Trade winds blowing at the Port of Monroe

MONROE, MI – The Port of Monroe (Port) along with port tenant Ventower Industries (Ventower) and terminal operator DRM are working to develop and expand new renewable energy supply chain opportunities during the 2022 shipping season.

The Port and DRM are working to load wind tower sections manufactured in Monroe by Ventower for outbound shipment on US-flagged barges.  The wind towers are being transported to the Port of Oswego, New York where they will be staged with other components for delivery to a project site in upstate New York.

Ventower Industries is the only active wind turbine tower manufacturer in the United States located at a Port. The relationship between the Port and Ventower has been critical in developing these new supply chains. A load of tower sections was loaded aboard a foreign-flagged vessel in 2019 for delivery to a project in South America but this current project is a positive step forward for short-sea-shipping on the Great Lakes.

“The fabrication of utility-scale wind turbine towers is what we do best.  When you combine the skills of our manufacturing team and the capabilities we developed at our Port of Monroe manufacturing facility with a world class marine transportation facility next door, it creates an environment which allows us to serve our customers more effectively and makes our products that much more competitive in the region,” said Gregory Adanin, CEO/President at Ventower.

Ashton Marine Corporation, a Michigan-based tug company, is handling the transportation for the project.

“We are honored to partner with the Port, Ventower and DRM on this renewable energy project,” said Seth Andrie, President of Ashton Marine. “Transporting project cargo for our customers throughout the Great Lakes is one of our specialties.”

In 2016, the U.S. Maritime Administration designated the Port of Monroe as part of the Marine Highway Route M-90. As a Marine Highway, the Port and its stakeholders are committed to developing and expanding marine highway service options in the United States to expand the use of America’s navigable waterways. “In a single project we have Michigan manufactured renewable energy components, built right here at the Port of Monroe, being transported under the American flag on a designated Marine Highway Route,” said Capt. Paul C. LaMarre III, Port Director at the Port of Monroe. “The Port of Monroe is proud to be at the forefront of domestic cargo diversification which will ultimately benefit the system as a whole.”

The Port recently welcomed a new Manitowoc crawler crane to the port which will be used to load tower sections. Funds to purchase the crane were awarded through the Marine Highway program.

The wind tower project is expected to be completed later this summer.

Port of Monroe 

Photograph shows M/V Gwen loading US fireboat

PICTON, ON – The new MetalCraft Marine US fireboat bring lifted aboard M/V Gwen in Picton Bay Thursday morning, now departed for Italy to load other cargo for South East Asia, and then off to Kuwait. This custom-built fireboat (FireCat 25M) based on a catamaran is heading to Kuwait. It is the 6th vessel built for Kuwait. The towers go up 45 feet above the water, and shoot huge velocity of water (5,500 gallons per minute).

Janey Anderson

World’s largest rubber duck to make 2 appearances in Michigan this summer

Known as Mama Duck, the “World’s Largest Rubber Duck” is set to make two appearances in Michigan over the summer. 

The first will be at the Festival of Sails in Alpena, along the shores of Lake Huron, from July 15-17. Then, Mama Duck will head to Marquette’s Mattson Lower Harbor Park, along Lake Superior, from Aug. 12-14.

Make no mistake about it, this isn’t your ordinary rubber duck. It’s 61-feet high, 69-feet wide, 79-feet long and weighs 31,500 pounds, according to Craig Samborski, president and owner of the World’s Largest Rubber Duck.

Samborski said the duck made its debut in August 2014, when it appeared in Los Angeles. The duck is available for events and festivals throughout the summer from late June until October, Samborski said.

“The duck uses three high-intensity blowers to keep it inflated during each of its visits,” Samborski said. Samborski added the duck travels by semi-truck everywhere it goes, and is stored when not in use at a warehouse just outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

Click on Detroit

Museum’s new self-guided walking tour explores the fascinating maritime history of Toledo port

TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is releasing a new, stand-alone product for individuals to explore the story behind the museum’s hometown maritime history. Using VoiceMap, a self-guided tour app, individuals can travel back in time with author, storyteller, and holytoledohistory.com curator Tedd Long on a 90-minute walk along the heart of downtown Toledo’s riverfront while sightseeing, boat watching and enjoying the winding path along the Maumee. 

“There are so many fascinating maritime stories to explore in Toledo—from why Toledo’s Warehouse District was centered on Swan Creek, to how the canals helped to transform the Glass City, and how a change in wind direction saved downtown Toledo in 1894,” shares Mr. Long, who donated his time and talents to support the museum’s mission through this new product. “Stories like the crash of the Yuma into the Cherry Street Bridge and the building of the first 5-masted sailing vessel the David Dows help to highlight a whole new perspective on Toledo, the Maumee River, and the largest landmass port on the Great Lakes.” The walking tour begins across the river from the museum at Middlegrounds Metropark and follows a path to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and back. 

The Port of Toledo Walking Tour costs $5.99 and can be purchased at the Museum or online at nmglstore.org. Once purchased, the walking tour can be accessed at the owner’s convenience. Individuals can make a full day or multi-day activity of a museum visit and the Port of Toledo Walking Tour as well as take the tour as a stand-alone activity. Through the generous donation of Tedd Long, all proceeds from the tour purchase support the National Museum of the Great Lakes and its mission, to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes. For additional information visit nmgl.org or call 419-214-5000.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Algoma Compass departs from lay-up

OWEN SOUND, ON – Algoma Central Corporation’s 680’ vessel Algoma Compass departed Owen Sound, ON., early July 13th and sailed to Goderich, ON., for its first load of the season.

A major asset of the four vessel sale from American Steamship Co. to Algoma Central Corporation in late 2017, the Algoma Compass has mostly rotated between lay-up and active trading since the acquisition.

Early literacy skills explored with maritime-themed music and movement class

TOLEDO, OH – On Monday, July 18, at 10:30 AM, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will host another Capt. Scupper’s Songfest: Maritime Music and Movement. This new, small group activity presented by Sing into Reading was developed with children ages 0-6 in mind. During the class, little ones will spend 30 minutes exploring maritime themes through music and movement with a parent or caregiver, followed by open play in the Museum’s “Port of Play,” and exploration of the museum galleries. Each class is limited to 20 kids and their grownups. Additional classes will be offered on August 22, and September 19. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.nmgl.org

View the gallery below to view the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ infographic.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Port of Québec consolidates and expands cruise ship capacity with new multipurpose terminal

QUÉBEC CITY, QC – To meet the growing enthusiasm for Québec City as a cruise destination, the Port of Québec now has a modern terminal as welcoming as the city itself. The official inauguration of Terminal 30 by Mario Girard, President and CEO of the Québec Port Authority, was attended by Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport, Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and Montréal Region and MNA for Pointe-aux-Trembles; David Weiser, city councillor responsible for economic development and member of Québec City’s executive committee; and many other dignitaries.

The cruise terminal was built following consultation with the local cruise industry, which had identified the need for a new terminal to improve the reception of cruise passengers in Québec City and ensure a high satisfaction rate. With the commissioning of these world-class facilities, the Port of Québec and the Québec City and Lévis region have solidified their position as a favourite destination among cruise passengers.

“Terminal 30 is the result of the hard work and vision of numerous players who have combined their efforts over the past 20 years to ensure that the Port of Québec is worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage City. In addition to serving large cruise ships, this multipurpose terminal will be available throughout the year for a wide array of events,” said Mario Girard, President and CEO of the Québec Port Authority.

“Our National Capital is a popular destination for tourists from Québec and abroad. The Terminal 30 that we are inaugurating today will certainly increase the level of satisfaction of travellers and encourage them to return to visit our hotels, restaurants, and businesses for many years to come. I congratulate the Port of Québec for completing this important project,” said Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region, and MNA for Louis-Hébert.

“The cruise terminal we are inaugurating today will allow tourists from here and elsewhere to take full advantage of all the riches that the St. Lawrence River has to offer. It will have important spinoffs for all of Québec. I would like to thank the Port’s teams for all the work that has gone into this major project,” said Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport, Minister responsible for the Metropolitan and Regional Affairs of Montréal and MNA for Pointe-aux-Trembles.

“The City is thrilled to inaugurate Terminal 30 at the Port of Québec today. The new port facility is good news for future cruise passengers, as well as for local residents and business owners. I know the new terminal will generate significant economic benefits and drive growth here in Québec City and throughout the region. All of our projects share a common goal: helping Québec City shine bright. This terminal is further proof of that commitment,” added David Weiser, city councillor responsible for economic development and member of Québec City’s executive committee.

Multipurpose equipment

Designed and engineered to meet the needs of cruise passengers and the community at large, Terminal 30 can serve several purposes at once. During the off-season, Terminal 30 offers storage services for pleasure crafts and hosts large-scale events, such as the Imagine Monet exhibition, which runs until September 5, 2022. It also recently served as a vaccination centre for CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.

Terminal 30 cost a total of $31.9 million to build, divided between the Government of Québec ($15 million), the City of Québec ($5 million), and the Port of Québec ($11.9 million).

As the number one destination for international cruises on the St. Lawrence and the most popular destination for cruise passengers and cruise lines, Québec City receives tens of thousands of visitors each season.

This unprecedented popularity has generated exceptional exposure for Québec City and major economic benefits for the region. The new world-class facilities will accommodate all types of ships and will enhance the customer experience. This will ensure the Port of Québec remains one of the world’s top embarkation and disembarkation destinations.

Terminal 30 in numbers

•    Boarding bridge with a span of 21 metres from the waterline

•    Can accommodate more than 2,500 passengers at once

•    Surface area of 9,447 m2 (ground floor: 5,862 m2; level 2: 3,585 m2)

•    Storage area of over 4,500 m2 or approximately 65 boats

•    First ship is expected to arrive on August 4, 2022, carrying 3,140 passengers and 1,200 crew members

Cruises with significant economic benefits

Québec City is a popular destination for visitors and has become one of the world’s top destinations for many cruise lines and tourism media. This popularity within the cruise industry helps generate significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.

Port News 

Historic Johnston Boiler building ravaged by fire

FERRYSBURG, MI – On Saturday, firefighters managed to save most of the historic Johnston Boiler Company building Saturday afternoon, but not before a fire ravaged portions of the roof and the east walls.

Johnston Boiler built steel ships in the early 1900s and supplied large marine boilers for Great Lakes vessels for many years.

Company president and CEO David Reinink confirmed that no one was in the building when the fire started around 2 p.m. Once firefighters arrived, they began battling the blaze from outside, and also entered the building. A short time later, according to witnesses, a loud explosion sent black smoke billowing in the air and forced firefighters to scramble back outside the building.

It took several hours for firefighters to completely extinguished the blaze. Dozens of Johnston Boiler employees stat and watched in stunned silence as a ladder truck from the city of Grand Haven poured water down on the roof of the building.

“It’s a complete surprise. You can never be ready for something like this,” Reinink said. “We have no idea what caused the fire. We’re going to cooperate with investigators and try to figure out what caused this.”

The front of the building, which faces Pine Street, looked largely undamaged, aside from holes punched in some of the large doors. Reinink said the same can’t be said of the back of the building.

“There’s a section above our oven where the siding is off, where the roof is off,” he said. “That’s the hot spot. That’s where the fires as. They contained it to that area.

“We had a tremendous response from all the firefighters, and we really appreciate that.”

Former Grand Haven City Councilmember Mike Dora recently retired from Johnston Boiler. He received dozens of calls and texts alerting him to the fire, and felt compelled to come down and watch the blaze.

“I retired two years ago after 44 years working — since August 1976,” he said. “I’m really glad to see the fire department got here and got it out. Hopefully it didn’t do too much damage so the guys can get back to work. I don’t know the exact number, but when I was there, there were about 70 people employed there.”

Reinink said Johnston Boiler dates back to the Civil War. “We’ve been around 158 years, and we’ve been in this building a long, long time,” he said.

He was moved at the number of employees who were on site Saturday. “We even have retirees who came back to see if there was anything they could do to help us out. We have employees calling in, they want to help remove the water Monday morning,” Reinink said.

Grand Haven Tribune

Wilfred Sykes bound for Twin Ports

SUPERIOR, WI – Central Marine Logistics’ classic laker Wilfed Sykes will arrive in Duluth, MN., on the afternoon of Monday, July 11th. The Sykes will unload its load of limestone at Graymont in Superior, WI., and then is expected to shift over to BNSF Dock #5 to load iron ore. 

To follow the rest of the traffic on the Great Lakes, make sure to check out Joshua Hebeisen’s port reports.

Casualties, demolitions from the Journal of the World Ship Society

Vessels with Great Lakes – Seaway connections, reported as a casualty or sold for demolition – taken from July 2022 issue of Marine News ­­– Journal of the World Ship Society

CASUALTY:

AZBURG (9102899) (Kroonborg-13 – 1st seaway transit in 1996) – 6,142 / 1995 – General Cargo vessel, Dominican flag . Owned by Dneptrans PC, Ukraine was struck by a projectile while moored at Mariupol, Ukraine on 3.04.2002 and caught fire, sinking the next day after a second strike. The 12 crew got off safely to nearby ships, but one was injured

DEMOLITIONS:

SAPPER (9114969, Panama) (SAPPHIRE-21 – 1st seaway trip in 2012, OCEAN PRIDE-08 – 1st seaway trip in 2007, SAPPHIRE-2004) 9,914 / 1997 – Chemical Products tanker – By Neptune Seaway Ltd, Liberia, to Leela Green Ship Recycling India and arrived Alang 7.03.2022 and commenced 16.03.2022

Report prepared by Barry Andersen and René Beauchamp

Port Days event in Detroit celebrates both past and future of Great Lakes cruising

DETROIT, MI – The Motor City was awash with maritime revelry Saturday as the Ocean Navigator cruise ship anchored to the RiverWalk for the first Port Days event aimed at showcasing maritime travel on Michigan’s beloved waters.

During the event hosted by Detroit Wayne County Port Authority — the first of three slated this summer — tables of crafts and souvenirs greeted visitors for a lesson on Great Lakes cruising history.  The Detroit Historical Society poured out a background of cruising while Visit Detroit passed out Detroit merchandise and tourist information. Detroit’s Original Seafood truck was stationed behind the event, perfectly on theme with the topic.

A shipping container decorated with photographs of 20th-century luxury ships sat on the side of the RiverWalk. An hour into the event, Paws — the Detroit Tigers’ Mascot — drew in the crowds for photos in front of the ship.

“The Great Lakes cruising is a tremendous way to introduce people to the city of Detroit and southeast Michigan. We’re a very attractive port for the Great Lakes cruises,” said Claude Molinari, CEO of Visit Detroit.

For almost a century, steamships were a luxury method of travel around Detroit, up until 1950. But with the recent rise in cruising, Detroit now serves as a tourist attraction as its port welcomes ships of travelers.

Read the full article at this link: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/07/09/port-days-celebrates-great-lakes-cruising/7831800001/

Detroit Free Press 

Obituary: George Robert Skuggen

George Robert “Skip” Skuggen, 91 of Avon Lake, OH., formerly of L’Anse, MI passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. He was born October 14, 1930, to parents, Captain George T., and Myrtle (nee Johnston) Skuggen in Hancock, MI.

Read more or leave condolences and memories at jacobsonfuneralhome.com

Port of Thunder Bay sees an increase in cargo volume

THUNDER BAY, ON – June has shaped up to be much busier than the same time last year with improved cargo volumes in the port of Thunder Bay. 

Both potash and general cargo shipments were up, while grain volumes had a modest rebound. Tim Heney, CEO of the Thunder Bay Port Authority, says grain shipments have especially increased which he called, “encouraging.” “There are good crop reports starting to come out after the seeding so it looks like this year is going to be, fingers crossed, a lot better than last year and we should start seeing the effects of that,” he said.

“They’ve got a tremendous amount of seeding done with significant acreage covered.” Heney says there were some worries about the wet spring and drier weather in June.

“It takes 92 days to grow a proper wheat crop, so as long as we get 92 days of reasonable weather, we should be okay,” he said. Predictions of stronger grain production for this year will mean increased port shipments this fall which can impact the high global grain demand while supplies are tight.

While June grain volumes were higher than a year ago, year-to-date shipments of grain remained down by one-million metric tons compared to last year. The poor Prairie grain harvest in 2021 is to blame. Meanwhile, Keefer Terminal imported 88 large windmill tower sections and other wind turbine components, which are being staged in the intermodal yard and eventually will be railed to Western Canadian wind farm projects.

But it’s the exporting of potash shipments that continues at a strong pace. For the second consecutive month, more than 150,000 metric tons of potash have arrived from Saskatchewan and have passed through Thunder Bay handling facilities.

“It’s because of the Ukrainian situation,” said Heney. “A lot of

potash came out of Ukraine and Russia and now Saskatchewan is trying

to serve some of that market from Thunder Bay.” In fact, the volume of potash that was shipped from the Thunder Bay port this year until June 30, exceeds the port’s annual average of potash. Shipments head to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

The Chronicle Journal

Port Of Oswego continues to build upon successful shipping season

OSWEGO, NY – This past week one of several wind turbine barges called on the Port of Oswego (POA), unloading 15 of the first of 91 tower sections that will be delivered to the Port. The tower sections were manufactured in Michigan and transported by tug and barge to Oswego, with the ultimate destination of Steuben County’s Eight Point Wind Energy Center.

“This is one of many projects that the port has been working on and we are proud to be building a strong reputation as a leader in maritime commerce on the Great Lakes,” said William Scriber, POA executive director.

“This year, the port loaded the first grain shipped out of the Great Lakes,” Scriber said. “We’ve also received and transported the largest wind turbine blades in New York State and received a record 732 truckloads of corn so far this year from local farmers and unloaded the first of several aluminum slab ships to support Novelis. Each slab weighs more than 26 tons and there are 316 per shipload. Another aluminum slab delivery is currently on its way to the Port.”

Fran Enwright, chairperson, POA board of directors, said:  “We’re seeing levels of activity at the Port that we haven’t experienced in decades. With just six months of the year behind us, we have more projects shipping grain, offloading aluminum and wind turbine components than ever before, and we are on-track to shatter previous levels of activity by year’s end.”

“The real success of these many projects is the local jobs they support and supporting local farmers has clearly been established as a top priority,”  Scriber said. “Our success is solely based on the success of our many customers and partners. Our mission is to create and support jobs in upstate New York and we continue to prove that we are one of the largest job generators in the City of Oswego.”

The Eight Point Wind Energy Center project will continue for several months with the storage, preparation for travel, and loading for truck transport to the site, located in the Towns of Greenwood and West Union. The completed project will have a maximum generating capability of 101.8 megawatts from an estimated 31 wind turbines.

Oswego County Today

Tall ship anchoring in the Sault later this month

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – The tall ship Nao Trinidad will anchor at the Roberta Bondar Park waterfront July 28-31.

“The 100-foot Nao Trinidad replica was the flagship of Magellan’s expedition that led to the first circumnavigation of the earth, confirming for the first time that the world was round,” the city said in a news release Tuesday.

“Many take this as the greatest maritime achievement. The year 2022 marks the 500th anniversary of this adventure and it is being celebrated with an extensive exhibition on board the replica historic vessel.”

Converted into a floating museum filled with exhibits to explore, the three-mast, six-sail tall ship can be viewed Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for youth (5-12 years old), with family packages available (two adults and three children) for $35. Children under age five are free.

Tickets are available at the community services department located in the lobby level of the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre or at the Roberta Bondar Marina during regular hours.

For more information, contact the Roberta Bondar Transient Marina at 705-759-5430.

CTV News

Video shows Mark W. Barker testing freefall life boat at Bay Shipbuilding

STURGEON BAY, WI – Today the crews at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding deployed the freefall lifeboat off our M/V Mark W. Barker for the first time as part of her testing to make sure she is fully operational before leaving the Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin shipyard. 

Weighted down with water bags to simulate 30 crew members, the launch was successful and likely the first time anywhere on the Lakes that a stern lifeboat has been deployed.  

Click on this link to view the full video: https://fb.watch/e7o4f7pR1I/

Interlake Steamship Co. 

Raffle Begins in Support of Great Lakes History; Provides Chance to Win Great Lakes Experiences of a Lifetime

TOLEDO, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is proud to announce the launch of the 2022 Luck of the Lakes—a raffle dedicated to supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and make known the history of the Great Lakes. This year one lucky individual will again have the chance to visit the breathtaking sights of the Great Lakes aboard an 11 day American Queen Voyages Splendor of the Great Lakes cruise.

“The Luck of the Lakes Raffle allows us to raise funds and awareness in support of Great Lakes history while also giving individuals an opportunity to gain once-in-a-lifetime Great Lakes experiences,” says Kate Fineske, the museum’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. “The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the money raised through this raffle and our H2Oh! Gala—which together became our single largest fundraiser of the year. ”

Winners are selected during the museum’s H2Oh! Gala held Saturday, September 24. The Grand Prize raffle winner will get to glimpse the breathtaking sights of the Great Lakes on an 11-day American Queen Voyages cruise for 2 aboard the Ocean Voyager or Ocean Navigator from Chicago to Toronto (or Toronto to Chicago). The runner up will win an “Ultimate Great Lakes Exploration Day” which includes a day trip for 4 beginning with a guided tour of the historic Marblehead Lighthouse (the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes), followed by lunch at Catawba Island Club (one of the finest private clubs on the Great Lakes), and concluding with a tour of the LaFarge-Marblehead Quarry (where they’ll feel the ground shake below them as they walk the quarry docks).

All proceeds benefit the Great Lakes Historical Society and its National Museum of the Great Lakes. Tickets are $100 each with incentives to purchase multiple tickets by offering 3 for $250, 6 for $500, or 12 for $1,000. Individuals wishing to purchase multiple opportunities for a chance to win should consider taking advantage of the Early Bird Special offering 4 tickets for $250 only through July 31. For more information and to purchase tickets, individuals can visit the raffle landing page at: nmgl.org/2022lolraffle or call 419.214.5000

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Senate approves bills to support Michigan port infrastructure improvements

LANSING, MI – The Michigan Senate on Wednesday finalized a bipartisan legislative package designed to support improvements of Michigan’s ports and help them compete with ports in other Great Lakes states.

Two of the plan’s three bills — Sen. Dale Zorn’s bill and a House bill — were approved by the Senate at the end of May.

“Our ports are critical to our state’s economy and allowing them to service more ships would help reduce costs for Michigan businesses and consumers and provide more high-wage jobs for Michigan workers,” said Zorn. R-Onsted. “My bill allows our ports to use revenue bonds for projects that would enable them to handle more cargo, such as shipping containers. It is about standing up for Michigan jobs and making sure our ports, like the port of Monroe, have the ability to compete with other U.S. ports for cargo.”

In 2017, a report from Martin Associates in Pennsylvania found that 59.2 million tons of goods were moved through Michigan’s waterways, valued at $3.23 billion. The economic activity generated by commercial ports was $4.16 million, supporting 25,910 jobs and raising $763 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue.

Senate Bill 744, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, and approved by the Senate Wednesday, would create the Maritime and Port Facility Assistance grant program for port infrastructure projects. A grant awarded under the program may be used for public purposes, including direct port facility activity; overall maritime-related economic development or transportation opportunities in the port facility’s region; achieving or improving green marine certification; matching federal funding options; dredging waterways and harbors; repairing seawalls; transitioning to cleaner technology; or other projects related to port facilities as determined by the program office.

Zorn’s bill, SB 745, would allow port authorities to use revenue bonds for transportation-related improvements and further harness the efficiency of vessels on our Great Lakes.

House Bill 5291, sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, would create the Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Office to provide technical assistance, develop a statewide strategic maritime plan and administer the state-level port grant assistance program created in SB 744.

SB 744 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration with the other two bills.

MI Senate

Sheboygan shipwreck Abiah added to National Register of Historic Places

SHEBOYGAN, WI – A Shipwreck located about 13 miles off of the Sheboygan shoreline has received national protection.

The schooner known as the Abiah is now a part of the National Register of Historic Places. The Abiah was launched in the summer of 1847 in Irving, New York, and served honorably for eight years carrying grain and lumber.

But in September of 1855, the Abiah was traveling from Chicago to Oconto when it was hit by a sudden violent gust of wind and capsized. Abiah was towed back toward Sheboygan, but it sank before it reached the shore.

The exact location of the Abiah was unknown for many years until it was located in 2019, hidden beneath 220 feet of Lake Michigan water.

To learn more about the Abiah, click this link: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/NationalRegister/NR2726

Seehafer News

Research vessel helps unlock mysteries of the Great Lakes

You can’t effectively study the Great Lakes by simply looking at them from above the water. All the action lies beneath the surface. That’s why the UWM School of Freshwater Sciences has used a research vessel on Lake Michigan for more than 50 years.

Called the Neeskay, the vessel is an Army T-boat built in 1953 that was bought and converted to accommodate research in 1970 by the school’s predecessor, the Center for Great Lakes Studies.

The Neeskay is the only research vessel that sails year-round on the Great Lakes, logging more winter cruise time than even the vessel operated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So, what is the job of a research vessel and how does it benefit science?

We spoke with the Neeskay’s new captain – Max Morgan, who is also a graduate of the School of Freshwater Sciences, and Professor Harvey Bootsma, a veteran researcher who relies on the boat for access to the depths. Morgan and Bootsma dive into their jobs by answering some questions here: https://uwm.edu/news/research-vessel-helps-unlock-mysteries-of-the-great-lakes/?fbclid=IwAR3W6FT8qLwmTS5gRRpFqffi0DhmGWLzrVlPELhHvRxgb3DkK79XMdgGQ-w

UWM Report

Museum & Tour Boat Collaborate for the Second Ultimate Great Lakes History Day

Saturday, July 9 marks the second of three summer “Ship & Shore” days during which the National Museum of the Great Lakes and The Sandpiper passenger tour boat will team up to offer a special joint ticket. This ultimate Great Lakes history day will combine day-long access to the museum’s family-friendly exhibits and museum ships, with a mid-day trip aboard The Sandpiper departing and returning from the museum docks. While aboard The Sandpiper, visitors will have access to the museum’s award-winning Port of Toledo: Then and Now exhibit allowing cruisers to interact with Great Lakes history along the Maumee River. 

Additionally, “Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day” has one more day offered this summer—Saturday, August 13. Tickets must be purchased in advance at nmgl.org or by calling 419-214-5000. For additional information please visit nmgl.org/event

Check out our gallery to view an infographic with the details regarding the upcoming event.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

Port of Monroe, Opportunity Center to receive funding as part of state budget

MONROE, MI – The Port of Monroe, and the Opportunity Center at Arthur Lesow Community Center (ALCC) in Monroe will receive nearly $13 million in funding as part of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 state budget approved Friday by the Michigan Legislature.

The port will receive $5 million for fiscal year 2023, which will go towards construction of a containerized cargo scanning facility. The Opportunity Center is slated to receive $7.8 million in funding, which will go towards facility improvements and continued programming.

“This funding is crucial to an area very significant to Michigan’s economy that is in great need of workers, improvements and enhancements,” State Rep. Joe Bellino said in a statement. “…It’s extraordinary for me to witness such significant enhancements to an area where my family lived when they first came to America in 1895. The Port of Monroe plays a significant role in Michigan’s economy. This much-needed funding will help Monroe continue to hire skilled employees, while improving and enhancing the port for years to come.”

“This funding will help support long-term economic growth and provide high-wage jobs for area workers — with the benefit of helping reduce costs for Michigan businesses and consumers with a more efficient port,” added State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted. “I was happy to work with Rep. Bellino and Port Director Paul LaMarre to lead the discussion in Lansing to secure this key funding to support critical improvements at the Port of Monroe and help them better compete with ports in other Great Lakes states.”

The Port of Monroe, Michigan’s only port on Lake Erie, serves as a major catalyst for Michigan’s multimodal trading industry. A 2017 report found that $59.2 million tons of goods were transported through Michigan’s waterways, valued at $3.23 billion. The economic activity produced by commercial ports amounted to just over $4 million, backing nearly 26,000 jobs and raising $763 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue.

“The state of Michigan’s investment of $5 million will pay dividends and allow the port to leverage significant federal investment while ensuring that our community is at the epicenter of Michigan’s intermodal transportation network,” LaMarre said. “Rep. Bellino and Sen. Zorn have been unrelenting in their commitment to the port, from the dock to the deck plates. They have been our champions in the state Legislature for which we are eternally grateful.”

Monroe Evening News

Last chance to enter Detroit District annual photo contest

The Detroit District invites photographers to enter its 7th annual photo contest featuring U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites across the Great Lakes.

The top 12 photographs highlighting Detroit District Great Lakes projects such as the Soo Locks, Duluth Ship Canal, piers, breakwaters or federal channels and harbors will earn a spot in the 2023 downloadable calendar. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. July 4, with winners determined by social media vote. The Soo Locks Visitors Center Association will award the top three photographers a plaque featuring their photo.

“The photo contest is an exciting way for us to connect with our community,” said District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich. “We are pleased to continue the tradition and look forward to seeing all of the great submissions.”

Officials will upload digital photo submissions to an album on the Detroit District Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict/ July 6, and tally public voting through ‘likes’ until 9:00 a.m. July 15.

By entering the contest, participants agree to abide by official contest instructions and rules, found on the district website at: https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Media/Photo-Contest/. Interactive maps of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, harbors and civil works projects are available: shorturl.at/iwyM5 and shorturl.at/hoCN4.

For more details, contact Emily Schaefer, Detroit District public affairs specialist, 313-226-4681.

US Army Corps of Engineers

Happy 4th of July!

-Jack

Corps of Engineers awards $1.068 billion of the New Lock at the Soo Phase 3 contract

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI –  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District anticipates Phase 3 construction will start this summer with the $1.068 billion of the New Lock at the Soo Phase 3 contract award July 1, 2022.

Kokosing Alberici Traylor, LLC (KAT), a joint venture headquartered in Westerville, Ohio will begin constructing the largest phase, the new lock chamber and rehabilitation of the downstream approach walls. This contract allows the contractor to begin work. With continued funding, the remaining work, valued at $803.95 million may be awarded over the next three years. Corps of Engineers officials expect Phase 3 construction to take seven years.

“The Corps of Engineers looks forward to beginning construction on the new lock chamber later this summer, and we continue to work hard to maintain the pace and continue to make progress toward New Lock at the Soo total project completion in summer 2030,” said New Lock at the Soo Project Manager Mollie Mahoney.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

Tall ships, six-story rubber duck heading to Alpena

ALPENA, MI – For the first time ever, the Festival of Sail is coming to Alpena July 15 to 17 at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. The festival will feature historic ships and an enormous yellow duck.

Mama Duck, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck, was “born” in the U.S. in 2014, in a factory near Cleveland, Ohio, called Scherba Industries. She made her first appearance in August of that year in Los Angeles.

“I’ve been producing these tall ship festivals for about a dozen years,” said duck owner and Festival of Sail producer Craig Samborski, who hails from Duluth, Minnesota.

He travels all over the country with the duck, who is inflated at each location. When she is fully inflated, she stands 61 feet high, 69 feet wide, 79 feet long, and weighs 31,500 pounds, or roughly 15 tons, including the steel pontoon she sits on, Samborski said. Mama Duck alone weighs only 1,250 pounds, but she needs a lot of support.

Read the full article at this link: https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2022/07/tall-ships-six-story-rubber-duck-heading-to-alpena/

The Alpena News

Entry period open for Detroit District annual photo contest

The Detroit District invites photographers to enter its 7th annual photo contest featuring U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites across the Great Lakes.

The top 12 photographs highlighting Detroit District Great Lakes projects such as the Soo Locks, Duluth Ship Canal, piers, breakwaters or federal channels and harbors will earn a spot in the 2023 downloadable calendar. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. July 4, with winners determined by social media vote. The Soo Locks Visitors Center Association will award the top three photographers a plaque featuring their photo.

“The photo contest is an exciting way for us to connect with our community,” said District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich. “We are pleased to continue the tradition and look forward to seeing all of the great submissions.”

Officials will upload digital photo submissions to an album on the Detroit District Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict/ July 6, and tally public voting through ‘likes’ until 9:00 a.m. July 15.

By entering the contest, participants agree to abide by official contest instructions and rules, found on the district website at: https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Media/Photo-Contest/. Interactive maps of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, harbors and civil works projects are available: shorturl.at/iwyM5 and shorturl.at/hoCN4.

For more details, contact Emily Schaefer, Detroit District public affairs specialist, 313-226-4681.

US Army Corps of Engineers

Entry period open for Detroit District annual photo contest

The Detroit District invites photographers to enter its 7th annual photo contest featuring U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites across the Great Lakes.

The top 12 photographs highlighting Detroit District Great Lakes projects such as the Soo Locks, Duluth Ship Canal, piers, breakwaters or federal channels and harbors will earn a spot in the 2023 downloadable calendar. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. July 4, with winners determined by social media vote. The Soo Locks Visitors Center Association will award the top three photographers a plaque featuring their photo.

“The photo contest is an exciting way for us to connect with our community,” said District Commander Lt. Col. Scott Katalenich. “We are pleased to continue the tradition and look forward to seeing all of the great submissions.”

Officials will upload digital photo submissions to an album on the Detroit District Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/USACEDetroitDistrict/ July 6, and tally public voting through ‘likes’ until 9:00 a.m. July 15.

By entering the contest, participants agree to abide by official contest instructions and rules, found on the district website at: https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Media/Photo-Contest/. Interactive maps of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, harbors and civil works projects are available: shorturl.at/iwyM5 and shorturl.at/hoCN4.

For more details, contact Emily Schaefer, Detroit District public affairs specialist, 313-226-4681.

US Army Corps of Engineers