Welland Canal is set to open for the shipping season this Friday

An opening ceremony will be held Friday to mark the 66th navigation season on the St.
Lawrence Seaway. Ships will start moving at 8 a.m.

The Welland Canal closed for the winter earlier this year on January 7th.

President and CEO Terence Bowles will host U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht and special guests. The
event will be held at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.

Combined with the eight locks of the Welland Canal, which link Lake Ontario to Lake
Erie, the binational St. Lawrence Seaway’s 15 locks allow ships to travel between
Montreal and Lake Erie.

Indiana Harbor on tap to open Soo Locks

Indiana Harbor left winter lay-up Wednesday morning bound for Two Harbors. After fueling in Detroit, she is expected to be the first passage at the Soo Locks on Friday.

BBC Chartering takes delivery of 10 LakerMax vessels fitted for Great Lakes/Seaway use

Germany’s BBC Chartering has opened the door to a new era with the introduction of a
new 10-strong fleet of heavy-lift, multipurpose vessels.

“The design of the BBC LakerMax ships has been optimized to fit both the St. Lawrence
Seaway and the Great Lakes,” BBC Chartering indicated in the latest edition of its in-
house magazine. Hence all ships bear a Laker identity in the name.

“These cutting-edge triple-deckers represent a significant leap forward in the world of
heavy-lift and project cargo transportation, manifesting our commitment to reliability,
efficiency, and innovation,” the company said.

The ships are equipped with a 6,000 kW MAN B&W engine that offers an eco-friendly
service speed of 15.6 knots, according to BBC Chartering.

The company will take delivery of 10 LakerMax, 13,000 dwt MPPs starting this April until
2026.

The BBC Leer will the first vessel in a series of ships that will be equipped with two
powerful Liebherr LS 250 cranes, capable of lifting up to 500 metric tons with a
maximum hoist of 36.0 meters. The crew accommodation and bridge are at the front of
the ship, while all on-deck facilities are located on the portside. This design allows for an
unobstructed weather deck of 2,830 square meters.

With a nominal TEU capacity of 970 containers and certified to operate with open hatch
covers, the BBC LakerMax vessels have two box-shaped cargo holds, which can
accommodate up to 25,795 cubic meters of cargo on a floor space of up to 4,850
square meters. They also have two tween decks in operation. Compared to existing
tonnage, these cargo spaces have a higher capacity which allows for up to 30%
reduction in GHG emissions per freight ton carried.

The cargo hold of the vessel has three decks and can accommodate cargo units of up
to 104.3 meters in length and 18.2 meters in width under the deck. The hatch covers
and tweendecks can support loads of up to 4.0 metric tons per square meter, while the
tanktop can handle up to 20.0 metric tons per square meter, and in some parts, up to
25.0 metric tons per square meter.

The LakerMax ships of BBC are designed to cater to the varied requirements of clients
from various industries. The company says they offer a versatile solution for transporting
gigantic machinery, oversized components required for energy projects, or critical
infrastructure materials. Their adaptability makes them suitable for transporting different
types of cargo.

Maritime Magazine

New bag rule announced for 2024 Soo Locks Engineers Day

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in conjunction with the
City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau, the United
States Coast Guard, the Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater
Research and Education, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, and Superior Health
Systems are hosting open house events for the 2024 Soo Locks Engineers Day on
June 28.

“One significant change this year is the requirement for all bags coming into the Soo
Locks to be clear,” Jason Wojnaroski Soo Project Office Assistant Operations Manager
said. “For our visitors bringing bags, clear bags no larger than 12 inches long, 6 inches
deep and 12 inches wide will be required for entry to the event.”

All persons entering the Soo Locks are subject to a security search. Firearms, weapons,
drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted. Clear bags will
allow park security to quickly inspect bags and assist with making this a fun and safe
event for everyone.

Visitors are welcome into the Soo Locks facility and across the MacArthur Lock from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 28.

“Visitors will still not be able to cross the Poe Lock this year, due to ongoing construction
for the New Lock at the Soo project,” said LeighAnn Ryckeghem, Soo Project Office
Operations Manager. “Visitors will be able to tour the first floor of the historic
Administration Building.”

Visitors should plan on entering the Soo Locks facility at the east end, crossing the
downstream gate of the MacArthur Lock, and exiting the west end, crossing back on the
upstream gate. Exceptions will be made for those who may have difficulty walking the
entire length of the lock.

Since 1975, the Soo Locks have been hosting Engineers Day, traditionally held the last
Friday in June to honor the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ June 16, 1775, birthday.

Along with welcoming visitors into the Soo Locks complex, Canal Park and the viewing
platform will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Soo Locks Visitor
Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau is closing a portion of Portage
Avenue to focus on downtown city merchants and vendors. Downtown Portage Avenue
will close to vehicle traffic and open for pedestrians and vendors between Ferris Street
and Osborn Boulevard from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 28.

“The Soo Locks are a vital part of our community’s history. Engineers Day lets us
celebrate the history and ingenuity behind the Soo Locks,” said Linda Hoath, executive
director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Over the past few years, we’ve
helped grow Engineers Day into an event that involves the whole downtown. We look
forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to downtown for Engineers Day.”

Along with allowing visitors into the Soo Locks facility, several other events will take
place:

• United States Coast Guard open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and Superior Health Systems Arts, Crafts
  and Family Fun Fair at the City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Lake Superior State University Center for Freshwater Research and Education will
  be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Great Lakes levels expected to be down this summer, still higher than average

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – The latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
expects water levels on the Great Lakes to come down this summer, closer to average.
Lake levels typically wane in the fall and winter and rise in the spring and summer, but
lower snow totals and higher evaporation rates from a lack of ice will slow down this
year’s swing.

Data: Great Lakes hit record low for ice levels

According to the USACE’s February water level summary, Lake Michigan-Huron —
counted together because the two lakes share a basin — is currently four inches above
its long-term average for February.

Forecasts expect Michigan-Huron to be between 1 and 6 inches below last year’s lake
levels. That would be roughly 32 inches below the record highs, and only 1 to 3 inches
above the long-term average.

Lake Superior and Lake Ontario are expected to come in below long-term average
levels this summer, while Lake Erie is expected to stay 6 to 13 inches above the long-
term average.

The Great Lakes saw a surge in the 2010s after setting a record low in 2013. The high
levels led to widespread erosion, which meant less room on beaches. In some cases, it
even meant houses or other parts of property lost to the lake.

WOOD

Blair McKeil being fitted with loader cranes in Holland

The Canadian-registered general cargo ship Blair McKeil of the McKeil Marine Ltd., fleet based in Burlington, ON, is currently alongside in the Neptune Repair yard in Hardinxveld, South Holland.

She is being fitted with two ship loader cranes that have been designed and built by TMS Technical & Maritime Services B.V. based on the other side of the river in Werkendam, North Brabant.

This week crane components were delivered by floating sheerlegs crane from TMS to be installed on the Blair McKeil. The ship will be ready to leave within two weeks.

Heavy Lift News

https://www.heavyliftnews.com/mckeil-marines-blair-mckeil-being-fitted-with-tms-loader-cranes-at-neptune-repair-yard/?fbclid=IwAR3uXvQUlVpO-H9NacbRJDBkpBlX1nUXfIxrVydxqE97FfvUOMO6sbicats

Damages being assessed after welding sparks ignite fire on Cuyahoga

ASHTABULA, OH – Multiple fire departments and U.S. Coast Guard personnel fought a
blaze aboard the motor vessel Cuyahoga, docked in Ashtabula for winter lay-up, Friday
afternoon.

According to City of Ashtabula Fire Rescue there were no reported injuries. Reporting
on social media said the fire started 2 p.m. and took three hours to put out. The fire was
caused by welding; flames ignited paint on inside of cargo hold, the fire spread to the
main deck and the unloading belt caught fire. The fire was extinguished by late Friday
afternoon and damages will now be assessed.

The vessel was being worked on for the upcoming shipping season when the fire broke
out, USCG Great Lakes said.

The self-unloading vessel, operated by Rand Logistics’ Lower Lakes Towing Ltd., is the
oldest Canadian-registered ship still in active service on the Great Lakes. She was built
in 1943 to support the war effort, sailing for many years as J. Burton Ayers, and was
converted into a self-unloader in 1974. She experienced a serious engine room fire last
May while on Lake Erie but was repaired and returned to service last fall.

The American Courage and Victory/Maumee, laid-up nearby, were far enough away to
not be in danger. Northern Venture arrived off Ashtabula to load coke for Thessalon,
ON, Friday, however they went to anchor.

Large crowds drawn to watch ship fire in Ashtabula Harbor

ASHTABULA, OH – Large clouds of black smoke could be seen for miles as the
Cuyahoga burned in Ashtabula Harbor on Friday afternoon. Area residents jammed
viewing areas taking photos and shooting video with cell phones at Point Park and the
old CSX building on East Sixth Street near the bridge over the rail yard.

Harlan Rinto, who worked in the Ashtabula Harbor for 35 years, marveled at the fire
from the back of the Ashtabula Maritime and Surface Transportation Museum. He said
he was a fourth-generation worker on ships in Ashtabula Harbor. He said he had never
seen a fire like the one Friday.

Many others felt the same way as people tried to navigate in and out of a clogged
parking lot at Point Park. Cars parked in the museum parking lot and up and down
Walnut Boulevard. The parking lot at the former CSX Railroad offices quickly filled with
people trying to get the best view of the fire.

The Cuyahoga was docked in the western portion of the property northeast of the
Ashtabula Lift Bridge. Firefighters arriving on the scene made their way through the
property to get close enough to the ship to fight the blaze.

An Ashtabula ladder truck set up on the western side of the ship to fight the blaze and
fire engines from numerous area companies responded to the fire.
Star-Beacon

Detroit River power plant smokestacks demolished Friday after 100 years

DETROIT, MI – Demolition crews took down a piece of downriver Detroit history on Friday morning, bringing down the century-old Trenton Power Plant smokestacks at 7 a.m.

DTE said the power plant along the Detroit River – which once received shipments by lake vessels and was a maritime landmark – was taken down in a controlled explosion.

The plant was in operation from 1924 through 2022 when it was officially retired. DTE has plans to redevelop the site of the old plant down the road. The second phase of demolition will demolish the boiler house and that’s set to take place in mid May.

Watch a video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VltbecTHtCo

WXYZ

Cuyahoga on fire at shipyard

3:40 PM UPDATE :Ladder trucks on scene still throwing water, flames under control. Everyone is off the ship, no injuries reported.

ASHTABULA, OH – The self-unloader Cuyahoga, Canada’s oldest operating lake vessel, is on fire. Photos on the internet show that the blaze may have originated on deck near the unloading boom, then moved forward, however that is just speculation at this time. Firefighting crews are on scene.

The Boatnerd layup list shows her at the NS Dock in Ashtabula, OH, where she was being prepared for the 2024 season. This is the same vessel that had an engine room fire while on Lake Erie last May. She was repaired and returned to service last fall.

More news as it becomes available.

Port of Green Bay marks earliest shipping season kickoff in recent history

GREEN BAY, WI – The Port of Green Bay's shipping season is off to its earliest start in
recent history, following a record warm meteorological winter.

The first ship of the 2024 season arrived in the Port of Green Bay on Sunday at 10:38
a.m. The 392-foot Margaret with Tug Albert arrived with a delivery of petroleum products
to U.S. Venture.

“It’s an early start this shipping season. In fact, this is the earliest Port opening in my 25
years here,” said Dean Haen, Port Director. “With it officially underway, we’re looking
forward to another great year for Great Lakes commerce! The big ships entering the
Port of Green Bay provide economic stability for our region, along with plenty of
enjoyment for ship watchers in the area!”

Shipping season start dates in recent years were March 15 (2023), March 18 (2022),
March 19 (2021), March 15 (2020) and April 5 (2019).

WLUK

Biden opposes plan to sell US Steel to a Japanese firm

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden came out in opposition to the planned sale of
U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying on Thursday that the U.S. needs to
“maintain strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers.”

In a statement, Biden added: “U.S. Steel has been an iconic American steel company
for more than a century, and it is vital for it to remain an American steel company that is
domestically owned and operated.”

By opposing the merger, Biden has chosen to support unionized workers in a critical
election year at the risk of upsetting the business community and an essential ally in
Japan. Thursday’s announcement, coming as Biden is campaigning in the Midwest,
could have ripples in his race against the presumptive Republican presidential nominee,
Donald Trump.

The Democratic president has made the restoration of American manufacturing a
cornerstone of his agenda as he seeks reelection, and he has the endorsements of the
AFL-CIO and several other prominent unions. The White House said Thursday that
Biden called David McCall, president of United Steelworkers, to reiterate his support for
its members Nippon Steel announced in December that it planned to buy the Pittsburgh-
based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the
transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security.

The Japanese company has tried to assuage critics by promising no job losses due to
the merger. It also committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh
headquarters, while noting it already has a presence in the American market and would
bring in new resources to foster job growth.

The company, which is the world’s fourth largest steel producer, launched a website with
supportive statements from Larry Summers, the former treasury secretary, and Pat
Toomey, a Republican and former senator from Pennsylvania.

Shortly after the steel deal was announced, the White House indicated it would be
under review by the secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

The government does not officially provide updates on the CFIUS review process.

Associated Press

Seaway to open next Friday, March 22

MASSENA, NY – Ships will soon be on the St. Lawrence River.

The Great Lakes- St. Lawrence Seaway’s 2024 navigation season will officially begin on, according to a press release from the Seaway system.

The Montreal, Lake Ontario and Welland Canal will all open at 8 a.m. on opening day, the Seaway confirmed.

All ship transits will be subject to weather and ice conditions. Restrictions may apply in some areas until lighted navigation aids have been installed, Seaway officials said in the press release.

In the Montreal and Lake Ontario Section, the maximum allowable draft will be 26’3″. The maximum draft will be increased to 26’6″ when the South Shore Canal is ice-free. The maximum draft in the Welland Canal will be 26’6″ from the start of the navigation season.

The international waterway previously closed following its 2023 season on January 5.

WWTI

2024 “Know Your Ships” launches; book signing at Soo Locks March 23

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The new shipping season is at hand, and so is the release of
the 2024 edition of Know Your Ships, the popular annual field guide to boats and
boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway, now in its 65th year.

To mark the opening of the Soo Locks, Editor & Publisher Roger LeLievre will be at the
Soo Locks Visitor Center Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., to sign copies of the
new edition. Buy them right from him, or from Das Gift Haus and Island Books and
Crafts in the Soo, bring them to the Visitor Center and he will sign them. Standard and
spiral bindings are available.

Order at this link: https://www.knowyourships.com/

Lake Superior is warming fast. Its national parks are starting work to cut fossil fuels

As national parks around the country try to raise awareness about climate change,
those around Lake Superior are taking steps to cut their emissions.

“Even though the carbon footprint is small, the example being led by these parks is
huge,” said Tom Irvine, executive director of the National Parks of Lake Superior
Foundation, which supports five sites around the largest of the Great Lakes.

The foundation and the National Park Service announced last week that the parks are
starting to implement plans to get their operations off fossil fuels. The coordinated effort,
called Decarbonize the Parks Project, launched last year and has roots in long-standing
plans to stop using diesel generators on Isle Royale, according to Irvine.

“It’s been a dream of the park service for years to be able to shut those generators
down and create a green energy source to power the island, and that being primarily
solar and solar battery storage,” he said. Now, the park is working toward that goal by
installing heat pumps for staff housing and administrative buildings.

Isle Royale’s superintendent, Denice Swanke, said in a news release that each park is
working based on its own budget and capacity. Other plans include electrifying mowers,
trimmers and chainsaws in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and exploring solar
options in Keweenaw National Historical Park.

The efforts around Lake Superior are part of National Park Service’s Green Parks Plan,
which lays out net-zero energy goals for parks across the country and includes reducing
waste and water use and phasing out single-use plastics.

The country’s national parks emit 179,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually according to
the National Park Service, which says that’s equal to about 40,000 gasoline-powered
cars driven over a year.

Last year, more than a million people visited the parks around Lake Superior — Apostle
Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National
Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

A 2023 report on the project found that the parks could reduce their emissions by 93%
and save $2.7 million over 25 years compared to their current operations. Cutting
emissions fully would cost $3.5 million. The difference in price is because of the solar
arrays and battery storage needed to bring energy to off-grid locations in all weather
conditions. Both options would reduce operating costs by millions of dollars.
Implementing the parks’ plans is expected to take years, funded by public and private
dollars. Fueling these efforts is the rapidly changing climate. Lake Superior is one of the
fastest-warming lakes in the world, and Irvine said they have seen more intense storms
and much less ice in the winter.

“The fact that climate change is so radically apparent on Lake Superior every day is just
a constant reminder to all of these parks,” he said.

Interlochen Public Radio

Interlake releases fit-out schedule

We wish Everyone a Safe & happy season.  Interlake fitout list is posted below in photo section.

Fire breaks out on freighter being scrapped at Soo, ON

UPDATE: There were no injuries sustained in the blast.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – A fire broke out Wednesday on a retired freighter docked on the
St. Marys River. Nearby residents reported a loud noise in the area shortly before 6 p.m.
Wednesday, followed by visible flames coming from the Mississagi. Smoke and fire
could be seen from the Michigan side of the river. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Mississagi was the longest-operating Canadian flagged laker on the Great Lakes when
it went out of service in late 2020. Stripped for parts and equipment while docked in
Sarnia, the Mississagi was towed to the Purvis Marine scrapyard in October 2021.

Demolition has continued at a slow pace since then.

View a video at this link: https://www.sooleader.com/local-news/video-fire-breaks-out-on-freighter-in-st-marys-river-8407758

Soo Leader, Soo Today

Soo Locks to open early for 2024 shipping season

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI. – The Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, MI, will open to marine
traffic at 6 p.m. on March 22, marking the start of the 2024 Great Lakes shipping
season. The shipping industry requested an early season opening due the urging of
major steel producers.

“The St. Lawrence Seaway has announced that it will open this spring on March 22. We
would like to match that early opening at the Soo,” President of the Lake Carriers’
Association James Weakley said. “We also note that the Seaway strike in 2023 and
extreme wind events toward the end of the last operating season left the fleet with
undelivered cargo.”

“Our winter maintenance period is a critical time for us to invest in our aging locks,”
Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle said. “This year, a number of factors
worked in our favor that allowed us to safely deliver this critical maintenance and also
open to navigation traffic a few days early, with the St. Lawrence Seaway.”

Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the
feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

The locks officially closed after the last vessel of the 2023 season on January 16, to
undergo critical repairs and maintenance during the 10 week-long winter shutdown.

Maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock, including
structural inspections, maintenance, and installation of lifting lugs on the upstream miter
gate. On the downstream miter gates crews installed anchorage components and
completed critical structural repairs. Major rehabilitation continued on the Poe Lock’s
upstream and downstream ship arrestor systems.

“We worked hard to accelerate work up-front during our annual closure, with crews
working extended days and hours to optimize the short time available for critical
maintenance and repairs,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit said. “Due to the
hard work of our maintenance crews and some mild weather, we’ve been able to
accomplish all required work ahead of schedule.”

“We welcome visitors into the park for the 2024 Soo Locks season opening,” Chief Park
Ranger Michelle Briggs said. “The park and viewing platform will stay open until 8 p.m.
to allow visitors to watch the first ship from the viewing platform.”

All persons entering are subject to a security search at the Soo Locks entry checkpoint.
Firearms, weapons, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted.

For those unable to attend in person, the Detroit District will host a Facebook Live of the
event at https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict starting at 5:55 p.m.
The MacArthur Lock, located south of the Poe, will remain closed for maintenance until
April 24. Great Lakes cruising expected to bring $200M, 20,000 passengers to region in
2024.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

West Neebish Channel to open

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI. – lce throughout the St Marys River is deteriorating. With the
unseasonably warm temperatures ahead, VTS St Marys River plans to open the West
Neebish Channel in accordance with 33 CFR 162.117. Effective 09 March 2024 at 1300
local, the West Neebish Channel will be open to vessel traffic.

USCG

Cruise ships expected to have big economic impact in 2024

The upcoming Great Lakes cruising season is expected to bring 20,000 visitors and
$200 million in economic impact to the region, officials said.

Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, announced its forecast
today for the 2024 cruising season, which follows a record-breaking season in 2023.

“As we look ahead to 2024, we remain committed to sustaining the vitality of our
region’s cruising sector,” said Anna Tanski, tourism director of Cruise the Great Lakes.

“In just a decade, the number of cruise passengers has more than doubled, and Great
Lakes ports continue to thrive as hubs for visitors. We are focused on maintaining this
momentum as we navigate the future.”

Six cruise lines will make nearly 600 port visits this year, the release said.

That’s down from eight cruise lines in 2023. Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St.
Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd and Plantours Cruises are all returning
while American Queen Voyages and Vantage are not.

On the other hand, economic impact is expected to be up by $20 million, from $180
million, in 2023, the release said. The increase is “driven by an upward trend in
passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending,” and the appeal of Great Lakes
cruises.

However, passenger numbers appear to be down. In 2022, total passenger visits were
estimated at 150,000. It was 170,000 in 2023. This year, the prediction is 140,000.

Read more here: https://www.mlive.com/news/2024/03/great-lakes-cruising-expected-to-bring-200m-20000-passengers-to-region-in-2024.html

Soo Locks to open early for new season

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI. – The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will open the Poe Lock to all marine traffic at 6 p.m. on March 22, marking the start of the 2024 Great Lakes shipping season. The shipping industry requested an early season opening due the urging of major steel producers.

“The St. Lawrence Seaway has announced that it will open this spring on March 22. We would like to match that early opening at the Soo,” President of the Lake Carriers’ Association James Weakley said. “We also note that the Seaway strike in 2023 and extreme wind events toward the end of the last operating season left the fleet with undelivered cargo.”

“Our winter maintenance period is a critical time for us to invest in our aging locks,” Detroit District Commander Lt. Col. Brett Boyle said. “This year, a number of factors worked in our favor that allowed us to safely deliver this critical maintenance and also open to navigation traffic a few days early, with the St. Lawrence Seaway.”

Federal regulation (33 CFR 207.440) establishes the operating season based on the feasibility of vessels operating during typical Great Lakes ice conditions.

The locks officially closed after the last vessel of the 2023 season on January 16, to undergo critical repairs and maintenance during the 10 week-long winter shutdown. Maintenance crews performed a variety of critical tasks on the Poe Lock, including structural inspections, maintenance, and installation of lifting lugs on the upstream miter gate. On the downstream miter gates crews installed anchorage components and completed critical structural repairs. Major rehabilitation continued on the Poe Lock’s upstream and downstream ship arrestor systems.

“We worked hard to accelerate work up-front during our annual closure, with crews working extended days and hours to optimize the short time available for critical maintenance and repairs,” Maintenance Branch Chief Nicholas Pettit said. “Due to the hard work of our maintenance crews and some mild weather, we’ve been able to accomplish all required work ahead of schedule.”

“We welcome visitors into the park for the 2024 Soo Locks season opening,” Chief Park Ranger Michelle Briggs said. “The park and viewing platform will stay open until 8 p.m. to allow visitors to watch the first ship from the viewing platform.”

All persons entering are subject to a security search at the Soo Locks entry checkpoint. Firearms, weapons, drugs, pets (except service animals) and bicycles are not permitted.

For those unable to attend in person, the Detroit District will host a Facebook Live of the event at https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict starting at 5:55 p.m.

The MacArthur Lock, located south of the Poe, will remain closed for maintenance until April 24. Great Lakes cruising expected to bring $200M, 20,000 passengers to region in 2024.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District