Boatnerd News
Boatnerd News – December 21, 2024
Cleveland maritime sector is big business
The Port of Cleveland and the maritime-dependent industrial sector are showing resiliency and growth as an economic force in Northeast Ohio, according to a new study commissioned by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The latest analysis reveals the port and maritime sector generates more than 23,000 jobs and over $7 billion in economic impact, a notable increase of $2.3 billion since 2021.
The report, conducted by John C. Martin Associates LLC, an internationally recognized leading transportation economics firm, underscores the vital contribution of port and maritime-based activity to the region’s economy and its expanding impact on jobs, income and tax revenue. Notably, the report wasn’t commissioned by the Port of Cleveland.
Key findings from the report include
Total Economic Impact: $7.07 billion (up from $4.7 billion in 2021)
Total Jobs (direct and indirect): 23,758
Personal Income: $1.89 billion
Local and State Taxes: $189 million
This surge in economic impact is attributed to increased iron ore tonnages — up to nearly 9 million metric tons in 2023. Another factor was higher output — cargo throughput, vessel traffic, etc. plus and improved salaries and income multipliers.
“Cleveland’s harbor and river system is not just a local maritime and recreational asset — it’s a major economic powerhouse,” said Port President and CEO Will Friedman in a written statement. “As the public guardian of the maritime sector, the Port of Cleveland continues to prove itself as an economic engine for Cuyahoga County and Northeast Ohio.”
“These numbers demonstrate we are headed in the right direction, and I am especially gratified to see this report as I conclude my tenure,” he said.
Friedman made those remarks as he wraps up his work at the port. In October, he announced his decision to step down at the end of the year following the expiration of his contract. Friedman and the port authority’s board could not reach agreement on a new contract.
The data was developed as part of ODOT’s Ohio Maritime Plan — Economic Value Analysis.
The Port of Cleveland’s influence extends far beyond maritime operations, leveraging its unique authority under Ohio law to finance transformative job-creating and neighborhood projects. In 2024 alone, the Port approved a record 20 real estate projects for approximately $753 million in development financing.
“This milestone reinforces that the Port’s economic development tools are more relevant than ever,” Friedman added. “Our unique combination of shipping services, infrastructure investment, and financing capabilities has proven to be a potent combination for driving growth and job opportunity across the region.”
Bill that includes study on St. Marys River
navigation improvements passes U.S. senate
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, secured major wins for Michigan in the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, which passed the Senate Thursday night. This bill will authorize projects through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop invasive carp, prevent coastal erosion and flooding, and improve navigation in waterways. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
“The Water Resources Development Act invests in essential water infrastructure projects and addresses critical problems impacting our Great Lakes and waterways,” said Senator Stabenow. “Getting so many priorities included in this bill is a big win for our state.”
The Water Resources Development Act includes major wins for Michigan, including:
- Increasing the federal cost share for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project: The federal cost share for operating and maintaining the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project will increase from 80% to 90%. This project is vital to preventing invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. This change further decreases the cost for our state partners.
- Addressing destructive coastline erosion and flooding: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Grand Traverse, Brighton, Marysville, and Ludington to promote shoreline restoration and prevent future erosion and flooding.
- Identifying and addressing flood risks in Southeast Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Kalamazoo River watershed: The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work with Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, the City of Cheboygan, Grand Traverse County, and the Kalamazoo River watershed to identify and address flood risks in their communities impacted by flooding from extreme precipitation.
- Improving waterway navigation: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study navigation improvements for the St. Marys River and Grand Traverse Bay Harbor so that they are safe, accessible, and continue to play a critical role in our economy and national security.
- Expediting critical projects in Michigan: The bill allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the Menominee River Navigation project to help ensure that materials can continue to be shipped through this harbor. It also allows the Corps to expedite projects to improve navigation at the Big Bay Harbor of Refuge and repair the George W. Kuhn Headwaters Outfall.
Soo Today
Share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards
Continuing a Boatnerd tradition, we invite you to share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards on our discussion board at https://newsearch.boatnerd.com/viewforum.php?f=6 (attachments must be under 2 MB. Please add to the existing thread.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 20, 2024
Firefighters respond to fire on McAsphalt Advantage
HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Fire Department and multiple other units responded to a reported ship fire Thursday night at Hamilton’s Pier 25 S, where the new asphalt/bitumen tanker McAsphalt Advantage was moored. There are no further details available, but as of Friday morning the fire appears to have been minor.
The 459-foot-long McAsphalt Advantage is owned by McAsphalt Industries Ltd. and recently arrived on the Great Lakes from her builder, Wuhu Shipyard Co. Ltd., Wuhu, China.
Video courtesy Ship Junkies: https://www.facebook.com/1624856879/videos/pcb.1306850814076269/1114699276260443
Theodore Tugboat replica “safely righted and refloated,” says owner
Theodore Too, the replica tugboat named after a years-long TV series, has been refloated in St. Catharines, Ont., after partially sinking this week, according to the boat’s owner.
Theodore Too “was safely righted and refloated” at about 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, said a statement from Breakwater Financial.
Blair McKeil, CEO of Breakwater Financial, said Wednesday that the tugboat took on water and was “gently resting on the bottom in the mud” near a deck.
The Theodore Too tugboat, a giant replica of a popular character on a CBC children’s series, is currently sitting at the bottom of the Welland Canal in St. Catharines, Ont. The vessel started sinking yesterday, at a shipyard where it is docked for the winter. CBC’s Greg Ross has more.
The company thanked Ontario Shipyards, where Theodore Too is located, for their “immediate assistance and expertise” in refloating it.
The statement said the Canadian Coast Guard’s Urgent Response Team provided equipment to mitigate “any environmental concerns while refloating the vessel.”
Theodore Tugboat was a children’s television show that aired on CBC from 1993 to 2001. Theodore Too was built in Dayspring, N.S., in 2000. Its official birthday is May 5.
Theodore Too left its province of origin in 2021 after being sold to McKeil to promote marine careers and raise awareness for the conservation of water resources.
Theodore Too started taking on water Tuesday night. A day later, McKeil said the cause of the “unfortunate incident” remained unclear.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said on social media that Theodore Too is a “true” icon of the province and he was “sad to see” the tugboat in “such a damaged state.”
“I’m happy to read the owner is committed to repairing Theodore and a safe and successful refloat,” he said in the post on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this week.
Listen to a news report from CBC here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/theodore-tugboat-safely-righted-1.7415557
Share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards
Continuing a Boatnerd tradition, we invite you to share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards on our discussion board at https://newsearch.boatnerd.com/viewforum.php?f=6 (attachments must be under 2 MB. Please add to the existing thread.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 19, 2024
Share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards
Continuing a Boatnerd tradition, we invite you to share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards on our discussion board at https://newsearch.boatnerd.com/viewforum.php?f=6 (attachments must be under 2 MB. Please add to the existing thread.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 18, 2024
Imitation tugboat Theodore Too partially sinks
On December 17, the imitation tugboat Theodore Too of children’s TV fame partially sank while moored at Port Weller Dry Docks, St. Catharines, ON.
Evening reports indicated the vessel had been stabilized with water being pumped out prior to being craned out and pulled ashore.
Theodore Too is a large-scale imitation tugboat built in Dayspring, Nova Scotia in 2000 based on the fictional television tugboat character Theodore Tugboat. Theodore Too was located in Bedford, Nova Scotia, but arrived in Hamilton, ON, on July 18, 2021 after it was purchased by Canadian shipowner Blair McKeil for use an educational vessel.
The hull and wheelhouse are made entirely of wood, with a fiberglass red hat and smokestack. It has a ‘face’ on the wheelhouse, with large realistic hydraulic eyes (which are no longer operational). The boat displays a number of prop details such as winches and towing bitts inspired from real tugs but operates as a tour boat, not a real tugboat.
Thunder Bay season shaping
up to be busiest since 1990s
Cargo volumes may top 10 million tons this year. Listen to a news report at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbStuu_auPE
FMC Closes Great Lakes Ballast Water Investigation as Canadian Exemptions Ease Concerns
The closure comes after Canada provided exemptions or found compliance unnecessary for six U.S.-flagged vessels that were initially expected to meet new ballast water treatment requirements by September 2024. The remaining U.S. Great Lakes fleet, numbering more than four dozen vessels, won’t need to comply until 2030.
However, broader regulatory differences between the two nations remain unresolved. The FMC’s parallel investigation, launched in June 2020 under 46 U.S.C. Chapter 421, continues to examine the treatment of all U.S.-flagged Great Lakes fleet vessels.
The Canadian regulations, designed to protect waters from invasive species, require vessels to implement comprehensive ballast water management plans and meet specific performance standards by 2024. These requirements include installing ballast water management systems (BWMS), obtaining certificates, maintaining operation records, and submitting to compliance inspections.
FMC Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel highlighted a key point of contention upon loanching the investigation in May “The proposed Canadian regulation appears to go further than provisions regulating ballast water discharges into Canadian waters and would require U.S.-flagged Laker vessels to install a ballast water management system even if they only load, and do not discharge, ballast water in Canadian waters,” he said.
While the closure of one investigation signals progress, the continuation of the broader investigation underscores ongoing concerns about regulatory alignment in Great Lakes shipping.
The FMC’s decision to maintain oversight through its remaining investigation ensures continued attention to potential impacts on U.S. maritime interests in this crucial trading corridor.
Share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards
Continuing a Boatnerd tradition, we invite you to share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards on our discussion board at https://newsearch.boatnerd.com/viewforum.php?f=6 (attachments must be under 2 MB. Please add to the existing thread.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 17, 2024
Coast Guard Finalizes 2025 Great Lakes Pilotage Rates
Last Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) published a Final Rule in the Federal Register outlining U.S. Great Lakes pilotage rates for the 2025 shipping season.
The new rates seek to generate revenue for each of the three U.S. Great Lakes pilot associations by implementing hourly charges for pilotage services according to geographic area. Pilotage rates are paid by vessel operators serving Great Lakes ports.
Although pilotage is a necessary service for safe navigation, Great Lakes ports have historically criticized the Coast Guard for being insensitive to high pilotage costs, which can negatively impact the competitiveness of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system.
The Coast Guard proposes to increase the overall cost of U.S. Great Lakes pilotage in 2025 compared to 2024 by $2.88 million or 7 percent. In 2025, the USCG is proposing a total workforce of 61 fully registered pilots and 3 apprentice pilots. The Coast Guard will be increasing annual individual pilot compensation from $440,658 to $464,317 – a 5.37 percent increase.
The recent history of pilotage cost increases is detailed below.
(year / pilot #s / total est cost / % over prior year)
2014 / 36 / $12,889,868
2015 / 36 / $15,451,455 / +20% over 2014
2016 / 37 / $19,103,678 / +24% over 2015
2017 / 45 / $22,326,381 / +14% over 2016
2018 / 49 / $25,156,442 / +12.7% over 2017
2019 / 51 / $27,988,185 / +11.3% over 2018
2020 / 52 / $28,268,030 / +1% over 2019
2021 / 55 / $30,332,652 / +4% over 2020
2022 / 60 / $32,486,995 / +7% over 2021
2023 / 62 / $37,659,194 / +16% over 2022
2024 / 64 / $40,280,666 / +7% over 2023
2025 / 64 / $43,159,694 / +7% over 2024
Share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards
Continuing a Boatnerd tradition, we invite you to share your boat-themed Christmas and holiday cards on our discussion board at https://newsearch.boatnerd.com/viewforum.php?f=6 (attachments must be under 2 MB. Please add to the existing thread.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 16, 2024
Tim S. Dool refloated
Officials say a cargo vessel that ran aground in the St. Lawrence River last month has been broken free.
The St. Lawrence Seaway Corporation said in an email that the Tim S. Dool was safely refloated early Monday morning and sailed under her own power to the Wilson Hill, N.Y, anchorage, where it will undergo a full inspection before continuing on its journey.
Crews had been lightering the boat all weekend, a process that involves removing cargo from the ship to a barge to facilitate moving it.
The ship was carrying a load of wheat grain through the St. Lawrence River on Nov. 23 when it ran aground in U.S. waters upstream from Morrisburg, Ont. The grounding drew ship-watchers and locals alike to marvel at the stuck ship, with many speculating about the cause of the grounding. The cause has not been confirmed.
U.S. and Canadian officials had attempted to refloat the boat using Groupe Ocean tugs coming from Quebec City earlier this month but the ship was fully grounded from bow to stern, making efforts to refloat the 225-metre ship difficult without removing weight.
The boat was outside the navigation channel and did not cause disruptions to shipping traffic or environmental pollution, officials say. No one was injured.
The 57-year-old Tim S. Dool is owned by the Algoma Central Corporation, a Canadian shipping company. The ship services the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
Sal Mercogliano, host of What’s Going on with Shipping on YouTube, says its not uncommon for ships to touch the bottom of the St. Lawrence but the Tim S. Dool situation is more unique.
“In the case of the Dool, this ship is fully aground from bow to stern and usually you don’t get ships that are aground in this sort of condition,” he said.
“This is an issue that we don’t know exactly what the root cause of this is. Usually there’s only two things that explain accidents on ships. It’s either a human error or a mechanical error.”
He adds that the situation could have economic consequences down the line if the boat isn’t dislodged soon. “When you lose a ship like the Dool for a long, protracted period of time, it doesn’t just disrupt that one shipment, but it disrupts further shipments down the chain,” he said.
“Fortunately, this grounding did not shut down the Seaway. There are instances where such an incident could happen that could shut the Seaway down.”
CTV
We would like to take a moment to acknowledge Janey Anderson’s Ship Junkies – Lakes, Locks & Rivers Facebook page, Amy Daggett, Helen Cooper, Pat English, Ron Beaupre, Michael James Folsom and his St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network, as well as Rene Beauchamp’s Seaway News Facebook page for going the extra mile to keep us all updated on the massive salvage effort.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 15, 2024
MacArthur Lock at Soo to close Dec. 16 for season
The Soo Locks’ MacArthur Lock will close for the navigation season on Dec. 16 for seasonal repairs and maintenance. The Poe Lock will remain open until Jan. 15, 2025, or until commercial traffic ceases, whichever occurs first. The Soo Locks operating season is fixed by federal regulation
Tugs may try and free Tim S. Dool Sunday
SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE: The attempt to free to Dool will now take place on Monday.
ORIGINAL POST: Groupe Ocean tugs Tundra and Serge Genois arrived at the Tim S. Dool with the 3rd empty barge Saturday afternoon. They unhooked and tug Ocean Catatug 2 hooked onto the back and move the barge into position for loading on the starboard side of the Dool. They will load it overnight. Tug Ocean Aqua is on her way back up. They will attempt to free the Dool Sunday. If unsuccessful they will offload more wheat into the barge that the Amy Lynn D brought Dec. 14.
During the refloat attempt, traffic will be stopped in the area. Once the ship is free it will move to Wilson Hill anchorage for inspection.
St. Lawrence Seaway Ship Watchers Network – Pat English, Ship Junkies – Lakes, Locks & Rivers (LL&R), Michael Folsom
View a Facebook video by Adam Thompson at this link: https://www.facebook.com/adam.thompsin.5/videos/2025585474547653?idorvanity=407597160668310
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 14, 2024
St. Lawrence Seaway to close Jan. 10
The St. Lawrence Seaway has begun the process of shutting down for the 2024 shipping season. The Seaway system, which includes the Welland Canal and its eight locks in Port Colborne, Thorold and St. Catharines, began the shutdown process on Dec. 1 with the Canal set to close on January 10. Some ships may be allowed to transit after that date with special permission to do so.
A notice issued by The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System said that ships that can apply for the special permits include those which report to designated call-in points (CIP 15 and 16) or any and all ships that are “at a port, dock or wharf in the Port Colborne to Port Weller section of the Seaway” and are reporting for transit after the designated closure time with all ships being clear of the canal by Jan. 10, 2025.
According to the system, more than 2.5 billion tonnes of cargo worth an estimated $375 billion has moved through the seaway to and from Canada and the United States as well as other parts of the world since opening in 1959. Almost 25 per cent of Seaway traffic comes from overseas ports, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
CORRECTION: While transits after 11:59 p.m. on December 26, 2024, are subject to prior written agreement, the canal remains operational. The canal is officially closing on January 10.
Thorold Today
Davie Undertaking Major Shipyard Transformation to Build Canada’s Most Advanced Icebreakers
Mike Schuler
December 10, 2024
Canada’s Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie Shipbuilding) has announced strategic partnerships with Pearlson & Pearlson Inc. and Construction Dinamo Inc. to transform its Lévis facility in Québec into North America’s largest and most versatile shipbuilding center.
The facility modernization, backed by CAD $519 million in Québec government financing as part of an CAD $840 million expansion budget, will be crucial for delivering seven heavy icebreakers and two hybrid ferries under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The ambitious redevelopment plan includes six new state-of-the-art buildings, modernization of five existing structures, waterfront upgrades, and a new assembly hall and launch pad. The facility will also receive comprehensive utility infrastructure upgrades, including all-new plant equipment and machinery, and advanced overhead traveling cranes for ship module construction.
Based in Florida, Pearlson is known for its expertise in shipyard design and program management, having designed and and developed facilities for several of the world’s leading shipbuilding and ship repair companies, including BAE Systems, Austal USA, and Fincantieri Marine Group.
“Partnering with Pearlson will ensure our facility is more than ready to meet the high demands of building the most powerful and advanced icebreakers in Canadian history,” said James Davies, President and CEO of Davie.
The collaboration with Dinamo addresses the delivery of construction and supervision services for key sub-projects within the larger upgrade of the Lévis shipyard. “Dinamo’s expertise in construction will play an integral role in realizing our vision for the future of shipbuilding in Québec and Canada,” added Davies.
The modernization project, which align with the recently announced ICE Pact between the U.S., Canada, and Finland, is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and expand Davie’s workforce to 1,800 direct employees upon completion.
Operating since 1825, Davie has built over 720 specialized vessels, including many of the world’s icebreakers. The company currently holds the world’s largest orderbook of heavy icebreakers for Canada and owns Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, which has built more than half of the global icebreaker fleet.
Davie was named the third official partner to Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy in April 2023, joining Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Nova Scotia and Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver, British Columbia. The NSS is a long-term, multi-billion-dollar program to modernize Canada’s naval and coast guard fleets while revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding industry. The strategy focuses on two vessel categories: non-combatant vessels (icebreakers, offshore science vessels, and support ships) and combatant vessels (frigates and Arctic offshore patrol ships). Davie’s initial CAD $8.5 billion package of work includes seven heavy icebreakers and two large hybrid-powered ferries.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 13, 2024
Cargo offload underway from Tim S. Dool
Cargo lightering and refloating operations began Thursday for the Canadian-flagged bulk carrier Tim S. Dool, marking a crucial phase in the recovery efforts following its grounding last month.
Cargo will be taken from two holds to safely lighter, and approximately 5000 MT will be offloaded. It is expected to take five-seven days to finish offloading depending on weather and barge availability.
The vessel, carrying a cargo of wheat grain, ran aground on November 23, 2024, in U.S. waters near Massena, New York, specifically in an area southwest of the Eisenhower Lock. While the incident has raised concerns about shipping delays, authorities have confirmed there have been no injuries or environmental contamination resulting from the grounding.
The 57-year-old bulk carrier, owned by Algoma Central Corporation, is positioned outside the navigation channel, though authorities cautioned that “cargo operations will necessitate speed restrictions in the surrounding area.”
The recovery operation is expected to extend over several days, with officials planning a temporary closure of a section of the Seaway once enough wheat cargo has been removed to attempt refloating.
The tug Amy Lynn D tug is on her way to join the recovery team. She was delayed as a result of high winds and preparing the two hopper barges with proper covers and inspections. She will add another two barges for this operation allowing the process to keep moving the cargo out without significant delays.
In a coordinated response to minimize shipping disruptions, multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are working in concert.
The cause of the grounding remains under investigation, with authorities confirming no other vessels were involved in the incident.
gCaptain, Janey Anderson, USCG
Ports group announces new executive director
Washington, DC (December 12, 2024) – The Board of Directors of the American Great Lakes Ports Association (AGLPA) has appointed Brian Oszakiewski to Executive Director, succeeding Steve Fisher at the end of December after 30 years of distinguished leadership.
A native Chicagoan, Mr. Oszakiewski is a longtime transportation and infrastructure advocate with extensive experience in policy, government relations, communications, administration, and stakeholder engagement at the federal, state, and local levels.
He has over a decade of experience on Capitol Hill managing transportation issues for a U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member, serving in almost every staff position, including Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Mr. Oszakiewski has led transportation policy and agency management in a Great Lakes governor’s office and worked in government relations roles at transportation trade associations. At the National Transportation Safety Board, he oversaw all external affairs, including government relations, communications, advocacy, and safety recommendations, on behalf of the agency’s Chair.
“Brian Oszakiewski will be the fourth Executive Director of the AGLPA since it was founded in the late 1970s. He will be a strong and effective voice for our ports in Washington. And his ability to build relationships, provide insight, identify opportunities, and deliver results will serve us well,” said Capt. Paul LaMarre, President of the AGLPA. “Many thanks go to Steve Fisher for his three decades of service to our industry. Any words that could be shared about Steve’s far-reaching accomplishments can never truly express our appreciation for all that we have accomplished together. We wish him well as he begins his next chapter of life.”
A native of Northwest Indiana, Mr. Fisher was first named Executive Director in 1994. He previously served as staff to U.S. Senators Richard Lugar and Dan Quayle, both of Indiana. Over 30 years, Mr. Fisher worked to promote public policies that favored increased commerce at Great Lakes ports. These included the equitable handling of federal food aid exports, funding for Great Lakes harbor dredging and navigation infrastructure, funding for port development, expanded marketing of the St. Lawrence Seaway, promotion of short sea shipping, and funding for ballast water treatment technology research. Under Mr. Fisher’s leadership, Great Lakes ports fought for reasonable state and federal vessel discharge regulations and a cost-effective pilotage system.
Mr. Fisher led several binational research and public affairs efforts to improve industry data and enhance public understanding of the importance of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Appointed by Indiana Governors Mike Pence and Eric Holcomb, Mr. Fisher served on the Great Lakes Commission for more than a decade. In recognition of this service, he was recently awarded the “Sagamore of the Wabash” award by Governor Holcomb – one of the highest honors bestowed by the State of Indiana.
American Great Lakes Ports Association
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
Boatnerd News – December 12, 2024
Tim S. Dool lightering now underway
CLEVELAND — Cargo operations and subsequent refloating attempts for the motor vessel Tim S. Dool began December 12 and could continue for several days.
The Tim S. Dool was en route through the St. Lawrence Seaway with a load of wheat grain when it ran aground in U.S. waters southwest of the Eisenhower Lock, near Massena, NY, on Saturday, November 23. There continues to be no report of injury or pollution.
The vessel is located outside of the navigation channel, but cargo operations will involve speed restrictions in the vicinity of Tim S. Dool. There will also be several hours of closure for a portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway once sufficient wheat is lightered from the vessel and refloat operations begin.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are working closely to minimize disruption to the maritime transportation system and ensure direct communication with commercial vessels that may be impacted.
USCG, Pat English
Water levels continue seasonal decline
During November all of the Great Lakes continued their seasonal decline. The western half of the basin received higher than average precipitation, while the eastern half experienced below average precipitation.
The monthly mean water level for Lakes Michigan-Huron dropped four inches from October to November, which was three inches below its long-term average November level. This is the second consecutive month that the lake level has been below average. However, it’s still more than two feet above its record low November level.
[See Chart in Gallery below]
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District
Climeon Signs Order With NovaAlgoma For Heatpower 300 Installation On Groundbreaking Cement Carrier
PRESS RELEASE: NovaAlgoma Cement Carriers (NACC) has placed an order for Climeon’s HeatPower 300 system, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) waste heat recovery technology, to be installed as Owner-Furnished Equipment (OFE) on the new-build NovaAlgoma 38,000 DWT methanol dual-fuel cement carrier, under construction at Zhejiang Xingle Shipbuilding in China. This RINA-classed vessel will set a new benchmark for sustainable shipping in the cement industry.
The HeatPower 300 unit will generate up to 300 kW of sustainable electricity on board the world’s largest cement carrier by harnessing low-grade waste heat from the engine cooling water and exhaust gases. By reclaiming energy that would otherwise be lost in conventional operations, this solution reduces fuel consumption and emissions, directly supporting NACC’s sustainability objectives.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with NACC on this pioneering vessel, which marks the first cement carrier to feature our HeatPower 300 system,” said Fredrik Thoren, EVP and Head of Marine at Climeon. “This collaboration underscores the flexibility of our technology in delivering both environmental and economic benefits across a broad range of vessel types.”
“At NACC we’re committed to setting a standard for sustainable, energy-efficient operations,” said Francesco Costagliola, Technical Director at NovaAlgoma. “Integrating Climeon’s waste heat recovery technology not only supports our sustainability goals but also provides a practical way to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations while enhancing operational efficiency.”
This installation supports the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, more efficient technologies and fuels. Climeon’s HeatPower 300 captures engine waste heat, regardless of fuel type, providing both immediate and lasting economic and environmental benefits for NACC’s dual-fuel vessel. This partnership highlights Climeon and NACC’s shared commitment to advancing sustainability in the cement shipping sector.
gCaptain
McKiel Marine has fitted propeller shafts
on 122 ships that ply the Great Lakes
By Pepper Parr
December 9th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON – Few would describe Burlington as a significant part of the marine industry – most would see that as part of what Hamilton is.
There are two organizations in Burlington that are major players in the marine industry – they work together. One makes things that sea going ships use and the other owns ships that ply the Great Lakes.
Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft and SXL rudder bearings to replace oil- and grease- lubricated bearings onboard McKeil Marine’s bulk carrier Northern Venture as part of a major refurbishment project.
Established in 1956, Canada-based McKeil Marine provides marine transportation along the St. Lawrence Seaway, the East Coast, and Canadian Arctic with its diversified fleet of tugs, barges, workboats and vessels, including bunkers, cement carriers, and tankers.
The shipowner acquired the 155m (508.5ft), 19,651dwt Northern Venture in 2022. The self-discharging River Class vessel has a forward mounted discharge boom and a single point loading system which allows all four holds to be loaded via shuttle conveyors from a single deck-mounted hopper.
The conversion to water-lubricated propeller shaft and grease-free rudder bearings was made to ensure the vessel does not discharge oil or grease into the Great Lakes, said Andy Vary, Director of Technical Operations at McKeil Marine. “It’s part of our continuous commitment to our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate.”
The retrofit included COMPAC bearings for the vessel’s 409mm (16.1in) diameter propeller shaft along Thordon’s Water Quality Package to ensure a clean water supply to the bearings. Thordon grease-free SXL rudder bearings were also supplied for the bulker. This installation was undertaken in summer 2023 at COSCO’s Nantong Shipyard in China, with the vessel operational on the Great Lakes in December 2023.
McKeil Marine is a returning customer for Thordon Bearings. The world’s first Thordon water-lubricated propeller shaft bearing was installed on a Great Lakes tug owned by McKeil Marine in the late 1970s.
Following this conversion, many other Great Lakes operating vessels converted to Thordon, helping to raise the profile of the Burlington, Ontario-headquartered company across the global shipping industry.
Thordon’s COMPAC propeller shaft bearing is constructed from a cross-linked polymer alloy that offers a low breakaway friction resulting in quiet and smooth operation. The material’s abrasive resistance is much greater than traditional laminated materials. The visco-elastic nature of the material also improves the hydrodynamic performance of the bearing leading to longer wear life, and as the material is homogenous, it provides consistent low wear and friction properties.
To promote early formation of a hydrodynamic film between the propeller shaft and bearing, the lower (loaded) portion of the bearing is smooth, while the upper half of the bearing incorporates grooves to allow water lubricant/coolant to flow. A key benefit of the water-lubricated propeller shaft system is that it negates the need for a damage-prone aft seal.
José Duarte, Marine Business Development Manager – North America, Thordon Bearings, said: “As an added environmental benefit, Thordon’s COMPAC system has been shown to lead to fuel savings and reduced emissions. Compared to oil-lubricated bearings, at rated shaft speeds viscous friction is lower with water.”
The Thordon Water Quality Package is designed to supply sea or lake water to the propeller shaft bearings for lubrication and cooling and to condition the water by removing suspended solids.
Thordon’s SXL rudder bearings operate without grease above and below the waterline, offer high abrasion resistance and can also withstand high shock loads, improving the wear life of the bearing.
Thordon has been actively supporting shipowners such as McKeil Marine, Algoma Central, American Steamship, CSL, Lower Lakes Towing and Interlake Steamship for over three decades. More than 120 vessels sailing the Great Lakes have Thordon’s water-lubricated components.
MHSD’s Ahoy & Farewell III book
documents 30 years of laker history
Ahoy & Farewell III, the third installment of the Marine Historical Society of Detroit’s long-running series marking the MHSD’s 80th anniversary, is now available. The book documents the vessels we welcomed, and those to which we had to bid farewell, during the last 30 years. This 308-page, hardcover book features many color photos, with multiple images of each vessel referenced.
In a departure from the MHSD’s previous volumes, the nearly 308-page, hardcover book includes color photos, with multiple images of every vessel. The book’s authors are marine historians William Moran and Viktor Kaczkowski, and Know Your Ships publisher Roger LeLievre.
“Putting the book together has been a much greater challenge than any of us had expected,” Kaczkowski said. “With the influx of foreign-built new and used tonnage, writing the histories required a lot more research to ensure the information was correct, particularly due to the wide variety of languages that came into play.”
Order Ahoy & Farewell III now at MHSD.org.
