Anglian Lady, barge grounds just west of Soo Locks

Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Around 1am local time, the downbound Purvis Marine barge PML 9000, loaded with steel coals from Algoma Steel and pushed by the tug Anglian Lady, grounded on Vidal Shoals just west of the Soo Locks approach. Various Purvis Marine tugs were in attendance throughout the day Wednesday, however the barge remained aground Wednesday night. 

It’s not every day a 665-foot cruise ship docks in Detroit: MLive went aboard

Detroit, MI – A lot of people pulled their cars over in Detroit to get a glimpse of something they don’t normally see. A 665-foot-long cruise ship docked on the Detroit River on Tuesday, May 3 as it made its first voyage around the Great Lakes.

The Viking Octantis, newly built for 2022, docked at the Nicholson Terminal where cruisers from all over the country and staff from around the world got out and explored the city’s museums and attractions.

The Octantis holds up to 378 guests. 310 visitors are currently on the ship, which also holds 256 crew members. The eight-day journey started in Toronto before making its way to Niagara Falls, Ontario and Point Pelee, Ontario, which is the southernmost point on the Canadian mainland

Read the full article and view a video tour of the ship at this MLive link: https://www.mlive.com/life/2022/05/its-not-every-day-a-665-foot-cruise-ship-docks-in-detroit-we-went-aboard.html?fbclid=IwAR2kycSg1AMLtlGLnHgs7VIDDJvx1nzshSVOTriUHBOUl9o83lKNBEtSORI

MLive

Lake Superior has risen and reached the long-term average

In response to wet weather in April, the water level of Lake Superior has risen and reached the long-term average value for the beginning of May. The lake-wide water level of Lake Michigan-Huron also rose in April and remains above the seasonal long-term average. Outflows from Lake Superior and into Lake Michigan-Huron continue to be set in consideration of water levels upstream and downstream.

 The Board expects the total outflow to be 1,910 m3/s (67 tcfs) in May, which is as prescribed by Lake Superior Regulation Plan 2012. The gate setting at the Compensating Works will be maintained at the setting equivalent to one-half gate open (Gates #7 through #10 partially open 20 cm (7.9 in)). There will be no change to the setting of Gate #1, which supplies a flow of about 15 m3/s to the channel north of the Fishery Remedial Dike.

 Lake Superior increased 14 cm (5.5 in), while on average the lake rises 8 cm (3.2 in) in April. Lake Michigan-Huron rose 13 cm (5.1 in) last month, while on average the lake rises 11 cm (4.3 in) in April.

 At the beginning of May, the water level of Lake Superior is equivalent to the long-term average water level (1918 – 2021) and 18 cm (7.1 in) below the level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron is 27 cm (10.6 in) above average, 22 cm (8.7 in) below the level from last year, and 62 cm (24.4 in) below the record-high level set at this time in 2020.

 Depending on the weather and water supply conditions during the next month, Lake Superior may rise by as much as 19 cm (7.53 in) and Lake Michigan-Huron water levels may rise by as much as 16 cm (6.3 in) in May.

 Lake Superior News. See chart image in today’s photo gallery.

Boatnerd seeking help from volunteers familiar with WordPress

We are in need of someone who has experience with website design and maintenance of our WordPress-based website. Our present volunteer staff does not have the expertise to keep up with it. If you are interested, please email Boatnerd board president Nathan Leindecker to talk about the opportunities.

 Nathan Leindecker

nleindecker@gmail.com

Viking Octantis stops in Port Colborne during inaugural voyage on Great Lakes

Port Colborne, ON – With a science lab, a fleet of military-pro Zodiacs and two six-guest submarines and hangar on board, the Viking Octantis stopped in Port Colborne Sunday during its inaugural voyage in the Great Lakes.

It is the first of two new purpose-built expedition ships from the cruise ship company Viking.

It is the first of among 66 cruise ship stops in the city this season as the vessels make their return to the lakes after being away for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining the 378-passenger Viking ship will be vessels familiar to residents along the Welland Canal — Pearl Mist, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator (formerly Victory I and II, respectively), and Hamburg (formerly C. Columbus).

Two ships from Ponant, Le Bellot and Le Dumont d’Urville, which carry 180 passengers each, will make their way to the lakes. In 2019, their sister ship Le Champlain docked in Port Colborne.

The 160-passenger Ocean Explorer, through Vantage Cruises, will make its way up the East Coast of North America from Boston, Mass., to travel the lakes.

Port Colborne is looking to entice passengers from the ships to stay in the city when they dock along West Street, for which there is a plan to build a waterfront centre.

City council recently approved the hiring of J.P. Thomson Architects to design it. It will go on lands once home to the public works yard along the Welland Canal.

Niagara Falls Review

City seeks proposals to raise James Whalen out of Kam River

Thunder Bay, ON – The City of Thunder Bay is seeking proposals from local companies to raise the historic James Whalen tugboat out of the Kam River, where it sank from its moorings at the Kam River Heritage Park early Sunday morning.

The sinking – the second incident in which the boat has taken on water while berthed at the park in little over a year – prompted Mayor Bill Mauro to request a report on the situation at Monday’s city council meeting.

“It is unfortunately necessary, we have to say that this is the second time we’ve had this issue with this particular tug in this particular park,” he said Monday. “Obviously we can’t let this happen again.”

The report shows the city had not yet reinstalled a submersible pump added after the 2021 incident for the spring season, attributing that to consistent cold temperatures.

The pump was removed before winter freeze-up to avoid damage, and was to be installed “as soon as possible” in the spring.

The parks department had tried to install the pump once earlier this year, but found the sump in the tug was still frozen, said parks and open spaces manager Cory Halvorsen in the report.

Warming temperatures and rain appear to have resulted in a quick thaw and the James Whalen taking on a significant amount of water sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning, the report concluded. The tug was observed upright as late as Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Its sinking isn’t expected to pose any environmental risk, as the boat was previously emptied of engine components, the report stated, though floating booms were installed as a precaution. The city has contacted Transport Canada and the Coast Guard to inform them of the incident.

The city is now soliciting proposals to lift the tug out of the Kaministiquia River from local companies, Halvorsen reported. The plan is for the boat to be moved to storage on dry land where it can be assessed for damage.

If it’s still in adequate condition, several city councillors expressed support Monday for a plan to move the tug to the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society site at Pool 6, south of Prince Arthur’s Landing.

It’s an outcome the society has welcomed, holding meetings this year with the city’s waterfront development committee to discuss arrangements.

Mauro suggested that would be a win-win for the society and the city.

“When I see people in the community that are willing to do work that benefits the city and are basically asking for next to nothing, I think it’s incumbent on me and on any of us to try to facilitate that,” he said.

Society president Charlie Brown has expressed optimism the sinking won’t necessarily have caused further damage to the ship, which he said would have required an overhaul for display in any case.

Coun. Aldo Ruberto said he plans to bring a resolution forward over the summer to propose an agreement with the LTMS.

TB Newswatch

An update on The Sullivans

Buffalo, NY – The dewatering plan developed by T&T Marine Salvage was approved by the Unified Command on site after review and feedback by the USCG Salvage Engineering Response Team (SERT), headquartered in Washington, D.C. 

BIDCO Marine Group is supporting T&T crews during dewatering operations, and Miller Environmental Group will continue to replace absorbent boom and sweep around the ship to control oil sheen as well as assist with any pollution control efforts during dewatering.

Dewatering operations utilize 22 industrial pumps including electric pumps, gasoline powered pumps and hydraulic pumps. Back-up pumps are on standby should a primary pump fail.

Crews are being deliberate in their efforts and monitoring the ship stability as water is pumped from the three designated areas of the ship Sections A (bow), Section B (engine, mid-ship), and Section C (stern). 

Dewatering is going as planned and the ship list to starboard has been reduced significantly and approaching zero degrees.

Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

Boatnerd seeking help from volunteers familiar with WordPress

We are in need of someone who has experience with website design and maintenance of our WordPress-based website. Our present volunteer staff does not have the expertise to keep up with it. If you are interested, please email Boatnerd board president Nathan Leindecker to talk about the opportunities.

Nathan Leindecker

nleindecker@gmail.com

Watch for new Algoma vessel The Algoma Bear in 2024

 St. Catharines, ON – Algoma Central Corporation has announced the name of its next Equinox-class 740-foot-long self-unloader will be The Algoma Bear, a name representing strength, stability and size. It is expected to join the Algoma fleet in 2024.

 In June 2021 – Algoma Central Corporation signed a contract with China’s Yangzijiang (YZJ) Shipyard for the construction of a new Seaway-Max self-unloading vessel for its domestic dry-bulk fleet. The vessel will be the first of the new Equinox 2.0 Class. The new class vessel’s design will build on the original Equinox Class standards to offer increased deadweight capacity, better fuel efficiency and improved speed at lesser engine power.

 The Equinox 2.0 will also incorporate weight-saving features and a modified stern. With a dual-rudder design, the reconfigured stern will increase the cargo holding capacity by nearly 1,440 mt. The design enhancements will also include changes to the cargo hold shape, which will improve the handling of ‘sticky’ cargoes, along with an upgraded propeller.

 The newbuild will replace the Algoma Transport, one of the oldest ships in the Algoma dry-bulk fleet.

 Algoma Central Corporation

Official statement regarding Kaye E. Barker’s recent grounding

 As previously reported, our M/V Kaye E. Barker stranded on a sandbar as it was attempting to enter Muskegon Harbor on Thursday evening (April 28, 2022). Most importantly, the incident remains injury-free and there was no pollution or harm to the environment.

 The vessel was freed from the sandbar the following Friday afternoon after approximately 2,000 net tons of cargo was transferred to a small barge that was brought alongside the ship.  We were hopeful that would be enough to permit the ship to pass over the sandbar and into Muskegon but following another attempt to enter the harbor and subsequent bottom surveying, it became evident that additional cargo would have to be removed from the vessel. 

Consequently, the vessel anchored for the evening and after the small barge was discharged at our customer’s dock, it returned to our M/V Kaye E. Barker on Saturday morning and an additional 2,000 net tons of cargo was transferred from the vessel to the barge and subsequently unloaded at the customer’s dock.

 By then, weather conditions prohibited our M/V Kaye E. Barker from safely entering the harbor so out of an abundance of caution, the vessel went to anchor until conditions improved.  When they did, the vessel entered the harbor and discharged the remainder of the cargo without issue.  Fortunately, it does not appear that the soft sandbar caused any damage to the vessel.  

When the vessel was loaded for Muskegon, it was loaded based upon the most recent bottom survey which indicated that there was sufficient water depth at the entrance. The sand bar developed after the last bottom survey was conducted and we are currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the area dredged soon. The Corps conducted a survey of the waterway on Saturday. 

 The Interlake Steamship Co.

Great Lakes research vessels begin annual fish surveys

Petoskey, MI – As the ice on the Great Lakes begins to clear, research vessels from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries division have begun their annual fish surveys.

The overall goal of the surveys is to find out how many fish are in the lakes, how they are growing and identifying what is impacting the population. Each lake has individual goals and focuses for the survey. 

On Lake Michigan, the SV Steelhead, stationed at the Charlevoix Research Station, will focus on adult yellow perch, lake whitefish, lake trout, Chinook salmon and forage fish populations. The vessel began operation this week in Saugatuck and will likely work until the first week of December.

Read the full article at petoskeynews.com: https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/environment/2022/04/28/great-lakes-research-vessels-begin-annual-fish-surveys/9545043002/

Petoskey News-Review

Thunder Bay’s historic tug James Whalen has sunk

 Thunder Bay, ON – The historic James Whalen tug boat at Kaministiquia River Heritage Park sunk into the river on Sunday morning.

 “The tug boat has taken on water again over the period of time during the rain and the thawing in spring here and we were unable to observe any change until this time,” said Cory Halvorsen, manager of parks and open spaces.

 “It looks like it took on enough water to become fully submerged and disconnect from the mounts on the dock as well.”

 This is not the first time the 117-year-old tug took on too much water; the James Whalen also partially sank last year but crews were able to pump enough water out to keep it from fully submerging, this year will be a different story.

 “I think we’re dealing with a completely different situation this time. Last year we were able to respond before it got to this point and we were able to pump the water out and get it back out of the water,” said Halvorsen.

 “But now we’re looking at a different situation where it’s fully submerged and I’m not sure if there will be an option to get it afloat or how we’re going to move it this time.”

 Crews are limited in what can be done immediately other than informing the Coast Guard and monitoring to make sure there are no environmental impacts which Halvorsen says will be unlikely as there is no fuel or similar contaminants on the vessel.

 James Whalen, an ice-breaking tug, was built in 1905. Designed to tow heavy steamers, and to cut through 20-inch thick ice, the tugboat served Thunder Bay for 50 years. In 1965, the tug left for Hamilton, but eventually returned to Thunder Bay to undergo years of renovations with the intention of making it a museum ship located at Kam River Heritage Park.

 TB Newswatch

Kaye E. Barker aground off Muskegon

Tug sunk in Duluth Harbor has leaked less than four gallons of oil

 Duluth, MN – The partially-sunken tugboat in the Duluth Harbor is still there more than a month later, with no immediate plans for it to be moved.

 The U.S. Coast Guard tells FOX21 that the tug Lake Superior is still leaking oil, but in total it’s been less than four gallons so far. A contractor is there every day laying down material around the tugboat that continues to absorb any of the oil that leaks into the water.

 The tug still had more than 7,500 gallons of fuel and oil inside of it when it began going under.

 The Coast Guard says they continue to monitor the situation, but officials have no timeline planned out of when it can be moved, which the tugboat’s private owner will need to get involved with as well.

FOX21

New Great Lakes pilot boat christened April 28

Michigan – Watch the Western Great Lakes Pilots Association ceremony at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD_jpfluqCc

Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship, museum tug Ohio re-open for 2022 season 

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes will be reopening the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio for the season to the public beginning Sunday, May 1. The museum will welcome members on board one day early for their annual Pancake Breakfast event on Saturday, April 30.

The museum ships close annually over the winter months and re-open for public tours between May 1 and October 31. Visitors can climb onboard the 617-foot cargo ship and historic tug to experience what life was like on the lakes in the early 1900s while also visiting the museum galleries. The inside of the museum features awe-inspiring stories of our Great Lakes through breathtaking photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, a number of powerful audiovisual displays and 40 hands-on interactive exhibits.

ADMISSION: $17.00 (Museum & Ship) / $11.00 (Museum Only) – Adults (18-64)

$16.00 (Museum & Ship) / $10.00 (Museum Only) – Seniors (65+)

$14.00 (Museum & Ship) / $8.00 (Museum Only) – Youth (6-17)

FREE – Children 5 and under

FREE – GLHS/NMGL Members

Tall ships, world’s largest rubber duck coming to Michigan as part of 2022 Festival of Sail

Alpena, MI – Quack, quack.

The world’s largest rubber duck is coming to Michigan.

The massive yellow duck is among several attractions coming to Alpena and Marquette as part of the 2022 Festival of Sail.

The popular festival will take place at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center waterfront on Lake Huron in Alpena July 15-17. The ships, and the rubber duck, will make their way to Marquette’s Mattison Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior Aug. 12-14.

Read the full article at MLive.com: https://www.mlive.com/news/2022/04/tall-ships-worlds-largest-rubber-duck-coming-to-alpena-marquette-as-part-of-2022-festival-of-sail.html

MLive 

Crews work to get fire-damaged Chi-Cheemaun ship-shape for May

Owen Sound, ON – The Owen Sound Transportation Commission (OSTC) said it’s “working diligently” to have the Chi-Cheemaun ferry ready to sail on May 6, the provincial Crown agency said in a social media post. 

The 111-metre (365 feet) vessel remains in Thunder Bay after fire broke out in the boiler room while the ship was in dry dock at the Heddle shipyard, March 12.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue extinguished the fire with the help of on-board crew. The OSTC said fire damage was contained to the boiler room.

The agency said it does not expect any delays to get the ferry ready for the summer sailing season. “The OSTC recognizes the importance of the Chi-Cheemaun to the local economy, specifically the tourism industry.”

The ferry was in Thunder Bay to undergo scheduled maintenance and its five-year hull marine survey in the dry dock at the time of the fire below deck.

The Chi-Cheemaun is a huge part of the tourism industry on Manitoulin Island and for northeastern Ontario.

The ship sails Lake Huron between South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island and Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula. The service usually starts in early May and runs until mid-October. 

Built in Collingwood, the Chi-Cheemaun entered service in 1974 and can carry 140 standard North American-sized cars and 638 passengers.

The OSTC said if there is disruption to the season start date, the agency will be in contact with customers to help with rescheduling or provide a refund. Any schedule changes will be updated through social media channels and the website.

TBNewsWatch

Corps signs five-year lease for Great Lakes tug

Buffalo, NY – Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, awarded a $8.4 million contract to Cleveland-based Great Lakes Towing for five-year lease of the tugboat Don Raul to serve on the Great Lakes.

The boat will primarily be used on Lake Erie between Buffalo, N.Y., and Toledo, Ohio, but may serve all the way to Massena, N.Y., towing the Buffalo District’s repair fleet. The fleet is one of three strategically located across the Great Lakes, providing a flexible, rapid response for maintenance at U.S. harbors and along the nation’s shorelines.

“Maintaining safe navigation is a critical mission for the Corps of Engineers. We’re proud to play our part in supporting commerce and strengthening the nation,” said Lt. Col. Eli Adams, commander of the Buffalo District. “The tugboat Don Raul will greatly enhance our ability to safely and effectively support the residents of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and ensure the economic viability of their waterways.”

The Don Raul is a 74-foot, 2,800 hp, twin-screw seagoing tug, built by Great Lakes Shipyard in 2008.

The tug will be leased for one year, with an initial contract award of $3 million, and options to renew for up to four more years, bringing the total contract value to $8.4 million.

The Don Raul will be a short-term replacement for the tugboat Cheraw, while the District develops and implements a longer term replacement plan. The Cheraw is a former Navy seagoing tug which was transferred to the Buffalo District in 1998. Tugboats are used to transport a derrick boat and materials barges from harbor to harbor.

The Don Raul is expected to depart its current port in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and arrive in Cleveland for maintenance before final delivery to the Buffalo District’s repair fleet crew on Aug. 1.

The Buffalo District is responsible for the maintenance of 35 federal harbors and navigation projects on Lakes Erie and Ontario, including approximately 37 miles of protective structures such as piers, jetties, and breakwaters.

The district’s repair fleet program utilizes the government-owned repair fleet and hired labor to perform repairs to District navigation structures, execute snagging and clearing to remove trees and other obstructions to navigation, and conduct installation and maintenance of safety ladders and signage.

The repair fleet is engaged in harbor maintenance activities for the full duration of construction season on the Great Lakes, typically from mid-April to early November.

WorkBoat

Great Lakes shoreline shipwreck viewing predicted to be excellent this summer

Lansing, MI – Some trails break out of the woods at a lake. Some climb a dune to a sweeping view.

 And many — more than you probably thought — lead to a shipwreck with a story on a beach. This summer could be excellent for shoreline shipwreck viewing as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predicts that the water level of lakes Michigan and Huron could be almost 2 feet below the record highs set in 2020.

 Michigan’s fascinating maritime history is not limited to old lighthouses or restored life-saving stations.  The state is blessed with accessible shipwrecks that don’t require an air tank or a wetsuit to view — only a pair of hiking boots, a paddle or a snorkel and mask.

 The heart of shipwreck territory is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but there are others, including a wreck in Thompson Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County and more off the shore of the Upper Peninsula’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

 Michigan’s shoreline wrecks are constantly evolving, depending on wave action, shifting sand and Great Lakes water levels.  High and dry for easy viewing this summer will be one of Michigan’s newest exposed wrecks, the Jennie and Annie.

 The 137-foot schooner, built in 1863, was rounding Sleeping Bear Point in November 1872 when gale-force winds pushed it into the shallows and reefs of Lake Michigan’s notorious Manitou Passage. The ship, its 10-member crew and a cargo of corn were driven aground 9 miles south near Empire. Only three crew members survived.

 Gone forever? Hardly.

 For the past two summers, a substantial piece of the hull has been visible on a Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore beach.

 See a full list of shipwrecks at the Detroit News link: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/04/10/great-lakes-shoreline-shipwreck-viewing-predicted-excellent-summer/9512143002/?fbclid=IwAR28KrI8AonYLAlsrK0-dkfbytYDdTdQwesPNcLDW74KPJVlpZqDCHe_e-s

The Detroit News

Marine sanctuary visitor center welcomes visitors after two-year shutdown

Alpena, MI – In a soft opening on Thursday, Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center welcomed a handful of guests for the first time in more than two years. Those guests are the first in 100,000 that normally come through on a yearly basis.

The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is the museum owned and operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees operations at the museum and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

At any rate, the museum is open now, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday until May 5, when it will return to its regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

“I have missed being able to come here so much,” said Alpena resident Terri Riopelle, who came to the museum as soon as it opened at 10 a.m. Thursday. “I did a lot of volunteering in the past, and these two years have been, like, empty.”

“It’s such a valuable, amazing place,” Riopelle said, adding that Alpena residents are lucky to have such an educational and exciting resource here in Alpena. “It’s huge for Alpena, as a destination. Not only tourism, but scientifically, what they’re drawing to this town, from around the world, is incredible … It raises us, as a whole, as a community, to another level.”

“We’ve been getting calls like crazy here,” Andrew Augustyn, visitor experience manager at GLMHC, said on Thursday. “We finally have the staff here to answer phones on a regular basis, so that’s great. On top of bringing summer staff back, the glass-bottom boat will be starting in a few weeks, too. So, the closer we get to May, things will kick off, and it will be absolutely crazy around here.” And that’s just the way visitors like it, Augustyn said.

“I think people have just been itching to get back in here,” Augustyn said. “I’m excited. We’re all excited … Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we can do upwards of a couple thousand (visitors) a day.”

He said current programs and exhibits will be similar to what patrons have come to enjoy in the past, but that some amenities have been upgraded, such as the replacement of counters out front, in the bathrooms and in the conference rooms.

Upcoming events in May include the season’s launch of the glass-bottom boat, The Lady Michigan, and the arrival of the Viking Octantis, a Great Lakes cruise ship that will be visiting Alpena eight times this season, the first of which will be May 4.

Augustyn expects many more programs and events to be popping up this summer, and looks forward to inviting the public to come celebrate the reopening.

“We do have plans for updating some exhibits in the future here,” Augustyn added. “To have the visitor center reopen, it’s just been, I think, something that’s been a gap for everybody here, for the last couple of years. We’ve always wanted more for people to do around town. Alpena’s a great community, but just looking for something else to do on a rainy day … just to see that activity, to bring people into the visitor center, is just great.”

Stephanie Gandulla, a maritime archaeologist with TBNMS, is elated to have the center back open.

“It is such a good feeling to see people walk through those front doors,” Gandulla said.

For more information about the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, visit thunderbayfriends.org or thunderbay.noaa.gov.

The Alpena News

Divers plug holes in the hull of museum ship USS The Sullivans

Buffalo, NY – Efforts to save the WWII-era museum ship USS The Sullivans are starting to pay off, according to the salvage team. Multiple holes in the hull have been patched, and the vessel’s condition is believed to be stable. 

The museum ship USS The Sullivans experienced flooding on her starboard side and took on a heavy list on April 13. A joint effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, T&T Salvage, local first responders and the museum operator have succeeded in keeping the ship afloat and stable at its berth.

The team is using multiple salvage pumps to keep flooding under control, and divers are using plugs, patches and epoxy to repair breaches in the aging vessel’s hull. The Sullivans has long been known to be in need of hull repairs, and a restoration effort to reinforce her hull with epoxy along the waterline began last year. It had been slated to continue this spring, once water temperatures warmed enough to do the work. 

High winds have caused delays in the external dive operation, but so far, the dive team has found and plugged about one dozen holes in the hull. The penetrations range in size from about 0.75 to 2.5 inches, according to Buffalo’s ABC affiliate.

“We are seeing that the plugs and patches that the divers have installed are actually working. We talked about the divers installing 10 plugs on the starboard side, and three plugs on the port side. So those are all holding,” said U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo Commander Capt. Lexia Littlejohn in a radio interview. “The list is actually less severe than it was [at the start of the incident].”

The vessel’s condition is stable enough that salvors allowed a rescue mission inside the ship to recover historical artifacts. As a museum ship, USS The Sullivans had many historical objects on display, including the scale model of the vessel herself. Over 40 items were rescued in hopes of preserving and returning them later. 

The vessel’s long-term prospects are looking better as well: last week, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the Senate majority leader, said that he would commit to finding federal funding to pay for the refloat and restoration. “While the cleanup efforts have already begun, this is going to be an expense, and it shouldn’t be the city or county or the park that have to pay for this,” Sen. Schumer said. 

The Maritime Executive 

Video shows American Spirit, others in dry dock at Bayship

Sturgeon Bay, WI – American Spirit in dry dock at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. In the backround is another 1,000-footer, Stewart J. Cort, plus Roger Blough and Cason J. Callaway. All three are in layup.. In the floating dry dock are Mary Ann Market and Mark W. Barker. Door County Drone by Mark Evenson ©

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEaB4XslaqY

Picton Terminals: Moving goods on water in family-owned company’s blood

Prince Edward, ON., CN – An Ontario company is delivering on its wish to see the marine transportation industry better utilized. H.R. Doornekamp Construction Ltd., a family-owned business headquartered in Odessa, near Kingston, has reinvigorated Picton Terminals since it purchased the deep-water facility in 2014. And it has joined the ranks of marine transportation players with the launch of Doornekamp Lines to provide all-water services in Eastern Canada and into the Great Lakes.

 “We have a lot of Dutch and European in our blood. So, moving items on water, the way the Europeans do, has always been of large interest to us,” said Ben Doornekamp, Owner of Doornekamp Construction. “When fuel prices did what they did (in 2008), it made it more evident that we had to become more efficient in moving product on water in the Great Lakes region.”

 The first target on the Doornekamp radar was Picton Terminals, a facility built in 1953 for Bethlehem Steel to ship iron ore to the U.S. It closed in the 1970s following the closure of the nearby iron ore mine, then operated on a smaller scale under different leaseholders. Doornekamp saw the terminal as an opportunity to strengthen its construction services and support import and export services in the region.

 “At that time we kept our eye on the port,” Doornekamp said. “The gentleman who owned it had mentioned to us that he was going to step away. He was a longtime construction guy in Kingston. My father was as well, so they knew each other well. They trusted each other. In 2014, the gentleman called us and asked if we were still interested. We said ‘yes.’ We met for breakfast and owned the port by the end of the meal.

 “We had lots of huge visions and dreams for the port. We’ve been very fortunate. Not only have they come true, they’ve exceeded our goals. We’re extremely excited where we’re at right now.”

 Among its efforts to redevelop, upgrade, diversify and modernize the terminal to be a pivotal hub in Eastern Ontario’s supply chain, Doornekamp has refurbished and fully computerized the shiploading conveyor systems, renovated buildings and retrofitted the port to store up to 2,300 containers. It also purchased a Liebherr LHM 420 Mobile Harbour Crane to handle bulk cargo.

 Today, Picton Terminals moves a wide range of products, including construction material, steel and steel beams, aggregates, stone, gypsum, dredged sand, farming products, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo, containers and bulk sugar. It even unloaded and stored last autumn two electric ferries that will sail in the Kingston region this year.

 Kimco Steel Sales Ltd. has a working relationship with Picton Terminals to facilitate the movement of the Kingston-based company’s structural steel into the port.

 “When it comes to providing great service to your customers in today’s instantaneous, fast-paced world, supply chain logistics is more important than ever. Picton Terminals’ personal touch and attention to detail really seems to shorten the chain, allowing Kimco the opportunity to receive our imports with efficiency and accuracy,” said Cody Rosen, Kimco’s Executive Director.

Doornekamp, which has a workforce of 80 to 100 people, has invested close to $30 million in its marine industry initiatives. It operates two Damen tugs, the Amy Lynn D, delivered in 2021, and the Sheri Lynn S, two flat-deck barges, as well as hopper barges from Picton Terminals under the Doornekamp Lines banner. In an effort to further capitalize on new opportunities, Doornekamp Lines is investing in container shipping.

 The company started looking about three years ago at launching a scheduled domestic container and bulk cargo service from Halifax to Picton, with Picton being the connection to Toronto. “We did a ton of research, brought in a bunch of experts to help us,” Doornekamp said. The company announced plans in spring 2021 for the service and purchased a vessel, which it named the Peyton Lynn C. But before the service could even take off, Spliethoff, which operates the twice-monthly Cleveland Europe Express (CEE) between Europe and Cleveland, approached Doornekamp LInes about entering into a partnership.

 “It’s pretty interesting how it came to be,” Doornekamp said. “In March of last year, we decided we were going to move on the domestic service, which was Step 1 – buying a container ship. About a week after we purchased it, Spliethoff approached us. We had always been trying to work with Spliethoff on their service. They asked if they could charter the vessel from us. That’s basically how it came about. A bit of a surprise plan.”

The CEE is scheduled to start stopping in Picton, with connections to Toronto, this year. But Doornekamp is still looking “very seriously” at the Halifax-Picton service. “The vessel we had considered for that service has gone to Spliethoff on long-term charter and will stay there,” Doornekamp said. “We’re looking at what we’ve learned from the Spliethoff model, and we’re still looking very closely at another vessel for the domestic service that would sail Halifax into the Great Lakes.

 “We would be looking at containers that move into Halifax that either move by rail or truck further into the U.S. or into the Great Lakes region. We’d be looking at moving that cargo by water – short-sea shipping.

 “We are a small, private-sector player punching above our weight with the likes of large, established port authorities. Not many people start new ports today and, as such, there isn’t a prescribed process.

 “We still have some challenges to get over. A lot of them have to do with government hurdles. It’s not as easy as you think getting over some of these hurdles. But we’re getting there. We are fortunate to be working with government staff who are helping us to stickhandle the many government agencies and policies to ensure regulatory compliance.”

 Moving forward, increasing transportation efficiencies and providing an alternative to truck and rail transport and a more environmentally responsible option for domestic and international trade remain among Doornekamp’s main objectives and the cornerstone of its business plan.

 “Stand by. We have some more projects coming down the pike in 2022,” Doornekamp promised. “It’s all related to Canadian shipping – improving it and expanding it for Canadian companies. Hopefully we can continue at the rate we’ve been going and make it a very positive experience for our customers.”

Chamber of Marine Commerce

Army Corps says $10M still on the table if port can fill funding gap for deepening project 

Ogdensburg, NY – The Army Corps of Engineers says it is still committed to working with the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority on a project to deepen the Port of Ogdensburg. But the corps says federal law prevents it from putting more than $10 million into the project.

The OBPA Board of Directors during its April regular meeting passed a resolution acknowledging that the Army Corps had withdrawn a $10 million funding commitment for the $29.5 million harbor deepening project that was initially estimated at $11.4 million. Between the federal funding and a portion contributed by the state Department of Transportation, there’s an $11.4 million gap that the OBPA has to cover, which it can’t afford. The project would have modified a 300-by-500-foot section of the federal channel to an authorized depth from 19 feet to 27 feet.

Shortly afterward, the corps released a prepared statement saying that the $10 million is still on the table, if the OBPA can fill the funding gap.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District remains committed to working with our partners at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. The Ogdensburg Harbor deepening project is authorized under Section 107 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960 which requires the Corps of Engineers share the cost with a sponsor outside the federal government,” the statement from Army Corps Lt. Col. Eli S. Adams says. “We have had to put a pause on the project due to current non-federal sponsor funding limitations, but continuation is still possible. If the Port Authority is successful in securing the necessary funds, we will be ready to move ahead.”

During the OBPA’s April board meeting, board Chair Vernon D. “Sam” Burns said he asked federal officials to use money from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November, but they wouldn’t go for it.

“They would not even request that from Congress to increase the $10 million because they wanted to spread out the additional funding for other states. That was the reply I received,” Mr. Burns said.

He called the response “a slap in the face to the Bridge and Port Authority and the state of New York.”

Mr. Adams said in his statement that federal law prevents the Army Corps from putting more than $10 million into the harbor deepening work.

Mr. Adams in his statement outlined reasons the project’s cost went to nearly $30 million.

“Among the cost challenges identified by government and industry stakeholders were restrictive underwater blasting requirements, labor intensive efforts, and project schedule. Other factors included the limited pool of available contractors to perform the work and the project’s remote location,” he wrote.

Clarifying Mr. Adams’ statement on Ogdensburg being a “remote location,” Army Corps Deputy Chief of Public Affairs Avery P. Schneider said it has to do with distance from major metropolitan areas. 

“I don’t know if there’s a textbook definition” of remote location, he said. “The expertise needed for the project, you don’t necessarily find that just anywhere. Getting (necessary experts) from some farther locations up to Northern New York could be very difficult.”

NNY 360 

Six U.S. ports winners of 2021 season “Pacesetter Award” 

Oswego, NY –  On Monday, the U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) announced that six U.S. ports in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System received the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from GLS for registering increases in international cargo tonnage shipped through their ports during the 2021 navigation season.

“The winners honored today showcase the critical role of Great Lakes ports in moving goods through our supply chain – and reflect the skill and dedication of the port workers who literally keep our economy afloat,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The six ports earning the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for 2021 are: Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor (Ind.); Port of Chicago (Ill.); Port of Cleveland (Ohio); Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority (Mich.); Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority (Pa.); and (N.Y.).

“Congratulations to the six Great Lakes ports being recognized as GLS Pacesetter Award recipients for their achievements during the 2021 Seaway navigation season,”  GLS Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook said. “The sustained level of high performance is a testament not only to the Seaway System’s importance as a maritime supply chain but also to the hard work and resiliency of the dedicated men and women throughout our Great Lakes port community.”

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award, which was established in 1992 to recognize the achievements of U.S. ports whose activities result in increasing international tonnage shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway, excluding Canada, in comparison with the previous year. The Pacesetter Award name was officially changed in 2001 to posthumously honor the noteworthy career of former GLS Logistics Director Robert J. Lewis, who was instrumental in developing and implementing the GLS’s trade development program.

Oswego County Today

                    Scrapping continues on St. Clair at Port Colborne
See images in the photo gallery.

                   Marine Mart in Port Huron to resume in June
Port Huron, MI – A long-standing tradition, sidelined by COVID, will make a return this year in a new location. The Summer Marine Mart, formerly the St. Clair Marine Mart, will be held Saturday, June 11, at the American Legion Post #8, 1026 Sixth St., in Port Huron, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Mart features nautical items, artifacts, photos, books, artwork, models, postcards and more. See the poster in the image gallery below for more information.

SS Badger enters federal funding program as LMC explores power conversion

Ludington, MI – The SS Badger was recently accepted into a federal funding program, opening the carferry up for grant opportunities and designating its route to Manitowoc as a shortcut on a marine highway.

The carferry was enrolled in the America’s Marine Highway Program, which promotes traffic on waterways to support maritime jobs and relieve congestion on land.

Being enrolled in the program, funded last month for $25 million, makes the Badger eligible for grants that could pay for a variety of projects.

Past grants have been spent on a freight service carrying fresh produce across the Long Island Sound; a specialized dock for loading and unloading space launch equipment; and improved freight shipping, among other things.

Lake Michigan Carferry, which owns the Badger, isn’t yet working toward “anything specific,” according to General Manager Sara Spore. But there has been talk of applying for funds to “repower” the carferry, converting the country’s last large coal-fired steamship to a cleaner energy source, she said.

“We’re doing studies of the feasibility” of such a conversion, Spore said, “but, you know, there’s a lot of work that has to go into a project like that. … We have to do the engineering studies and really look at it.”

Other possibilities for a power source include diesel fuel, battery power and liquefied natural gas, she said. Liquefied natural gas is natural gas cooled until it becomes liquid, decreasing its volume and making it easier to transport.

The Badger in recent years was outfitted with a more efficient system that burns less coal and stores coal ash on board for later disposal on land. Previously, ash had been dumped into Lake Michigan.

The carferry’s enrollment in the program also tacks its route onto Marine Highway M-90, which spans the Great Lakes and the Erie Canal. Projects are only funded along designated marine highways.

That doesn’t change anything about the water route being classified as a continuation of U.S. 10. Until a recent paint job, that fact had been emblazoned on the back of the ship, and Spore said it will return soon.

“People are pretty worried about that. It’ll be going back up,” she said. “There’s still some painting and work that has to be done. We are still the extension of the highway.”

The America’s Marine Highway Program has awarded more than $51.7 million in grants since it was created in 2014.

Ludington Daily News

Know Your Ships launch party set for May 1 at Algonac

Algonac, MI – Roger LeLievre, editor of Know Your Ships, will return to Algonac at 3 p.m. May 1 for a launch party of the 2022 edition.

Marine Publishing Co.’s annual field guide, “Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway,” offers a guide of the freighters, tankers, tugs, barges, salties, passenger ships, international visitors and other vessels in the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway. It is marking its 63rd year in 2022.

LeLievre will stop by the Algonac-Clay Maritime Museum to introduce the new edition of the book and offer the program “Hitchin’ a Ride,” in which he will talk about and show images of what life is like on Great Lakes freighters.

“He has been lucky enough to be invited on vessels such as the Stewart J. Cort, Wilfred Sykes, Edward L. Ryerson and others, and he will share his photos and images with us,” a flyer for the event states.

The museum has been hosting Know Your Ships launch parties for five years, Algonac-Clay Historical Society member Paula Burgess said. The 2021 launch party saw about 50 people in attendance.

“We call Roger, set up a date, he sends a flyer, shows up, gives us a wonderful presentation,” Burgess said. “He has been involved with some kind of work around freighters all his life, is the author to Know Your Ships and a wonderful speaker. This year he will show a film with him inside a freighter going down the channel with question and answer period.”

The cost of admission is a $5 donation to the museum. Books will be on sale at a $5 discount and LeLievre will be available to autograph them.

The Algonac-Clay Maritime Museum is located at 1117 St. Clair River Drive in Algonac. For more information about the Know Your Ships guide, go to knowyourships.com.

Marine Mart in Port Huron to resume in June

Port Huron, MI – A long-standing tradition, sidelined by COVID, will make a return this year in a new location. The Summer Marine Mart, formerly the St. Clair Marine Mart, will be held Saturday, June 11, at the American Legion Post #8, 1026 Sixth St., in Port Huron, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Mart features nautical items, artifacts, photos, books, artwork, models, postcards and more. See the poster in the image gallery below for more information.

Former fire chief becomes next general manager of Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours

 Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Former city fire chief Scott LaBonte is now preparing to lead the next generation of boat tours in the Soo Locks. LaBonte is now the general manager in training of Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, a private lock tour company that has been operating in Sault Ste. Marie for decades.

The current general manager Richard Brawley plans on retiring at the end of the 2022 season, but before he leaves he’ll be around to help train LaBonte and prepare him to run the tours on his own. LaBonte is currently working on obtaining his 100-ton Masters license, which will allow him to captain the boat on tours and cruises. LaBonte will also be working in the boats, ticket office and with the board of directors to understand all of the crew and office roles in the company.

According to Brawley, LaBonte was chosen for the job based on his experience in management, training employees, communications skills and familiarity with the area.

“When I left the fire department, I was open to new opportunities.” said LaBonte in an email. “Many of the skills from the fire department transfer well to my new role at Famous — from overseeing maintenance of trucks to the seasonal maintenance and inspection of boats, training our crew to ensure the safety of our passengers, plus managing a team, budgets and community outreach.”

The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been teaching the history of Sault Ste. Marie and its well-known lock system for over 60 years. Since 1959, they have been making 90-minute trips up and down the St. Marys River on a trip that takes them through the locks. During the trip, passengers learn the history of the locks, which are the world’s largest parallel locking system, and how it supports much of the U.S. economy.

“The Soo Locks is a major attraction here and it gives visitors to our area and locals that opportunity to go through the locks and experience looking through it,” said Allie Brawley, communications liaison for Famous Soo Lock Boat Tours. “It’s a unique way to see our area and tour the area from the water. I’d say it’s had quite a place in history for the Sault Ste. Marie area.”

The Sault News

Plans finalized for Boatnerd picnic; freighter-chasing cruise tickets now on sale

Boatnerd is delighted to announce the return of its annual boat watching events in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annual Engineer’s Day (Friday, June 24) open house at the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Boatnerd Picnic at Sherman Park, Thursday, June 23*

Optional: Three-hour Soo Locks Freighter Chasing Cruise aboard the tour boat LeVoyageur at 6 p.m. Friday, June 24. Buy tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/2p86wujf

Boat watching at Sherman Park and at Mission Point

Lots of friendly Boatnerds

*The Boatnerd Picnic will be Thursday, June 23, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Sherman Park, just west of the locks. Bring a dish to pass. Burgers, hot dogs, buns and condiments will be provided by Boatnerd. Free.) Save the date and think early about your travel plans and lodging. The event will be held rain or shine, but lets hope for shine!

The Boatnerd Crew

Obituary: Captain Thomas “Tom” Martineau

After putting up one heck of a fight, Captain Thomas “Tom” Martineau, 74, a longtime resident of Iron River, WI, formerly of Superior, WI and Duluth, MN, set sail for the last time on December 11, 2021, at his home after a lengthy illness.

Upon graduating from Superior Central High School in 1965, Tom set sail on the Great Lakes starting out as a “pearl diver” (dishwasher), before there were automatic dishwashers.  Shortly thereafter, Tom was moved up to being an oiler, a deckhand, and several other mariner positions.  He was suddenly drafted into the Army in 1968 and honorably served in the United States Army in Vietnam as an SP5(T) Commander in 1968 and 1969 on riverine patrol swamp boats and was awarded four Medals: National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.

When Tom returned home from Vietnam, he pursued his dream and love of sailing and worked his way to the top of the ranks. He served as a Great Lakes ship captain for most of his sailing career, spending 40 years with the former Inland Steel fleet. He retired in 2006, after 40 years of dedicated service.  All who knew him would agree that Tom fit the role of captain with no “ifs, ands, or buts about it.”  Gruff, focused, intelligent, and to the point, Tom commanded respect without demanding it.  He was a gentleman, if one with a somewhat profane (but always entertaining) vocabulary.  A strong moral compass and fierce determination shined through in all that he did. Tom was a model of responsibility and integrity to family and friends alike, and was a proud member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday, June 4th, starting at 2:30 p.m. p.m. at the Slade-Goldberg Community Center, 8275 East Mill St. Iron River, WI 54847 during which time family and friends can share stories about Tom. Toms final wish was for family and friends to have “one hell of a party on him.” A feast and music in memory of Tom will be provided per Tom’s explicit instructions.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard at 4:00 p.m.

Born to Joseph and Myrtle Peterson (Kolek) Martineau on July 16, 1947, Tom grew up in Superior, WI and throughout his life proudly remembered and stayed connected to some of his North End roots.  The third of five children, Tom and his elder siblings Edward and Maxine helped their mother raise their younger siblings Doug and Dennis after the unexpected death of their father at a very young age.

Tom maintained strong bonds with his siblings throughout his and their lives.  He also knew how to “let his hair down,” which he would tell you while pointing to his nearly bald head with a jovial laugh, mischievous grin, and a twinkle in his stunning blue eyes.  He enjoyed laughing and making people laugh, playing pool, fast cars (especially Dodge Chargers), riding his Harley Trike with his wife Debbie, camping in their toy-hauler, hitting the trails on his ATVs with his children, and making rounds on Deep Lake behind the wheel of their pontoon.

One cannot mention Tom without noting his many passions.  First and foremost was his love and care of family. Secondly, his avid enthusiasm and affection for the Green Bay Packers.  His enthusiasm for the Packers was expressed in numerous ways, but most notably in his rituals regarding lucky clothes and “rules” about not being able to move his discarded Velcro tear-apart Packer doll, and his Packer clothing wherever they may have been hurled during the most recent game, until the next game.  Furthermore, one cannot mention Tom without noting his love of watching Minnesota high school hockey tournaments with his son Gary (A.K.A. BoBo).  Tom was also a virtuoso in the kitchen and a master at the helm of a grill; plopping a perfectly grilled slab of prime rib down on your plate was one of many thoughtful ways Tom expressed his love for friends and family.

If you were lucky enough to be loved by Tom, you never had to question it. Always a straight shooter, Tom had no reservations about sharing what was on his mind or in his heart.  As a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Tom’s compassion, generosity, wisdom, support, and patience had no bounds. Tom will always be remembered as “Dancing Bear” and as someone who inspired even the most reserved of us to dance right along with him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Debbie (Little) Martineau, Iron River, WI; children, Terri Martineau, and Gary “Bobo” (Debbie) Frederickson Martineau, both of Duluth; stepchildren, Heather (Douglas Wyant) Laakso, Port Wing, WI, Angela (Scott) Shober, Wrenshall, MN, Lacy Almonte, Superior, WI; and Willie (Katie) Hipsher, Duluth, MN; brothers, Doug (Jenny) Martineau, and Dennis Martineau (Rachel Austreng), of Superior, WI; grandchildren, Ashley, Tommy, Jennifer, Jessica, Elena, Lydia, Judah, Finnegan, Joshua, Otto, Alesannea; great-grandson, Jaxon, and 5 additional great-grandchildren; special nephew, T.J. Martineau, and nephews, John Dietel, David Dietel, and Paul Dietel; niece Holly Pollon; special friend, and first mate, Eric Treece, of Colorado; and Tom and Debs faithful canine companion, Daisy.