Steel production up nearly 20% this year

NW Indiana – Great Lakes steel production dipped by 2,000 tons last week, though U.S. steel mills remained at 85% capacity utilization, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

National steel output is up more than nearly 20% so far this year and more than 27% higher than at the same time last year, when steel mills sunk to just over half-capacity early in the coronavirus pandemic.

Steel mills in the Great Lakes region, clustered mainly along the South Shore of Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana, made 636,000 tons of metal in the week that ended Aug. 21, down from 638,000 tons the previous week.

Overall, domestic steel mills in the United States made 1.877 million tons of steel last week, up 0.4% from 1.869 million tons the previous week, and up 27.2% compared to 1.476 million tons the same time a year prior, when the onset of the coronavirus pandemic shut down auto plants and other factories, greatly depleting the demand for steel.

So far this year, domestic steel mills in the United States have made 60.17 million tons of steel, a 19.8% increase compared to the 50.24 million tons made during the same period in 2020. U.S. steel mills have run at a capacity utilization rate of 80.4% through Aug. 21, up from 66.6% at the same point in 2020, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Steel capacity utilization nationwide was 85% last week, which was up from 65.9% at the same time a year ago and down from 84.7% a week prior.

Steel production in the southern region, a wide geographic swath that encompasses many mini-mills and rivals the Great Lakes region in output, totaled 815,000 tons last week, up from 799,000 tons the week before. Volume in the rest of the Midwest dipped to 201,000 tons, down from 202,000 tons the week prior.

NW Indiana Times

Duluth’s ore boat meets its namesake’s descendants

Duluth, MN – Before last week, three of William A. Irvin’s great-grandchildren had never been on his namesake ore boat, moored in the Duluth Harbor and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Irvin was president of U.S. Steel for six years in the 1930s. The 610-foot laker, christened in 1938, was the flagship of the steel company’s Great Lakes fleet, becoming the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s (DECC) floating maritime museum in 1986, eight years after its retirement.

When the siblings went through the attic of their parents’ Ohio home after their mother died last year, they discovered a treasure trove from Irvin’s past: a scrapbook with a Western Union telegram from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, a 1934 Business Week magazine with Irvin gracing the cover and a first edition set of Napoleon Hill’s “The Law of Success,” based on interviews with some of Irvin’s likely influences, such as J.P. Morgan, who formed U.S. Steel.

Contemplating their great-grandfather’s steel industry prominence, “takes your breath away,” said Susan Barnett, of Dayton, Ohio.

Barnett and her sister, Cathie Hirsch of Detroit, and brother Robert Hirsch of Clearwater, Fla., traveled to Duluth last week to donate to the convention center several items they found in that attic.

Irvin was a regular guest on the ship with his second wife, Gertrude, said longtime tour guide and onetime Irvin crew member Cedric Woodard. He took Irvin’s family through the boat, including its elegant guest rooms and the oak-paneled dining room where opulent meals were served.

Jana Hollingsworth, Star Tribune

Cathie Hirsch tries out the steering wheel of the William A. Irvin ore boat in Duluth last week. Hirsch is one of three of William A. Irvin’s great-grandchildren who visited the boat and donated some of Irvin’s possessions to the maritime museum. Walking where William A. Irvin walked produced “chills,” the siblings said.

The sisters, who drove to Minnesota together saw the brick-red vessel for the first time at night, when it was lit against the dark sky. “We pulled up, and it was bigger than life,” Cathie Hirsch said.

The 2,000-horsepower Irvin was built by the American Ship Building Co. in Lorain, Ohio, and sailed the Great Lakes for 40 years. The 83-year-old boat recently had a face-lift: Without a working engine, rudder or ballast, it was tugged to Superior’s Fraser Shipyards in 2018 for restoration work, and brought back on a nail-biting journey in 2019. The boat cleared the narrow slip bridge opening with only inches to spare.

Most of the ship’s historical items are from crew members and their families. That’s why DECC internal operations director, Steve Rankila, was thrilled to get a call from Barnett with their findings. “We were very excited to have the Irvin family share their great-grandfather’s life with us,” he said.

Irvin had five children with his first wife, one of whom is the grandmother of Barnett, Cathie Hirsch and Robert Hirsch. Irvin’s 1952 New York Times obituary said the “self-made man” helped form the National Recovery Administration during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency that brought about fair business practices and empowered unions.

Under Irvin, U.S. Steel was the first Big Steel group to sign a bargaining contract with steel workers. He later became active in the National Safety Council where his work was said to have helped prevent millions of injuries and thousands of deaths.

He was pivotal in improving worker safety and supported unions, Barnett said, and in doing so, “he changed the lives of steel workers.”

Seeing the boat helped the great-grandchildren form a new connection to the man they once knew so little about, they said. Being here, Robert Hirsch said, “is very emotional.”

Read more here: https://www.startribune.com/duluth-s-ore-boat-meets-its-namesake-s-descendants/600088453/

Great Lakes’ water temperatures soaring with recent hot weather

The hot weather in the past week, coupled with sunshine and light wind, have boosted the Great Lakes’ water temperatures. The western third of Lake Erie has warmed up to 80 degrees, or even higher in spots. The southern end of Lake Michigan is at least 75 degrees. Even Lake Superior, which always seems to have cold water, is up to 60 degrees in the coldest spots. The southern shore of Lake Superior has warmed up to around 70 degrees. Southern Lake Michigan has warmed into the mid-70s, and should get warmer over the next week.

Read more at this MLive link: https://www.mlive.com/weather/2021/08/great-lakes-water-temperatures-soaring-with-recent-hot-weather.html?fbclid=IwAR2veqgkGMWh2Xj0QImama8uLkSovbLabEeJPb-tBB41pyo5b1MO6FpvmY4

Duluth port sees ‘vigorous rebound’ as taconite shipments push records

Duluth, MN – The Port of Duluth-Superior has bounced back from last year’s pandemic slump with a standout start to the Great Lakes shipping season, driven largely by taconite shipments. Total tonnage through July reached 15.2 million tons — 31% above 2020 levels and 12% above the five-year average.

“It’s been a good first half of the shipping season so far and a vigorous rebound from the COVID challenges of 2020,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Last year the port recorded its lowest tonnage totals since 1938.

“It’s been especially good to see iron ore tonnage jumping back above the five-season average,” DeLuca added, “because it’s a bellwether of positivity for our port and our region as a whole.”

Iron ore shipments from the port to steelmakers around the Great Lakes have reached 9.5 million tons so far in the shipping season, which began in March. At that pace it could be one of the strongest years in a decade.

“The outlook for iron ore appears steady,” said Duluth Seaway Port Authority spokesman Jayson Hron. “The first-half tonnage doesn’t faithfully predict the second half, but there are no major indications of a slowdown in sight.”

Taconite comprises the majority of the cargo that is shipped from the Port of Duluth-Superior, the busiest port on the Great Lakes.

U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs, which mine and process all the taconite produced on Minnesota’s Iron Range, have both reported record-setting starts to the year. That’s a sharp reversal from the drop in steel demand and steep losses that led to hundreds of layoffs at Iron Range mines last summer.

“Demand for steel is very strong across all sectors, and strong demand supports strong prices,” Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves told investors in a July earnings call after the company reported a record $780 million quarterly profit. “Most of our customers are experiencing record profits and learning that higher prices are good for pretty much everyone in the supply chain.”

U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt said in a July 30 earnings call the 120-year-old company “has its best days ahead” after its best quarterly results — a $1 billion profit — in more than a dozen years.

Across the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, officials said grain is the cargo to watch in the second half of the season, as shipments are substantially behind last year’s pace.

The Port of Duluth-Superior in recent years moved an average of 1.3 million tons of grain annually but so far this season has shipped just 377,000 tons — 40% of last year’s tonnage through July.

“Crop quality, yields and pricing, as well as transportation pricing, will combine as they always do to affect shipments for the remainder of the year,” Hron said. “We’re monitoring the drought conditions to see what effect that will have on crop yield and pricing in the Upper Midwest as

Read the story here: https://www.startribune.com/duluth-port-sees-vigorous-rebound-as-taconite-shipments-push-records/600091171/

Lake Superior Summer: Blue-green algal blooms come to a lake once believed immune

On a calm morning in late summer 2019, Jim Bailey was kayaking on Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, Ontario, when he found himself paddling through thick green scum, the likes of which he’d never seen in those waters. Puzzled, he headed into the open bay where he could see green patches stretching out about 3 kilometers.

Bailey – recently retired as coordinator of the local Remedial Action Plan Office – had his suspicions about what he was seeing. It had been his job to oversee a government office tasked with identifying and controlling local sources of pollution.

He emptied his water bottle, scooped up some scum and headed for shore. Ten minutes after handing his sample to Lakehead University for analysis, his suspicions were confirmed – it was cyanobacteria, a type of algae that can produce toxins harmful to people and wildlife.

“I’ve lived on the lake my entire life, and I’d never seen algae before,” said Bailey. “I knew if it was algae, it would be a landmark and not a good one.”

The incident was the first documented case of a cyanobacteria bloom along Lake Superior’s northern shore in Canada. The previous summer had seen reports of a massive bloom of cyanobacteria – also known as blue-green algae – on the southern side of the lake in the United States.

“The 2018 bloom was the largest ever recorded on the lake,” said Robert Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory at the University of Minnesota Duluth. “One hundred kilometers of shoreline turned opaque green. It was quite extraordinary.”

As the deepest and most northern of the Great Lakes, Superior was once thought immune to algal blooms. It was considered largely devoid of algae-promoting nutrient runoff from surrounding land. But more importantly, it was just too cold, even in summer.

Today, Superior is one of the fastest warming lakes in the world, said Sterner.

Still, it was a shock when the first report of blue-green algae came in 2012, on the shoreline in Wisconsin near the Apostle Islands. There have been several minor blooms since then, the biggest one happening in 2018. This year, a mild winter and hot start to the summer means Superior’s waters are warmer than normal, possibly setting the stage for another substantial bloom.

Read the full story here: https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/08/lake-superior-summer-algae-bloom/

Spliethoff adds container vessel Peyton Lynn C to Cleveland Europe Express service

Spliethoff is increasing the frequency of its Cleveland Europe Express (CEE) service by adding container vessel Peyton Lynn C to the service, in response to the high demand for tonnage between Europe and the Great Lakes. This vessel, owned by Doornekamp Shipping Services, will be taken on long term charter by Spliethoff, sailing in a regular schedule between the ports of Antwerp (Belgium), Picton ON (Canada) and Cleveland OH.

Spliethoff is increasing the frequency of its Cleveland Europe Express (CEE) service by adding container vessel Peyton Lynn C to the service, in response to the high demand for tonnage between Europe and the Great Lakes. This vessel, owned by Doornekamp Shipping Services, will be taken on long term charter by Spliethoff, sailing in a regular schedule between the ports of Antwerp (Belgium), Picton ON (Canada) and Cleveland OH (USA).

The CEE service has been offering twice-monthly quick-transit all-water sailings between Europe and various Great Lakes ports for many years, catering to a broad range of consumers and industries.

Until now, the service has run mainly with Spliethoff-owned versatile multi-purpose tweendecker vessels, able to carry a variety of cargo types. By adding container vessel Peyton Lynn C, the CEE is expanding its capacity to transport exclusively containers to/from Picton, Cleveland, and Antwerp.

Peyton Lynn C loaded in Antwerp Monday for her maiden voyage in the CEE service. Once loading is complete, the vessel will head to Doornekamp’s terminal in Picton to discharge cargo, continuing to Cleveland for discharge and loading before subsequently heading back to Antwerp. Transit time is just 12 days to Picton and 15 days to Cleveland.

Spliethoff

Cuyahoga has close call with sailboat at Port Huron

Danger signs sound as Canada’s bulk carrier Cuyahoga making a sharp turn towards the bridge and a quick maneuver by the sail boat at the last minute averted a collision in Port Huron, Michigan. Video courtesy StreamTimeLive.

Final days or Jim Hoffman exhibit at Toledo

The last day to visit the temporary exhibit sharing the photographic life of Toledo’s late Jim Hoffman is Monday, September 6th. Get more information 👉 https://www.facebook.com/events/250198516542493

SS Badger car ferry resumes service after COVID pause

Manitowoc, WI –The SS Badger car ferry  headed across Lake Michigan on its normal cruise Thursday after suspending operations when an employee tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.

Officials for the car ferry service — which carries passengers to and from Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan — announced Aug. 10 they were pausing trips and an employee was quarantined on shore as soon as managers learned the worker had been exposed to the virus.

“Our SS Badger will be underway tomorrow and will resume her daily crossings,” spokeswoman Chrissy Kadleck told the Herald Times Reporter Wednesday. Passengers with reservations for the time the SS Badger was docked were encouraged to reschedule or request a refund.

Sara Spore, SS Badger general manager, said in a news release that a crew member tested positive for the coronavirus and the company conducted contact tracing. Three additional crew members were also quarantined.

“The safety of our employees and passengers is our top priority,” said Mark Barker, president of Interlake Maritime Services, which operates the Lake Michigan car ferry, in the release.

Passengers can call 800-841-4243 to adjust bookings. Spore said reservations can be changed up to and until Oct. 10, which ends the 2021 season, without additional fees.

“We do not take your business for granted,” she said in the release. “We appreciate your understanding in these difficult times, and we urge you to be patient with our reservation agents as they work hard to assist the many impacted customers.”

Read the story and view a video here: https://www.htrnews.com/story/money/2021/08/18/ss-badger-lake-michigan-car-ferry-resumes-manitowoc-ludington-service/8182679002/

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway ports see uptick in wind cargoes

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway has seen a rise in ship transits this year thanks in part to an increase in wind energy cargoes, boding well for American and Canadian ports and economies in the region.

Great Lakes Seaway Partnership on Wednesday reported navigation statistics since the opening of the shipping season on March 22 through July. In the first 4 months, the critical seaway connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes region saw 1,733 total transits and 16.7 million tons, up 6.2% and 4.6%, respectively, compared to 2020.

Commodities seeing an increase included iron ore, containers, steel, and wind energy cargo. The ports of Erie, Burns Harbor, and Duluth received wind energy cargoes on eight ships.

“July was a good month for project cargo moving through the Seaway System, with a notable resurgence in shipments of windmill components,” said Craig H. Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. “The wind energy supply chain continues to be strong, with vessels bringing these cargoes from five different countries last month. Exports of iron ore remain strong due to sustained worldwide demand, and steel tonnage continues to be robust, driven by activity in the manufacturing and construction sectors.”

The increase in wind energy cargoes through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway was also apparent during the 2020 navigation season. The Port of Duluth-Superior, for example, saw an increase of 219,000 freight tons in wind cargo compared to 2019, making it a top hub wind cargo. Indian’s Port of Burns Harbor saw a total of 45 shipments wind cargoes.

Last month, the Port of Duluth-Superior had its largest July “float” since 2015, increasing to 4.2 million short tons of maritime cargo and pushing the port’s season-to-date tonnage total over 15.2 million through July 31. This marked 6% above the five-season average and 40.5% ahead of last season’s pace. Through July, vessel arrivals in the Port of Duluth-Superior totaled 334, outpacing 2020’s count by 28.5%.

“It’s been a good first half of the shipping season so far and a vigorous rebound from the COVID challenges of 2020,” said Deb DeLuca, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “It’s been especially good to see iron ore tonnage jumping back above the five-season average, because it’s a bellwether of positivity for our port and our region as a whole.

“Each ore ship carries between $7 million and $8 million in ore value, so while they’re moving a key raw material of everyday life, they’re also moving a sizable amount of commerce for our communities and the North American economy,” added DeLuca.

Ryan McCoy, Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor port director, said his port had a “fantastic” July.

“International vessel tonnage increased 228 percent compared to last July 2020. Year-to-date, Burns Harbor is up more than 115 percent in our seaway/maritime business. Overall, all Burns Harbor tonnage is up 24 percent. With this influx, our customers are taking advantage of the versatility of our Port and properties. We are able to offer unique storage options within close proximity to their processing facilities that they couldn’t find outside of our port setting. All indications point to a robust end of the year and strong 2022 shipping season, as well.”

Read more here: https://gcaptain.com/great-lakes-st-lawrence-seaway-sees-uptick-in-wind-cargoes/?fbclid=IwAR13b0pjpznYwKtYtLiPYXv-zrSadQuStzf_wOHodnTFBmov86cDscBQQ1w

Pipeline protesters prevent Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge from rising

Duluth, MN – The Aerial Lift Bridge was prevented from rising at midday Thursday by protesters who refused to get off the bridge.

The Duluth Police Department says the bridge was not able to function for about 30 minutes. The protesters initially refused to get off the bridge but eventually complied without incident after speaking to officers. No arrests were made.

For safety reasons, pedestrians are not allowed on the bridge when it rises to allow ship traffic through the canal. The bridge normally rises on the hour and half-hour, as well as at other times for large ships.

Police pulled resources from their Kids, Cops, and Cars event, happening nearby in Bayfront Park, to respond to this incident. “Demonstrating peacefully and showcasing people’s First Amendment is a right to all and our officers are here to ensure safety for everyone,” the department said in a statement to media.

The incident followed a march against Enbridge’s Line 3 that began near the St. Louis County Courthouse and ended at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers building, which is adjacent to the Lift Bridge.

View photos here: https://www.wdio.com/news/pipeline-protesters-prevent-aerial-lift-bridge-from-rising/6213135/?cat=10335

Real-life version of cartoon tugboat Theodore Too to visit the St. Clair River

St Clair, MI – Theodore Too will be making some stops along the St. Clair River next week. The popular life size replica of the famous cartoon tugboat, Theodore Too, has been making stops all through the Great Lakes area. On Wednesday the 25th, the tugboat will visit Grand Bend Pier in Lambton Shores. Theodore will then visit Point Edward and Sarnia Next Saturday the 28th and Mooretown on Tuesday August 31st. Up close viewing will take place from 9am to 6pm each day. The tugboat’s tour is not only to bring joy to kids of all ages but also to raise awareness for the Great Lakes maritime industry which is currently facing a shortage of professionals. For more information, visit www.ontbluecoast.com/theodore.

How to ship-watch in the Twin Ports

Duluth, MN – Watch the video here:  https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/tourism/article7155708.ece?fbclid=IwAR3sX5Ot5KLWdZDjVBmX_zGpbaxGdPzM9q_kjGuERtHNBR0h-JorSvUBsow

USS Cod returns home to Cleveland

Cleveland, OH – After $1 million in repairs over 63 days, WWII submarine USS Cod has returned to its home in Cleveland. It docked in Cleveland just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The USS Cod received repairs to the underwater hull, including refurbishment of 10 torpedo tubes, ballast tank plating, and a new hull coating system donated by Sherwin-Williams.

“We’re extremely grateful to the staff at Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair Co. for their efforts to ensure our submarine will remain a proud memorial to the men and women of America’s armed forces,” said Cod President Paul Farace. “We also cannot thank Sherwin-Williams Co. enough for the donation of their world-class marine hull coating products to ensure Cod is shipshape for future generations,” he added.

The Cod was towed out of its Cleveland dock on June 13.

The tug Manitou brought her home assisted by another tug in moving the 1,400-ton submarine back into her dock at 1201 N. Marginal Rd. on North Coast Harbor.

The Cod will open for tours as early as Thursday. A homecoming ceremony will take place at Cod’s dock Sunday at 1 p.m.
Read more and watch video here: https://fox8.com/news/uss-cod-ready-for-return-to-cleveland/

Thursday: Songs and Stories of the Great Lakes with Lee Murdock in the Virtual Visitor Center

Lee Murdock’s performances create unforgettable images of work and play as they coexist on the Great Lakes today, with cargo ships and pleasure craft of all sizes sharing the waters of America’s fourth coast. Lee combines historical research with contemporary insights to create songs that both document and pay tribute to the people who live, work, and play along the Great Lakes today.  Join us to hear some of his favorite songs and the stories behind them in the Virtual Visitor Center August 19.

This free program begins at 12:30 EDT (11:30 CDT) at  https://www.gotomeet.me/VirtualVisitorCenter/lee-murdock. The Virtual Visitor Center is a cooperative endeavor between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association and the Lake Superior Marine Museum Association.

New life for old Irvin L. Clymer pilot house on Duluth pier

Duluth, MN – Jeff Foster and Toni Fladmark-Foster love the waterfront. And now, they are making it even better in a new way. They and their loyal volunteers from the Sundew have spent the past year cleaning up the old pilot house that sits at the end of the timber pier.

The couple bought the pier a couple of years ago, and the pilot house was part of the deal.

New life for an old pilot house. It used to be part of the Great Lakes freighter Irvin L. Clymer. “This ship was built in 1917. Just imagine all of the changes that the industry has seen. It’s really interesting to see how far we’ve come in just a short time,” Fladmark-Foster told us.

They removed plenty of rust and added some paint. The original wood inside looks pretty well preserved. Danny Schlies, a volunteer, said, “It’s incredible the amount of people who’ve heard about this, and are happy we’re bringing it back to life. It’s a part of history, and I’m a history buff.”

Jeff Foster added, “It takes a village, with Danny and Toni and this amazing group of people. We are all boaters and love the area. We love the waterfront and need to reflect the pride we have in the area.”

As for the final plan for the house, they’re not sure yet. But that’s part of the fun. “It’s definitely been a labor of love,” Fladmark-Foster added.

See photos and watch a video at this link: https://www.wdio.com/news/pilot-house-waterfront-pier/6204092/?cat=10335&fbclid=IwAR1CocSrmS8NqeWkT7PLTZSdU9t3QDhJoEPss_oMOtPY56l3j0Yjm_nWHjg

National Museum, tour boat join up to explore Great Lakes history by land and water

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes and The Sandpiper passenger tour boat are collaborating to provide more opportunities to explore Great Lakes history both by land and water with a new “Ship & Shore package” and an onboard Port of Toledo: Then & Now exhibit.

On Saturday, August 28 and Saturday, September 11, the museum and passenger boat are teaming up to offer two days featuring an “Ultimate Great Lakes History Day”—a special combination ticket including full access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes and a trip along the Maumee River aboard The Sandpiper. In addition, the museum is installing a Port of Toledo online exhibit onboard The Sandpiper which uses QR codes to help cruisers visually compare and learn the history behind various spots along the river’s banks. “The Ship & Shore experience provides a way to explore Great Lakes history all day long,” explains Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “Guests receive full day access to the National Museum of the Great Lakes—including our world-class, family-friendly exhibits, a 617-foot iron ore freighter and a lake class tugboat—along with a mid-day trip aboard The Sandpiper departing and returning from the museum docks.”

In addition, NMGL has developed an ongoing way to interact with Great Lakes history along the Maumee River with a soon-to-be installed exhibit map onboard The Sandpiper. The magnetized map uses QR codes to guide Sandpiper Cruise guests through a historic exploration of various Port of Toledo images they may pass while onboard their tour.

“The collaboration with The Sandpiper and the installation of this “mini-exhibit” is such a great way for our museum to expand the reach of our Port of Toledo: Then and Now virtual exhibit,” says Kate Fineske, the museum’s Senior Director of Institutional Advancement. “It was a natural partnership between two entities deeply connected to the Maumee River, and a partnership we hope to continue and expand in the years to come.

Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day is offered two Saturdays this summer—August 28 and September 11. Tickets must be purchased in advance at nmgl.org or by calling 419-214-5000. For additional information visit nmgl.org/event/shipshore

WHAT: Ship & Shore: The Ultimate Great Lakes History Day
WHEN: Saturday, August 28 and Saturday, September 11, 2021; 10am-5pmWHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St., Toledo, OH
ADMISSION: Adults $40, Children $25; GLHS/NMGL Members: Adults $25, Children $12. FREE for Children 2 and Under

Port halts construction after city requests restraining order

Oswego, NY – The Port of Oswego Authority is again halting construction on a controversial grain storage building after the city asked a judge for a temporary restraining order to stop portions of the project while the case plays out in court.

The city of Oswego and the Port of Oswego Authority (POA) have been locked in a dispute since late June regarding the construction of a steel-frame structure blocking views of the iconic West Pierhead Lighthouse and Lake Ontario from portions of the east side of the Oswego River. City officials late last week requested a temporary restraining order to stop construction as the court hears arguments in a lawsuit filed by the city that claims the POA altered the scope of the project and failed to properly navigate the approval process.

Attorneys for the city and POA appeared before State Supreme Court Judge Gregory Gilbert in Syracuse Monday morning to address the city’s request, and the two parties came to an agreement that will see the Port “cease all construction activity on the structure” in question, known as Dome 4.

Oswego Mayor William Barlow Jr. on Wednesday called the stipulation, or agreement between the two parties, a success, noting it would stop the construction on the grain storage structure while the court reviews the city’s lawsuit.

The state Supreme Court is tentatively set to hear oral arguments on the city’s Article 78 challenge on September 7.  An Article 78 lawsuit asks a state court to review decisions or actions of government or public authority.

City officials said the Article 78 lawsuit was filed after it became clear the Port was building a larger structure than originally designed and approved by the POA Board of Directors last year. According to the city, the original structure was a dome-shaped 124-foot diameter and 55-foot-high building. The building currently under construction measures roughly 150 feet by 150 feet and is at least 70 feet high.

City officials have argued the larger building is positioned in a way that eliminates the view of the historic lighthouse from the Great Lakes Seaway Trail.

Officials to evaluate cost of refurbishing 30-year-old ferry Jiimaan

Windsor, ON – The Mayor of the Township of Pelee is hoping for some positive news about the Jiimaan Ferry for islanders. “It is being taken to Sarnia for evaluation as to its future use.,” Ray Durocher said.

The ferry was upbound under tow in the Detroit and St. Clair rivers Wednesday.

Durocher explained the province wants to look into refurbishing the nearly 30-year-old vessel as its begun showing some corrosion and officials want to evaluate the cost of an extra motor facing sideways. The second engine would help the operator dock more smoothly when a gusty wind is blowing from either side.

Durocher said the Jiimaan has not been used this year as the newer Pelee Islander ll is taking passengers and vehicles from Kingsville and Leamington to the island. Before the border closed, The Pelee Islander l brought passengers from Sandusky, Ohio.

Durocher stated the older Pelee Islander l is scheduled to go into dry dock next year for recertification, and he does not expect the 60-year-old ferry to remain in service much beyond 2027. He is hopeful work to refurbish the Jiimaan will be possible and that ferry will replace the Pelee Islander l when it is retired.

Owen Sound Transportation, the operator of the Pelee Island Ferries was not immediately available for comment.

CTV Windsor

Future of Thunder Bay shipyard solidified by Heddle purchase of Fabmar Metals

Thunder Bay, ON – The owner of the Thunder Bay shipyard says it has solidified the future of the business by acquiring city-based Fabmar Metals Inc. Heddle Shipyards already had a strategic partnership with the fabrication and marine repair specialist.

In an announcement Tuesday, it said the company will continue to operate under the Fabmar brand. Dale Ryynanen will remain president of Fabmar.

The statement said the acquisition will strengthen Heddle’s position as the largest Canadian ship repair and construction company on the Great Lakes. It said the transition of Fabmar’s personnel, equipment and inventory to the shipyard will accelerate the revitalization of the historic facility, which Heddle purchased in 2016.

“We can now focus on executing a number of projects before the end of the year,” said Heddle President Shaun Padulo.

He said the company plans to dry-dock the MV Chi-Cheemaun for the Owen Sound Transportation Company, dock multiple tugs for a local operator, and prepare the fabrication hall to support work on the National Shipbuilding Strategy for Seaspan Shipyards of Vancouver. Chi-Cheemaun is a passenger and vehicle ferry that crosses Lake Huron between Manitoulin Island and Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the shipyard will play a role in building Canada’s new Polar-class icebreaker.

Fabmar currently has a staff of twelve. In the coming weeks, it will begin recruiting for a number of positions including general laborers, carpenters, millwrights, machinists, electricians, crane operators, masons and other staff.

Heddle also owns and operates shipyards in Hamilton and Port Weller, Ontario, and has facilities and operations on Canada’s east coast.

Read the story here: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/future-of-thunder-bay-shipyard-solidified-by-heddle-shipyards-purchase-of-fabmar-metals-4208037?fbclid=IwAR1tjfftM4OgYfuZKIg0N-iRgo1UW0yg37qooOTBG2BMWKM6SaIR5OcjgZ0

All aboard for Two Harbors tug Edna G’s 125^th birthday bash

Two Harbors, MN – Two Harbors is preparing to celebrate the Edna G tugboat’s 125th anniversary on Aug. 28-29 in Paul Van Hoven Park, near where the boat has resided for much of the last century.

The tugboat was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding Co. in 1896 for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad to guide ore boats into the ore docks. The 92-foot-long, 23-foot-wide, steam-powered tug was built with a steel hull. The name came from J.L. Greatsinger, then-president of the railroad, after his daughter Edna. In 1917, the boat was outfitted and shipped to the East Coast to provide aid for World War I before returning to Two Harbors. It was decommissioned and given to the city of Two Harbors in 1980.

To celebrate the boat, Friends of the Edna G have organized live music games, a craft fair, face painting, food vendors and tours of the legendary tug.

For more information on the celebration, visit the Friends of the Edna G website at www.friendsofednag.org.

Duluth News Tribune

Duluth Seaway Port Authority climbs in Green Marine environmental rating

Duluth, MN – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority and its terminal operations on Rice’s Point earned high marks in the recently released Green Marine 2020 environmental performance report, improving from a 3.8 rating in 2019 to a 4.0 score on Green Marine’s five-point scale. The overall average for reporting participants was 2.9.

The annual report rates port authority participants in seven categories: air emissions, community impacts, dry bulk handling and storage, environmental leadership, spill prevention, underwater noise, and waste management. A record 49 North American port authorities participated in the 2020 evaluation process, with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority ranking No. 4 in the United States and No. 1 among U.S. Great Lakes ports.

“We’re mindful of minimizing environmental impacts and the Green Marine program helps guide those efforts,” said Jeff Stollenwerk, Duluth Seaway Port Authority director of government and environmental affairs. “It provides a tangible scoreboard for environmental stewardship, with benchmarks that become increasingly stringent from year to year. That approach helps inspire participants to exceed regulatory requirements.”

The voluntary Green Marine certification program began in 2007 and now includes nearly 170 participating ship owners, port authorities, seaway corporations, terminal operators and shipyard managers. Program participants must adopt practices and technologies that continually reduce their environmental footprint on the land, air and sea. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has participated since the program’s inception.

Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Coronavirus temporarily puts SS Badger out of commission

Ludington, MI – With one of the crew members on the S.S. Badger having tested positive for COVID-19 and three more in quarantine, the Lake Michigan Carferry temporarily suspended the ship’s service.

According to officials, after one of the crew members tested positive, they conducted contact tracing, which resulted in three more crew members getting quarantined. The other three crew members are reportedly waiting for test results.

“The safety of our employees and passengers is our top priority. We are hopeful that this is an isolated case,” Mark Barker, president of Interlake Maritime Services, said. Barker said suspending sailings will help reduce the risk of the virus spreading.

Officials expect the S.S. Badger to resume service on Aug. 19, but further updates will be provided as they are available.

WOOD-TV

Great Lakes Maritime Academy honors U.S Senator Levin

Traverse City, MI – In July, U.S Senator Carl Levin passed away at the age of 87. He was Michigan’s longest serving senator. Now, Northwestern Michigan College is taking the time to thank him for the work he did for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy.

Senator Levin helped the secure the the training vessel State of Michigan the academy uses to train its cadets. He then oversaw the $3.7 million it took to turn the ship from a Cold War vessel to one suitable for students.

“That was probably close to 20 years ago and it’s still in great shape,” said Jerry Achenbach, Superintendent for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. “All of the cadets use it. Before his work the academy had 100 cadets enrolled, because of his work we now can maintain and enroll 200.”

Northwestern Michigan College says Senator Levin’s legacy will live on at the school through every cadet that trains on the Maritime Academy ship.

9&10 News

Small-scale removal efforts could be the answer to invasive mussels  on Lake Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – The divers leaned back from the edge of the boat and splashed into water, bobbing up for a moment before dropping down to a world just a few miles off the northern Michigan coast — and worlds away from the one above the surface.

Today in Lake Michigan, quagga mussels, Eastern European invaders generally smaller than a stamp, reign over an upended underwater ecosystem. The mussels arrived in the Great Lakes more than three decades ago, eating, excreting and spreading zealously ever since, attaching themselves to everything from water intakes to shipwrecks, and all the while filtering life out of the food chain and a $7 billion fishing industry.

But solutions in open water, at least on a small scale, are starting to seem possible to soften the bivalves’ brunt.

Experiments are playing out in Lake Michigan with hopes of restoring fish spawning habitat. Manually removing mussels, with another invasive species offering an assist, has kept rocks clear. Other treatments from copper compounds to genetic biocontrol are in the mix as a collaborative dedicated to mussel control plans for the future.

Read more here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/environment/ct-lake-michigan-invasive-mussels-20210730-ucfuojar7nckpofre2efdpalkq-story.html?fbclid=IwAR00dx88FaNpK6fEjQvjiBhzXNv9D-ajdjxVjAbDKEMWnP-cogNg8k1udsQ

Harbor House Publishers joins long-established, family-owned Waterways Journal Inc.

Boyne City, MI – For more than five decades, Harbor House Publishers has looked for ways to better serve its customers and partners. On July 20, 2021, it took another step forward when it joined The Waterways Journal and its parent company Bound Media Group.

“We have had many opportunities over the years to become part of something larger, and we have now found the perfect fit,” says Michelle Cortright, second-generation publisher of Great Lakes/Seaway Review and founder of Harbor House Publishers, Inc. “The values and customer service of Bound Media Group allow us to expand the ways we help our customers and assist in community development.”

Harbor House Publishers retains its identity, staff and office in Boyne City, Michigan. The long-time team continues to connect with customers and turn visions into digital and print products.

“Michelle Cortright did an amazing job after purchasing the company from her father, Jacques LesStrang, in 1987,” said Nelson Spencer, Jr., president of Bound Media Group. “She grew the relevance of Harbor House Publishers’ maritime titles while building a first-class custom publishing business. Just as impressive, Michelle built a great team of professionals who we are excited to have join our team. We are humbled and honored to have Harbor House join our family of media products.”

As president and publisher emeritus, respectively, Spencer and Cortright welcome Leslie Tunney to the Harbor House Publishers team. With an extensive background in city and regional publishing, Tunney is part of the executive team at Bound Media and vice-president and publisher at Harbor House Publishers. She specializes in bringing together various aspects of publishing — advertising, branding, marketing, management and new product development for business-to-business and business-to-consumer products.

Tunney says: “I look forward to meeting each of our clients and partners as we continue to build on the respected legacy of Harbor House Publishers.”

The Waterways Journal, Inc., doing business as Bound Media Group, is based in St. Louis, Missouri and has been a maritime publications company since 1887. The Waterways Journal is a weekly magazine covering the inland river system’s 25,000 barges and more than 3,800 towboats, dredges and material handlers. The company’s portfolio also includes Inland River Record, Inland River Guide, Quimby’s Cruising Guide, International Dredging Review, Marina Dock Age, as well as two annual expos and other meetings.

Harbor House Press Release