St. Marys River opened to traffic

At around 3:20 p.m. Friday the St. Marys River was reopened to vessel traffic after the American Mariner sailed under her own power to Raber Bay near Lime Island, where she dropped anchor. Inspections are likely underway.

The river was closed Thursday after the American Mariner struck the Mud Lake Junction Light about 1 a.m. and then went aground on the American side of the river, half in and half out of the downbound channel. It was also reported that the vessel was taking on water, and photos showed her with a port list.

Tugs Anglian Lady and WI Scott Purvis remained at anchor near the Mariner Friday night.

Vessels are being cleared the proceed through the locks in the same order as they went to anchor. The traffic jam should be cleared some time Saturday. There has been no word on what caused the incident and there has been no indication of the extent of the damages to the American M

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

In the Wake of the Baltimore Ship-Bridge
Collision, a Local Captain’s Perspective

Editor’s note: The Singapore-flagged, 948-foot container ship, the Dali, crashed into a 1.6-mile bridge in Baltimore, Maryland on March 26, at 1:28 am, causing a portion of the Francis Scott Key, four-lane suspension bridge to collapse. People plunged into the Patapsco River below.. A construction crew was fixing potholes on the bridge and eight people fell 185 feet into the 47-degree-F water. Two people were rescued – one unharmed, one critically injured – two bodies were recovered and four people remained missing. The cause of the collision, still under investigation, is believed to be the ship losing propulsion.

With Door County’s three bridges spanning the canal, and Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding hosting Great Lakes freighters, the collision cuts close to home.

Freelance writer John Mielke wrote a piece for us in the Winter 2023/24 issue of Door County Living magazine entitled, “Steering the Big Boats: Retired Captain Ray Sheldon on piloting boats into winter layup.” We asked him to reach out to the Captain for comment on what the options are when a ship loses power, as had been reported had happened, as of deadline, with the Dali

When large ocean-going or Great Lakes freighters lose power, Ray Sheldon, who served as captain of the Wilfred Sykes and Joseph L. Block for more than 30 years, said the choices may be limited. One option might be trying to safely ground the vessel to keep it from drifting. Another could be the anchor. While dropping an anchor might seem to be a rather simple solution, Sheldon said captains must be aware of what’s below the surface.

“There’s different things you can try,” Sheldon said. “It’s always thinking outside the box about what the surrounding area is like.”

Without knowing the exact circumstances, Sheldon said that other propulsion systems such as bow and stern thrusters – which may not have been in use – would take time to engage. Emergency generators on board would also take time to bring online and may not be designed to power engines and thrusters.

Thanks to the advent of computer simulators with a virtual pilot house and surrounding views of various ports, Great Lakes captains are able to learn correct procedures for emergency situations.

“What do you do? Who do you contact?” Sheldon said. “First of all, it’s always thinking of minimizing damage to the surrounding area and thinking about minimizing damage to the ship.”

All the while, Sheldon said captains must be aware that, “you are reacting to the boat, the boat is not reacting to you.”

Sheldon has heard of other Great Lakes freighters losing power “out in the lake and not near anything dangerous.” Strict maintenance, he said, is designed to prevent that from happening. Sheldon said that monitoring the ship’s performance is an ongoing priority.

“There is always somebody watching monitors for the engines and generators,” he said. “There is always an engineer on watch and the chief engineer is on call 24 hours a day, just like the captain is. And there is always shore-side support staff, such as a fleet engineer.”

In addition to day-to-day maintenance, every five years each Great Lakes freighter goes into dry dock for mechanical, structural and electrical inspection and updates.

“The boat is actually dry-docked in Sturgeon Bay,” Sheldon said. “They pull them in, put them on the blocks and go through everything. They get their stamp of approval.”Sheldon remembers one time where he was forced to reduce power. “The Joe Block has those twin engines,” he said, “I’ve had where one engine wasn’t playing nice with the other engine – they have a governor that controls them. So, I had to go down to one engine.”

By John Mielke , Peninsula Pulse

S.S. Badger planning busy season
The wait is now over for those who want to travel across the pond!

“Their team’s been working really hard to get rolling for their 71st season,” said CEO and president Chamber of Commerce of Ludington Brandy Miller. Last July, the S.S. Badger had to cut their season short because of a failure that left the boat at bay.

“We ended up having a dock failure. Everything is fine with the ship. The counterweight and the port side ended up falling into the lake,” said General Manager of Interlake Maritime Services Sara Spore. “We ended up having to call the season, which was unfortunate,” she adds.

Sport says it was not easy to tell people that their trips were cancelled, but said travelers were very understanding, “Everyone that’s reached out is very positive and excited for this new season for me,” says Spore.

And without travelers coming to Ludington to Wisconsin after the cancelled season, small businesses also felt the halt. “Overall, we fared pretty well in terms of our year over year tourism numbers. We did see quite a little impact,” said Miller.

With the mild winter and lots of hard work, the Badger is now back in business. “To have her back on the water, we’re really excited,” says Miller.

If you see the boat docked right now don’t worry, its due to high winds. But in just a few months, you’ll be able to climb aboard the Badger.  “Right now, we’re only starting on June 17th at the first date, but we plan on opening dates in May as we get closer to the construction wrapping up,” said Spore.

You can already book your spot on the historic ferry. “Besides it being a floating national historical landmark and being an extension of Highway ten, there’s so many things to do on board. You have bingo, a bar, an arcade, there’s food, you can lounge on the decks, there’s the museum, there’s something for everyone,” said Spore.

“I think for our local community, it’s a point of pride, you know, being able to see the boat in the port every day,” said Miller. “They really play a vital role in our local tourism economy and deliver visitors right to our front door daily.”

American Mariner freed; St. Marys River still closed

FRIDAY 3:20 UPDATE: The river has been reopened. Soo Traffic is letting vessels know they may resume their trips and their order of turn. American Mariner going to anchor in the Raber Bay area off Lime Island.

ADDITIONAL UPDATE: At 10:15 a.m. Soo Traffic sent out a radio update saying “No estimated time of reopening.”

FRIDAY 10 a.m. UPDATE: The St. Marys River remained closed Friday morning due to the early Thursday grounding of the American Mariner.  The U.S. and Canadian coast guards report that the vessel struck the Mud Lake Junction Light about 1 a.m. local time and then went aground on the American side of the river, half in and half out of the downbound channel. It was also reported that the vessel was taking on water, however that information was omitted from later reports.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Purvis Marine tugs responded to the incident, and as of 4 pm local time Thursday, the vessel was back in the navigation channel.  It appears that the tugs Anglian Lady and  W.I. Scott Purvis assisted in moving the vessel back into the channel.

Vessel status: As of 10 a.m. Friday, the American Mariner remained at anchor and no timeline has been released for re-opening the river to commercial traffic. Tugs Anglian Lady, WI Scott Purvis and USCG Katmai Bay remain on-scene. Algoma Conveyor and the Edgar B. Speer were in the Nine Mile Anchorage, while the Wilfred Sykes, Whitefish Bay, American Century, Spruceglen and the salty Belasitza were anchored near Drummond Island. Downbound Algoma Strongfield, American Courage and Thunder Bay were stopped at the locks. Sharon M 1 and barge were at the Purvis Dock. John G. Munson and Presque Isle were anchored off Bay Mills. Algoma Equinox and Arthur M. Anderson were rounding Whitefish Point Friday mid-morning. Northern Venture was at Algoma Steel, possibly still unloading or waiting for the river to reopen.

Thunder Bay welcomes Federal Franklin as season’s first saltie

Thunder Bay, ON –  Arriving in port Thursday at approximately 11 a.m. was the M/V  Federal Franklin, breaking the record for the earliest international ship in port since the record was previously set on March 30th in 2006.

The Port of Thunder Bay team gathered with local dignitaries to celebrate with another Top Hat Ceremony. Joining them were Canon Ed Swayze from Mission to Seafarers and the team from Thunder Bay Shipping.

Federal Franklin’s Captain Rohit Khosla and Chief Engineer Jyotirmay Santra were celebrated with words of welcome, gifts, and the traditional Top Hat, bestowed by Port Board Chair Pat Bushby. Federal Franklin will be taking on a load of potash at Thunder Bay Terminals that is bound for Brazil.

This event constituted the second Top Hat Ceremony of the week, as Port of Thunder Bay traditionally hosts two ceremonies annually: one to commemorate the first arrival of a domestic vessel and another to celebrate the first international vessel of the season.

Port of Thunder Bay

Wigeon is first saltie at Toronto

TORONTO, ON – A sure sign of spring’s arrival, the first international ship of the 2024 shipping season has arrived at the Port of Toronto. Early Wednesday, PortsToronto “crowned” Captain Sergiy Kobylyashnyy of the M/V Wigeon with an antique top hat – first presented in the spring of 1861– at the annual Top Hat Ceremony. For the past 163 years, PortsToronto has celebrated the official opening of the commercial shipping season by crowning the captain of the first ocean-going vessel or “saltie” to arrive at the port.

The Port of Toronto had another strong year in 2023, moving 2.3 million metric tonnes of bulk and general cargo products and welcoming a record 45 cruise ships and nearly 18,000 visitors to Toronto. The Port of Toronto’s consecutive year of strong performance in marine imports and cruise ship activity highlights the important role the Port plays in Toronto’s economy for tourism, trade and construction.

Overall, 189 cargo vessels visited the Port of Toronto in 2023, delivering a range of bulk, project and general cargo products totalling 2,311,616 million metric tonnes. In addition, 2023 was the second consecutive record year for the Port of Toronto’s Cruise Ship Terminal business. The year 2024 will usher in another strong cruise ship season, with 36 ships expected to call between May and October, bringing nearly 18,000 passengers to Toronto to enjoy all the city has to offer.

Ports Toronto

Opening For Chief Engineer-ILS

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

4 pm Update – St Mary’s River Remains Closed due to Marine Casualty

SAULT STE MARIE, MI – (4 pm update) The St. Marys River remains closed due to today’s earlier grounding of the American Mariner.  The US and Canadian Coast Guards are reporting that the vessel struck the Mud Lake Junction Light about 1 am local time and then went aground on the American side of the river, half in and half out of the downbound channel.  It was also reported that the vessel was taking on water.

The US Coast Guard and Purvis Marine responded to the incident, and as of 4 pm local time the vessel is back in the navigation channel.  It appears that the Anglian Lady and the W I Scott Purvis assisted in moving the vessel back into the channel.

The American Mariner appears stopped at this point and no timeline has been released for re-opening the river to commercial traffic.  The Algoma Conveyor and the Edgar B. Speer are anchored north of Neebish Island while the Wilfred Sykes, Whitefish Bay and the salty Belasitza are anchored near Drummond Island.

We will provide more updates when new information becomes available.  (Aerial photos courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard)

St Mary’s River Closed due to Marine Casualty

SAULT STE MARIE, MI – (9 am update) The St. Marys River has been closed due to a marine casualty.  AIS indicates that the American Mariner is stopped, out of the channel.  It may possibly be aground.  It was headed upbound prior to crossing over the downbound channel and stopping.

The Purvis tugs Anglian Lady and W I Scott Purvis are currently downbound north of Neebish Island, possibly responding to the incident. The Katmai Bay and other coast guard vessels are also onsite.

Check back later for more updates as they become available.

Flagship Niagara League Seeks New Landing Spot for Lettie G. Howard

ERIE, PA – The future of the Lettie G. Howard is up in unclear, as the Flagship Niagara League and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission work towards reaching a formal agreement. The two organizations recently approved a tentative deal, for the FNL to become the associate group for the PHMC.

However, according to the PHMC, there are still several issues that need to be solved, including the future of the Lettie G. Howard.

Flagship Niagara League Executive Director William Sabatini has been tasked with finding a new landing spot for the Lettie G.

“Lettie is the back drop of every sunset picture that’s taken on the bayfront, and we want to keep that,” said Sabatini. “Lettie has found a home in Erie and I think Presque Isle Bay, and Lake Erie and sailing the great Lakes is something that, we deserve Lettie.”

The FNL and PHMC are looking for a new organization to take over the operations of the Lettie G. Both organizations want a partner who will continue the ship’s sailing and educational programs.

“We deserve to have nice things and the Lettie is truly a beautiful ship that we get to enjoy on a regular basis,” said Sabatini. “It’s not just for the people who live here, it’s also for the people who are coming to our community.”

Sabatini also plans to bring back Tall Ships Erie in 2025. “We work very closely with Tall Ships America,”said Sabatini. “Tall Ships America is the organization that brings all the ships in, and I know that Tall Ships America is committed to having Tall Ships Erie back here in Erie in 2025.”

Meanwhile, Sabatini is optimistic that the Lettie G. will remain in Erie. “We want this community to still have the Lettie and Tall Ships Erie,” said Sabatini. “We’re going to find the place. We’re going to make sure that the support is here in this community to keep these programs ongoing.”

A contract between the PHMC and FNL expired last December, and the PHMC has been in charge of the Flagship Niagara ever since.

According to the PHMC, the Brig Niagara and its programming will be its central focus at the Erie Maritime Museum.

The U.S. Brig Niagara’s sailing program is not included in the other programs looking to be transitioned.

Erie Now

Opening For Chief Engineer-ILS

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

Seaway Says Bridges Are Safe

See press release in the photo gallery.

Captain of Joseph L. Block retiring
after 50 years on freighters

SAULT STE. MARIE< MI – Right out of high school, then 18-year-old Thomas Garvey started working on-board the freighters to earn some money for college. The pay was good, but that was working
seven days a week.

Fifty years later, at age 68, Garvey will be retiring after this shipping season as captain
of the Joseph L. Block. He has been captain since 2021.

Garvey started with the Hannah Mining Company in 1974 on the steamer Leon Falk Jr.
Then he worked at the Interlake Steamship Company for five years and then eventually
moved on to Inland Steel, which eventually turned into Cleveland Cliffs, which is
currently operating the Block. The 48-year-old Block was the first vessel through the
Soo Locks Friday evening as it officially opened up for the 2024-25 shipping season.

I have never been on the first ship before. It’s kinda like hitting the lottery. You always
think you will get there first. It’s been a good lifestyle for me the last 50 years and it
really means something special being the first one through, Garvey said.

Garvey and his crew welcomed in several dignitaries and special guests to his pilot
house Friday afternoon. They presented him with gifts for being the first ship of the
season.

I have been through the Soo Locks here in my career almost 4,000 times coming and
going. Getting these items will help me remember today, and it’s a special day for me,
and I appreciate everything they have done,Garvey said.

The Block is not the biggest freighter on the Great Lakes but it still takes all workers on
board to make each cargo run a success.

We have 23 sailors on the Block. I am an anomaly here. Most of them have come up
through a maritime academy. I started at the very bottom as a deckhand and worked
every job getting up to captain. I think I have a good grasp of what everybody on this
boat is doing, feeling, thinking. What I try to do is pass on to them what I have learned
and usually you learn and I like to pass it on to the younger sailors. They appreciate it
and sometimes they teach me a few things,Garvey said.

One such sailor aboard the Block is Bob Haworth. He appreciates Capt. Garvey, but
also all those on the mainland that follow the freighters.

It’s cool to see people follow us. What I like is that it gives me a chance, especially
through social media, to show those on land what this is really like out here, or to at
least give them a glance at it. There’s a lot of romance that everyone who’s never been
out here before has, and it’s not always sunsets and blowing salutes out here. I do enjoy
interacting with people though and answering questions. Back when I was young, quite
a few sailors took the time to talk and show me what it was all about and I try to pay that
forward, Haworth said.

It’s been a good life. It’s time to let the younger people move up and get into this
industry, Garvey said.

Soo Leader

View images here:https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/capt-of-joseph-l-block-retiring-after-50-years-on-freighters-8500635?utm_source=Villager&amp;utm_campaign=Content&amp;utm_medium=Facebook_Graph&amp;fbclid=IwAR3Y2584mjPixlEQOdtoZkKGxygI4ITQV-R4tLuJG_LKDvuuKEpS8yPXyAU

Successful first voyages for
Wagenborg EasyMax vessel Amalia

After delivery in January, the motor vessel Amalia – the latest sustainable MPP vessel in
the Wagenborg fleet – left her home port Delfzijl, The Netherlands, for her first voyages.

Under command of Capt. Joenamar S. Bacuetes the first trips have been completed
successfully.

The EasyMax ship concept is the latest and greenest type of ship in the Wagenborg
fleet, whose vessels are familiar sights along the Great Lakes &amp; St. Lawrence Seaway.
Wagenborg was awarded the Maritime Shipping Award for this ship design in 2017,
partly due to its superior fuel efficiency. With a cargo capacity of 13.800 tonnes and a
large hold intake of 625.000 cbft, Wagenborg was able to build a relatively large vessel
without a major increase in overall dimensions. With an installed power of less than
3.000 kW and an aerodynamic hull shape, the Amalia has an extremely low fuel
consumption resulting in over 60% savings in CO2- emissions compared to her peer
group. This makes the EasyMax the greenest multipurpose vessel in her class, which
fits perfectly in the sustainability strategy of Wagenborg.

In 2024 a fourth new build Easymax vessel is expected to be delivered to Wagenborg
after which a fifth sister vessel will follow in the next year.

Wagenborg

PHOTO GALLERY: Hundreds pack Soo Locks Park Friday to watch first freighter

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The 2024-2025 shipping season is officially open on the St. Marys River navigational system. The 728-foot-long Joseph L. Block locked through the Poe Lock at 6 p.m. Friday with hundreds of people watching from inside the Soo Locks Park.

The Locks were originally scheduled to open at 12:01 a.m. Monday, March 25, but that
got moved to Friday due to the urging of major steel producers.

Fans of the freighters, called Boatnerds, packed the viewing platform and stood along
the fence to be a part of the special day.

There’s something special about the opening. It’s excitement in the air. It’s really cool,
said Holland resident Jody Forward. Forward has visited the Locks before on several
occasions, but never on the official opening.

It’s like everybody knows each other even though nobody really knows anybody. We
are meeting for the first time in person, not on the internet or on Facebook. It’s just an
excitement in the air. I’m not sure how to explain it. It is an amazing thing to see,
Forward said.

Tomalou Squires made the trip from Paradise to see the first freighter through for the
first time, too.

I was happy that the opening of the Lock was at 6 p.m. this year instead of midnight
because I finally could make it over. The weather is nice. It’s so exciting with all the
people here. I never realized how big of a thing it was. I am hooked now, Squires said.

Sault Ste. Marie resident Diane Lahr-Barclay started loving the boats around two
decades ago. Six o’clock is cool this year, but midnight is fun, also. Looks like the
weekend is going to be nice to sit back and watch the boats go through, Lahr-Barclay
said.

The smaller of two locks, the MacArthur Lock, is expected to open up over the next few
weeks according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Soo Leader

View the pictures here: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/hundreds-pack-soo-locks-park-friday-to-watch-first-freighter-through-8500176?utm_source=Villager&amp;utm_campaign=Content&amp;utm_medium=Facebook_Graph&amp;fbclid=IwAR0HYY96iw39hRiwK8Vffuc4v9avWiPLcf3NSFZ56zrVv0GKgWT-I9KaKeU

‘Remarkably intact’: 1886 steam barge ‘Milwaukee’ discovered in Lake Michigan

HOLLAND, MI — Explorers from the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) have discovered and identified the remains of the steam barge Milwaukee which sank in 1886, about 40 miles west of Holland, MI.

According to the MSRA, the discovery was made in June 2023 using side scan sonar, marking the 19th shipwreck the group of explorers has found during their decades of work on the Great Lakes.

Members of the MSRA Board of Directors, which included Valerie and Jack van Heest, Craig Rich and Neel Zoss, spent the balance of the summer working to film the wreck so they could confirm its identity, Valerie tells FOX 17.

“It was just an ordinary ship going about its everyday job,” Valerie Van Heest, award-winning author, historian, museum exhibit designer and Director of the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA), said. “But, it was at the wrong place on Lake Michigan at the wrong time.”

“The discovery [of the Milwaukee] happened faster than some of our past discoveries,” Valerie said. “It was actually on our second day on Lake Michigan.”

As the group was moving slowly on the lake where they believed the Milwaukee met its fate, a very large object suddenly appeared on the side scan sonar, Valerie said. “It wasn’t clear,” Valerie added. “We couldn’t tell if it was a ship, but it was definitely something big on the bottom surrounded by nothing but sand.

“So, that was the ‘bingo moment’ — we knew we had found it.”

Read more and video video footage at this link: https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/remarkably-intact-1886-steam-barge-milwaukee-discovered-in-lake-michigan?fbclid=IwAR18_wyX-ipEdFSQmq1GxnVZXx3sMt3r-y2VJWoT8_Ef-9FtOo_Bvpb-ZTg

Successful first voyages EasyMax vessel ‘Amalia’

AFTER DELIVERY IN JANUARY THE M.V. AMALIA – THE LATEST SUSTAINABLE MPP VESSEL IN THE WAGENBORG FLEET – LEFT HER HOME PORT DELFZIJL FOR HER FIRST VOYAGES. UNDER COMMAND OF CAPTAIN JOENAMAR S. BACUETES THE FIRST VOYAGES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

The maiden voyage for the m.v. Amalia exists of a 13.500 tonnes of alumina, which was loaded in Brake for the Norwegian port of Mosjoen. After discharging the Easymax vessel set direction to Herøya for again a full load; this time fertilizers destined for Rotterdam.

Greenest multipurpose vessel in her class

The EasyMax ship concept is the latest and greenest type of ship in the Wagenborg fleet. Wagenborg was awarded the Maritime Shipping Award for this ship design in 2017, partly due to its superior fuel efficiency. With a cargo capacity of 13.800 tonnes and a large hold intake of 625.000 cbft, Wagenborg was able to build a relatively large vessel without a major increase in overall dimensions. With an installed power of less than 3.000 kW and an aerodynamic hull shape, the m.v. Amalia has an extremely low fuel consumption resulting in over 60% savings in CO2- emissions compared to her peer group. This makes the EasyMax the greenest multipurpose vessel in her class, which fits perfectly in the sustainability strategy of Wagenborg.

In 2024 a fourth new build Easymax vessel is expected to be delivered to Wagenborg after which a fifth sister vessel will follow in the next year.

See full story at: https://www.wagenborg.com/news/successful-first-voyages-easymax-vessel-amalia

Soo Locks open early due to increased shipping demand

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – With the 6 p.m. Friday upbound passage of the freighter
Joseph L. Block, the Soo Locks are now open for the season. The shipping industry
and major steel producers requested the locks open a few days earlier than usual.

The ship’s owner and a chief with the Army Corps of Engineers said the early opening is
virtually unheard of, at least in their careers.

“We normally open March 25th by statute. This year, the winter activities, the concurrent
partners and mild winter season have all led us to open up just a few days early,” U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Jeff Harrington said.

“When we found out the Soo locks were going to open early, we doubled our efforts to
have this boat ready, underway and sitting here, waiting for the opening,” Central
Marine Logistics President Tom Wiater, who was on hand for the opening, said. “It’s
always significant to be the first boat when the Soo Locks open. It’s bragging rights, it’s
an honor.

According to the Lake Carriers Association, extreme wind at the end of last year’s
shipping season left fleets with undelivered cargo.

Before the Block locked up, she was visited by a group of local officials who presented
First Boat plaques, caps, copies of the new edition of the Know Your Ships book and
other gifts.

Indiana Harbor was the next vessel to pass upbound, followed by the barge Ironmaster
and tug and the bulk carrier Harvest Spirit. Several other vessels are expected Saturday.

UpNorthLive

Algoma’s bear opens shipping season on Welland Canal

CATHARINES, ON – A bear has kicked off the 2024 navigation season at both ends
of the Welland Canal. A bear is prominently found in the logo on the bow and exhaust
stacks of Algoma Central Corp.’s fleet that plies the Great Lakes.

At Port Colborne’s canal-opening top hat ceremony Friday, it was the 225.55-metre-long
Equinox class self-unloading bulk carrier Algoma Conveyor, the first downbound vessel
— and also, somehow at the same time, the first upbound vessel through the lakeside
city.

At Lock 3 in St. Catharines, the Algoma Sault, brought into service in 2018 with new
technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact, was the first
official upbound vessel — headed to Lake Erie from Lake Ontario — with Capt. Robert
Loveless donning a top hat.

The bear theme played out in different ways in both cities as Algoma president and
chief executive officer Greg Ruhl spoke about the St. Catharines-based shipping
company celebrating it quasquicentennial anniversary.

He said the logo was first on the side of rail cars before transitioning to vessels. Algoma
Central Corp., incorporated in 1899 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. as Algoma Central Railway
Co., was founded to construct a railway from Sault Ste. Marie to a main Canadian
Pacific Rail line.

Mayor Bill Steele gave Capt. Edward Kemp, from Cape Breton his top hat for helming
the first downbound vessel — but Algoma Conveyor was facing Lake Erie after passing
through Lock 8 overnight and turning around.

The vessel, tied up over winter above Lock 8, was headed to Thunder Bay to pick up a
load of wheat bound for Hamilton.

While Algoma is celebrating its 125th anniversary, the St. Lawrence Seaway system
marked the start of its 66th navigation season Friday.

Also, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp. celebrated the announcement of a
renewed management operations and maintenance agreement with the federal
government. Seaway president and CEO Terence Bowles said the 20-year agreement
is terrific news for the seaway and its partners.

Welland Tribune

Joseph L. Block to open Soo Locks
shipping season today

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The motor vessel Joseph L. Block arrived in Soo harbor in
the early afternoon Thursday. Today at 6 p.m. she will lock upbound as the first vessel
of the new shipping season.

The locks usually open at 12:01 a.m. March 25, but this year’s opener was moved a few
days earlier due to a lack of ice and requests from major steel producers. The earlier
date aligns with the St. Lawrence Seaway’s opening, which is also today. Only the
larger Poe Lock will be in operation, with the MacArthur Lock remaining closed for
additional maintenance until April 24.

Before the Block locks up, she will be visited by a group of local officials who will
present First Boat plaques, caps and other gifts.

On Saturday, the Soo Locks Visitor Center will host an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy cookies and coffee, check boat arrival schedules and share ship
stories with fellow Boatnerds. Special guest Roger LeLievre, Know Your Ships editor,
will be available starting at 11 a.m. to sell and sign copies of the latest edition.

A milder winter has reduced ice on the Great Lakes, facilitating an earlier start to the
season. Favorable weather conditions also expedited essential maintenance on the
locks, allowing for this advanced opening. Our winter maintenance period is crucial for
the locks longevity. Thankfully, this year’s conditions have enabled us to open (the
locks) early, said Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle.

Indiana Harbor will be the second upbound passage. She was expected at the Soo
Friday morning, followed by Dirk S. VanEnkevort/barge Michigan Trader. On Thursday
afternoon, Edwin H. Gott and Edgar B. Speer left their lay-up berths at Toledo headed
for Two Harbors.

John J. Boland departed Duluth-Superior also for Two Harbors to load. Baie Comeau
was loading Thursday in Duluth. Burns Harbor departed Sturgeon Bay Thursday
evening with Walter J. McCarthy Jr. following close behind.

Watch the first ship or live on Facebook starting at 5:55 p.m. Here’s the link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/soo-locks-first-ship-facebook-/889010819333712/

NEWS22

Algoma Conveyor will be first downbound
at Welland Canal today

Algoma Conveyor departed winter berth above lock 8 Thursday and headed down to
Port Robinson to turn around and await the ceremony at lock 8 as first downbound. She
is headed for Thunder Bay. Algoma Sault departed Hamilton and arrived at Port Weller
securing at wharf 2 to prepare for lock 3 ceremony Friday morning. CSL Assiniboine
departed Hamilton and will anchor at Port Weller until Friday morning before proceeding
upbound.

Barry Andersen

Update: Badger Apron Repair

In the gallery are photos updating on the progress to the apron at Ludington.

S.S. Badger

Bid deadline nears for American Queen cruise fleet

A deadline to put in bids for the American Queen Voyages (AQV) cruise fleet is nearing,
as a Texas bankruptcy court has set March 25 at 4:00 p.m. local time as a deadline for
interested parties to make qualified bids.

The assets include four paddlewheel cruise ships for river operations, two coastal
vessels (Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, while saw service on the Great Lakes
the past few summers) and a summer charter deal for an expedition ship that extends to
2031.

Parties are able to bid on individual assets or all of them, per court documents.

Depending on the number of bids and their qualifications, an auction could be held to
determine the winner.

An auction, if necessary, would be held on March 27 at 9:00 a.m. local time. The
winning bidder could be revealed as soon as March 27 if there is no auction, or March
28 following a potential auction. A deadline for objections is April 1.

Cruise Industry News understands there are multiple parties, all of which asked not to
be named, that are planning to make bids for the entire fleet, or in some cases, an
individual ship or class of vessels.

Cruise Industry News

Shipping on the Seaway: Virtual Reality to Bring Canadian Marine Careers to Life 

[Ottawa, March 21st, 2024] — Ocean School, a groundbreaking collaboration between Dalhousie University, the Ocean Frontier Institute, and the National Film Board of Canada, proudly unveils “Shipping on the Seaway,” a transformative educational experience designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of maritime transportation among youth aged 11-17. With 43% of the marine workforce expected to retire in the next decade and an estimated 19,000 ‘on board jobs’ alone, to fill, this initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of marine professionals by strengthening their connection to Canada’s vital waterways. The high-paying career opportunities to explore are vast, ranging from ship captains and seafarers to marine engineers and shoreside professionals.

Launched in conjunction with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping season tomorrow, “Shipping on the Seaway” offers a unique, inquiry-based learning experience utilizing cutting-edge technologies alongside engaging activities. Students will embark on an immersive 360° tour of a CSL vessel, getting insights into the challenges, diverse career paths, and operations of shipping professions. From navigating locks to exploring the use of biofuels, this bilingual series of videos provides a taste of what life is like working onboard a 750 ft. vessel.

Ocean School has also developed a suite of tools and learning resources for educators, including media-based teaching materials, action projects, and assessment tools designed to integrate marine-focused lessons into various subjects and curriculum. Educator content can be accessed here.

Funding and content for “Shipping on the Seaway” was made possible through the generous collaboration of industry partners, including the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the CSL Group, The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, organizations committed to advancing maritime education and sustainability.

For more information about “Shipping on the Seaway” and Ocean School’s educational resources, visit https://oceanschool.nfb.ca/collection/shipping-on-the-seaway.

“’Shipping on the Seaway’ bridges classroom learning to real-world application, allowing students to see how Canadian ships transport essential products and to understand the wider economic impacts of shipping. Focusing on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region, we aim to inspire students to appreciate shipping’s vital role in sustaining prosperity and environmental stewardship.”
– Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce

“CSL is thrilled to be part of this initiative that shines a spotlight on our vessel, CSL St. Laurent, and the essential role seafarers plays in safe, efficient and sustainable marine shipping. Our biofuels project demonstrates our commitment to eco-friendly operations, supporting the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We hope this program inspires young people to join an innovative industry that is working towards a cleaner and greener future for all.”
– Louis Martel, President and CEO, The CSL Group

“Partnering with ‘Shipping on the Seaway’ has been a creative way to give students a firsthand look at the inner workings of the St. Lawrence Seaway and its locks. This is a unique opportunity for young people to witness the marvel of maritime engineering and appreciate the intricate processes involved in maintaining our vital waterways.”
– Nicole Giroux-Laplante, Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications at The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation

“Ocean School has developed an incredible way to encourage exploration of the rewarding and diverse marine career opportunities in Canada. Our sector is facing critical labour shortages, and it’s essential that we educate the next generation about the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the marine industry.”
– Julia Fields, Executive Director, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation

“Ocean School is excited to release a new collection of content on the St. Lawrence Seaway and the lock system. This content allows students to explore a real-world application of marine science, demonstrating the intricacies of a major waterway that is pivotal to international trade. By studying the Seaway and its lock system, students gain insights into complex logistical challenges, engineering marvels, and the environmental considerations necessary in managing such a significant maritime route. We are hopeful that the inclusion of this content can inspire students to pursue careers in marine industries, fostering the next generation of professionals who will continue to advance our understanding and stewardship of marine environments.
– Jac Gautreau, Director of business development, distribution and production, Ocean School

####

About Ocean School:

Ocean School is a program of the Ocean Frontier Institute in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada. Ocean School is a free online educational experience that sits at the intersection of science, education, and storytelling. Its mission is to advance environmental awareness and ocean literacy—the understanding of our influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on us. Ocean School develops online and classroom-based resources that illustrate the complex relationship between humans and the ocean. Learning tools include short films, interactive games, 360-degree immersive ocean experiences and more.

About the Partners:

• CSL Group
• Chamber of Marine Commerce 
• Canadian Marine Careers Foundation 
• The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation 

Joseph L. Block likely first boat at the Soo Friday; Visitor Center open house Saturday

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – With her late afternoon Wednesday departure from BayShip at
Sturgeon Bay, the Joseph L. Block looks like it will be the first vessel to transit the Soo
locks Friday afternoon to open the new shipping season. The vessel, operated by
Central Marine Logistics, is due at DeTour around 10 a.m. Thursday.

Indiana Harbor looked like it might have taken the inaugural honors, but as of 10 p.m.
Wednesday she was still fueling at the Mistersky dock in Detroit.

The captain and crew of the first vessel will be greeted by Sault Ste. Marie officials who
will present the captain and crew with First Ship caps courtesy the Soo Locks Visitor
Center Association, as well as plaques, a mayoral proclaimation and other honors,
including copies of the 2024 Know Your Ships book. Joining them will be the winner of
a raffle sponsored by the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association.

The Soo Locks open Friday, March 22, at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Soo Locks Visitor
Center will host an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cookies and
coffee, check boat arrival schedules and share ship stories with fellow Boatnerds.

Special guest Roger LeLievre, Know Your Ships editor, will be available starting at 11
a.m. to sell and sign copies of the latest edition.

NEWS21

Boatnerds excited about Soo Locks opening Friday at 6 p.m.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The Soo Locks officially open Friday, March 22, at 6 p.m. in Sault
Ste. Marie, MI, and locals and people from far away are excited. This is earlier than the
scheduled 12:01 a.m. March 25 opening.

For those fans of watching, chasing and taking pictures of the freighters, they are a
special group of people called Boatnerds.

Lifelong Boatnerd Roger LeLievre, author of the annual book Know Your Ships,
explained why opening day is so important to him.

Opening Day is not only the start of the shipping season, but it is the start of my Know
Your Ships books season. It’s a sign that spring is here and it’s time for me to shake off
winter and get back to doing what I love the most, which is chasing boats and selling
books, LeLievre said.

Opening day is also about catching up with friends after a two-and-a-half-month break
from chasing boats.

“I also get a chance to reconnect with Boatnerd friends on Opening Day who are also
happy to see the ships moving again and are willing to travel quite a ways to watch the
opener. The Boatnerd community is like my family and I’m personally excited to be back
in action after winter lay-up, LeLievre added.

Nick Stenstrup, who lives in Minnesota, has been a Boatnerd since he was in
elementary school. Somewhere around 6th or 7th grade. I went from that’s really cool
to being a part of the Know Your Ships team and working with historical societies. It is a
vocation,Stenstrup said. Opening Day is like the second New Year’s Day of the
calendar year. And then we get baseball shortly after! I hope the mariners are excited to
get back to work with good spring weather.

Stenstrup says he loves being part of the Boatnerd community. Every year proves how
large and how connected the community is becoming. It’s great to be a part of it,
Stenstrup said.

Joy Fett, a Sault Ste. Marie resident, is also a Boatnerd who has her own Facebook
page to express her love for the freighters.

My FB page is dedicated to those who are not fortunate enough to see them every day
or who have a huge love and interest in the shipping industry. Bringing the love of the
vessels to those who enjoy seeing them and what they do. Plus with a lot of families on
shore, they will be able to see their loved ones are hard at work and safe. Bringing them
the joy to be able to see their loved ones working hard, helps to ease their minds a bit,
Fett said.

She, too, is excited about opening day on Friday.

Opening day brings a rush of nostalgia for me. Takes me back to the days of my dad
and me watching them sail in and out of port. When I’m out chasing them, a part of my
father is with me. Love seeing the beauty in them but at the same, seeing the hard work
that goes into them sailing from port to port keeping America’s Infrastructure moving.

Work that is not for the faint of heart. Opening day brings a lot. Hard to put it all into
words. Just knowing I’m keeping a tradition alive that started with my father who loved
to watch them. He always said there is an er of mystery about them. A true fascination.

I want to keep alive a memory that my father instilled in me, Fett concluded.

Andrea Guerriero, who lives in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, also has a dedicated
Facebook page.

The opening of the Soo Locks always gets Boatnerds excited because we know all of
our favorite ships and crews are returning for another season. We get to try to figure
out who might be first through the locks, we get to talk about the new ships that will be
coming to the Great Lakes and the ones that have retired, we have to discuss our
favorites and many of us get to plan trips to our favorite locations to watch them, and
attend events that focus on these amazing engineering masterpieces that somehow
float on water carrying tens of thousands of tons of cargo, Guerriero said.

Throughout her years chasing the ships, she has gotten to know a lot of the captains
and crew members of many freighters and companies.

I personally love it because I’m passionate about photographing the ships and crews
and capturing those moments in time that will later become a part of shipping history,
but it’s also another opportunity to meet new people, whether it’s other shipping
followers or the crews that sail. And of course, any opportunity to educate myself more
gets me excited as well. Great Lakes Shipping is an incredibly fascinating industry with
so much about these ships and crews to learn. I am fortunate to know many of the
crews who sail, so I can ask the questions and learn all about what they do and how,
and with the platform I have on Facebook, I can then share all that I learn with everyone
who follows what I do and then we all know more about the importance of this industry
and what it means for both the Canadian and US economies. And for Boatnerds that’s
just as important as the ships themselves. Learning about the crews and what they do
makes it an even more amazing experience when we see them float by, Guerriero
ended.

Ray Bell, who owns several businesses, including Das Gift Haus, across from the Soo
Locks, is happy that opening day was bumped up to Friday.

I do think having the opening of the locks on Friday is a big deal. The opening of the
locks is always a big boost for business especially when it is around a weekend. This is
very exciting for business and personal. I love the freighters and follow the Boatnerds,
Bell said.

Soo Today