U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Lifetime Achievement Supporting U.S. Great Lakes Shipping

WASHINGTON D.C.  (April 10, 2024) – On Wednesday, April 10, 2024, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized the significant contributions Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow has made throughout her Congressional career protecting the Great Navigation System and supporting American jobs with investment in U.S.-flagged Great Lakes shipping.

Senator Stabenow, who co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Great Lakes Task Force, has been the driving force behind the protection of our largest freshwater resource and the maritime highway that supports U.S. jobs through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) which was first authored in 2010 and has since received $3.8 billion in funding.

The GLRI has been a major success with funds provided for over 6,800 projects throughout the region protecting the Great Lakes and its waterways against its greatest threats, and addressing problems that impact public health and safety.  “Our U.S. sailors, port, shipyard, and manufacturing employees depend on the Great Lakes and its connecting waterways for the raw material supply chain to support good paying jobs and their families live here too.  Senator Stabenow’s work for over a decade has proved to be a game changer ensuring our fresh waters are restored and protected for generations to come,” stated Jim Weakley, Vice President of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and President of the Lake Carriers Association.

Senator Stabenow has been a critical champion for arguably the most important North American infrastructure project in several years with the construction of a large new U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.  Nearly all domestically produced high strength steel is made with iron ore that transits the current large lock, the Poe, built in 1969.  A study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security concluded that a six-month unscheduled outage of the Poe Lock would result in 11 million jobs lost and a $1.1 trillion economic impact.  Recognizing the vital national economic importance and the reality that it is an aging single point of failure for North American manufacturing, Senator Stabenow tirelessly advocated for funding authorization and continued efficient funding of the estimated $3.2 billion mega project securing large annual appropriations to keep the project on track.

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force is grateful for Senator Stabenow’s service to our county, the Great Lakes Region, and the State of Michigan.  Senator Stabenow is truly a champion for the Great Lakes watershed and the healthy marine transportation system it supports.

The presentation of the award was made at Senator Stabenow’s Washington D.C. office surrounded by many thankful Great Lakes Maritime Task Force members.

About Great Lakes Maritime Task Force

The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System.  Advocating for domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry supports more than 147,000 American jobs in eight Great Lakes states and generates more than $36 billion in economic activity.

Eric Peace
Great Lakes Maritime Task Force
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office)
www.glmtf.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

Great Lakes ports could get a boost as supply chains diversify

The fallout from Baltimore’s deadly bridge collapse could result in more business for local ports. The big picture: The Port of Baltimore leads the nation for automobile shipments and handled 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo worth nearly $81 billion in 2023, the Washington Post reports.

While recovery efforts for the bodies of four construction workers continue, the disaster has also disrupted supply chains across the country.

Great Lakes ports can be viable long-term alternatives to East Coast ports, port officials in Detroit and Monroe tell Axios, as shipping companies and manufacturers consider diversifying their supply chains to handle such catastrophes.

Rather than use the Great Lakes, in-state manufacturers typically transport goods to coastal ports via truck or rail.

Port of Monroe director Paul LaMarre sees an opportunity to reverse the decline of Great Lakes shipping. “The opportunity exists to have a direct trade lane to Europe with vehicles made in southeast Michigan or northwest Ohio straight from our ports,” he tells Axios.

The Port of Monroe is preparing for more cargo with the opening of a new container terminal in 2025. It’s part of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System and mostly handles bulk commodities like iron ore, coal, limestone and grain.

The St. Lawrence system’s conditions limit the size of vessels to about 730 feet long and 75 feet wide, LaMarre says. Business activity at Detroit’s port is limited by a complicated master concession agreement reached during former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s tenure.

While vessels on the coast can handle 20,000 containers, LaMarre says a victory at the Port of Monroe would be 400-800 containers per month.

Nevertheless, Detroit port officials reached out to large automakers that rely on the Port of Baltimore to remind them that using Great Lakes ports makes business sense. “We definitely want to be on the consideration list for plan B,” John Jamian, director of operations for the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, tells Axios.

Axios

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

Jack Messmer is MHSD Historian of the Year for 2024

The Marine Historical Society of Detroit has named Jack Messmer as its 2024 Great Lakes Marine Historian of the Year.

Messmer was born in 1950 at Erie, PA, and moved to Buffalo in 1961. He graduated from Canisius College in 1973 with a B.A. in science education, after which he worked for 34 years as a science teacher. Always fascinated by the lakes, he took up the sport of scuba diving in 1969, and has said diving on wrecks resulted in a desire to know more about their history. He began reading books, then early Buffalo newspapers, gathering information about shipwrecks on the lakes, particularly Lake Erie.

He is a founding member of the Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society (now the Buffalo Harbor Museum) in 1988. He is a director, the editor of the Harbormaster newsletter for more than 30 years and docent at the Buffalo Harbor Museum. He has been a longtime member of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit, Great Lakes Historical Society and Toronto Marine Historical Society. Messmer is author of numerous articles about Great Lakes shipwrecks, and co-author of three books relating to Buffalo’s waterfront, Waterview Guide to Buffalo Harbor (1989), Fire and Water, Disasters on Buffalo Harbor and the Surrounding Area (2015) and Boats Built at Buffalo and Surrounding Areas (2018). He lives with Janice, his wife of more than 50 years, in Lancaster, NY.

Federal Yoshino first saltie at Milwaukee

Federal Yoshino was the first international vessel of the season to call on Port Milwaukee. The vessel arrived from Antwerp, Belgium, as part of the Fednav FALLine service between Milwaukee and Europe, carrying vital commodities for local manufacturers.

Port Milwaukee

Transit authority ends evening-overnight Neebish Island ferry service

NEEBISH ISLAND, MI – The battle between Neebish Island residents and visitors and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Authority (EUPTA) on ferry scheduling continued late last week at the scheduled EUPTA board meeting.

At times, it got a little heated as people expressed their displeasure at EUPTA dropping evening and overnight service. “We are a busy society nowadays and they are curbing these people’s lives just unreasonably,” said Roger Parr, who attended the meeting.

Parr has had property on Neebish Island since the ’90s. His father was born there. Parr, himself, attended a one-room school house back in the day. His grandparents lived on the island until the ’70s. He says he has been going over to Neebish Island his entire life. “This new schedule sure is going to limit doing anything like golf or dinner in the evening… whatever the case may be just to get off the island, let alone getting back on,” Parr said.

A few at the meeting spoke up about property values possibly decreasing due to the lack of ferry service, and the inability to attend evening sporting events, functions or even shopping.

EUPTA Executive Director Pete Paramski spoke at the meeting. He said the Coast Guard is setting the regulations by which the ferry service can run. That can only be a twelve-hour shift for the two-person crew on the ferry.

Last month, the Coast Guard indicated to EUPTA that the ferry service and crew were out of compliance when running the service beyond their twelve-hour shift. That means there will be no scheduled service after the 6 p.m. run during the work week. The ferry service will start back up at 6:30 a.m. with several routes provided during the day.

“It’s a Coast Guard regulation that limits the amount of hours. It’s a manning and rest period and we cannot run our captains and our crew as long as we used to,” Paramski said.

Paramski says it would not be financially sustainable for EUPTA to add a second crew and shift. That alone, he said, would cost them an additional half-million dollars a year.

“We are trying to work with the island community to come up with a schedule that can better the life out there for them. We moved some times per their request. We have added some runs within the normal scheduled day but we couldn’t add runs outside of the parameters set from the p.m. to a.m.,” Paramski said.

Soo Today

The 4 factors that have led to a ‘golden age’ of discovery for Great Lakes shipwrecks

There’s never been a better time to find, explore and document shipwrecks on the Great Lakes, thanks to a combination of technology, environmental change and surge in public interest, according to those who uncover the sunken history of the world’s largest lakes.

The University of Buffalo estimates more than 6,000 shipwrecks are on the bottom of North America’s five Great Lakes, which, since the late 1600s, have been lost in wars, accidents, or frequent and powerful storms.

In the last 18 months, three previously unknown Great Lakes shipwrecks have made headlines around the world, from the steel bulk freighter Huronton, the 19th-century cargo steamer Africa, and in February, the Second World War-era freighter Arlington.

Explorers say the pace of new discoveries has quickened, thanks to new technologies, climate change, invasive species and a surge in public interest.

“I’ve lived at the most fortunate time possible for being an underwater explorer because of the developments in technology,” said Jill Heinreth, a full-time underwater explorer and explorer-in-residence for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

She said cameras, drones, underwater scooters, even breathing apparatus have all improved, and in many cases have become cheaper, over her 30-year diving career, during which she’s documented everything from underwater caves to ghostly shipwrecks.

“We’ve gone from just using a single scuba tank on our backs to using something that’s much more akin to what an astronaut wears for a space walk,” Heinreth said. “It’s called a rebreather and it increases our range, our time and our depth capabilities by recycling our exhaled breath.”

Underwater drones in particular have led to a number of shipwreck discoveries. Most recently, the Africa was found in Lake Huron by a husband and wife team while filming the upcoming TVO documentary All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Great Lakes.

This winter saw the lowest level of ice ever recorded on the Great Lakes. It’s meant lower lake levels and higher rates of erosion along sandy bluffs, devastating coastlines and, in some cases, uncovering lost pieces of history.

Durrell Martin, president of Save Ontario Shipwrecks, told CBC’s Afternoon Drive on Friday that the shifting coastlines have unearthed a number of discoveries, including a 600-year-old dugout canoe in Salmon Trout Lake, a small inland lake about a 20-minute drive north of Bancroft.

“This came due to frost heaves and erosion from increased run-off of water,” he said. “This is about halfway between Peterborough and Ottawa, and the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee has been documenting this unusual find of Canada’s pre-colonial history.”

Martin said more discoveries are likely to be made this spring as communities around the Great Lakes experience increased erosion along their shores, caused by a lack of ice on the lakes.

The introduction of invasive zebra and quagga mussels from Europe through the ballast tanks of freighters on the Great Lakes has made the murky turquoise waters of the Great Lakes crystal clear.

“In the early days, I once literally ran face first into a ship I couldn’t see in front of me,” Martin said. “Now I can see 200 feet in front of me.

“There are wrecks being found on Google Earth and people are literally finding them on their computer through satellite imagery.”

Shipwreck videos and pictures rack up millions of views on social media, while social media groups dedicated to documenting the finds have tens of thousands of followers. New discoveries make headlines around the world, including in the New York Times, which recently declared this a “Golden Age” of shipwreck discovery.

Explorers say while this is a golden age, it won’t last long.

The cold, deep and relative darkness of the Great Lakes have proved to be ideal conditions for preserving shipwrecks dating back to the 17th century, but with climate change and the introduction of invasive mussels, that’s changing. Clearer water means more light filters down to the wrecks, many encrusted by zebra mussels that are eating their way through the wrecks.

“This really is the golden age of discovery,” Durrell Martin said.  “We feel the window’s probably got about 20 to 30 years left.”

Martin said the slow disintegration of Great Lakes shipwrecks is another factor in the pace of discovery.  “[It’s] why there’s such a drive to record all of these shipwrecks that are being found.”

CBC

Know Your Ships hosts annual book release
celebration Saturday at Algonac museum

The official launch part for the 2024, 65th anniversary of the boatwatching field guide Know Your Ships is Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Algonac-Clay Historical Society Maritime Museum, 1117 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI.

Join Roger and other members of the KYS Crew will be special guest Catherine Schmuck, author of the book Ship To Shore Chef. Catherine sails the lakes for Canada Steamship Lines as a relief cook and her recipes are mouth-watering!

A $5 donation at the door gets you $5 off your total purchase from Roger and Catherine.

This replaces the book signing that used to be at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron, as that facility has closed.

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

Beatrix first saltie at Chicago

Beatrix was honored April 5 as the first international ship at the Port of Chicago for 2024. The of Chicago was presented to her captain while she loaded steel coils. The saltie Chestnut was also in port, bringing a load of pig iron

Stephen Sostaric

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. Brig Niagara volunteers concerned about plans for spring-time ship repairs

ERIE, PA – People passionate about the U.S. Brig Niagara’s future were speaking with urgency Wednesday, wondering what the plans are for spring-time repairs. They said time is of the essence to keep plans for the Niagara on track.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has been in charge of the Niagara since the start of the year and while they’ve laid out a plan verbally, anticipation surrounds the execution.

Former volunteers said the clock is ticking to take care of the U.S. Brig Niagara’s needs, and it’s ticking fast. They said any setbacks in getting Erie’s flagship to shipyard for repairs could jeopardize a timeline the PHMC was hoping to hit.

“April is when they should be going to shipyard,” said Kathleen Zawrotniak, volunteer. “When we talk about timelines and requirements, they need to give the coast guard 30 days’ notice in order to get them to shipyard to do the inspections that are required to be done.”

While the PHMC posted a job listing for a shipwright back in February, it’s the only posting, and there’s been no announcement about hiring crew members.

New development corp. hoping to give east Erie neighborhood the boost they need

Towards the end of march, the PHMC announced an agreement with the Flagship Niagara League (FNL) to work with them as associate partners. That release said the FNL will help organize educational programming, but the future of sailing programs is up in the air.

“So every month we delay, is another month behind the Niagara being able to sail,” said Steven Perry, volunteer.

Perry said typically this time of year, the winter tarp is being removed and it’s being rigged up for the season but right now, the ship stays under cover. “There’s a high risk of some of these deficiencies staying out there, and the Niagara not being able to sail again,” said Perry.

With much needed repairs, crew members, inspections and work to be done, these volunteers are hoping for an update.

“All of this has really been unnecessary, it’s been frustrating and maddening, but it could have been avoided if the PHMC had continued to work with the Flagship Niagara League and the crew,” said Ginny Sivak, volunteer. “It could have been three months where work could’ve been done and things could’ve been prepared and the should could’ve been ready.”

The group has petitioned to protect the Niagara and has filed several right-to-know requests that they said shows how important a trip to shipyard is. Without it, they said the Niagara could lose its certificate of operation.

“And then the Niagara couldn’t do anything including be a dockside attraction,” said Zawrotniak.

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

American Cruise Line Buys
American Queen Voyages’ River Ships

Ocean Voyager, Ocean Navigator Also Sold

American Cruise Lines’ river fleet is set to expand with the addition of four vessels acquired from former cruise line American Queen Voyages.

ACL agreed to purchase the river ships American Duchess, American Countess, American Empress and American Queen plus other assets. American Queen Voyages ceased operations on Feb. 20, 2024. Hornblower Group, the former cruise line’s parent company, filed for bankruptcy soon after.

Sale Prices:

American Queen: $2,150,000

American Empress: $1,600,000

American Countess: $1,600,000

American Duchess: $200,000

Certain other related assets, including, among other things, trademarks associated with American Queen Voyages™ (“AQV”), website domain names associated with AQV, and certain business records: $750,000.

The cruise line confirmed the acquisition in a statement provided to Cruise Critic. “American Cruise Lines is pleased to be the successful bidder for AQV’s river vessels. We look forward to announcing additional details after this portion of the Hornblower Holdings bankruptcy process concludes.”

Once completed, the purchase will bring American Cruise Line’s total fleet up to 25 vessels, which includes river boats, coastal ships and paddlewheelers.

The exact itineraries and entry into service dates for the soon-to-be-acquired ships are still unknown at this time.

Meanwhile, American Queen Voyages founder John Waggoner has emerged as the highest bidder for the former company’s two Great Lakes ships at a bankruptcy auction for AQV’s assets, according to documents viewed by Travel Weekly.

The Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator were purchased for less than $1 million each at the April 1 auction, according to the documents. The two Bahamas-flagged vessels had been on the market since last year for !5 million each when American Queen Voyages announced it would pull out of the Great Lakes region after the season there ended in November.

Cruise Critic, Cruise Industry News, Travel Weekly

Coast Guard Issues Bulletin Regarding Lake Erie and Eclipse

CLEVELAND, OH – The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin for Lake Erie boaters regarding the April 8 total solar eclipse.

“We will be setting up a communications command center, bringing in extra Coast Members, boats and helicopters to focus on safety April 8,” said Lieutenant Phillip Gurtler. “We expect a lot of boat activity on Lake Erie for the eclipse,” Gurtler told Fox 8 News.

According to the Coast Guard boater bulletin, “While offering stunning celestial display, the eclipse may present challenges and potential distractions for those who navigate and operate commercial vessels on the Great Lakes.”

The Coast Guard safety tips are also for recreational boaters primarily on Lake Erie and other parts of the lower Great Lakes.

The most unique safety tip offered by the Coast Guard states: “Be aware that rapid changes in light may affect spatial perception and visibility.”

Boaters are also urged to remember to turn on their navigation lights because darkness will fall fast during the eclipse starting just after 3 p.m. in Cleveland.

Safety forces also say to have someone on the boat be a lookout and have flashlights ready.

National Museum of the Great Lakes reopens May 1

TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will be reopening the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the season to the public beginning Monday, May 1! The museum ships close annually over the winter months and re-open for public tours between May 1 and October 31.

Visitors may climb onboard the 617-foot cargo ship and historic tug to experience what life was like on the lakes in the early 1900s while also visiting the museum galleries. The 11,000 sq. feet museum galleries (open year round) features awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits.

Summer Museum Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm
*The last time to board the boats is 4 pm.

Ticket Price:
$17.00 (Museum & Ship) / $11.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64);
$16.00 (Museum & Ship) / $10.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)
$14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)
FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members

NMGL

Algoma Central receives Corporation of the Year Award

PRESS RELEASE: Algoma is pleased to announce that we were unanimously voted as the recipient of United Way Niagara’s 2023 Corporation of the Year Award. Thank you to United Way Niagara for helping us contribute to our local communities. Community engagement lies at the heart of our values as we commit to being responsible corporate citizens across Canada and here in Niagara.

We are incredibly proud to continue to donate to United Way and take part in their Days of Caring, but it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and commitment our Bear family displays through their teamwork and passion to uplift and support their communities.

Algoma Central Corporation

Port Huron Museums is the next host for the upcoming Michigan Lighthouse Alliance

PORT HURON, MI – Calling all lighthouse aficionados and history buffs, Port Huron Museums is hosting a lighthouse conference.

Port Huron Museums is the next host for the upcoming Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference. The three-day conference will have people going through workshops, touring the Fort Gratiot Light Station and networking with other people passionate about lighthouses. The Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference will take place from April 21 to April 23 at the Blue Water Convention Center.

The last day to register for the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference is April 8. People can register for the conference by visiting the event page from the Port Huron Museum’s Facebook. Registration costs $165 and includes all the activities and meals for all three days of the conference.

April 21 will serve as a social evening event for conference attendees at the Port Huron Carnegie Center. This event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a one-woman lighthouse show. In addition to the sessions on April 22, attendees will have access to a VIP tour of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. April 23 will have a VIP tour of the Huron Lightship as well as its planned sessions.

Port Huron Museum Community Engagement Manager Andrew Kercher said the museum is thrilled to host the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference.

The theme for the conference is “Be the Beacon: Connecting With and Guiding Your Community.” Kercher said lighthouses across the state have a community centered around them. He said these communities work to preserve, raise awareness, and overall care for these lighthouses. Michigan has approximately 129 lighthouses.

The Michigan Lighthouse Alliance holds a conference every two years. The last one took place in 2022 in Holland.

PORT HURON, MI – Calling all lighthouse aficionados and history buffs, Port Huron Museums is hosting a lighthouse conference.

Port Huron Museums is the next host for the upcoming Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference. The three-day conference will have people going through workshops, touring the Fort Gratiot Light Station and networking with other people passionate about lighthouses. The Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference will take place from April 21 to April 23 at the Blue Water Convention Center.

The last day to register for the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference is April 8. People can register for the conference by visiting the event page from the Port Huron Museum’s Facebook. Registration costs $165 and includes all the activities and meals for all three days of the conference.

April 21 will serve as a social evening event for conference attendees at the Port Huron Carnegie Center. This event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a one-woman lighthouse show. In addition to the sessions on April 22, attendees will have access to a VIP tour of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. April 23 will have a VIP tour of the Huron Lightship as well as its planned sessions.

Port Huron Museum Community Engagement Manager Andrew Kercher said the museum is thrilled to host the Michigan Lighthouse Alliance Conference.

The theme for the conference is “Be the Beacon: Connecting With and Guiding Your Community.” Kercher said lighthouses across the state have a community centered around them. He said these communities work to preserve, raise awareness, and overall care for these lighthouses. Michigan has approximately 129 lighthouses.

The Michigan Lighthouse Alliance holds a conference every two years. The last one took place in 2022 in Holland.

Port Huron Timers Herald

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

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Increases 25.5 Percent in March

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 1.6 million tons in March, an increase of 25.5 percent compared to 2023. Loadings also topped the month’s 5-year average by 47.5Percent.
Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 4.4 million tons, an increase of 16.8 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore shipments are 31.9 percent above their 5-year average for the first three months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)

www.lcaships.com

Lake Superior gale sends vessels to anchor

Due to northeast gale warnings Tuesday evening on Lake Superior, with wind speeds up to 45 knots, the Arthur M. Anderson locked upbound and then went to anchor in Goulais Bay. Tug Wilfred M. Cohen spent some time escorting the Dirk S. VanEnkevort in Whitefish Bay, then accompanied her to the Waiska Bay anchorage. Spruceglen, Frontenac and Herbert C. Jackson were anchored at DeTour. Farther to the west, the Marquette-bound Kaye E. Barker sought shelter at the lower end of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Other vessels, including the downbound Edwin H. Gott and Federal Franklin, were hugging the north shore of Lake Superior, as was the upbound Lee A. Tregurtha.

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

First saltie arrives in Duluth, marking start of the 2024 shipping season

DULUTH, MN – The first oceangoing vessel of the 2024 shipping season, the “Barbro G,” sailed into the port of Duluth-Superior just before noon Monday morning, marking the traditional opening of the Great Lakes shipping season in the Twin Ports.

People lined the canal to greet the crew of the 623-foot vessel as it glided under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, blaring its horn.

The cargo ship, operated by Sweden’s Brochart KB and captained by Borys Smyrnov of Ukraine, is scheduled to load roughly 22,000 short tons of durum wheat at a grain storage terminal owned by Ceres Global Ag Corp., based in Golden Valley. Its facility in the Twin Ports can hold more than 12 million bushels of grain.

From Duluth — the westernmost port in the Great Lakes — the ship and cargo will sail back through Lake Superior and the other lakes, and then through the St. Lawrence Seaway and across the Atlantic Ocean, bound for Algeria.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

“Despite our recent snowstorm, arrival of the season’s first full Seaway transit is a true sign of spring and a reminder of the economic impact these great ships help deliver to our region,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority.

“We’re excited to welcome ‘Barbro G’ and share our Midwestern wheat cargo with the world via the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System,” DeLuca added.

Ships began to emerge from their winter lay-up nearly two weeks ago in Duluth, when the ‘Beau Comeau’ departed with a load of iron ore pellets, bound for the lower Great Lakes. That ship was the first so-called “laker” to leave the Duluth-Superior port. The ‘Barbro G’ is the first “saltie” to arrive.

The Port Authority and Visit Duluth sponsor an annual contest to guess the arrival date of the first saltie. This year’s contest drew nearly 8,000 entries.

The arrival is four days later than last year, when the first oceangoing ship arrived in Duluth/Superior on March 28. That’s the earliest date on record. The latest arrival of the port’s first saltie was May 7, in 2014.

MPR News

Davie Shipyards receives first $19M contract to design new icebreakers

The contract should create and maintain approximately 35 jobs per year, according to the federal government.

Author of the article:
La Presse Canadienne

Published Mar 26, 2024

 Davie Shipyards has won a first $19-million contract for the design of six new icebreakers as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.

The Department of Public Services and Procurement Canada made the announcement on Tuesday. The contract awarded to the builder from Lévis, on the South Shore of Quebec City, will allow the planning phases of the project to begin.

Davie will notably conduct an initial assessment to establish the requirements for the construction of the vessels. These are to replace the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, which serves the waterways of Atlantic Canada and the St. Lawrence River during the winter, as well as the Arctic during the summer.

The contract announced Tuesday should create and maintain approximately 35 jobs per year, according to the federal government. The timetable for the construction of the ships will be specified later as the preparatory work progresses.

In April 2023, Davie was selected as the third strategic partner of the SNCN to build seven icebreakers and two large ferries with hybrid propulsion in the years to come, for an estimated cost of $8.5 billion.

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

Door County Lighthouse Festivals tickets now on sale

The Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. has announced that tickets for the 2024 Door County Lighthouse Festivals will go on sale on Monday, April 1, 2024. Tickets for both the spring festival (June 7-9, 2024) and fall festival (Oct. 4-6, 2024) will be available for purchase. New options for 2024 include:

– Reduced price on airplane tours.

– New walking tour of Kewaunee Harbor.

– Opportunity to hike and learn about Cana Island and The Ridges.

– More detailed Plum Island tours.

A portion of each Lighthouse Festival ticket purchase supports the Door County Maritime Museum and Lighthouse Preservation Society. For tickets, tour details and more information, click here:  https://dcmm.org/door-county-lighthouse-festivals

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