National Museum of the Great Lakes Announces
Winners of the 2024 Luck of the Lakes Raffle

The National Museum of the Great Lakes has announced the winners of its 2024 Luck of the Lakes Raffle, which raised over $122,000 to support the museum’s mission to preserve and share the history of the Great Lakes. The fundraiser’s grand prize offers a once-in-a-lifetime Great Lakes experience: a multi-day trip for two aboard a working Interlake Steamship Co. freighter.

“Our community’s tremendous support this year is inspiring, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the Luck of the Lakes Raffle,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes. “This raffle is not only our biggest fundraiser, but also a reminder of how deeply people care about preserving and sharing Great Lakes history. Every ticket sold helps bring our mission to life and makes a lasting impact.”

2024 Raffle Winners:

Grand Prize (Great Lakes Freighter Trip of a Lifetime): Paula K. from Waterville, OH. She will embark on an exclusive journey aboard a classic Interlake freighter, with scenic views of the Great Lakes, unique meals, and a glimpse into the life of professional mariners.

Second Prize (Ultimate Put-in-Bay Experience): Charles and Mary Alice A. from Elma, NY. Charles and Mary Alice A. won a fun-filled getaway to Put-in-Bay, including round-trip transportation, dining vouchers, attraction tickets, and a stay on the Benson Ford Shiphouse.

Third Prize (10 tickets for the 2025 Raffle): Cindy and John K. from Monclova, OH. Tey will receive ten entries for the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle drawing.

For those interested in supporting the National Museum of the Great Lakes, please visit nmgl.org/donate to learn how to contribute. Details for the 2025 Luck of the Lakes Raffle will be announced in the spring of 2025.

Mayor moves to shore up trust in Toronto’s aging island ferry service

Toronto ON – Mayor Olivia Chow says Toronto’s aging island ferry fleet is safe, despite a number of problems with the boats in recent months.

Chow said Friday that she has taken a more active role in managing the file and is concerned that a number of high-profile safety incidents and maintenance issues “risk shaking people’s faith in the ferries.” Those comments come days after the head of the department that oversees the fleet appeared before a city committee, at the mayor’s request, to publicly explain safety enhancements made to the fleet.

“I want to assure the public that the ferries are safe,” Chow said. “As soon as I saw the situation I said, ‘Hang on, we need to have better support. We need more people. We need new ferries. I’m glad that the electric ferries have been ordered.”

The city’s ferry fleet serves 1.4 million passengers annually and has been under increasing scrutiny after several safety incidents. The four aging vessel’s reliability has also been questioned after lengthy outages have taken some of the boats out of service earlier this year.

Last month, the crew of the William Inglis ferry had to perform an emergency stop after what the city describes as a “mechanical issue,” resulting in the ferry hitting the dock. No one was injured, but the ferry was taken out of service. The city said Friday the vessel remains offline as it continues to investigate the incident.

In June, two of the ferries, the Thomas Rennie and the Trillium, were out of service because they were in need of repairs, resulting in the city warning travelers to expect delays and advising them to make alternate arrangements or postpone trips to the island.

The most high-profile incident occurred in August 2022, when the Sam McBride collided with the dock, injuring 20 people and sending six to hospital. A Transportation Safety Board (TSB) inquiry found that “several safety deficiencies” contributed to the incident.

The acting general manager of the city’s parks, forestry and recreation department told the city’s executive committee this week that staff have worked to address concerns raised after the 2022 incident and responded to the TSB’s recommendations. That includes hiring 63 more staff to crew the vessels, adding more life jackets on the boats and increasing lighting and safety signage.

“The city’s priorities remain operating a safe and reliable service, which includes meeting Transport Canada’s regulatory requirements around safety,” Howie Dayton told the committee.

CBC

This is what 12,000 metric tons of road salt looks like

Crew of the ‘Calumet’ spent part of Sunday unloading salt
Jim Lehocky
about 16 hours ago

It’s a sign that winter is not too far away.

A batch of road salt was unloaded off the Calumet onto the old Carbide Dock on Portage Avenue on Sunday.

Around 12,000 metric tons (13,228 U.S. tons) was unloaded in a matter of hours before the Calumet departed to Muskegon.

According the Rand Logisitics website, the Calumet is a 630-foot self-unloading bulk freighter designed to carry a variety of cargo types including grain, iron ore, coal, aggregates, salt and other bulk commodities. The River Class vessel has a 260 foot unloading boom and has an unloading rate of 5,000 tons per hour.

The salt will be distributed to area road commissions.

New EPA standards exempt most Great Lakes ships from installing new treatment systems

New standards adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exempt the existing fleet of ships on the Great Lakes — including in the Duluth-Superior harbor — from installing new ballast water treatment systems to control the spread of invasive species.

The standards require ocean-going vessels, known as “salties,” as well as new ships built that travel only within the Great Lakes, known as “lakers,” to install new onboard treatment systems.

But they don’t apply to the current fleet of lakers.

Federal regulators agreed with industry representatives who argued there are technological constraints, as well as economic challenges, in adding the systems to treat ballast water.

Ballast is used to balance the giant ships, up to 1,000 feet long, when they load and unload cargo. However the ballast water scooped up in one place may contain plants, shellfish and other life forms which cause problems when they are dumped in a distant post.

A host of environmental groups, along with some officials from Great Lakes states, argued for a stricter standard.

“It’s woefully inadequate,” said Steve Morse, executive director of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership. “It really doesn’t do anything to regulate the ballast water in the current fleet of lakers, many of which will be with us for half a century or more yet, in that these ships last for a long time.”

But Jeff Udd, director of government and environmental affairs at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, said the port is supportive of how the EPA approached the new rulemaking.

“We think it’s a reasonable conclusion that they came to,” said Udd.

A significant number of the nonnative aquatic species that have invaded the Great Lakes, critters such as zebra and quagga mussels, hitched rides from Europe and Asia, hidden in ballast water tanks deep in the bowels of ocean-going freighters.

When those ships flushed their ballast tanks in Great Lakes ports, they inadvertently dumped those organisms into the lakes.

Without natural predators, many of those species have wreaked havoc in the Great Lakes, where they can outcompete native species, degrade habitat and alter the food web, in addition to causing tens of millions of dollars in economic damages.

Starting in 2006, U.S. and Canadian officials began to require salties to flush their ballast tanks with saltwater before entering the Great Lakes — a process known as “swish and spit.” The saltwater kills the freshwater organisms left in the tanks.

Since then, there have been no new documented introductions of invasive species in the Great Lakes.

But environmental groups say lakers can still move invasive species around within the Great Lakes — especially to the Duluth Superior Harbor, where 85 percent of all the ballast water dumping in the Great Lakes occurs, said Morse.

A 2018 study found lakers had transported several species of nonnative zooplankton in their ballast tanks, including a species called the Bloody Red Shrimp, to western Lake Superior.

Minnesota and Wisconsin officials had asked the EPA for stricter requirements in comments leading up to the development of the new standards.

In 2022, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commissioner Katrina Kessler wrote to the EPA that its proposed rule, as it applies to lakers, “is a significant step back backward in controlling AIS [aquatic invasive species].”

Minnesota Public Radio

U-M team selected to lead maritime strategy development for Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI – The state of Michigan has picked a team from the University of Michigan’s Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering department for nearly $200,000, yearlong project to develop a maritime strategy for the state.

The project awarded by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is part of moving toward Michigan’s goal of being 100% carbon neutral by 2050 under the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

The university’s team will produce a strategy document at the end of a year, along with a proposed implementation plan targeted at stakeholder groups who will be involved in the process.

Transportation accounts for 28% of carbon emissions in the U.S., with 3% coming from boats and ships, according to Gregory Keoleian, co-director of UM’s Center for Sustainable Systems. Keoleian is a professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability, which is partnering with the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department for the maritime strategy development.

“The Healthy Climate Plan focuses a lot on ground-based transportation. This effort is really to also address opportunities in with ships and boats. So it’s really exciting that way,” he said.

Thomas McKenney, a UM associate engineering professor leading the project, said decarbonization is a key way to reduce damage done to the planet by climate change, but while sustainability is rooted in environmental stewardship, it has social and economic impacts as its other main pillars of consideration.

“You can’t have sustainability if there’s not economic viability, right?” McKenney said. “So we can’t decarbonize the Michigan maritime industry at the cost of … losing jobs and and tanking the industry.”

He said one goal of the strategy is to bring together initiatives into a holistic approach to decarbonization in Michigan’s maritime industry.

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, an intergovernmental organization of Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces, has looked at the possibility of electric battery-powered ferries as a way to reduce pollution from the region’s maritime industry. A leader for the group has said ferries are good candidates for electric power because of their short, predictable routes and frequent stops.

Use of biodiesel to power ships and trucks in the shipping industry has been suggested by the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority and Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, which aim to get the port’s carbon emissions to zero by 2040. Proponents say it can be used in existing engines, an advantage over other renewable energy sources. But plant-based fuel comes with its own divisions, because of the environmental footprint of the field crops needed to produce it.

The Detroit News

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

SS Badger-Lake Michigan Carferry-Notice

Due to poor Lake Michigan weather conditions expected on Saturday, October 5, Lake Michigan Carferry has cancelled tomorrow morning’s crossing (9:00 am EST) from Ludington, MI, and the 2:00 pm CST departure from Manitowoc, WI.

We understand the disappointment and inconvenience this decision causes and apologize for the impact it has on travel plans. While we are always committed to delivering an exceptional and comfortable cross-lake travel experience, a gale wind forecast with waves building from 6 – 9 feet and occasionally to 12 feet will make it impossible to do so in this instance.

Our customer service and reservation team are ready to offer alternatives designed to ensure your satisfaction and minimize this disruption to your travel plans.

If you already have tickets, a full refund is available. Weather permitting, the SS Badger is expected to sail on Sunday, October 6. The 2024 SS Badger sailing season ends on Sunday night.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact our customer support team at 1-800-841-4243or email us at info@ssbadger.com. Throughout this process, we are here to address any concerns you may have.

Thank you for understanding and your cooperation. We look forward to welcoming aboard the SS Badger for a future Lake Michigan crossing.

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering
in the Soo Oct. 3-6

If you are in the Soo Oct. 3-6, join us for a Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering. On Friday afternoon there will be a special Boatnerd locks/river cruise courtesy of Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (see image). This is a very informal event, just another chance to get together before winter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1037156117917546

Your guide to freighter watching in southeast Michigan: What to know

Detroit, MI – Horsepower, booming horns and big waves off the Detroit River: For freighter watchers, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Freighter watching, where people observe and photograph ships crossing waterways, has a loyal following in Detroit and Windsor, thanks to the Detroit River bordering both cities.

Marty Flore’s love of freighters on open water started when he was a teenager and his dad sailed the Great Lakes. “I’ve even got to go on some freighters with him,” said Flore, 69, of Windsor.

That long ago experience ultimately led Flore to organize in 2019 the Detroit River Freighters, a Facebook group of nearly 3,000 Boatnerds that share photos of ships they find on the Detroit River and meet up when a unique ship comes to town.

The group, which includes members from Canada and Michigan, has become a place where people along the Detroit River can easily come together to share their passion for big ships.

“We were over there in Detroit a few weeks ago. You guys got the riverwalk now and you can see everything from there,” Flore said.

Whether you’re new to freighter watching or just looking for some new tips, here’s what metro Detroit has to offer:

How to track ships

The first step to shipwatching is using a ship traffic website. This ensures you know what ships are close and where to get the best view. To check freighter travel in Michigan, visit the MarineTraffic.com website. This automatic identification system tracks ships globally and tells you where ships are coming from, where they’re going and at what speed.

What to look for

Look for differences between the ships, including the ship’s origin, cargo and speed. Certain vessels are made to transport unique and special cargo. If that’s more than you care to know, skip the details and just watch the ship calmly glide across the water.

There are many areas to spot a freighter on the Detroit River. Here are three popular ones:

    Riverside Park: The 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront is equipped with soccer fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. It’s a great location for catching freighters. Riverside Park is located at 3085 W Jefferson Ave.

    William Livingstone Memorial Light/Belle Isle: While visitors of Belle Isle cannot access the inside of William Livingstone Memorial Light, you can see the freighters pass behind the lighthouse off the shore. Belle Isle is located at 2 Inselruhe Avenue in Detroit.

    Belanger Park: The 9.5-acre park located at 1 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge is a destination for freighter-watchers to watch ships travel across the Detroit River. The park has a waterfront gazebo, two picnic pavilions, a walking path and a play area for children. Visitors can see freighters from the boardwalk.

For shipwatchers who don’t want to leave their home, the Detroit Historical Society allows viewers to watch freighters pass on the Detroit River using the RiverCam. The camera is mounted on the roof of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and streams 24/7 live on Youtube. https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/detroit-river-watch-webcam

Editor’s Note: Another great way to find out about the boats is to pick up a copy of the annual field guide Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats and Boatwatching on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Order at knowyourships.com

Detroit Free Press

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Cancer claims maritime volunteer Kari Ann David

Kari Ann David, 57, passed away on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at Marshfield Hospital, Marshfield, WI. Visitation and a service will be held at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home on Saturday, October 12th. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and go until the start of service at noon. American Legion Post 54 will provide Military Honor at the funeral home following the Memorial Service.

 Kari was a firm believer that if you can help out, you should. She was a member and volunteer of many organizations. These organizations included: Wisconsin Horseshoe Pitchers Association, Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society, Great Lake Lighthouse Society, Westboro Fish and Wildlife Club, Crisp Point Lighthouse Society, SS Meteor Maritime Museum, and hanging wreaths and donating baked goods to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. In addition to all of that, she also found time for camping, fishing, baking, and cooking.

She was loved by all who knew her and made many friends in the Great Lakes shipping community both and off the boats. She never let her long battle with breast cancer or the health issues that came along with it stop her from helping people or going on awesome adventures.

Kari was also a proud service member. She was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.

Kari was born on August 18th, 1967. The daughter of Roger and Rachel (Woltmann) Seefeldt. She attended and graduated from Waupaca High School. It was in October of 1999 that she married the love of her life, Craig David, at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield Kari is survived by her loving husband: Craig; children: Gunnar (Alyssa) and Malachi (Emily); and beloved dog: Reuben.

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and her parents Roger and Rachel Seefeldt.

 Soo Locks Plaza project taking shape with placement
of models

Sault Ste. Marie, MI – The Soo Locks Plaza, a place for learning and inspiration, a part of the Soo Locks Canal Park began taking shape this summer with the placement of new weathertight cases and the installation of two models of the Soo Locks facility.

The birds eye view of one of the models provides a look into the future showing the entire facility, as it will appear after completion of the New Lock at the Soo. Created in 2022, the model includes ships approaching the locks, the bridges on the western end of the facility and even tiny yellow carts near many of the buildings.

The second model recently installed offers a look into the past. After decades in the park, crews removed this model for professional restoration in 2020. Originally built in 1893, this model features the original Poe Lock, which operated from 1896-1960. Sometime in the 1940s the model was modified to include the MacArthur Lock.

A third case with a restored 1912 model of the Davis Lock and wayside exhibits will be added to the plaza later in the year.

The Soo Locks Plaza project is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Soo Locks Visitor Center Association, other community agencies and individual donors to rehabilitate the historic models and return them to the park with informative exhibits creating a place for learning and inspiration for visitors.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

Lakes Limestone Trade Up 9.4 Percent in September

CLEVELAND — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.8 million tons in September, an increase of 9.4 percent compared to a year ago.  Limestone cargos were also above the month’s 5-year average by 4.5 percent. 

Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 3.1 million tons, an increase of 10.6 percent from 2023.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 678,580 tons, an increase of 4.2 percent. 

Year-to-date the limestone trade stands at 20.8 million tons, an increase of 1.8 percent compared to a year ago.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries increased 2 percent to 16.7 million tons; while shipments from Ontario quarries increased less than 1 percent from 2023 to 4.1 million tons.
[See Chart in Gallery below]

U.S. ports: Calcite, MI; Cedarville, MI; Drummond Island, MI; Marblehead, OH; Port Inland, MI; and Presque Isle, MI.  Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on), and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).

Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering
in the Soo Oct. 3-6

If you are in the Soo Oct. 3-6, join us for a Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering. On Friday afternoon there will be a special Boatnerd locks/river cruise courtesy of Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (see image). This is a very informal event, just another chance to get together before winter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1037156117917546

Your guide to freighter watching in southeast Michigan: What to know

Detroit, MI – Horsepower, booming horns and big waves off the Detroit River: For freighter watchers, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Freighter watching, where people observe and photograph ships crossing waterways, has a loyal following in Detroit and Windsor, thanks to the Detroit River bordering both cities.

Marty Flore’s love of freighters on open water started when he was a teenager and his dad sailed the Great Lakes. “I’ve even got to go on some freighters with him,” said Flore, 69, of Windsor.

That long ago experience ultimately led Flore to organize in 2019 the Detroit River Freighters, a Facebook group of nearly 3,000 Boatnerds that share photos of ships they find on the Detroit River and meet up when a unique ship comes to town.

The group, which includes members from Canada and Michigan, has become a place where people along the Detroit River can easily come together to share their passion for big ships.

“We were over there in Detroit a few weeks ago. You guys got the riverwalk now and you can see everything from there,” Flore said.

Whether you’re new to freighter watching or just looking for some new tips, here’s what metro Detroit has to offer:

How to track ships

The first step to shipwatching is using a ship traffic website. This ensures you know what ships are close and where to get the best view. To check freighter travel in Michigan, visit the MarineTraffic.com website. This automatic identification system tracks ships globally and tells you where ships are coming from, where they’re going and at what speed.

What to look for

Look for differences between the ships, including the ship’s origin, cargo and speed. Certain vessels are made to transport unique and special cargo. If that’s more than you care to know, skip the details and just watch the ship calmly glide across the water.

There are many areas to spot a freighter on the Detroit River. Here are three popular ones:

    Riverside Park: The 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront is equipped with soccer fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. It’s a great location for catching freighters. Riverside Park is located at 3085 W Jefferson Ave.

    William Livingstone Memorial Light/Belle Isle: While visitors of Belle Isle cannot access the inside of William Livingstone Memorial Light, you can see the freighters pass behind the lighthouse off the shore. Belle Isle is located at 2 Inselruhe Avenue in Detroit.

    Belanger Park: The 9.5-acre park located at 1 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge is a destination for freighter-watchers to watch ships travel across the Detroit River. The park has a waterfront gazebo, two picnic pavilions, a walking path and a play area for children. Visitors can see freighters from the boardwalk.

For shipwatchers who don’t want to leave their home, the Detroit Historical Society allows viewers to watch freighters pass on the Detroit River using the RiverCam. The camera is mounted on the roof of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and streams 24/7 live on Youtube. https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/detroit-river-watch-webcam

Editor’s Note: Another great way to find out about the boats is to pick up a copy of the annual field guide Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats and Boatwatching on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Order at knowyourships.com

Detroit Free Press

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down 1.9 Percent in September

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore from U.S. ports on the Great Lakes totaled 5.5 million tons in September, a decrease of 1.9 percent compared to a year ago.  Shipments were above the month’s 5-year average by 6.6 percent.

Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 36.5 million tons, a decrease of less than 1 percent compared to the same point in 2023. 

Through September iron ore loadings are 7.3 percent above their 5-year average for the first three quarters of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

[See Charts Below in gallery]

Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio  44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)
www.lcaships.com

Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering in the Soo Oct. 3-6

If you are in the Soo Oct. 3-6, join us for a Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering. On Friday afternoon there will be a special Boatnerd locks/river cruise courtesy of Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (see image). This is a very informal event, just another chance to get together before winter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1037156117917546

Your guide to freighter watching in southeast Michigan: What to know

Detroit, MI – Horsepower, booming horns and big waves off the Detroit River: For freighter watchers, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Freighter watching, where people observe and photograph ships crossing waterways, has a loyal following in Detroit and Windsor, thanks to the Detroit River bordering both cities.

Marty Flore’s love of freighters on open water started when he was a teenager and his dad sailed the Great Lakes. “I’ve even got to go on some freighters with him,” said Flore, 69, of Windsor.

That long ago experience ultimately led Flore to organize in 2019 the Detroit River Freighters, a Facebook group of nearly 3,000 Boatnerds that share photos of ships they find on the Detroit River and meet up when a unique ship comes to town.

The group, which includes members from Canada and Michigan, has become a place where people along the Detroit River can easily come together to share their passion for big ships.

“We were over there in Detroit a few weeks ago. You guys got the riverwalk now and you can see everything from there,” Flore said.

Whether you’re new to freighter watching or just looking for some new tips, here’s what metro Detroit has to offer:

How to track ships

The first step to shipwatching is using a ship traffic website. This ensures you know what ships are close and where to get the best view. To check freighter travel in Michigan, visit the MarineTraffic.com website. This automatic identification system tracks ships globally and tells you where ships are coming from, where they’re going and at what speed.

What to look for

Look for differences between the ships, including the ship’s origin, cargo and speed. Certain vessels are made to transport unique and special cargo. If that’s more than you care to know, skip the details and just watch the ship calmly glide across the water.

There are many areas to spot a freighter on the Detroit River. Here are three popular ones:

    Riverside Park: The 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront is equipped with soccer fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. It’s a great location for catching freighters. Riverside Park is located at 3085 W Jefferson Ave.

    William Livingstone Memorial Light/Belle Isle: While visitors of Belle Isle cannot access the inside of William Livingstone Memorial Light, you can see the freighters pass behind the lighthouse off the shore. Belle Isle is located at 2 Inselruhe Avenue in Detroit.

    Belanger Park: The 9.5-acre park located at 1 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge is a destination for freighter-watchers to watch ships travel across the Detroit River. The park has a waterfront gazebo, two picnic pavilions, a walking path and a play area for children. Visitors can see freighters from the boardwalk.

For shipwatchers who don’t want to leave their home, the Detroit Historical Society allows viewers to watch freighters pass on the Detroit River using the RiverCam. The camera is mounted on the roof of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and streams 24/7 live on Youtube. https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/detroit-river-watch-webcam

Editor’s Note: Another great way to find out about the boats is to pick up a copy of the annual field guide Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats and Boatwatching on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Order at knowyourships.com

Detroit Free Press

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Mariners mourn the sudden passing of Aaron Bensinger

Great Lakes mariners are mourning the sudden passing Tuesday morning of Aaron Bensinger, vice president of InterShip, a division of Central Marine Logistics. He was well-known and respected around the Great Lakes.

 Aaron’s celebration of life is planned for Saturday, October 5, at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, Ill.

Central Marine Logistics operates the Wilfred Sykes and Joseph L. Block on the Great Lakes.

Last Month to Board Col. James M. Schoonmaker
Museum Boat and Museum Tug Ohio

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 (Toledo, Ohio) – October is here and the National Museum of the Great Lakes reminds our community that it’s the final month to board and explore the Col.James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and Museum Tug Ohio before they close for the season.

Both vessels will be open to the public until Thursday, October 31, with the final boarding call at 4 pm. The boats will close for the winter beginning on November 1 and reopen on May 1, 2025. Our winter hours will also begin on November 1, and the museum will be closed on Tuesdays until the spring.

Additionally, on Wednesday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the museum will host its first-ever Maritime Career Day. While the museum will remain open to all visitors, there will be larger crowds and job fair participants set up throughout the exhibit spaces. We encourage guests to take this into consideration when planning their visit that day.For more information or to plan your visit, please visit www.nmgl.org.

WHAT: Final Month to Board the Museum Boats

WHEN: Boats Close November 1, 2024

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes

1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

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

$16.00 (Museum & Ship) – Seniors (65+)

$14.00 (Museum & Ship) – Youth (6-17)

FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members

Boo on the Boat: A Spooky, Fun-Filled Halloween Weekend

Aboard the Col. James M. Schoonmaker and Museum Tug Ohio

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 (Toledo, Ohio) – Get ready for a hauntingly good time as the National Museum of the Great Lakes invites families to Boo on the Boat from Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27. Bring your ghouls and goblins for trick-or-treating aboard two of Toledo’s most historic haunts: the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio.

Treats will be offered in pre-portioned, sealed bags at various spooky stations aboard both boats, making it an enjoyable and safe way for children to discover the mysteries and histories of our museum boats. In keeping with our commitment to inclusion, we also participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project, offering non-food treats for children with food allergies.

“Our Boo on the Boat event is a family favorite, providing a fun and welcoming environment for children and adults alike to enjoy the Halloween season while learning about Great Lakes history,” said Ellen Kennedy, Director of Museum Operations. “We love seeing families return each year to explore our ships in their costumes and make memories.”

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Event participation is included with Museum

Boat admission and is free for our members and Museum for All participants (families receiving SNAP benefits).

Special Weekend Feature
On Saturday, October 26, from 10 AM to 4 PM, don’t miss local artist Don Lee, who will be aboard the Schoonmaker drawing personalized caricatures for guests. This uniqueexperience is included with admission.

For more information on Boo on the Boat and other upcoming events, visit nmgl.org/events.

WHAT: Boo on the Boat

WHEN: October 25-27 from 10 am to 4 pm

WHERE: National Museum of the Great Lakes

1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605

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

$16.00 (Museum & Ship) – Seniors (65+)

$14.00 (Museum & Ship) – Youth (6-17)

FREE – Children 5 and under, GLHS/NMGL Members/Museums for All

Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering in the Soo Oct. 3-6

If you are in the Soo Oct. 3-6, join us for a Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering. On Friday afternoon there will be a special Boatnerd locks/river cruise courtesy of Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (see image). This is a very informal event, just another chance to get together before winter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1037156117917546

Your guide to freighter watching in southeast Michigan: What to know

Detroit, MI – Horsepower, booming horns and big waves off the Detroit River: For freighter watchers, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Freighter watching, where people observe and photograph ships crossing waterways, has a loyal following in Detroit and Windsor, thanks to the Detroit River bordering both cities.

Marty Flore’s love of freighters on open water started when he was a teenager and his dad sailed the Great Lakes. “I’ve even got to go on some freighters with him,” said Flore, 69, of Windsor.

That long ago experience ultimately led Flore to organize in 2019 the Detroit River Freighters, a Facebook group of nearly 3,000 Boatnerds that share photos of ships they find on the Detroit River and meet up when a unique ship comes to town.

The group, which includes members from Canada and Michigan, has become a place where people along the Detroit River can easily come together to share their passion for big ships.

“We were over there in Detroit a few weeks ago. You guys got the riverwalk now and you can see everything from there,” Flore said.

Whether you’re new to freighter watching or just looking for some new tips, here’s what metro Detroit has to offer:

How to track ships

The first step to shipwatching is using a ship traffic website. This ensures you know what ships are close and where to get the best view. To check freighter travel in Michigan, visit the MarineTraffic.com website. This automatic identification system tracks ships globally and tells you where ships are coming from, where they’re going and at what speed.

What to look for

Look for differences between the ships, including the ship’s origin, cargo and speed. Certain vessels are made to transport unique and special cargo. If that’s more than you care to know, skip the details and just watch the ship calmly glide across the water.

There are many areas to spot a freighter on the Detroit River. Here are three popular ones:

    Riverside Park: The 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront is equipped with soccer fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. It’s a great location for catching freighters. Riverside Park is located at 3085 W Jefferson Ave.

    William Livingstone Memorial Light/Belle Isle: While visitors of Belle Isle cannot access the inside of William Livingstone Memorial Light, you can see the freighters pass behind the lighthouse off the shore. Belle Isle is located at 2 Inselruhe Avenue in Detroit.

    Belanger Park: The 9.5-acre park located at 1 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge is a destination for freighter-watchers to watch ships travel across the Detroit River. The park has a waterfront gazebo, two picnic pavilions, a walking path and a play area for children. Visitors can see freighters from the boardwalk.

For shipwatchers who don’t want to leave their home, the Detroit Historical Society allows viewers to watch freighters pass on the Detroit River using the RiverCam. The camera is mounted on the roof of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and streams 24/7 live on Youtube. https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/detroit-river-watch-webcam

Editor’s Note: Another great way to find out about the boats is to pick up a copy of the annual field guide Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats and Boatwatching on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Order at knowyourships.com

Detroit Free Press

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.

Trans Link Services is no more

Well Folks, I guess it’s on the public domain and is Listed.. Trans Link Services, which operated the cranes to load/unload cargo in Manitowoc, is no more. Their Manitowoc Cranes, other equipment are being sold and shipped out and eventually all equipment will be gone from their dock. Their website and Facebook page have also been taken down. Currently, the property/dock is listed for lease.

Property is Owned By Allie Family(leased site to Trans Link) (whom own almost everything in Manitowoc, real estate, housing, etc… they even own the Broadwind/Konecrane Site, Former Shipyard Peninsula. They’ve gotten grants to fix up that dock due to use for commercial use… now who knows… whatever happens next I hope the best comes out of this to remain an asset to Manitowoc and the folks that call it home.

This will decrease maritime cargo loads and overall port tonnage significantly without an operating cargo handling service. This leaves, only St. Marys Cement, Briess and SS Badger, to be the current commercial terminal operations in the Port of Manitowoc.

[Port of Manitowoc, Wisconsin Boatnerd Group]

Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering in the Soo Oct. 3-6

If you are in the Soo Oct. 3-6, join us for a Fall Boatnerd Mini-Gathering. On Friday afternoon there will be a special Boatnerd locks/river cruise courtesy of Original Soo Locks Boat Tours (see image). This is a very informal event, just another chance to get together before winter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1037156117917546

Your guide to freighter watching in southeast Michigan: What to know

Detroit, MI – Horsepower, booming horns and big waves off the Detroit River: For freighter watchers, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Freighter watching, where people observe and photograph ships crossing waterways, has a loyal following in Detroit and Windsor, thanks to the Detroit River bordering both cities.

Marty Flore’s love of freighters on open water started when he was a teenager and his dad sailed the Great Lakes. “I’ve even got to go on some freighters with him,” said Flore, 69, of Windsor.

That long ago experience ultimately led Flore to organize in 2019 the Detroit River Freighters, a Facebook group of nearly 3,000 Boatnerds that share photos of ships they find on the Detroit River and meet up when a unique ship comes to town.

The group, which includes members from Canada and Michigan, has become a place where people along the Detroit River can easily come together to share their passion for big ships.

“We were over there in Detroit a few weeks ago. You guys got the riverwalk now and you can see everything from there,” Flore said.

Whether you’re new to freighter watching or just looking for some new tips, here’s what metro Detroit has to offer:

How to track ships

The first step to shipwatching is using a ship traffic website. This ensures you know what ships are close and where to get the best view. To check freighter travel in Michigan, visit the MarineTraffic.com website. This automatic identification system tracks ships globally and tells you where ships are coming from, where they’re going and at what speed.

What to look for

Look for differences between the ships, including the ship’s origin, cargo and speed. Certain vessels are made to transport unique and special cargo. If that’s more than you care to know, skip the details and just watch the ship calmly glide across the water.

There are many areas to spot a freighter on the Detroit River. Here are three popular ones:

    Riverside Park: The 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront is equipped with soccer fields, picnic areas and a basketball court. It’s a great location for catching freighters. Riverside Park is located at 3085 W Jefferson Ave.

    William Livingstone Memorial Light/Belle Isle: While visitors of Belle Isle cannot access the inside of William Livingstone Memorial Light, you can see the freighters pass behind the lighthouse off the shore. Belle Isle is located at 2 Inselruhe Avenue in Detroit.

    Belanger Park: The 9.5-acre park located at 1 Belanger Park Drive in River Rouge is a destination for freighter-watchers to watch ships travel across the Detroit River. The park has a waterfront gazebo, two picnic pavilions, a walking path and a play area for children. Visitors can see freighters from the boardwalk.

For shipwatchers who don’t want to leave their home, the Detroit Historical Society allows viewers to watch freighters pass on the Detroit River using the RiverCam. The camera is mounted on the roof of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and streams 24/7 live on Youtube. https://detroithistorical.org/dossin-great-lakes-museum/detroit-river-watch-webcam

Editor’s Note: Another great way to find out about the boats is to pick up a copy of the annual field guide Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats and Boatwatching on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Order at knowyourships.com

Detroit Free Press

Marine Mart planned for Oct. 12

The Great Lakes Maritime Institute will host its 43rd annual Marine Mart Oct, 12 in St. Clair Shores, MI. See the flier in the photo gallery for details.