a lease agreement up later this month.

Carmeuse regularly donated back to the Huron community, supporting many charitable causes and raising money for area food banks.
Link to article and video:  https://sanduskyregister.com/news/515551/hurons-lime-plant-pulverized/

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

Algoma Bear is through the Pamama Canal headed for Canada

Algoma Bear (IMO 9619309), a self-unloading vessel built in 2024 in China and the newest and most updated vessel in the Algoma Central Corporation’s fleet, transited the Panama Canal on April 15. The ship is on its delivery trip from China, where it departed February 18, 2024. It made one brief stop in Batangus, Philippines, before crossing the Pacific Ocean. The ship arrived at Balboa, Panama, the Pacific Anchorage of the Panama Canal, on April 11 to await transit through the Panama Canal.

Algoma Bear is registered in Tuvalu with Funafuti as its temporary port of registration. Once the vessel arrives in Canada, sometime in either April or May, the ship will be registered Canadian and receive a Canadian crew.

The Algoma Bear replaces the Algoma Transport, which was built in 1979 at the Port Weller Drydocks. After a long career, the Algoma Transport was officially retired in January 2024 following the ending of the 2023-24 shipping season. She was officially decommissioned on January 8, 2024 and is currently waiting to be scrapped at the IMS scrapyard in Port Colborne.

Algoma Bear is the 11th Equinox-Class vessel in the Algoma Central Corporation fleet.

Denny Dushane

Tug John Purves returns home

After spending the winter at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, the Tug John Purves is back in its rightful spot behind the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. The former World War I and World War II vessel made its trip across the bay on Monday morning, with other tugboats acting as an escort.

Door County Maritime Museum Executive Director Kevin Osgood said earlier this month that while some repairs were related to being tied up next to a barrier all year long, others could be attributed to its time sailing in saltwater missions during World War I and World War II. Deputy Director Sam Perlman says it was a great experience seeing the tug come through the Michigan Street Bridge, but there is still some work to do before May 1st due to all the work that was done.

Door Country Daily News

View a video here:

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=john+purves+arrives+home#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e0d16b9f,vid:qdmtFhE-Dhc,st:0

Fednav adds three new vessels to its Laker fleet

Fednav Ltd. of Montreal has added three new vessels to fleet as part of its fleet renewal program. Joining Fednav in late 2023 was the Federal Hamilton IMO 9975363. This ship is199.98 meters in length and 23.760 meters in width. It was built in Japan at the Oshima Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. It has four deck cranes on its deck among one of the differences when compared to its previous Fednav fleetmates built in Japan at Oshima. which have three deck cranes. Another more noticeable difference with the Federal Hamilton is its extra very large smokestack.

In addition to the Federal Hamilton, two more vessels of the same class have been added, Thunder Bay IMO 9975375  built in 2023 yet delivered to Fednav in 2024 and the Federal Indiana IMO 9975387 built in 2024.

Each of these new vessels are 199.98 meters in length and 23.760 meters in width with each one having four deck cranes and the extra very large and noticeable smokestack as well. The new ships are also all registered in the Marshall Islands with Majuro as their official port of registration.

So far, neither the Federal Thunder Bay nor the Federal Indiana have yet to make any to any Great Lakes/Seaway ports. However, the Federal Indiana is expected to arrive in Trois Rivieres, Quebec, for the first time on May 29, 2024.

This will be the first time that Fednav Ltd. has named one of their vessels in honor of the ports of Hamilton and Thunder Bay as well as for the state of Indiana, all allof which see many of the Fednav Ltd. vessels during the course of the shipping season.

Five more vessels from Oshima Shipbuilding in Japan are expected to join Fednav sometime during the 2024 shipping season, with two more expected to join the fleet in 2025, along with one additional vessel added sometime during the 2026 shipping season for a total of 11.

These new vessels are to represent the most efficient vessels to date for the Fednav Ltd. fleet of vessels.

Denny Dushane

 National Museum of Great Lakes celebrating 10th anniversary

The National Museum of the Great Lakes is gearing up to celebrate a decade of enriching the Toledo community with its immersive exhibits and educational programs.

On April 10, Toledo City Council recognized the museum’s milestone of becoming a beacon for maritime history enthusiasts and a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.

Initially founded in 1944 by a group of passionate maritime enthusiasts in Cleveland, the Great Lakes Historical Society has remained steadfast in its mission to preserve and showcase the rich history of the Great Lakes region. This commitment continued when the National Museum of the Great Lakes moved to Toledo in 2014, situated along the banks of the Maumee River.

Over the past 10 years, the museum has engaged visitors with its diverse array of exhibits, featuring visual, audiovisual, and hands-on experiences spanning centuries of Great Lakes history. From the era of fur trading to the challenges of the underground railroad and the exploits of rum runners, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through the pivotal moments that have shaped the Great Lakes into the vital resource it is today.

One of the highlights of the museum’s collection is the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Lakes.” This iconic vessel, measuring over 617 feet in length and 64 feet in width, served as a coal hauler for over seven decades, traversing the Great Lakes and leaving an indelible mark on maritime history.

Additionally, the Tug Ohio, donated by the Great Lakes Towing Company, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipping.

NMGL Executive Director Kate Fineske reflected on the museum’s role within the community. “For the past decade, the National Museum of the Great Lakes has been more than just a repository of history – it’s been a gathering place, a source of pride, and a catalyst for discussions around our natural resources. Our goal is to make Toledo the epicenter of Great Lakes conversations, where stories are shared, connections are forged, and the spirit of the region thrives,” she said.

Echoing Fineske’s sentiments, Sam Melden, Toledo City Councilman, underscored the significance of having NMGL within Toledo’s borders. “The presence of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo has been instrumental in fostering a deeper appreciation for our region’s maritime heritage. Not only does it serve as a vital educational resource, but it also enhances Toledo’s identity as the premier destination for all things Great Lakes.”

The NMGL is located at 1701 Front St., Toledo. For more information, call 419-214-5000 or visit nmgl.org.

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com

U.S. and Canada Sign Historic Agreement to Boost Vessel Traffic Services in the Great Lakes Region

U.S. and Canadian authorities have signed Cooperative Vessel traffic Service (CVTS) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic across the Great Lakes Marine Transportation System (MTS).

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Central Region, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS), the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC), and the United States Coast Guard Ninth District (USCG), signed the agreement on April 11 in Quebec, Canada.

The MOU highlights the need for a unified information-sharing system to enhance data exchange, improve situational awareness, and reduce human error in maritime traffic management.

Rear Admiral Jon Hickey, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District, hailed the MOU as a significant step towards ensuring safe and efficient shipping across both the U.S. and Canada. “This MOU is another great step in our continued, cooperative commitment to the safe and efficient movement of goods and services through both the U.S. and Canada,” said Hickey.

The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including Marc-André Meunier, Assistant Commissioner, CCG Central region, Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Administrator for the GLS, Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC, and Admiral John Hickey, commander of the Ninth USCG District.

“Vessel traffic management across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River is a vital service, and our continued collaboration will ensure safe and efficient navigation across these inland waters,” said Marc-André Meunier.

The MOU promises to provide total asset visibility and the potential to harmonize the system, thereby improving safety and efficiency for maritime customers. It also underscores the need for efficient unilateral response to maritime emergencies, and aims to reduce ship and resource delays, lower maritime commerce costs, and maximize environmental performance potential.

Terence Bowles, President and CEO of the SLSMC, welcomed the MOU as a means to enhance safety and security on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Green Shipping Corridor, a vital link in the North American supply chain.

While the USCG, CCG, GLS, and SLSMC have a history of maritime cooperation, this is the first official unified information sharing agreement among all four entities.

“The Seaway has a long history of implementing technological innovations to improve the safety and efficiency of its operations,” said Adam Tindall Schlicht, GLS Administrator. “This formal agreement with trusted bi-national partners will improve the vessel transit experience by enhancing workplace safety, lowering operating costs for carriers, and achieving greater efficiencies in freight movement.”

GCaptain

Lake Express Ferry sets sail for Lake Michigan terminal

By: Jason Lee
Posted: Apr 10, 2024 10:10 AM CDT

CBS 58

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Lake Express Ferry embarked from its storage location in Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley to its operational terminal on the Lake Michigan waterfront on Wednesday, April 10.

The ferry, used for daily regional transportation, transitions annually to facilitate increased travel during the warmer months and connects Milwaukee with Muskegon, Mich., offering an alternative to driving through the roadways of Chicago.

Starting Friday, May 3, the ferry will provide two daily round trips as the regular operations for this season commence. Services for up to 250 passengers and space for 46 vehicles and 12 motorcycles per crossing will be provided.

The journey across Lake Michigan typically lasts about two-and-a-half hours.

More information, including how to schedule a trip, can be found by clicking here. https://www.lake-express.com/

Opening For Chief Engineer – Interlake Logistics

Interlake Logistics Solutions, Inc. operates the versatile articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette, which carries diverse cargoes  on the Great Lakes.   Equipped to self-load cargo with an 800C John Deere excavator, long reach material handler, the uniquely outfitted vessel can utilize a clam bucket for flowable material or a five-tine grapple for large rocks and scrap metal.  The tug Undaunted that powers the Pere Marquette 41 is a repowered Navy ATA/Rescue Tug that served in World War II.  The barge Pere Marquette41 is the repurposed carferry City of Midland.

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel’s (both tug and barge) machinery and propulsion plants.

Responsibilities: 

• Both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment / machinery.
• Ordering needed supplies and maintaining inventories.
• Proper record keeping, documentation and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Working with the Engine Utility to maintain a clean, safe, and positive work environment.
• This is not an all-inclusive list, but an overview of responsibilities.

Qualifications/Certifications Required: 

• Minimum requirement; Valid USCG license, Chief Engineer (Limited) with at least a 2000HP endorsement.
• TWIC Card
• Current Physical / USCG Medical Certificate.
• DOT Drug Screen
• Legally eligible to work in the USA (proof of identity or eligibility required.

The rotation is 28 days on the vessel and 28 days off. After completing a 90-day probationary period, your eligible for medical, dental, vision and a 401k plan.

Applicants please apply thru website:  www.ssbadger.com