THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - August 6, 2019 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay handled more than 1.1 million metric tonnes (MT) of cargo last month – the largest tally of any July since 1997. The haul was fueled by continued strength in grain shipments and increases in other bulk commodities. It was a good month for coal shipments. Just under 150,000 MT of the product crossed Thunder Bay docks in July, the most of any month since 2012. Saskatchewan potash volumes for the month nearly doubled from last year. Other dry bulk shipments in July included inbound road salt for regional use.
#LSN_Shipping
Superior Wisconsin, - August 6, 2019 (LSN) – The University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute will host free tours of the Montreal Pier Ballast Water Treatment System Testing Facility on Tuesday, August 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.
This open house will allow visitors to learn about LSRI’s research on aquatic invasive species and its newly acquired facility. Tours will leave the main area at 1:30, 2, and 2:30 p.m. LSRI, University of Minnesota Duluth, and AMI Consulting Engineers staff will be available to discuss and demonstrate the unique features of the facility.
Lake Superior water levels increased by 3 cm (1.5 in) in July
#LSN_Shipping water levels in the upper Great Lakes
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - August 4, 2019 (LSN) Lake Superior water levels increased by 3 cm (1.2 in) last month, while the average water level rise in July is 4 cm (1.6 in). At the beginning of August, Lake Superior is 2 cm (0.8 in) above the record high beginning of month level set in 1950. The level is currently 35 cm (14 in) above average (1918 – 2018), and 22 cm (9 in) above its level of a year ago. Lake Michigan-Huron remained stable in July, which is the average water level change in July. Lake MichiganHuron is currently 6 cm (2 in) below the record high beginning of month level set in 1986. The level is 79 cm (31 in) above average, and 40 cm (16 in) above last year’s beginning of August level. Lake Superior is expected to remain relatively stable in August and Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to begin its seasonal decline.
Port of Thunder Bay Volumes Up
#LSN_Shipping #LSN_TBay
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - July 10, 2019 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is reporting strong cargo volumes at the end of June. Shipments of Prairie grain, the port’s primary commodity, remained ahead of last year’s pace in June, continuing a three-month trend.
$75.3 Million for new Soo Lock
#LSN_Shipping Soo Locks Artist Rendering 2010
SAULT STE MARIE, ONTARIO, MICHIGAN - June 24, 2019 (LSN) The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed a FY ‘20 Energy and Water appropriations bill containing the $75.3 million requested by the President for construction of the new lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This is the largest amount ever approved by Congress for the massive and strategically critical Great Lakes infrastructure project.
Lake Superior water levels increased by 13 cm (5 in) in May
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - June 4, 2019 (LSN) Wet conditions continued across the upper Great Lakes basin in May. Lake Superior has exceeded record high water levels for this time of year and water levels of Lake Michigan-Huron are also now approaching record high levels. The Board advises all those that may be affected to prepare for coastal impacts similar or potentially worse than those that have occurred during the last few years, as the high levels coupled with potentially strong winds and waves are likely to continue to result in an increased risk of shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system.
Lake Superior, Lake Michigan-Huron Levels remain well above average
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - May 3, 2019 (LSN) Wet conditions continued across the upper Great Lakes basin in April. Water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average, and Lake Superior has the potential to reach or exceed record high levels in May should wet conditions continue. The Board advises all those that may be affected to prepare for coastal impacts similar to those that have occurred during the last few years, as the high levels coupled with potential strong winds and waves are likely to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system.
LAKE SUPERIOR OUTFLOWS EXPECTED CONDITIONS April
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - April 3, 2019 (LSN) Relatively wet conditions continued across the upper Great Lakes basin in March, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average. The above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this spring should active weather continue.
Canadian Coast Guard Icebreaking Lake Superior
#LSN_Shipping Captain Signe Gotfredsen
DULUTH, MINNESOTA - March 24, 2019 (LSN) The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley is breaking out the Port of Thunder Bay in preparation for the 2019 commercial shipping season. Captain Signe Gotfredsen describes the voyage across Lake Superior from Sault Ste Marie to Thunder Bay and talks about life on board the icebreaker.
2019 shipping season set to open for Port of Duluth-Superior
#LSN_Shipping USCGC MacKinaw
DULUTH, MINNESOTA - March 22, 2019 (LSN) The Alder and Mackinaw made their way across Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, opening a 100-foot lane in the ice that will be widened soon by Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley in support of breakout efforts that will also include local tugs from the Great Lakes Towing Company and Heritage Marine. Those efforts will help six vessels berthed in Duluth-Superior get underway downbound with loads in the coming days. Those vessels include (vessel name/winter layup location):
S.S. KEEWATIN will be published in a special leather bound LIMITED EDITION
#LSN_Shipping S.S. KEEWATIN
Port McNicoll, Ontario - March 19, 2019 (LSN) In Ottawa today it has been announced that S.S. KEEWATIN will be published in a special leather bound LIMITED EDITION collectors book on July 6 2019, the 112th anniversary of her launch in Goven Scotland July 6 1907. In recognition of the S.S. Keewatin’s 112th Anniversary (2019) and her potential status as an official Ontario Tourist Attraction (a Canadian Historical Treasure) to develop a prestigious memorabilia publication that will be produced to showcase the S.S. Keewatin; her story, her history, her significant to Canada and much more …
Prepare Seaway for New Shipping Season 2019
#LSN_Shipping Hands Free Mooring technology
WASHINGTON, DC - March 20, 2019 (LSN) In order to prepare for the 2019 shipping season, the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) has dedicated the winter shutdown season to investing in critical capital investment projects at the Seaway’s U.S. locks. Since 2009, the SLSDC has invested $152 million in the maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization of the U.S. locks under the ground-breaking Seaway Asset Renewal Program (ARP). In 2019, the SLSDC will complete the installation of the first-of-its-kind Hands Free Mooring (HFM) technology at the U.S. locks. This will complete the deployment of this technology throughout the binational Seaway System.
Coast Guard conducts pollution assessment following fire on the St Clair in Port of Toledo
#LSN_Shipping Fire on the 762-foot St Clair
Toledo, Ohio - February 17, 2019 (LSN) The Coast Guard is conducting pollution assessment of the Maumee River following a fire onboard a vessel at the CSX Torco terminal in Oregon, Ohio in the Port of Toledo, Saturday.
Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Detroit Command Center were notified of the fire about 9: 30 p.m. by members of Coast Guard Station Toledo. The Coast Guard responded along with fire fighters from eight local fire departments
UPDATE ON LAKE SUPERIOR OUTFLOWS AND EXPECTED CONDITIONS
#LSN_Shipping high water levels in the upper Great Lakes
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - February 2, 2019 (LSN) Generally wet conditions persisted across the upper Great Lakes basin in January, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average. The above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this winter should active weather continue.
New Commissioner and Dirctor for Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board
DULUTH, MINNESOTA - January 26, 2019 (LSN) Commissioner Michael “Mike” Jugovich was appointed by the St. Louis County (SLC) Board effective January 8, 2019. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced today that Grand Rapids native Jayson Hron has been named Director of Communications and Marketing. joins the leadership team effective February 1, 2019.
Port of Thunder Bay Reports End 2018 to Strong Shipping Season
#LSN_Shipping MV Kaministiqua Photo Matthew Carlson
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - January 14, 2019 (LSN) The final vessel of the shipping season departed the Port of Thunder Bay Sunday, January 13, capping off a busy end to another good year at the Lake Superior port. MV Kaministiqua is headed for Windsor with a load of canola from the Canadian prairies.
Port of Duluth Superior
Port of Thunder Bay
The Federal churchill entering the Mission River entrace docking at the Superior Terminal
Sault Ste Marie Lift Bridge By David Kaye Time Lapse Video, Joseph L Block up bound out of the Soo Locks, then Rt Hon Paul J Martin down bound for the Locks and finally the train into Canada. 5-26-18
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OCEAN VESSEL TRAFFIC BOOSTING CARGO VOLUMES AS SEASON-END NEARS
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 6, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay had very high ocean vessel traffic in the month of November, a trend that is continuing in December and making for a strong end to the shipping season. Twenty ocean vessels – commonly referred to as ‘salties’ – called the Port in November to load or unload with internationally-trading cargo. This is the highest number of salties to visit the Port in any single month since 2015.
Liberals to Cancel Marine Security Enforcement Team Program for Ontario
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 5, 2018 (LSN) MP Dave Van Kesteren recently made aware of the Liberal Government’s intention to cancel the MSET program in Ontario. MSET is a joint operation between the Canadian Coast Guard and the RCMP to protect the entirety of the Great Lakes. MSET patrols known smuggling routes and intercepts guns, drugs, contraband tobacco and other illegal items destined for organized crime in Canada.
Lake Superior is 29 cm (11 in) above average
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - November 4, 2018 (LSN) Extremely wet weather and a significant rise in Lake Superior levels will result in St. Marys River outflows being increased in November.
An exceptional amount of precipitation fell in the Lake Superior basin from October 8th to 11th, causing a rapid and significant rise in Lake Superior water levels. Lake Superior rose 8 cm (3 in) overall last month, while on average it declines 4 cm (2 in) in October.
President Trump signs bill authorizing $922-million Poe Lock replacement
#LSN_shipping Artist Rendering 2010 CLEVELAND, OHIO – October 24, 2018 (LSN) President Trump yesterday signed America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, legislation that includes the Soo Lock Post-Authorization Change Report that authorizes construction of a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to move forward. The President had pledged to “fix” the Soo Locks in April.
Halifax Shipyard launches Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA - September 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) (LSN) Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, was launched today, Sept. 15, 2018, marking a significant milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.
At 103 metres and 6,615 tonnes, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf is the largest Royal Canadian Navy ship built in Canada in 50 years.
Port of Duluth-Superior supports nearly 8,000 jobs and generates $1.4 billion in economic activity according to Great Lakes-Seaway study
#LSN_Shipping Mesabi Miner entering Port of Duluth by Jan Swart
PORT OF DULUTH, MINNESOTA - September 8, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Duluth-Superior generated $1.4 billion in economic activity and supported 7,881 jobs last year. Handling 35 million short tons of cargo generated over $504 million in total wages, salaries and purchases of goods and services in the regional economy. Cargo movement and vessel activity at the port also generated a total of nearly $240 million in federal/state tax revenues.
Beginning of September, Lake Superior is 14 cm (6 in) above average (1918 – 2017)
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - August 31, 2018 (LSN) At the beginning of September, Lake Superior is 14 cm (6 in) above average (1918 – 2017), but 11 cm (4 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 43 cm (17 in) above average, and at the same level as last year’s beginning-of-September level. Lake Superior rose 2 cm (0.8 in) last month, while on average Lake Superior rises 1 cm (0.4 in) in August. Lake Michigan-Huron remained stable in August, while on average it declines 4 cm (2 in). The level of Lake Superior is expected to remain relatively stable in September, and Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to resume its seasonal decline.
ACTIVITY July IN THE PORT OF THUNDER BAY
#LSN_Shipping Ship loading Grain at Viterra Port of Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO _ August 3, 2018 (LSN) Grain elevators have been busy the past several weeks in the Port of Thunder Bay. For only the second time in twenty years, July grain volumes surpassed 800,000 metric tonnes. The surge brings the grain tally at the port in line with the previous season and 4% greater than the five-year average.
Beginning of August, Lake Superior is 13 cm (5 in) above average (1918 – 2017)
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - August 3, 2018 (LSN) At the beginning of August, Lake Superior is 13 cm (5 in) above average (1918 – 2017), but 9 cm (4 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 39 cm (15 in) above average, but 4 cm (2 in) below last year’s beginning-of-August level. The level of Lake Superior is expected to remain relatively stable in August, and Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to continue its seasonal decline.
Lake Carriers’ Association’s 2018 State of The Lakes Report Sees Significant Progress on Most Important Issues Facing Industry
CLEVELAND. OHIO – July 25, 2018 (LSN) Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) is reporting significant progress on issues critical to the future of Great Lakes shipping in its 2018 State of the Lakes Report released today. LCA has represented U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes since 1880.
The cover of the report features a 1,000-foot-long U.S.-flag laker transiting the Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and for good reason. On June 29, 2018, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its New Soo Lock Economic Validation Study that determined building a second Poe-sized lock has a benefit/cost ratio of 2.42, well above the level required for inclusion in an Administration budget. Upon the study’s release James C. Dalton, the Corps’ Director of Civil Works, stressed “The strategic importance of the Soo Locks cannot be overstated.” Lake Carriers’ Association’s 2018 State of The Lakes Report Sees Significant Progress on Most Important Issues Facing Industry
Economic Impact Study Finds Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Supports More Than 237,000 Jobs and Billions in Economic Activity
WASHINGTON DC – July 22, 2018 (LSN) According to a new study, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system supports more than 237,000 jobs, 147,500 of which are located in the eight U.S. Great Lakes states. In addition, the study found that in the United States, maritime commerce on the waterway in 2017 supported $25.6 billion in economic activity, $10.5 billion in annual personal income, and $4.6 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
Trump's Visit Duluth-Superior Harbor Security Zone
DULUTH, MINNESOTA, June 19, 2018 (LSN) President Donald Trump plans to visit Duluth Wednesday, June 20, his first since just before his election. The rally is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for general admission.
Trump's campaign said Monday he's expected to discuss the economy, trade and his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The rally is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for general admission. Tickets must be reserved via the Trump campaign website .
American Spirit Floats Free Duluth Sunday Evening
#LSN_Shipping American Spirit Aground
DULUTH, MINNESOTA - June 18, 2018 (LSN) The motor vessel American Spirit, which ran aground in Duluth-Superior Harbor, Duluth, Minnesota, floated free from the bottom at approximately 10 p.m. (central standard time) Sunday.
The American Spirit floated free from the bottom due to a water level rise in the harbor. It proceeded under its own power, with tug assistance, to the Husky Fuel dock. An examination of the interior and exterior of the hull is ongoing.
PORTOFTHUNDER BAY HANDLES DIVERSE CARGOES May
#LSN_shipping Wood pellets being discharged
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - June 11, 2018 (LSN) The month of May was a strong one at the Port of Thunder Bay, the highlight being the variety of shipments moving across port docks. Commodity shipments of grain, coal and potash were consistent, with over 1.0 million metric tonnes (MT) of bulk cargo being loaded for outbound shipment.
Thunder Bay is the primary Seaway export port for Western Canadian bulk commodities; potash shipments have been well above average for the past year due to increased direct overseas exports, and this trend continued in May. Grain volumes were bolstered by large shipments of wheat, which is up year-over-year in the port. Large quantities of soybeans also contributed to the grain tally; volumes of soybeans have increased steadily at the port in recent years and a record volume of 387,000 MT was set last year.
Great Waters Research Collaborative releases study on laker ballast water
SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN. – June 4, 2018 (LSN) The Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC), a project of the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI), released results of a study today on nonindigenous species of plankton in ballast discharges from U.S. and Canadian lakers to western Lake Superior. The research builds on work conducted by others in the Great Lakes in recent years.
Operators of the lakers proposed the study as a means of complying with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ballast water permitting requirements, and approached GWRC to undertake the scientific research. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency paid for the study via the U.S. Maritime Administration portion of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - June 5, 2018 (LSN) Lake Superior began its seasonal rise in May, but rose just 5 cm (2 in) as dry conditions persisted in the basin for a third straight month. Conditions were wetter downstream, and as a result, Lake Michigan-Huron rose 11 cm (4 in) last month. At the beginning of June, Lake Superior is 10 cm (4 in) above average (1918 – 2017), but 12 cm (5 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 44 cm (17 in) above average, 10 cm (4 in) above last year’s beginning-of-June level and the highest since 1997. The seasonal water level rise is expected to continue on both lakes in June.
#LSN_Shipping A U.S. Coast Guard cutter and Canadian Coast Guard ship assists a vessel
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - May 7, 2018 (LSN) The Ninth District is proud to be part of the team effort meeting the challenge of a record season in Great Lakes ice-breaking operations. Working with the Canadian Coast Guard and members of the shipping industry throughout the region, our cutters have logged thousands of hours and miles to keep commerce moving in what has been, to date, the iciest Winter of the past 25 years.
The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and their industry partners have developed a broad ice-breaking strategy, which is reviewed at a yearly conference held in the Fall. During the Winter season, we all participate in daily “ice calls,” conference calls which set the current ice-breaking priorities. It is here that both U.S. and Canadian assets are allocated as industry provides information on commercial traffic as well as local conditions.
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - May 5, 2018 (LSN) The Lake Superior water level declined by a record 3 cm (1 in) in April, normally the month that it begins its seasonal rise, and at the beginning-of-May, Lake Superior is 15 cm (6 in) above average (1918 - 2017), but 4 cm (2 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron saw wetter weather in April and levels resumed their seasonal rise, increasing 10 cm (4 in) last month. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 41 cm (16 in) above average, 10 cm (4 in) above last year’s beginning-of-May level and the highest since 1998. The seasonal water level rise is expected to begin on Lake Superior and continue on Lake Michigan-Huron in May.
Despite the recent decline on Lake Superior, the above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this spring and summer should active weather continue.
#LSN_shipping
MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN , — April 30, 2018 (LSN) All of the affected utility cables owned by American Transmission Company have been soldered, capped, sealed and laid on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in its original position, Sunday.
ATC is preparing a long-term plan to remove the damaged cables, under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN. — April 26, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command approved a plan developed by American Transmission Company, contracting with Durocher Marine and T&T Subsea, to cap and seal the two severed utility cables in the Straits of Mackinac, Wednesday.
Thursday, a tug, barge, and remotely operating underwater vehicle commenced operations to cap the ends of the two severed ATC utility cables.
One by one, the ends of severed cables will be lifted to the surface of the water, to solder and affix a permanent cap. The caps will be wrapped with the existing outer steel armor wires of the cables and banded with steel clamps
#LSN_Shipping Federal Bering Captain Philips Kuruvilla with Top Hat
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO April 24, 2018 (LSN) The vessel M.V. Federal Bering became the first ocean-going “Salty” vessel to enter the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, berthing at Richardson’s Main elevator Sunday, April 22. The vessel is loading 21,200 metric tonnes of Western Canadian Wheat in Thunder Bay. The supply chain for Canadian grain is the longest grain supply chain in the world, and the Seaway route through Thunder Bay is a critical link. Once loaded, Federal Bering will embark on a 7,800 kilometre journey to the destination port of Casablanca, Morocco.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – April 16, 2018 (LSN) Protection of the environment and promotion of waterborne commerce will be well served by Senate passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act. The bill, S.1129, includes provisions that will protect the Great Lakes from oil spills and non-native species and facilitate shipping during the ice season.
“This bill is a real win-win for the Lakes,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes. “It is equally concerned with safeguarding our environment and fostering waterborne commerce, the most efficient mode of transportation for dry-bulk cargos.”
MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN – April 15, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command has announced that the American Transmission Company is slated to deploy sonar scanning technology and a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to better assess damage to the affected utility cables this week, as soon as weather conditions no longer pose a danger to responders.
DULUTH, MINNESOTA - April 12, 2018 (LSN) The first ‘saltie’ of the 2018 commercial navigation season, the Federal Weser, is on its way to the Port of Duluth-Superior and is expected to arrive tonight by 10 p.m. Its official arrival time will be recorded when the ship passes beneath Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.
#LSN_Econ
MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN - April 5, 2018 (LSN) The Unified Command has isolated the impacted utility lines and is monitoring the removal progress of the remaining mineral oil from those lines, Thursday.
The Oil Spill Response Organization, contracted by the American Transmission Company, removed approximately 10 percent of the mineral oil from one of the utility lines yesterday. The Unified Command will continue to consult with oil recovery experts and engineers today to ensure the oil extraction process is effective.
#LSN_Shipping Photo by Matthew Carlson
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - March 28, 2018 M.V. CSL Welland is the first vessel to arrive in the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, and received the traditional Top Hat in a ceremony today. The CSL Welland arrived in Port on Tuesday, March 27, berthing at noon at G3 elevator. The vessel is taking on a load of grain.
The CSL Welland holds the record for the largest single shipment of grain loaded in the Port of Thunder Bay. On August 16, 2016 the vessel departed the Port with 31,064 metric tonnes of grain. Built in 2014, the CSL Welland is one of dozens of new ships transiting the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System thanks to a wave of fleet re-investment by Canadian shipping companies in recent years.
#LSN_Shipping Ships heading to Soo Locks Thunder Bay, White Fish Bay and CSL Assiniboine To track ships
SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN March 24, 2018 (LSN) U.S. Coast Guard cutters are breaking ice in Lake Superior, Bay of Green Bay, Straits of Mackinac and the St. Marys River as part of Spring Breakout in preparation for the seasonal opening of the Soo Locks, which are scheduled to open to commercial vessel traffic on Sunday.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley will enter through the locks prior to the official opening.
#LSN_Shipping USCG Alder Breaking Ice in Thunder Bay Photo By Matthew Carlson
CLEVELAND, OHIO March 21, 2018 (LSN) Crews are readying the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet for another shipping season. Five dry-bulk vessels have already resumed operation, but the bulk of the fleet will get underway once the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, open on March 25.
Last year U.S.-flag lakers hauled 85.7 million tons of cargo, an increase of 3 percent over 2016. Iron ore for steel production was the largest single commodity carried by U.S.-flag lakers: 46 million tons. Limestone cargos totaled 21.55 million tons. Coal shipments topped 13.3 million tons.
#LSN_Shipping Erie Trader-Clyde S. VanEnkevort
Duluth, Minnesota, March 19, 2018 (LSN) The anticipated departure of six vessels this week signals a strong start to the 2018 commercial shipping season for the Port of Duluth-Superior and the entire region. All will be leaving their winter berths to load iron ore for delivery to steel mills on the Lower Great Lakes—this nation’s industrial heartland.
#LSN_Shipping 183.58 m (602.3 ft 2nd highest on record (1918 - present)
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - March 7, 2018 (LSN) Wet conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in February and water levels remain well above average. The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in February was 183.58 m (602.3 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and just 5 cm (2 in) below the record-high set in February 1986. Lake Michigan-Huron’s mean February level was 176.74 m (579.86 ft), the 12th highest on record and the highest since 1997.
The high levels coupled with strong winds and waves have resulted in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur should active weather continue
THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO - February 3, 2018 (LSN) More seasonable conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in January. Nonetheless, both lakes continue to see the effects of a wet spring and summer, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average as a result.
The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in January was 183.65 m (602.53 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and the highest since January 1986.
#LSN_Shipping Wind Turbines
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - January 10, 2018 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is closing up for the season, with three wintering vessels arriving today bringing the total of wintering ships in Port to seven. The final shipment of grain for the season departed the Port on January 4 aboard MV CSL Laurentien.
Despite closing a bit earlier than normal, total Port shipments for the season were 7% above the five-year average. The total annual cargo volume of 8.84 million metric tonnes for the season was just a fraction higher than the 8.83 million tonnes recorded a year before. The Port’s five-year average cargo tonnage is 8.29 million tonnes.
#LSN_Shipping final phase of emission-reduction program, the 1,013.5-foot Paul R. Tregurtha
CLEVELAND, OHIO – January 4, 2018 (:SN) U.S.-flag Great Lakes vessel operators will spend $65 million maintaining and modernizing their vessels at Great Lakes shipyards this winter. When complete, the fleet will be ready to meet the needs of commerce come the spring break-out in March.
“Winter is the one opportunity our members have to renew and upgrade their vessels,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing the major U.S.-flag carriers. “They have just 10 months to deliver their customers’ annual raw materials requirement, so the vessels are in service 24/7 during the shipping season.”
#LSN_Shipping
THUNDER BAY, ON, November 17, 2017: - (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay today launched a refresh of its corporate brand strategy, unveiling a new logo and tagline, “The Superior Way West”. The new brand strategy supports the Port of Thunder Bay’s strategic growth objectives and vision as the preferred marine route for European trade with western Canada.
Says Tim Heney, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Thunder Bay; “The Port of Thunder Bay’s new brand will enhance our market proposition as the superior way to and from western Canadian markets. We felt it was time to strengthen the Port of Thunder Bay’s global brand strategy as a provider of world-class port facilities and services in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway to national and international supply chain customers.
#LSN_Shipping Steel Pipe distributed to laydown area
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - November 8, 2017 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is on track to ship 9-million metric tonnes of cargo this season, a level achieved just three times in the past 20 years. As of October 31 the port has handled 6.7 million tonnes of cargo, 11% ahead of the five-year average of 6.0 million tonnes year-to-date.
Cargo volumes are 7% ahead of last year despite October shipments being lighter than in 2016. “October tends to be a volatile month in the port,” says Tim Heney, the Port Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, “Last year the port saw very strong grain shipments in October, and this year those shipments were closer to average.”
#LSN_Shipping Project cargo shipments keeping Port Busy from Poland to Calgary
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO --- October 5, 2017 (LSN) Project cargo shipments are keeping the Port's general cargo docks busy this season. In September, the Port received shipments of wind turbine towers, modular building components and structural steel, all dimensional cargoes originating overseas and destined for the Prairie provinces. This adds to an already diverse season for project cargoes which has included electrical transformers, pressure vessels, rail lengths and other modularized structures.
The 154 modular building components that were offloaded by Logistec Stevedoring last month are currently being stored in the Port's ample laydown area. They will be trucked to Alberta where they are being constructed into a hotel.
#LSN_Shipping Duluth Mayor Emily Larson; Vanta Coda, Duluth Cargo Connect/Executive Director, Duluth Seaway Port Authority; Keith Reardon, Vice President, CN Intermodal and Automotive; U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (MN District 8); and Jonathan Lamb, Duluth Cargo Connect/President, Lake Superior Warehousing.
DULUTH, MINNESOTA -- September 20, 2017 (LSN) Representatives will joined partners from Duluth Cargo Connect, plus customers and other officials today, for an official ribbon-cutting event at their new Duluth Intermodal Terminal.
Duluth Cargo Connect today announced a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis
#LSN_Shipping Algoma Mariner loading Grain at Superior Elevator
THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO September 5, 2017 (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay remains well-ahead of last year in cargo volume as of August 31. Year-to-date grain volumes are 10% higher than last year, while total port shipments of all goods are up 17%. Shipments in August were slightly above the ten-year average for the month at 750,000 metric tonnes. Potash and coal volumes continued to be strong, offsetting the slight dip in grain movements for the month.
A good mix of cargoes have been crossing port docks this season, including ten-year-high potash volumes and a variety of project cargoes.