US flagged vessels: a listing of all the pages in the Duluth Shipping News blog that contain information and images about US boats

Most pages here have links to a page devoted to that boat only

andersgilbertsonVB2virginiaborg

Anders Gilbertson and his daughter Andrea took this picture of the Virginiaborg on April 30, 2012 while she was loading beet pulp pellets at the General Mills terminal in Duluth. Notice the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in the background on right side. Thanks to both of you. As of today (Tuesday, May 1, she is still here and may not depart until sometime on Wednesday)

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bufalo20120430_1396

The Buffalo arrived in Duluth this morning (April 30, 2012) with a cargo of limestone she loaded in Calcite, Michigan around April 28th. After discharging that, she departed the Twin Ports light (above) for Silver Bay to load iron ore pellets for the Cleveland Bulk Terminal at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River.

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vistastar20120424_1378

The Vista Star spent the winter in dry dock in Washburn, Wisconsin but she arrived in Duluth on April 24th to spend the summer with us. Since we last saw the Star, she has been purchased by Justin & Sarah Steinbach. This was a special trip under the Lift Bridge for them; new owners with a newly painted boat with new propellers and many other enhancements. Cruises start in early May. Check here for details.

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honjamesoberstar20120422_1334

On May 24, 2011, the Interlake Steamship Company renamed the M/V Charles M. Beeghly the Hon. James L. Oberstar, the recently retired United States Congressman from the State of Minnesota.

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First trip here for H. Lee White

April 11, 2012

The US flagged H. Lee Whitecame into port on Tuesday afternoon, April 10, 2012, to load iron ore pellets at the CN dock for Quebec. She departed (above) on Wednesday afternoon, giving her parting salute as she left.

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Lee A. Tregurtha arrived Duluth for pellets

April 4, 2012

The Lee A. Tregurtha arrived Duluth today (April 4, 2012) for her 2nd visit to the Twin Ports in 2012. She will be loading iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth. Listen to her boat whistle as she came under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge.

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Cort visits her many friends in Duluth

April 2, 2012

The Stewart J. Cort made a rare appearance at the Duluth piers today, April 2, 2012 (above and just below). For more information and pictures about the Cort, go to her individual ship page at: http://duluthshippingnews.com/ship0200/

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The Paul R. Tregurtha makes first trip of the season to Duluth

March 28, 2012

The Paul R. Tregurtha arrived Duluth on March 25th, 2012 for her first cargo of the season, loading coal as she usually does for Detroit Edison, her usual destination for many years. This video picks her up while she approached the Duluth piers and then moves over to the Calumet fuel dock at the Port Terminal  [...]

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The Lee A. Tregurtha arrives Duluth to start her season

March 27, 2012

The Lee A. Tregurtha came to Duluth Superior 16 times last season. You will see her in this video arriving under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge on her first trip of the 2012 season when she came in on March 24th, 2012. The other Tregurtha, the Paul R. Tregurtha, arrived 2 hours later. The Paul [...]

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Roger Blough leaves Duluth with iron ore pellets for Conneaut.

March 25, 2012

The Roger Blough departed the port of Duluth Minnesota on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 with iron ore pellets for Conneaut, Ohio. She passed by the Canadian flagged Michipicoten on her way out to Lake Superior. She arrived in port for winter layup on January 14th.

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American Spirit leaves winter layup

March 23, 2012

She battled a thick fog but the American Sprit had no trouble getting through the Duluth Harbor, under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge and out to Lake Superior on her way to load iron ore pellets in Two Harbors

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Mesabi Miner comes back for more coal

March 19, 2012

The Mesabi Miner came in this morning (March 19, 2012) at 9:15 in the morning, a little earlier than expected, probably making up for the delays she had departing. In each case she was the first of the year, to depart and arrive. Later today, she will be the 2nd boat to depart this season [...]

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Mesabi Miner leaving? Later today, probably

March 16, 2012

After loading coal at Midwest Energy Resources on Thursday, the Mesabi Miner moved over to the Holcim Cement Dock (formerly St. Lawrence Cement) for maintenance work on the self unloading boom. She is expected to depart later today (March 16, 3012) for Marquette, Michigan. The picture above was taken this morning at 7:11; below 18 [...]

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Mesabi Miner had ice in 2008

March 12, 2012

…not this year; click below to see the way it used to be (the old days) Go here for latest information: www.duluthboats.com

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Boland, Munson in Duluth Superior Port for winter layup

March 10, 2012

The John J. Boland and the John G. Munson in winter layup at Fraser Shipyards on Superior. The Boland arrived on January 5th, 2012; the Munson on January 16th. Both are expected out for the new season; perhaps in late March, or April.

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Edwin H. Gott at Port Terminal for winter layup

March 1, 2012

The Edwin H. Gott was the last freighter to come home for winter layup, coming under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge at 7:45 am on January 18, 2012

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Mesabi Miner at Midwest Energy for layup

February 28, 2012

There are 11 Great Lakes freighters in Duluth Superior this winter. Three have been here for extended layup, 8 came in January and are expected to depart sometime in March or April for the upcoming season. The first to leave will most likely be the Mesabi Miner, seen here at winter layup at Midwest Energy [...]

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American Century here for winter layup

February 17, 2012

The American Century (formerly the Columbia Star) came into port for winter layup on January10th, 2012. She is at Elevator M in Superior.  As always, she was a frequent visitor to the Twin Ports, making 35 visits last year, one less than the year before.

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McCarthy at Ogdensburg Pier in Superior

February 13, 2012

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. arrived in Duluth on January 12, 2012 for winter layup at the  Ogdensburg Pier of Enbridge Energy in Superior.  It was only her13th visit to the Twin Ports this season; in past years, she was here 30 to 40 times a year to load coal, usually for Detroit Edison. This [...]

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Oh yes, the old days; remember when we had ice and snow in the winter?

February 7, 2012

The Canadian icebreaker Samuel Risley had some time off last weekend, according to the Windsor Star. Not enough ice to keep the best ice breaker on the Great Lakes going seven days a week, their usual winter schedule. Not so in the above picture I took aboard the Sundew on April 5, 2003. Since the [...]

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Edwin H. Gott, last to come in for the winter

January 19, 2012

Nice for the boats; winter arrived here within minutes of the Heritage Marine tug Nels J making sure the last boat to come in, the Edwin H. Gott, was secure against the dock at the Port Terminal on Wednesday morning, January 18, 2012. The temperature plunged, down to -31 at my home, and a big [...]

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Mesabi Miner here for the winter

January 17, 2012

The Edwin H. Gott will be the last boat to come in for winter layup. This morning (January 17, 2012), the Mesabi Miner (above) arrived here after delivering her last cargo of the season in Taconite Harbor. She will spend the winter at the Midwest Energy Resources coal dock in Superior. That will make it [...]

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Last trip out for the Gott

January 12, 2012

The Edwin H. Gott arrived in Port on Wednesday evening, January 11, 2012 at 6:50 to load iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth. She left Duluth around noon today (above) to deliver her cargo to Detroit. She will return in about a week for winter layup in Duluth. Listen as she [...]

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American Spirit arrives Duluth for winter

January 7, 2012

It took her 50 minutes to go from the Duluth piers to her berth at the Port Terminal. Watch 17 minutes of that trip here; not overly exciting, a little slow but what do you expect from 1,000 feet of Great Lakes freighter at the end of a long season.  The American Spirit arrived in [...]

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Boland in for winter layup

January 5, 2012

This is the 6th time the John J. Boland has come under the Lift Bridge this season. On her 5 previous visits this year, all after September 20, she usually brought limestone in and loaded coal for her departing cargo. On her September 20th trip here, she discharged limestone and then went to Two Harbors [...]

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Duluth Superior winter layup: 2011-12

January 4, 2012

LOCATION   (Updated     1/18/12) VESSEL ARRIVAL DATE CARRIER Port Terminal Berth 1 Edwin H. Gott 1/18/12 GLF/ Key Lakes Port Terminal Berth 4 Roger Blough 1/14/12 GLF/ Key Lakes Garfield Berth C American Spirit 1/7/12 American Steamship Co. Midwest Energy Mesabi Miner 1/17/12  Interlake Steamship Fraser Shipyards Edward L. Ryerson 5/18/09 Central Marine Logistics Fraser [...]

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Schnabel-Gott

January 4, 2012

The Edwin H. Gott (background), the most powerful vessel on the Great Lakes, arrived this morning (January 4, 2012) at 7:11. She is here to load fuel and then go over to Burlington Northern to load iron ore pellets. The Schnabel car (foreground) has been in the Twin Ports for several years. She is the [...]

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One Tregurtha out, another in

December 26, 2011

The Paul R. Tregurtha departed Duluth on Monday morning, December 26, 2011 after loading 64,000 tons of coal for her usual destination, the Detroit Edison power plant at St. Clair Michigan. A little over an hour later, the Lee A. Tregurtha (right) came in to get fuel and then load iron ore pellets at the [...]

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Boland leaves for Marquette

December 21, 2011

The John J. Boland came into port around 2 am on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 to load coal at Midwest Energy in Superior. She left around 3:30 in the afternoon (above) for Marquette, Michigan. Listen as she sounded a salute to the bridge, and to those of us greeting her.

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Paul R, the Bridge and Bentleyville

December 18, 2011

At 5:00 Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2011, the lights at Bentleyville were turned on. Half an hour later,  the Paul R. Tregurtha came by to say hello on her way out the door with a Christmas present for Detroit Edison, 64,000 tons of coal. If it is bad to get a lump of coal in [...]

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Mackinaw here; maybe Thunder Bay later

December 16, 2011

 The Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw has been in the Twin Ports for a couple weeks for bow thruster repairs at the Fraser Shipyards. She is currently (Friday, December 16, 2011) moored at the DECC (above) but is expected to depart in the next couple days to begin another season of ice breaking on the Great [...]

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First ice and a breaker!

December 6, 2011

That is the Coast Guard cutter Biscayne Bay docked behind the DECC. Coincidently (??), the first ice of the season is just in front of her. I am entertaining captions for the picture. She has been here many times to help us fight the ice. Go to the Biscayne Bay page to see more pictures [...]

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The Paul R brightens a gray day

November 30, 2011

The Paul R. Tregurtha, at 1,013 feet long, is the largest boat on the Great Lakes. She is  here approaching the Duluth ship canal on her way to the  Midwest Energy Resources coal dock to load 64,000  tons of coal for Detroit Edison  power plants in Monroe and St. Clair, Michigan. Listen as she sounded [...]

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Great Lakes Trader makes it in while the sun still shines

November 29, 2011

The Great Lakes Trader made her first trip to the Twin Ports in September, 2000 and has been to the Twin Ports 127 times since. Today (November 29, 2011) is her 12th visit this season. On this trip, she brought in limestone to discharge before leaving to load iron ore pellets in Silver Bay. Often [...]

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Sam Laud leaving for Silver Bay

November 26, 2011

The Sam Laud departed Duluth on Saturday afternoon, November 26, 2011, after discharging limestone. She is going up to Silver Bay to load iron ore pellets. Listen to her whistle as she approached the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

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The Cason J. Callaway passes by the Mesabi Miner in the Duluth harbor

November 25, 2011

At 7:15 this morning (November 25, 2011), the Cason J. Calloway (at left)  came under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge with limestone as the Mesabi Miner was departing with coal for Detroit Edison.

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We see the Alpena at the Duluth entry!

November 20, 2011

The Alpena made her 8th trip of the season to the Twin Ports on November 20, 2011. Listen to her whistle as she arrived.

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The Great Republic here with limestone

November 10, 2011

Listen to her whistle as she left under the Lift Bridge on Thursday, November 10, 2011. More on the Great Republic here.

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American Integrity in Silver Bay

October 31, 2011

Steve Anderson took this picture of the American Integrity at the dock at Silver Bay on October 27, 2011 from a unique angle at a port we don’t see so often on this page. He was nice enough to share it with me so I now share it with you. After making two round trips [...]

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Great Lakes Trader arrives Duluth

October 30, 2011

The tug/barge Great Lakes Trader arrived Duluth on Sunday, October 30th, 2011. Listen to her whistle as she came under the Lift Bridge.

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Gott here for only 2nd time this season

October 30, 2011

The Edwin H. Gott was in Duluth today (October 30, 2011) for only the second time this season. She loaded iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth and is seen (and heard) here leaving to take her cargo to Conneaut, Ohio. While she often takes iron ore pellets to Conneaut, this season [...]

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The Buffalo blows her horn

October 28, 2011

Despite her preference for warm weather in the winter and a questionable love of a particular football team, we all love Jill, seen her watching her favorite boat, the Buffalo, go by in August, 2010. The Buffalo passed by my window today (Friday, October 28, 2011) but it was soo cold out there that I [...]

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Great Republic comes home to Duluth

October 26, 2011

The Great Republic came into port today (October 26, 2011) with limestone to discharge at the CN dock and then to load iron ore pellets. Listen here to her arrival this morning. Listen here to her whistle as she arrived today (October 26, 2011)

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Herbert C. Jackson arrives with coal …

October 26, 2011

The Herbert C. Jackson is here to discharge at Hallett Dock #5. She will then move a slip down the St. Louis River to the CN Dock to load iron ore pellets. Listen here to her whistle as she arrived today (October 26, 2011)

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Nice and warm; cold and ice coming

October 22, 2011

The Alder looked like they had a  lot of folks on board enjoying the sun when they came into port on Saturday, October 22, 2011. They may have some sunny days from now until the end of the shipping season in mid-January, 2012 but the days won’t be so warm and the blue water will [...]

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Two boats, two whistles: Algolake and Callaway

October 21, 2011

Late afternoon on October 21, 2011, the Algolake departed with iron ore pellets and shortly after she went under, the Cason J. Callaway departed on the same lift. Listen to each salute the bridge: first the Algolake and then the Callaway

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Waves to the American Mariner

October 21, 2011

The American Mariner arrived Duluth on Friday, October 21st around noon. She is loading wheat at General Mills in Superior to take to Buffalo. She follows the path that the Kinsman Independent (now called the Ojibway) used to take for many years, keeping General Mills flour mills filled with wheat so they can make lots [...]

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Presque Isle departs Duluth for Two Harbors

October 20, 2011

After discharging limestone at the CN dock in West Duluth, the Presque Isle departed Duluth and made her turn to Two Harbors where she will load iron ore pellets.  Listen to her whistle and the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge response.

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Listen to the Mesabi Miner depart Duluth

October 15, 2011

It was a beautiful Fall day in Duluth (October 15, 2011) when the Mesabi Miner departed the port after loading iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth. Listen to her whistle and the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge response.

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American Courage brings limestone and a nice whistle

October 13, 2011

  Listen to her whistle: American Couragecoming into port on Thursday, October 13, 2011

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Two toots from the Block

October 11, 2011

The Joseph L. Block came into port on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 with a cargo of limestone to discharge; she will then load iron ore pellets at the CN Dock and depart. Listen to her whistle, twice , first to the bridge while in the ship canal and then to the passing Vista Queen after [...]

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The McCarthy whistles a happy tune ….

October 9, 2011

Listen to it as the Walter J. McCarthy Jr. departs Duluth on Sunday afternoon, October 9, 2011 with iron ore pellets.

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Barker makes some noise

October 8, 2011

The James R. Barker departed Duluth around noon on October 8, 2011 with 58,000 tons of coal for Presque Isle, Michigan. She will be back on Tuesday to load more coal, this time for Detroit Edison power plants in Monroe and St. Clair, Michigan. James R. Barker’s whistle as she departs Duluth on October 8, [...]

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Listen to the American Century arrive …

October 7, 2011

There was a good October crowd to greet the American Century as she came into port to load coal for Detroit Edison on October 7, 2011; 34,000 tons to their St.Clair station and 30,000 to their Monroe station. Captain Mark gave the crowd two whistle salutes; here is the second one; American Century arrives Duluth

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The Indiana Harbor leaves Duluth with …

September 30, 2011

… 34,000 tons of coal for St. Clair and 30,000 tons for Essexville. Both deliveries for Detroit Edison. (September 30, 2011). More on the Indiana Harbor

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The Joe Thompson turns into the CN dock

September 29, 2011

The tug-barge Joseph H. Thompson came in the Superior entry last night (September 28, 2011) at 10:32. The barge has a long and interesting history but the tug did the good stuff today. After pushing the barge next to the Graymont Dock to discharge limestone, the tug disengaged from the barge and went over to [...]

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Barker out with coal; Sundew in with some friends having a nice time in the sun

September 24, 2011
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Callaway departed Duluth Sunday night

September 18, 2011

WDIO Video Update; September 19, 2011 ******** Updated Sept 20, 2011 The Indiana Harbor is currently undergoing repairs at the Lakehead Pipeline Dock in Superior and is scheduled to move over to the Midwest Energy Resources coal dock to load coal on Friday, September 23rd. If that happens, she would be departing Friday evening; in [...]

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Mike and Marnie from Thunder Bay

August 31, 2011

Mike Wolowich and his daughter Marnie came down from Thunder Bay to watch the ships come under the Lift Bridge, a trip he has made for many years; Marnie has many  memories  of great family trips to Duluth to see the ships but those trips don’t go back nearly so far as Mike’s. We took [...]

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James R. Barker arrived Duluth on …

August 13, 2011

Saturday morning, August 13, 2011: 8:59 am. More on Barker

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Strike is over, probably

August 5, 2011

8/5 – Noon Update – from WDIO in Duluth: Members of the American Maritime Officers union are heading back to work. They had been on strike since Monday, after they and their employer American Steamship Company failed to reach a labor deal. On Friday, workers got the call that they will be returning to work [...]

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Gott and Spirit working off the Duluth piers

July 29, 2011

Took this picture at 4:15 in the afternoon, July 29, 2011. The American Spirit and the Edwin H. Gott are off the Duluth piers, where this shot was taken, The American Spirit is the boat facing left; the Gott faces right. It appears that the American Spirit is discharging cargo into a Gott cargo hold.

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Bringing fish in; getting coal to take out

July 26, 2011

The Mesabi Miner made a surprise visit to the Twin Ports today (July 26, 2011), first for fuel and then over to Midwest Energy to load coal. The fishing boat Opti 1 came in at the same time, hopefully with a cargo of fish

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Music for the Barker on a Saturday evening

July 23, 2011

Mackenzie McGovern, on guitar, and Abby Ham, violin, both of Duluth, were on the job taking care of their buskering duties at the Duluth ship canal on Saturday, July 22, 2011 when the James R. Baker decided to depart the port with 64,000 tons of coal. They gave the thousand footer, and us, a nice [...]

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Ready to set sail

July 16, 2011

Saturday morning, July 16, 2011. A line forms to get on board the Niagara (foreground) as sailors from the ship untie the ropes (bottom-center). The Lynx is moored just behind the Niagara; she will board day-sailors soon after the  Niagara departs the dock at the DECC.  (click pic for larger version) Above left, the Niagara [...]

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Tall ships Niagara & Pride of Baltimore

July 14, 2011

arrived in Duluth Minnesota on Thursday afternoon, July 14, 2011. They are two of the three tall ships here for the 2011 Duluth Music and Maritime Festival. The Lynx came in yesterday. Just outside the Duluth piers, the Pride of Baltimore follows the Niagara into port. By late afternoon, the Pride was tying up behind [...]

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Stewart J. Cort enters the Duluth harbor…

July 14, 2011

… with a tug assist on her starboard bow. I was quietly doing my weekly radio piece on KUMD when she came by my window. Being very unprofessional, I screamed that I needed to go out and take a picture. I was granted permission, and thus the rare picture of the Cort in Duluth above. [...]

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Lynx is 1st Tall Ship in

July 13, 2011

The Lynx arrives Duluth in July, 2011 at 3:25 in the afternoon. She is a recreation of a Baltimore Clipper that was used in the War of 1812. These ships were known for their swiftness and maneuverability. They were most effective as blockade runners and offensive weapons of war. (See Video below)

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American Courage makes 4th trip here this season

July 10, 2011

The American Courage was here for the 4th time this season on June 8th, loading iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth for Zug Island, Michigan. As you can see in the pictures here, she has now been painted with the  colors of her new owner, American Steamship.  She was originally named [...]

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Big news–no fog-see boats

June 23, 2011

The Frontenac (center) came under the Lift Bridge at 6:41 this morning (June 23, 2011) and went to the Murphy Fuel Dock to get fuel. The American Integrity (right) came under the Lift Bridge an hour and 6 minutes later. She was waiting for the Frontenac to complete before getting  fuel  herself and then going [...]

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State of Michigan arrives in state of Minnesota, Duluth to be exact

June 15, 2011

The State of Michigan, a training boat owned and operated by the Great Lakes Maritime Academy, arrived in port this morning at 7:57.  She will be at the dock behind the DECC until Thursday evening. The Academy trains men and women to serve as officers in the Merchant Marine. Located in Traverse City, MI, the [...]

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Friends, the Sundew and the Rookies play the Icebreaker

June 11, 2011

In the old days, I took a lot of pictures of the US Coast Guard cutter Sundew. That was back when the ice breaker was breaking ice. Then it became a museum and when that didn’t work out, Jeff Foster bought her and does a lot of different things with the boat. I imagine you [...]

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Oberstar back for 1st trip after her Duluth Christening

June 4, 2011
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Hon. James L. Oberstar is launched …

May 24, 2011

… by Jean Oberstar, wife of the congressman. Behind her is James R. Barker, Chairman of the board for Interlake and behind him, Congressman Oberstar. Duluth mayor Don Ness sits behind the Oberstars. Before running for mayor, Ness worked for Congressman Oberstar. Duluth Seaway Port Authority Public Relations impresario Adele Yorde chats with the Congressman. [...]

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The Hon. James L. Oberstar makes his …

May 23, 2011

presence felt again in Duluth. The ‘boat’ was pulled to the dock behind the DECC for her re-christening on Tuesday, May 23, 2011

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The Hon. James L. Oberstar arrives in the Twin Ports for her Christening…

May 22, 2011

… and also, by the way, to load some iron ore pellets at the CN Dock in West Duluth after the festivities on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. She arrived through the Superior entry at 7:09 on Sunday morning, May 22, 2011. She is seen above waiting at a Port Terminal dock for the celebration.   [...]

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Largest port (by tonnage) on the Great Lakes!

May 12, 2011

There is a reason why I am so tired at the end of the day. I have to keep getting up from my chair to take pictures of all the ship traffic. There was quite a parade this morning. Above, the Algowood was on her way out with a load of iron ore pellets and [...]

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Go out to meet Blacky

April 19, 2011

The ship’s name might have been Blacky but my knuckles were white. Luckily all I had to do was keep out of the water (even when I was looking up at it) and take pictures. You will never see how bad it was. I had two choices, go out on the deck of the Sea [...]

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Foggy April morning in Duluth

April 7, 2011

The snow is gone, most of the ice has vanished; Duluth is the usual April shade of brown. Happily, this morning (Thursday, April 7, 2011), the fog moved in and prettied the place up a bit. Above, the Vista Star and the William A. Irvin survived the winter in good shape; unfortunately the Blue Bridge [...]

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Four boats to start, more coming

March 24, 2011

The blizzard with no snow was gone, leaving ice along the shore and Lake Superior calm again. The signal for action in the port. Around 9 this morning, 4 boats entered the ring (the Duluth harbor). Actually, one of them was already there and was the only one still there when the other 3 had [...]

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Barker starts off the new season

March 17, 2011

The James R. Barker departed Duluth on Thursday afternoon, March 17, 2011, with 58,000 tons of coal for Presque Isle, Michigan. As you can see below, she wasted no time making her right turn to Michigan. The video follows the Barker as she appeared in the harbor after going under the Blatnik Bridge and around [...]

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Watch the CG cutter Alder break the ice in Duluth

March 9, 2011

This is an improved (I hope) version of the same video. I would like to hear from anyone who has any problems. It is a larger file, but you can always hit the pause button and wait a while.  Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Interlake renames Beeghly to MV Hon. James L. Oberstar

March 7, 2011

(from Interlake Steamship Company, March 7, 2010) The Interlake Steamship Company is pleased to announce the renaming of the M/V Charles M. Beeghly in recognition of the Honorable James L. Oberstar, retired United States Congressman from the State of Minnesota. The Vessel will sail from layup this March as the M/V Hon. James L. Oberstar, [...]

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Alder breaks the ice on a new season

March 7, 2011

The US Coast Guard cutter Alder broke away from her dock and seemed to have an easy time moving around the harbor. Here she is passing by the American Century at her winter layup dock at the Port Terminal. Note from the ship: We made it safely through the harbor finding different thicknesses anywhere from [...]

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The J. A. W. Iglehart never goes away

January 30, 2011

The J. A. W. Iglehart is a very old and beautiful boat that sits in long term layup in Duluth. With regular traffic in short term winter layup, I thought I would add some pictures and information to her page on my web site; she has not moved no matter the season for several years. [...]

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Munson last boat to arrive for Winter

January 19, 2011

The John G. Munson came into port this morning (January 19, 2011). She is the last of 10 boats that will spend the winter in the Duluth Superior port. She was assisted by the Heritage Marine tug Nels J. The tug is helping the Munson get close to the dock after which the boat will [...]

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John G. Munson makes another trip to Duluth

January 13, 2011

Note: Sorry for the lack of audio on the first video; this is the same video but with sound!! – the Munson arriving Duluth on January 12, 2011.

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H. Lee White, first winter layup boat …

January 5, 2011

  … arrived on January 4, 2010. She is the first of an expected 11 boats that will be in the Twin Ports for winter layup this year. She went straight to Fraser Shipyards where she will spend the layup. (picture courtesy of Mary George)

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We get a big hand from …

December 29, 2010

… the American Century (formerly the Columbia Star) as she came into Duluth around noon on December 29th, 2010. The hand inside the hand belongs to John Kernohan, 2nd mate on the boat (inset). They are here to load 64,000 tons of low sulfur coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior. Later today, she will [...]

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Your turn

December 26, 2010

Around 7:30 this morning (December 26, 2010), the James R. Barker (left) departed Duluth with 58,000 tons of coal for Minnesota Power at Taconite Harbor. The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. (right) had spent a good part of Christmas Day waiting at the Murphy Fuel Terminal for the  Barker to finish. With the  Barker on her [...]

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Charles M. Beeghly in Duluth

December 23, 2010

The Great Lakes freighter Charles M. Beeghly arrived in Duluth in the afternoon of December 23rd, 2010 to pick up an iron ore pellet cargo. She makes about 6 trips a year to the Twin Ports of Duluth Superior.

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Another visit from the Paul R.

December 23, 2010

The Great Lakes freighter Paul R. Tregurtha arrived in Duluth to load coal on December 21st, 2010. She is here about once a week throughout the shipping season that runs between mid March to mid January. It was a typical grey day in December in Duluth.

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Indiana Harbor into port

December 22, 2010

The Indiana Harbor came into port this morning (December 22, 2010) to load 64,000 tons of coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior. She will  depart here to deliver the coal to Detroit Edison power plants in St. Clair, Michigan before returning around the 27th to do it again.

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Ice is nice

December 15, 2010

On Monday, the American Century came into Duluth with a boat load of ice. The salt water ship Orsula can be seen at anchor waiting to come in to load wheat for Italy. On Tuesday she was in and loading wheat at CHS1 in Superior (just below). Ice is the news of the day as [...]

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The Paul R. Tregurtha in Twin Ports for coal

November 25, 2010
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The Gales of November, inside and out

November 13, 2010

  The LSMMA was holding their annual Gales of November get-together inside the DECC, while a gale of November 13th was blowing just outside the door. Here, with winds as high as 45 mph, the  Calliroë Patronicola, on the left, and her sister ship Olympic Mentor, sit quietly off the Duluth piers waiting to come [...]

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Mesabi Miner passes by the Island Skipper

November 6, 2010

On Friday afternoon, November 5, 2010, the Mesabi Miner came under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge for the 37th time this season, on her way to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior. She was coming from Taconite Harbor and at 01:42 this morning (November 6), she departed Duluth for a return trip to [...]

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American Integrity departs Duluth with …

November 3, 2010

… 64,000 tons of coal for Detroit Edison power plants in St. Clair and Monroe, Michigan this morning (November 3, 2010). She is expected back around November 11 to load more coal. That will be her 27th trip to the Twin Port of Duluth Superior this season.

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Duluth Shipping News webcam ….

October 24, 2010

  … caught the Indiana Harbor departing Duluth late in the afternoon of October 23, 2010. Click here to watch the live action on DSNTV, unless of course there is no boat traffic under the Lift Bridge; then you can watch the cars go over the Bridge

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Out with the new and in with the old …

October 8, 2010

As the sun was going down on Wednesday evening, October 5th, the 1,004 foot Mesabi Miner was departing the port with 58,000 tons of coal for Presque Isle, Michigan while the Canadian flagged Quebecois, only 730 feet long, was coming in with a cargo of cement for Holcim (formerly St. Lawrence Cement). While in the [...]

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Callaway comes in with a pot of gold, maybe ..

October 2, 2010

Mark Grim caught these pictures of the Cason J. Callaway as she approached the Duluth entry on Friday night, October 1, 2010. She was bringing a cargo of limestone from Calcite, Michigan. She was expected to depart the port late Saturday or Sunday am with iron ore pellets for Conneaut.

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Duluth a busy port

September 18, 2010

Sitting at anchor off the Duluth piers while they wait for a dock is, from left to right, the John B. Aird, Calliroe Patronicola and Africaborg.  The Federal Yukon is out of the picture, to the left.

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Indiana Harbor departing Duluth

September 5, 2010

… on Sunday, September 5, 2010. She carried 64,000 tons of coal to Detroit Edison. This was her 19th trip out of the Twin Ports this season.

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The Paul R. Tregurtha departs Duluth …

September 1, 2010

on August 31, 2010 with a cargo of coal. This video came from the live video stream Duluth Shipping News provides at http://www.duluthshippingnews.com/dsntv/

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Indiana Harbor arrives Duluth …

August 29, 2010

to load coal; this clip taken from the live video stream that is always available at http://www.duluthshippingnews.com/dsntv/

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High school reunion in Duluth

August 8, 2010

Saturday, August 7, 2010 Jill Bonatz is a big Duluth boat fan living down in Alabama. Until Saturday (August 8, 2010) she had never been here. Her husband, Ekkehard, is a marathon runner and was interested in running Grandmas next year. They decided to come up so Jill could see some boats and Ekkehard could [...]

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Coal and more coal and …

July 15, 2010

The Mesabi Miner waited at the Port Terminal since yesterday to load coal at Midwest Energy. This morning, as the Canadian Transport arrived in port to load coal, the Miner left the Port Terminal and is seen above beginning to back up the St. Louis River to a position just behind the Mapleglen (just  below, [...]

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Not as close as it looks but …

June 21, 2010

… thousand footers don’t waste any time when they are in line to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior. This picture was taken around 8 am on Monday, June 21st from the pilot house of the Indiana Harbor. We were moving in just as soon as the Mesabi Miner cleared the dock. Both [...]

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Dancing in the harbor??

June 7, 2010

Not dancing; the Arthur M. Anderson was waiting in the inner anchorage for the John G. Munson to complete discharging limestone at the CN dock so she could do the same while the St. Clair was departing Duluth for Two Harbors. Not backwards; she had to dock at the Murphy Fuel dock on her starboard [...]

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The Peter R. Cresswell departs Duluth

June 2, 2010

I mistakenly identified the Peter R. Cresswell (above) as the American Mariner in the first version of this post. My thanks to Chris and Hank (below) for pointing that out. The Cresswell is departing Duluth in the picture above, at 6:45 in the  morning on June 1st.

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The Sundew, now owed by Jeff Foster, left her moorings at the DECC today to start a new life as …………..

May 4, 2010

  New owner Jeff Foster, on the left, looks clean and ready to go in a picture taken today. ‘Old’ owner, Bob Hom (actually, his employer, the DECC, was the ‘old’ owner of the Sundew) put in a lot of work yesterday getting the ship ready to go, literally. With the dirty work done yesterday, [...]

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Joe Walters returns to the Sundew

May 3, 2010

A few months ago, Kiyi captain Joe Walters took a lunch break at the Deep Water Grill in Ashland. Joe worked on the Sundew from 1994 to 97 as chief warrant officer. He got lots of experience navigating the vessel around the Great Lakes. He left the Coast Guard in 2000 and started work for [...]

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Two ships passing in the early evening

April 29, 2010
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The Peter R. Cresswell came in for iron ore pellets while the Mesabi Miner was leaving with coal.

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American Integrity finally gets going

April 28, 2010

… leaving the port for Two Harbors on Tuesday afternoon, April 27th,

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April morning in Duluth

April 14, 2010
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It is April 14th, 2010. We are warmer than usual but not green. Grandmas Marathon is a couple months away and the sidewalks are filled with runners. The Sundew is getting ready to move on to her next life with Jeff Foster, and the Irvin will open as usual in May. The Federal Polaris joined [...]

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Two vessels mark a good beginning

April 8, 2010

The Federal Elbe was the first foreign flagged vessel of the year. On Wednesday afternoon, April 7, 2010, while standing on the bridge I got a good look at the spouts at CHS 1 sending durum wheat into the cargo holds of the 655 foot vessel. I moved to the other side of the bridge [...]

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American Mariner into port

April 1, 2010

The American Mariner arrived in the Duluth harbor around 10:30 am on Thursday, April 1st; no fooling. I also caught her on my new web cam which you can check out at dsn-tv. I am in test mode here and happy to hear your comments. At the moment, I have a camera in my office [...]

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We are slowly getting back to work …

March 24, 2010

… except perhaps for the J.A.W. Iglehart at the upper left. She has been there for two years now, and is probably retired for good from her career carrying cement on the Great Lakes. The Canadian Navigator came into port this morning and will follow the John D. Leitch (she came in Tuesday morning) loading [...]

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Ice out, painting almost done

March 14, 2010

The first ship, probably the James R. Barker, should depart here in 6 days. As you can see, the ice is breaking up in the harbor;  most of Lake Superior is ice free. We just need to get the Aerial Lift Bridge painting job completed (note the north tower, still enveloped by scaffolding and tent [...]

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Several months ago, Jeff Foster purchased the Sundew …,

February 15, 2010

… the former Coast Guard cutter that was built in Duluth in 1943 and served many years here before retiring into the tourist business. Happily, very happily, Jeff plans to maintain the Sundew’s presence in the Twin Ports. Here he is checking out his new purchase on February 15th. He plans to start working on [...]

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Three boats for winter

January 21, 2010

At the far left, the John G. Munson sits at her winter rest. On the right side, the American Integrity is docked at Berth D and on her right, the American Century sits at Berth C, all at the Port Terminal. (Larger version)

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Blough departs Duluth …..

January 14, 2010
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Soft news from the James R. Barker; turning the electricity on and packing to go home

January 13, 2010

The James R. Barker came into port for winter layup on Tuesday afternoon (next entry down). Wednesday morning, it was time to ready the boat for her winter stay at Midwest Energy. That will last until around March 15th. One of the first jobs was connecting the boat to shore power (above). A large electrical [...]

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Getting ready for a long winter rest

January 12, 2010

The James R. Barker came into port on Tuesday afternoon after her last trip of the season. Boatwatchers aren’t the only ones who like to take pictures. Captain Tim Dayton took this picture of the ice fog surrounding his boat as he was crossing Lake Superior. Later he arrived in Duluth and tied up at [...]

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The end is near ………

January 9, 2010

At 11:00 this morning (January 9, 2010) the Great Lakes tug North Carolina moved away from her moorings and headed down the harbor to await the arrival of the James R. Barker. The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is up, awaiting the big 1,000 footer’s arrival. (more coming) The Barker was here to pick up 58,000 [...]

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The North Carolina helps the American Integrity

January 5, 2010

The American Integrity came into port this afternoon to go over to Midwest Energy Resources in Superior to get another load of coal. In the background, you see the John G. Munson at her dock at the Port Authority for winter layup. She came in on December 26th. You see the Great Lakes tug North [...]

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Lay up list, Duluth Superior, 2009-2010; updated 1/14/10

January 4, 2010

Vessel Location Carrier Arrival Date Roger Blough Port Terminal Berth 1/2 GLF/Key Lakes departed January 14 at 1:45 pm; will not return to the Twin Ports for winter layup. John G. Munson Port Terminal Berth 4 GLF/Key Lakes Arrived: Dec 27, 2009 at 1:23 pm American Century Berth C American Steamship Co. Arrived: Jan 10, [...]

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The James R. Barker came in for coal …

January 2, 2010

… for Detroit Edison late Saturday afternoon, January 2, 2010. She will load about 58,000 tons of low sulfur coal and should depart the Twin Ports sometime Sunday morning. The James R. Barker is expected back here on Thursday to load another cargo of coal for Detroit Edison.

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The calm after the storm …

December 28, 2009

Monday morning, December 28th found the Presque Isle basking in the sun just beyond the Duluth piers, waiting to load iron ore pellets at the Two Harbors CD dock for Ecorse, Michigan.

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The John G. Munson came into port for her winter layup at 1:30, Sunday, December 26th, 2009.

December 27, 2009
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One boat out, two waiting

December 17, 2009

The American Century slide under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge around 9:15 on Thursday morning with 64,000 tons of coal for Ontario Power Generation. As she left the ship canal, the Edgar B. Speer was at anchor waiting for a dock at Two Harbors and in front of her, the Manitowoc was waiting to come [...]

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Ice time again

December 7, 2009

The American Century departed Duluth around 10:30 on Monday morning, December 7, 2009 with 64,000 tons of coal for delivery to Ontario Power Generation. She will return to Duluth next Wednesday for more coal for Ontario Power.

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The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. departed Duluth …

November 26, 2009

… at 10am on Thanksgiving morning with a cargo that will be discharged at Essexville and then St. Clair. See more pictures of the McCarthy here.

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The James R. Barker came into port for coal ….

November 21, 2009

on Saturday morning, November 21, 2009. The John J. Boland, loaded with limestone, was behind her but turned off to wait at the anchorage. Go here, James R. Barker for more info, including video.

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The tug barge combo Presque Isle arrives Duluth with limestone

November 9, 2009

The Presque Isle opened up the week on Monday morning, November 9, 2009, arriving Duluth with limestone loaded at Calcite.

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Anderson to Duluth then Two Harbors

November 6, 2009

The Arthur M. Anderson came under the Lift Bridge this afternoon (Friday, November 6, 2009) around 2:45. She brought limestone from Calcite, Michigan and after discharging that cargo, she will go up to Two Harbors to load iron ore pellets for Gary.

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Mauthe returns as the Pathfinder

October 22, 2009

The J. L. Mauthe was built at River Rouge, Michigan in 1953. After a long and steady career, she entered layup at Fraser Shipyards in Superior in 1993. On the last day of 1996, she was towed from Fraser to the Bay Shipbuilding Company to be converted into a barge called the Pathfinder. At about [...]

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Welcome to the Arthur M. Anderson

October 12, 2009

The Arthur M. Anderson spent the winter layup in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and didn’t leave for work until last month around September 23. She arrived in Duluth today (October 12, 2009) for the first time this season with a cargo of limestone picked up in Stoneport, Michigan. She will leave here to load iron ore [...]

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The McCarthy follows the Algosteel into port …

October 5, 2009

… on Sunday, October 4th, 2009. Still, the bridge went down after the Algosteel cleared and then went back up a few minutes later for the McCarthy. This was the first trip here this season for the Algosteel; she was here 4 times last season. It was the 23rd arrival in the Twin Ports for [...]

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November gales a month early

October 1, 2009

It was getting dark and it already was stormy when the Mesabi Miner came into port early Thursday evening, October 1, 2009. She was here to load coal.

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The American Century came under the Lift Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, September 30, 2009 and was preparing to drop anchor in the inner anchorage …

October 1, 2009

… ‘… to wait for the Paul R. Tregurtha to back up into the St. Louis River, dock at Midwest Energy Resources, load about 62,000 tons of coal, and then depart the Twin Ports. The American Century probably went up into the St. Louis River in early morning to get just behind the Tregurtha so [...]

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Mesabi Miner is still kicking ….

September 22, 2009

The Mesabi Miner departed Duluth in the late morning of September 22, 2009, the last day of summer. She had a cargo of coal to take to Presque Isle in Michigan. This is her 3rd trip to the Twin Ports after her early layup.

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The tug Undaunted pushed the barge Pere Marquette 41 through the Duluth ship canal and out into Lake Superior today (September 14, 2009).

September 14, 2009

Cargo? Scrap metal from Azcon Corporation. This was the 5th trip to the Twin Ports for the tug Undaunted and barge Pere Marquette this year. On the first trip, she loaded taconite rock at the Hallet Dock. The next 3 trips, she loaded scrap at the Hallet Dock and this trip as above. It is [...]

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Mesabi Miner out of layup; arrived Duluth on Friday evening, September 11, 2009

September 11, 2009

After a temporary layup at Bay Shipbuilding, the Mesabi Miner is back out and arrived in Duluth tonight to load coal at Midwest Energy. She was last here on April 9th, not long after the season started up here.

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Charles M. Beeghly came to Duluth on Saturday, August 22, 2009

August 23, 2009
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Beeghly makes it to Duluth for first trip this season.

August 21, 2009

The Charles M. Beeghly arrived under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge last night (Thursday, August 20, 2009) at 11:22 on her first trip of the season to the Twin Ports, and her first here since she was repowered last winter at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Two big 6-cylinder diesel engines replace her old steam powered means [...]

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American Mariner plus one arrive Duluth on Tuesday morning, August 11, 2009

August 11, 2009
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Coal out; passengers in and out

August 1, 2009

The collage above combines the cruise ship Clelia II with the Paul R. Tregurtha. The Clelia II, seen above after tying up at the DECC, arrived at 5:41 on Saturday morning, August 1st while the Tregurtha departed 2 hours later, at 7:40 (above). The Tregurtha was taking 64,000 tons of coal to Detroit Edison. The [...]

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Waiting in the river for a dock

July 31, 2009

The Algolake (below) came under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge at 6:17 this morning (Friday, July 31, 2009). She then moved up the Duluth harbor and made a turn so she could back into the St. Louis River, going under the Blatnik Bridge first and then finding a  spot to wait just in front of [...]

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Paul R. Tregurtha departs Twin Ports

June 30, 2009

The officers and crew on the Paul R. Tregurtha (pictured departing the port in September, 2007) will be working an almost normal 7 to 4 shift today. They are due here around 7 this morning to load coal and should finish up and depart later in the afternoon for Detroit Edison power plants in St. [...]

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Ostrander and Integrity arrive Duluth

June 28, 2009

The tug G. L. Ostrander pushed the barge Integrity through a rainy, even cold, Duluth ship canal on Saturday morning (pictured). One family and a photographer were the only people in sight. More should be there this afternoon when the same combination departs. It has replaced the Alpena as the Lafarge vessel to deliver cement [...]

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John J. Boland and the Vistas

June 27, 2009

American Steamship sold their boat called the John J. Boland in 2001. It became the Canadian flagged Saginaw. The company then renamed the Charles E. Wilson to the John J. Boland. It came in last night (pictured, in background) with a cargo of limestone picked up in Calcite, Michigan. After discharging that cargo at Graymont’s [...]

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Presque Isle arrives Twin Ports

June 26, 2009

The tug/barge combination Presque Isle came into port on Thursday morning around 8:00 (pictured), first stopping for fuel and then going to the CN Dock in West Duluth to load iron ore pellets. Except for some repairs, the Presque Isle has been moving iron ore pellets loaded in Duluth, Superior and Two Harbors and taking [...]

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Gott goes under the Aerial Lift Bridge

June 25, 2009

The Edwin H. Gott came under the Lift Bridge around 5 pm on Wednesday to first get fuel at the Murphy Fuel dock at the Port Terminal and then move down to the BN dock to load iron ore pellets for Gary. The thousand foot long Gott will be joined by 3 more thousand footers [...]

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Presque Isle comes in with the sun.

June 25, 2009

  Actually, this is late June and she came in long after the sun arrived, just a little before 8 am on Thursday, June 25, 2009. I do a radio show on KUMD every Thursday at 8:15 and I promised I would post a picture as soon as I got off the air. Sometimes, I [...]

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Cason J. Callaway brings coal

June 23, 2009

The Cason J. Callaway came into port late Monday afternoon (pictured) to discharge a cargo of coal at the Graymont Superior dock, formerly known as Cutler-Magner. The coal was loaded in Ashtabula and will be used to heat several of their kilns that are used to create lime from limestone, a cargo that is often [...]

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Edgar B. Speer gets a very special Father’s Day greeting

June 22, 2009

Sunday was Father’s Day, often not so happy for families where Father is on a boat somewhere on the Great Lakes. But Edgar B. Speer captain Daniel Rentschler and third mate Thomas Lanthier were lucky. Rentschler brought the Speer into the Duluth ship canal early Sunday afternoon and was greeted by a lineup of happy [...]

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McCarthy goes unnoticed by many

June 21, 2009

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. came in for some repairs on Thursday before it could move over to Midwest Energy Resources in Superior to load coal. That done, the thousand footer went under the Lift Bridge about 12:30 on Saturday afternoon (pictured), in time to be ignored by many who, even though they had run [...]

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Herbert C. Jackson arrives for grain

June 19, 2009

The Herbert C. Jackson arrived in port on Thursday at 7 pm (pictured). After taking on fuel at the Murphy Fuel Dock, it went over to the CHS elevator in Superior to load grain. The Jackson was built in 1959, a reminder of life on the Great Lakes before the thousand footers arrived. It is [...]

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Edwin H. Gott gets lots of attention

June 18, 2009

Five thousand footers will be here today. One of them, the Edwin H. Gott, came in last night around 6 pm (above). The Gott went to get fuel at the Murphy Fuel Dock in Duluth before heading over to the Burlington Northern dock in Superior to load iron ore pellets for Conneaut, Ohio. The Gott [...]

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Mackinaw gone for the summer

June 17, 2009

The US Coast Guard ice breaker Mackinaw came under the Lift Bridge on June 9th to get repairs made at Fraser Shipyards to its unique Azipod propulsion units. It left there yesterday (above) and went under the Lift Bridge. They circled around beyond the piers for a while and then headed out into the Lake. [...]

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Cornelius arrives to Canal Park crowd

June 16, 2009

The Adam E. Cornelius arrived in town on Monday afternoon (above), welcomed at the ship canal by a lot of people enjoying the ships and the sun together. This is the 4th trip here for the Cornelius this season. On this trip, it brought limestone in and when that is discharged, it will move over [...]

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Indiana Harbor back here for coal

June 15, 2009

The Indiana Harbor came into port on Sunday afternoon (above) to load coal. It had to wait for the Canadian Transport to finish at the coal dock. That happened around 7 pm last night. The Indiana Harbor moved in and probably left for Detroit Edison power plants in St. Clair and Monroe, Michigan early this [...]

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Paul R. helps make a wish come true

June 13, 2009

Four year old Eliot Kramer had a date with the Paul R. Tregurtha on Friday morning. He was in the house on the Lift Bridge, waiting for the Tregurtha to arrive (above). Eliot has leukemia and the Make-A-Wish Foundation had arranged to grant him his wish to blow the Lift Bridge whistle when a ship [...]

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American Courage here with limestone

June 12, 2009

The American Courage came under the Lift Bridge late Thursday afternoon (above) with a cargo of limestone. It is the first visit since September 9 last year. It usually makes 3 or 4 trips a season, spending most of its time in the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. It is one of about four Great Lakes [...]

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Mackinaw in dry dock

June 11, 2009

The US Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw came under the Lift Bridge on June 9th to get repair work done on their 2 Azipod thruster engines mounted on pods at the stern of the ship (above). The propulsion units are below water, so the Mackinaw went into the dry dock at Fraser Shipyards in Superior. They [...]

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H. Lee White approaches Duluth canal

June 6, 2009

The H. Lee White was expected in port early this morning on its 4th visit to the Twin Ports this season. It is here to load 28,000 tons of coal for Silver Bay Power. In the picture, it is seen entering the Duluth ship canal on May 27th last year. Despite its short length (704 [...]

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McCarthy finds harbor crowded

June 3, 2009

Six boats will be coming into port today to load coal, two of them coming in from the anchorage just beyond the piers. At least one and maybe two will still be here from yesterday’s coal dock lineup. If the Indiana Harbor left Tuesday night, mid morning should see the last of Tuesday’s boats, the [...]

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Boats waiting at anchor for a spot in line

June 2, 2009

The Canadian Transport (above left) and the Indiana Harbor (above right) were at anchor most of Monday waiting to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources. The CSL Laurentien was waiting at the Port Terminal for the James R. Barker to finish loading coal, probably late last night. That would put the Laurentien completing around 3 [...]

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Party for Pere Marquette 41-Undaunted

May 30, 2009

The barge Pere Marquette 41 arrived at the Hallett Dock on Thursday afternoon (above) ready to load a cargo of taconite rock, also called Mesabi hard rock by project sponsor Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at UMD. A large group of reporters, port officials, and project members were at the dock to greet the vessel [...]

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Hollyhock arrives to assist Alder

May 28, 2009

We have three Coast Guard cutters in Duluth and no ice. It’s a good thing since the three ships are not in the best of shape. The Mackinaw arrived a couple weeks ago and is currently up on blocks in the Fraser Shipyards dry dock. The Coast Guard cutter Hollyhock arrived in Duluth on Wednesday [...]

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Pere Marquette and Undaunted arrive Duluth

May 28, 2009

The Pere Marquette 41 and tug Undaunted arrived in Duluth late this afternoon (above). They are here to load taconite rock that will be taken to Chicago to be used as a surface treatment on roads. It may also be used in the manufacture of cement. This is an entirely new use for taconite taken [...]

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H. Lee White departing Twin Ports

May 27, 2009

The H. Lee White, seen above going under the Lift Bridge last October, will be here today with a cargo of limestone loaded in Calcite, Michigan. After discharging that cargo, it will move over to Midwest Energy Resources to load 30,000 tons of coal for Marquette, leaving sometime early afternoon. It will then return to [...]

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G.L. Ostrander exits Duluth with Integrity

May 26, 2009

On Sunday morning, the tug G.L. Ostrander arrived in Duluth pushing the barge Integrity that was loaded with a cargo of cement. On Monday afternoon, the pair departed the Twin Ports by way of a very windy Duluth ship canal (above). There was a line for the coal dock on Monday that will probably last [...]

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G.L.Ostrander enters Duluth with Integrity

May 25, 2009

For many years, the Alpena has been used by Lafarge North America to bring cement to the Twin Ports, averaging about 15 trips a year. It has not been back since its first trip here this season at the end of March. Shortly after that, it was placed in temporary layup. On Sunday, the tug [...]

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American Spirit gets back to work

May 23, 2009

Boats coming from and going to layup are becoming a barometer of the economy, at least that part of it that moves cargo on the Great Lakes. So far, about as many boats are going back into layup as are finally coming out. The American Spirit came into Duluth on December 12th and went over [...]

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L.L. Smith, Jr. and young passengers

May 22, 2009

The L.L. Smith Jr. entered the Duluth ship canal on Thursday afternoon (above) with a bow full of 5th graders from the Bryant Elementary School in Superior. The Smith is a research vessel owned by the University of Wisconsin that provides environmental education programs during a 3 hour cruise in the Harbor, on the St. [...]

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American Century departs via Duluth canal

May 21, 2009

The American Century was expected early this morning and was probably loading coal as the sun came up. It is seen above departing the port in April, last year. It should finish early this afternoon. The American Integrity is also expected today, just before noon, and should depart shortly before midnight. These two boats have [...]

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Mackinaw enters Duluth with big waves

May 20, 2009

The US Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw arrived in Duluth just after 6 pm last night. It is here for some repairs in the dry dock at Fraser Shipyard and is expected to move over there today. Kevin Wirth (left foreground), commanding officer on the Alder, was out to greet the Mackinaw when it arrived. Wind [...]

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Ryerson arrives Twin Ports for layup

May 19, 2009

On Monday, the list of boats in the harbor for layup added one and then lost another. The Edward L. Ryerson came in for layup (above) just before noon on Monday. This reflects the bad economy especially within the steel industry. The Edgar B. Speer came into port on April 27th and has been at [...]

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Mackinaw returns to Duluth for repairs

May 19, 2009

The US Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw arrived in Duluth on Tuesday evening, May 19th, 2009. Wind gusts up to 39 mph added to the fun. The Mac is here to go into dry dock at Fraser Shipyards for some repairs to their Azipod propulsion units. The twin, fixed pitch Azipods can be seen facing each [...]

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Ryerson arrives for lay up

May 18, 2009

The Edward L. Ryerson arrived in Duluth at 11:30 am on May 18th, 2009 (above). She will be going to Fraser Shipyards later today. They are waiting at the CN dock in West Duluth (1:32 Monday afternoon)  until the St. Clair can be moved at Fraser, allow the Ryerson to make her berth. That is [...]

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James R. comes in from anchor

May 17, 2009

Scott Briggs brought the James R. Barker in on Saturday afternoon (above) after sitting at anchor off Park Point waiting to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources. That explains the angle of the boat as he was turning into the channel from the anchorage as opposed to coming straight in from the lake. His position [...]

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Blue Heron does important research

May 15, 2009

The Blue Heron, a research vessel owned and operated by the Large Lakes Observatory at UMD, will be departing the port around 7 this morning on one of many research trips it takes into Lake Superior. This trip will concentrate on studying the biology of algae, a food source for many of the fish in [...]

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McCarthy sails under Aerial Lift Bridge

May 13, 2009

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. arrived last night (above) on its 7th trip of the season to the Twin Ports. It is here to load coal; on this trip, taking it to Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke. It was here 28 times last season. The Cason J. Callaway has been loading limestone in Calcite, Michigan [...]

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Callaway arrives under Aerial Lift Bridge

May 12, 2009

If the traffic today goes as predicted (it seldom does), three boats will arrive in port and as the day goes on, those same 3 boats will depart. The James R. Barker will finish the day by arriving late tonight to load coal. The Cason J. Callaway arrived in port Tuesday morning (above) with limestone. [...]

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Callaway here for only 2nd time this season

May 12, 2009

The Cason J. Callaway came into port on Tuesday morning, May 12, 2009, with limestone loaded in Calcite, Michigan. After discharging that cargo, she will depart for Two Harbors to load iron ore pellets for Conneaut.

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Paul R. Tregurtha here for lots of coal

May 11, 2009

The only traffic under the Lift Bridge on Sunday was the Paul R. Tregurtha coming (above) and going. We have another thousand footer arriving to load coal today, the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., but it will not arrive until this evening. It will be the 6th trip here this season for the McCarthy. It was [...]

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Paul R. departs, meets Pochard arriving

May 10, 2009

If we are only going to have one boat in the port today, it might as well be the largest boat on the Great Lakes. That boat, the Paul R. Tregurtha, will make 2 appearances under the Lift Bridge today, one coming in just before noon, and again when it departs about nine hours later [...]

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American Century as her former self

May 8, 2009

The American Century and the American Integrity will both be in port today. It is the 3rd weekend in a row that both have been here together. The first two times the Century arrived first. With both loading coal, the Integrity had to wait each time. Things will change today. The Integrity is expected just [...]

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Sea Robin/barge Hugh in Duluth harbor

May 6, 2009

The tug Sea Robin arrived in Duluth on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 (above). It was pushing the barge Hugh with a cargo of calcium chloride for the Hallett #8 dock in Superior. Calcium chloride is a high grade liquid (42% salt content) that needs to be diluted a bit here before it is sent to [...]

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Tug barge makes first Twin Ports appearance

May 5, 2009

The tug barge combination Sea Robin and barge Hugh came under the Lift Bridge on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30. Cargo: liquid calcium chloride loaded near Ludington, Michigan.

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Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. departing Duluth

May 5, 2009

The tug Sea Robin is expected in port today with a cargo of calcium chloride on a barge named Hugh. This is the first visit to the Twin Ports for the Sea Robin, a tug that is more often found in San Francisco and other west coast ports. It loaded the liquid cargo at a [...]

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Duluth Fire Department trains to fight fires on ships

May 5, 2009

  It’s not easy to train the fire department. Their first job is always protecting us from fires and lots of other mayhem. If you are Michael Lebsack, Commanding Officer Marine Safety Unit Duluth, you want to make sure the local fire departments, in this case Duluth’s and Superior’s, know how to fight a fire [...]

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The Ramon de Larrinaga, represented by the tug Edward H., came into port on Sunday afternoon exactly 50 years after the original Larrinaga came in 1959.

May 3, 2009

She was the first deep-draft oceangoing vessel to arrive here after transiting the length of the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway. Just below, the tug Edward H. carries the Larrinaga banner under the Lift Bridge.Leo Franklin (below right) was there on Sunday and he was there 50 years ago serving as deck boss, in charge [...]

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American Integrity gets in line for coal

May 3, 2009

This has been and undoubtedly will continue to be a slow season, at least starting out. But that is not obvious in the Twin Ports this weekend. The American Integrity came in on Saturday morning for coal (above) but had to wait on the American Century and the John D. Leitch to complete loading their [...]

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American Century in her new black coat

May 2, 2009

The American Century came into port Friday afternoon to load coal at Midwest Energy. This is only the 2nd visit the Century has made to the Twin Ports this season. Like the first visit, last weekend, it will take the coal to Detroit Edison. Until last week, this boat had an iron ore red color [...]

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Paul R. Tregurtha working Lake Superior

April 30, 2009

The largest boat on the Great Lakes, the Paul R. Tregurtha, has been spending a little time on the local, Lake Superior shuttle. It was expected in this morning after delivering a cargo of coal to the Minnesota Power station in Taconite Harbor. It will load coal today for WE-Energies in Marquette. Then on Sunday, [...]

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American Mariner here for coal

April 29, 2009

The American Mariner came into port late afternoon on Tuesday (above). It was expected to depart very early this morning taking a cargo of coal to WE-Energies in Milwaukee. This is the third trip here this season. Last season, it made 11 visits to the Twin Ports. The Paul R. Tregurtha left here on Tuesday [...]

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John G. Munson

April 28, 2009

The John G. Munson came into port on Monday afternoon (above) with cargo loaded in Ashtabula. After discharging that, it will move over to the Midwest Energy coal dock to take on a load of coal for Marquette. It was built in 1952 with a self unloader on the deck, unusual for a boat built [...]

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Lee A. Tregurtha still fighting ice

April 27, 2009

Seven boats are expected to arrive in the Twin Ports today. The Lee A. Tregurtha, arriving earlier this morning to load coal, will be the only departure, probably later this morning. The last time the Tregurtha departed Duluth, on April 1st, it got stopped in the ice sheet just off the Duluth piers. The Alder [...]

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Three captains, one boat

April 26, 2009

In June, 2006, Oglebay Norton sold six boats to American Steamship. In many cases, the crews moved with their boats, but jobs were lost in the consolidation. The current economic recession has kept many boats across the Great Lakes in winter layup. That keeps many of their crews at home waiting for a call. American [...]

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Oglebay Norton sold six boats

April 26, 2009

In June, 2006, Oglebay Norton sold six boats to American Steamship. In many cases, the crews moved with their boats, but jobs were lost in the consolidation. The current economic recession has kept many boats across the Great Lakes in winter layup. That keeps many of their crews at home waiting for a call. American [...]

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American Integrity and American Century cross paths

April 25, 2009

Perpendicular is not usually associated with two boats close together but on Friday evening, the American Integrity (left) and the American Century (right) both were planning to get fuel at the Murphy Fuel Dock in Duluth and load coal at Midwest Energy. The American Century arrived first so it was first to the fuel dock [...]

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Why settle for one picture

April 25, 2009

Why settle for one picture when two are better. The American Integrity came into port on her first trip of the season on Saturday afternoon, April 25th, 2009. Obviously something on board was important to them as they strained through the rain to spot something, perhaps someone.

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Ryerson departs with iron ore pellets

April 22, 2009

Above, the Edward L. Ryerson departed Duluth late morning with iron ore pellets. Below, earlier in the morning, the James R. Barker eased under the Lift Bridge on her way to Marquette, Michigan with a cargo of coal for WE-Energies. She has about 58,000 tons with her.

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Edward L. Ryerson here for 2nd trip

April 21, 2009

The salt water vessel Persenk arrived and dropped anchor off the Duluth piers on Monday. The Maltese flagged ship was expected to come into port last night to load grain at CHS in Superior. This is only the third trip this ship has made to the Twin Ports since 1996. It was here once in [...]

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Adam E. Cornelius to take wheat to Buffalo

April 20, 2009

The Adam E. Cornelius departed its winter layup berth in Toledo on April 15th and loaded a cargo of limestone for the Twin Ports, coming under the Lift Bridge on Sunday afternoon (above). When it completes discharging that cargo, it will load wheat to take to Buffalo. This is the first trip here this season [...]

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American Mariner, twice

April 19, 2009

When a boat comes under the Lift Bridge twice in one day, it usually comes in first and departs later in the day. The American Mariner will first depart the port this morning and then return this evening. It arrived last night (above) to load coal for Silver Bay Power and should leave this morning [...]

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Walter J. McCarthy, Jr.

April 18, 2009

When the day is done, three boats will be taking a cargo of coal loaded today at Midwest Energy Resources to the cities of Belladune, New Brunswick, Silver Bay and St. Clair Michigan. On April 13th, the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. also departed the port with coal (above) for a Detroit Edison power plant in [...]

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Indiana Harbor departs winter layup

April 17, 2009

This year, the Indiana Harbor came in for winter layup on December 27th. Last year it was in on January 9th. Yesterday, it departed Duluth (above) from its winter layup berth at the Port Terminal. That was later than most of the thousand footers and reflects the slow year that is expected loading both coal [...]

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Edgar B. Speer arrives early

April 13, 2009

The first and second full-seaway-transit salt-water ships arrived on Sunday morning. The third and fourth will be here today; the Federal Schelde going to Burlington Northern to load iron ore pellets and the Sabrina coming to load grain at CHS. Last night the Edgar B. Speer, originally expected today, arrived in port (above) and crossed [...]

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Edward L. Ryerson may leave today

April 11, 2009

Sometime this morning, 3 salt water ships will be through the Soo Locks and on their way to the Twin Ports. They will all arrive on Sunday, just about the same time in April that the first saltie has arrived for the last several years. Last year, the Gadwell started us off, arriving on April [...]

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Mesabi Miner leaves with coal for Detroit

April 10, 2009

The Edward L. Ryerson was the first boat to arrive here for winter layup, coming in on November 4th. That early date was one of the first signals that the coming season would likely not be so robust. As an older boat, built in 1960, there was talk that it might not go out this [...]

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Spring is close, maybe

April 9, 2009

With bright sun and melting snow, the Mesabi Miner departed the port today (April 9, 2009) with coal for Detroit Edison. She often spends the winter in the Twin Ports, but this layup, she was in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. This was her second trip to the Twin Ports this year. The Marine Museum’s tug Bayfield [...]

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James R. Barker arriving for coal

April 9, 2009

This week, we have had about one thousand foot laker a day. On Tuesday, the Paul R. Tregurtha left with coal and the McCarthy loaded coal and left late that night. Wednesday, the James R. Barker arrived mid afternoon (above) and was expected to depart the port early this morning, leaving the coal dock at [...]

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Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. here for coal

April 8, 2009

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. arrived in port on Tuesday morning (above) to pick up its second cargo of the season at Midwest Energy Resources. It had to wait until the Paul R. Tregurtha completed loading its second cargo of coal for the season. Both boats are thousand footers, load coal at Midwest Energy and [...]

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Paul R. Tregurtha’s first arrival of season

April 7, 2009

The Paul R. Tregurtha was here for the first time this season on Saturday evening, loading coal for Taconite Harbor. It will be back today to load coal for Detroit Edison in St. Clair, Michigan. Last year as this year, the Tregurtha spent the winter in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and like last year, the first [...]

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Edgar B. Speer starts the new season

April 6, 2009

When the Mackinaw departs the port at 8 am this morning, we will have no Coast Guard ice breakers in port. (The Biscayne Bay left on Sunday morning.) One hopes that is a sure sign of spring. The weather forecast suggests we will have warmer temperatures and winds from the west for a few days, [...]

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Mackinaw Commander Scott Smith

April 5, 2009

Mackinaw Commander Scott Smith (above, left) hosted a well attended community visit on Saturday afternoon. It was a homecoming of sorts for Smith. From 1995 to 1997, he served as executive officer on the Sundew, then our ice breaker and now a museum easily seen from the pilot house of the Mac. Above, he is [...]

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Moving the Mackinaw along

April 3, 2009

The Mackinaw is propelled through the water by two Finnish azipods at the stern of the ship. An azipod is a propeller mounted on a pod that can be rotated 360 degrees to control the movement and direction of the ship. I took the photo at the right just before the ship was launched. You [...]

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The 'new' Mackinaw arrives in the Twin Ports

April 3, 2009

Friday morning: The Mackinaw, seen below in the Duluth harbor just after arriving around 11 am on Friday morning,  will be hosting public tours on Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm at their berth at the back of the DECC.

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Mackinaw, the 2nd is launched

April 3, 2009

On Wednesday afternoon, the Coast Guard dispatched their new ice breaker Mackinaw to Duluth to help with the ice off the Duluth piers and in the harbor. The west wind blew that away, and the Mackinaw was called back. The Coast Guard now says the Mackinaw will be arriving in Duluth around noon today. This [...]

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Lots of ice, lots of boats

April 2, 2009

Thursday April 2: The Walter J. McCarthy Jr., the Edwin H. Gott and the Edward L. Ryerson were set to depart on Wednesday evening. If they did not make it, they will probably try today.  The Lee A. Tregurtha made it to Two Harbors last night, the Gott should be there some time today. Both [...]

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Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. helped by Alder

April 1, 2009

Monday was the day the shipping season started; Tuesday was a day when it didn’t move much further along. High winds from the east effected boat traffic as much as it did the rest of us. The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. was expected to move over to Midwest Energy Resources last night to load coal. [...]

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James R. Barker ‘first out’ for season

March 31, 2009

The cement carrier Alpena was the first cargo boat to go under the Lift Bridge in the 2009 shipping season. Coming in just after 3 on Monday afternoon, it was also the first boat from beyond the Soo Locks. A little more than an hour later, the James R. Barker made the turn from the [...]

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Alpena arrives Duluth with cement

March 30, 2009

Twelve boats spent the winter layup in the port; two of them plan to depart today; the James R. Barker with coal for Marquette, and the Lee A. Tregurtha light to Two Harbors to load iron ore pellets. A surprising late addition to the Monday schedule is the Alpena. It usually makes its first appearance [...]

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Season to begin with the Alder on March 10th and the James R. Barker on the 18th.

March 6, 2009

The Alder announced their initial plans for the new season. See just below, dated March 5, 2009 The U.S. Coast Guard will be commencing icebreaking operations in and around Duluth/Superior Harbor on 10 March 2009. Areas of operation include Superior Entry, Superior Front Channel in vicinity of Barker’s Island, St. Louis Bay between Richard Bong [...]

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Alder going out to clear a path

January 16, 2009

The Coast Guard cutter Alder was back from an ice breaking trip to Thunder Bay on Thursday morning. Above, it is seen departing the Twin Ports for the trip to Thunder Bay on Monday. It will be out just after first light today to assist the Edwin H. Gott and the Edgar B. Speer into [...]

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St. Clair at Fraser for winter layup

January 15, 2009

This is the first day all season there is no ship traffic in the Twin Ports. The Edwin H. Gott and the Edgar B. Speer were expected but ice has slowed them down. They are through the Soo Locks and should be out on the lake by now. They are expected here very early on [...]

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Indiana Harbor and McCarthy docked for winter layup

January 11, 2009

The days are getting colder and the end of the shipping season is getting closer. Last year, the Mesabi Miner was the last boat to come in under the bridge for winter layup, arriving on January 21st. This year, it looks like next Wednesday will be the last day of the season. The Edgar B. [...]

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James R. Barker ready to rest

January 9, 2009

The James R. Barker is seen above as it moved through the Duluth harbor yesterday during its 49th and last arrival of the season. After some repairs at the Port Terminal, it will move over to Midwest Energy Resources for the winter. The Rt. Honorable Paul J. Martin was expected in port earlier this morning. [...]

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Icy Munson passes Duluth North Pier Light

January 8, 2009

The Lee A. Tregurtha arrived in port yesterday for winter layup. It is the 8th boat that has arrived for layup so far. Four more are expected; the James R. Barker and the John G. Munson should arrive today. The Munson is seen above coming in for winter layup on January 20th, 2004. The last [...]

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Lee A. Tregurtha joins the layup crowd

January 7, 2009

Yesterday, I corrected the information I wrote here the day before. Today, I will correct yesterday’s information. In my defense, the nature of shipping on Lake Superior in January is not very predictable. Ice conditions and this year economic issues are likely impacting shipper decisions. The Canadian Enterprise will not be here for coal. As [...]

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Gott getting turned in Duluth harbor

January 6, 2009

I made an assumption yesterday that so far will be wrong. I said that since the James R. Barker will be spending the winter at the Midwest Energy Resources coal dock, it would be the last boat to arrive for winter lay up. That is the way it has usually gone. However, the Canadian Enterprise [...]

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James R. Barker in for one last load

January 5, 2009

The James R. Barker returned to the Twin Ports on Sunday afternoon (above) to get one more cargo of coal, this one for WE-Energies in Marquette. When it returns, later in the week, it will be for good, or at least for the next two months. The Barker will spend the winter at a familiar [...]

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Paul R. departs Duluth for last time this season

January 4, 2009

The Paul R. Tregurtha came into port to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources at 1:51 Friday morning, as was mentioned here yesterday. It finally left the port with coal for Detroit Edison power plants in St. Clair, Michigan at 3 pm on Saturday (above), about 36 hours later. Its average time in port this [...]

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Roger Blough leaves Twin Ports

January 3, 2009

The Paul R. Tregurtha came into port to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources at 1:51 Friday morning. In the cold weather, it was slow going. By morning, the Tregurtha was still loading and the line for coal at Midwest extended into the outside anchorage with the John B. Aird anchored close in and the [...]

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John G. Munson at icy CN dock

January 1, 2009

The John G. Munson arrived in Duluth on Tuesday evening to load iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth (above) for Gary. It didn’t bring much ice on its bow but it was surrounded by ice at the dock. Tugs had broken up the ice, making it easier for the boat to [...]

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Munson shrouded in ice and fog

December 31, 2008

It is the time of year when any prediction of a boat’s arrival time needs to include the words,’weather permitting.’ On the other hand, weather isn’t always so bad as the picture above demonstrates. That was back on Christmas Eve, 2004 and the John G. Munson was coming in through the Duluth ship canal, decked [...]

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Aerial Lift Bridge frames John B. Aird

December 30, 2008

The next two boats to load coal at Midwest Energy are named John B. Aird. And the boat that probably left the coal dock at Midwest Energy last night was also the John B. Aird. It is expected back here today from Thunder Bay to take on another load of coal for Thunder Bay, both [...]

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St. Clair coming to Twin Ports for winter

December 28, 2008

The St. Clair arrived in port on Saturday afternoon (above) for winter layup at Fraser Shipyards in Superior. It joins the Edward L. Ryerson and the American Victory there. The Kaye E. Barker will be the last to arrive at the Shipyard for the winter. The American Spirit is at layup at the Enbridge Dock. [...]

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Lee A. Tregurtha passes North Pier Light

December 27, 2008

The Paul R. Tregurtha came into port on Friday morning and waited at the Port Terminal for the James R. Barker to complete loading coal at Midwest Energy. The Great Lakes Trader also arrived on Friday and spent a good part of the day waiting in the St. Louis River for the Mesabi Miner to [...]

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Munson with nice Duluth sky backdrop

December 26, 2008

Lately, we have had a number of boats, particularly the Kaye E. Barker, loading coal here for quick trips to Lake Superior ports such as Taconite Harbor, Silver Bay and Marquette. Today the John G. Munson will be here to first discharge limestone at Graymont’s Superior Plant, previously called CLM (Cutler-Magner), just east of the [...]

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Anderson gets bird escort

December 24, 2008

The Arthur M. Anderson came into port Tuesday afternoon at 4:15, alarming a lot of birds in the process (above). It stopped at the Port Terminal to wait for the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. to complete loading coal for Detroit Edison. That should have happened last night, leaving the dock at Midwest Energy open for [...]

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Edgar B. Speer needed help departing

December 23, 2008

It took a community effort on Monday afternoon to get the Edgar B. Speer out of the harbor and into Lake Superior with a cargo of iron ore pellets for Gary (above). Earlier, the Coast Guard cutter Alder established tracks in the shipping channels for the Speer, the Kaye E. Barker and the Roger Blough. [...]

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McCarthy Jr. enters harbor under Aerial Lift Bridge

December 22, 2008

The season’s last salt water ship, the Beluga Revolution, departed the port on Friday evening. That means no more wind turbines or grain. Coal and iron ore pellets will make up most of the cargo that will be departing the port for the rest of the season, which will probably continue until January 20th or [...]

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Edgar B. Speer departs Duluth canal

December 20, 2008

Three boats, the Edward L. Ryerson, the American Spirit and the American Victory are already in port for winter lay up. The Spirit is at the Lakehead Pipeline dock in Superior; the Ryerson and the Victory are at Fraser Shipyards, also in Superior. The Edgar B. Speer is arriving today after discharging a cargo of [...]

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Kaye E. Barker makes short runs

December 13, 2008

The Kaye E. Barker departed Duluth on Friday afternoon (above) with a cargo of coal for Taconite Harbor. It will be back this afternoon to load coal again, this time to take to Marquette, Michigan, on the south shore of Lake Superior. It will be the 16th trip to the Twin Ports the Barker has [...]

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St. Clair here, gone, and back again

December 12, 2008

The St. Clair came into port on Thursday afternoon (above) to load coal for Silver Bay. It was expected to depart earlier this morning. It will return around noon today to load coal for Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke. The Dutch owned and operated Loireborg was expected to come in from the anchorage last night [...]

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Joseph H. Thompson kicks up some ice fog

December 8, 2008

The tug barge Joseph H. Thompson departed Duluth on Sunday morning sending some birds from the thin ice into the air. With a cargo of iron ore pellets in the barge, it was completing its 23rd trip here this season. It was only here 15 times last year and 5 the year before that. When [...]

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Paul R. Tregurtha here for coal again

December 7, 2008

The Paul R. Tregurtha came into port on Saturday afternoon (above) to load 64,000 tons of western coal for Detroit Edison. This is the 46th trip the boat has made to the Twin Ports this season, loading coal each time and taking most of it to Detroit Edison in St. Clair, Michigan. In the years [...]

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James R. Barker departs under Aerial Lift Bridge

December 6, 2008

The James R. Barker departed under the Lift Bridge on Friday afternoon with 58,000 tons of coal for the WE Energies power plant in Marquette, Michigan. It will return on Monday to load another 58,000 tons for Detroit Edison at St. Clair, Michigan. There has been a long tradition of Polish operated ships coming to [...]

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Adam E. Cornelius exits icy Duluth harbor

December 5, 2008

The Adam E. Cornelius arrived on Thursday morning at 7:10 to load wheat for the Frontier grain elevator in Buffalo. That is work that was handled by the Kinsman Independent for many years and then for a time by the Joseph H. Frantz. The Frantz was scrapped and the Kinsman Independent was headed to the [...]

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Indiana Harbor cook Maccine Moore

December 4, 2008

The Indiana Harbor came into port on Wednesday morning at 2:43 to load coal. Maccine Moore was probably still asleep but it wasn’t long before she was up and into the galley of the boat to start the day’s baking. That’s what she does on the boat, and she has been doing it with American [...]

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Faithful fans of Edgar B. Speer

December 3, 2008

Three thousand footers will be in port today to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior. Two smaller boats will also try to get a spot in the lineup. It is likely we will see at least one and maybe more boats at anchor off the Duluth piers. The Edgar B. Speer will be [...]

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Kaye E. Barker enters icy Duluth canal

December 2, 2008

Winter weather is not kind to ship arrival and departure times. It is a little early for ice problems but two boats expected yesterday should be here today instead (the Kaye E. Barker, seen above entering the Duluth piers last December, and the Canadian Olympic). The St. Clair was expected back from Silver Bay to [...]

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Callaway leaves for Ohio

November 30, 2008

The Cason J. Callaway picked up a cargo of limestone in Calcite, Michigan and arrived here with it on Friday evening. It was the 18th trip to the Twin Ports this season. After discharging the limestone at the Hallett Dock in West Duluth, it moved over to the CN Dock to load iron ore pellets [...]

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James R. Barker exits with iron ore pellets

November 29, 2008

The James R. Barker left the port on Friday afternoon (above) with a cargo of iron ore pellets for South Chicago. The pellets were loaded at the CN dock in West Duluth. As happens sometimes, it was originally scheduled to load coal directly across the St. Louis River at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior, but [...]

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See you next week, American Integrity

November 28, 2008

American Integrity captain Patrick Nelson was out wishing visitors to the Duluth ship canal a Happy Thanksgiving as he departed the port yesterday with a cargo of coal for Detroit Edison. He will bring the thousand footer back next Tuesday for still another load of coal for Detroit Edison. As of now, there are only [...]

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American Victory in for winter layup

November 27, 2008

There are two boats already in winter layup. By the end of winter we usually have about 12. We don’t usually see any boats arriving here for layup until December, and in a good year, until January. We know this is not a good year. The American Victory came in for layup on November 11th. [...]

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Indiana Harbor enters Duluth harbor

November 26, 2008

The Indiana Harbor will be here today for the 38th trip of its season. On most of those trips, as today, it has loaded coal at Midwest Energy. Today’s cargo will be split between two Detroit Edison power plants, one at St. Clair and one at Monroe, both cities in Michigan. It was built in [...]

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Walter J. taking away some Twin Ports ice

November 25, 2008

The picture above of the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. was taken last December 10th as the big thousand footer was turning toward the Lift Bridge on the way down the lake with another load of coal. You will notice it is taking along some extra weight that we should soon be seeing more off. The [...]

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American Mariner coming in for coal

November 17, 2008

The American Mariner came into port on Sunday afternoon (above) to load coal. It probably departed for Milwaukee very early this morning. Three salt water ships will be moving in the harbor today. The Dutch flagged Jumbo Vision is expected around noon with 12 large containment vessels that will eventually go to oil sands projects [...]

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John J. Boland departs Duluth ship canal

November 15, 2008

The John J. Boland was expected to arrive with the sun this morning to load coal at Midwest Energy to take to the Reiss dock in Ashland. It will then return here to load iron ore pellets at the BNSF dock in Superior to take to the Pinney dock in Ashtabula. This is the 13th [...]

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American Century at Port Terminal

November 11, 2008

The BBC Maine will be here later this week for the third time this season, each time bringing wind turbine parts. Even when no ships are bringing wind turbines into port, trucks have been rolling them out from the Port Authority for some time. Above, on Monday morning, a Gamesa nacelle, brought here from Spain, [...]

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Arthur M. Anderson departing Duluth

November 10, 2008

The Kaye E. Barker has been making quick trips to Taconite Harbor. She left yesterday to take a cargo of coal to Marquette. The Arthur M. Anderson will be here today with an even quicker trip to deliver coal. After discharging a cargo of limestone, it will load about 19,000 tons of coal at Midwest [...]

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Kaye E. Barker always a welcome sight

November 5, 2008

The Kaye E. Barker has been to the Twin Ports 5 times this season. It will be arriving today and again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Add four departures and we will have an opportunity to see the boat 8 times in 4 days coming under the Lift Bridge. It was expected here early this [...]

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Edward L. Ryerson at last winter’s layup

November 4, 2008

The Edward L. Ryerson is usually greeted with great joy when it comes to Duluth Superior since many consider it the prettiest boat in the US fleet. It is expected here sometime today, but most are not very happy about it. It had an extended layup between 1998 and 2006 for lack of work and [...]

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Joseph H. Thompson has lively history

November 3, 2008

The tug-barge Joseph H. Thompson (seen above entering the Duluth harbor in 2005) is due today with a load of salt. This is the 19th trip here this season but only the 5th one with salt. It usually brings in limestone. As today, it has almost always departed with a cargo of iron ore pellets, [...]

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Paul R. enjoying sunshine on late fall day

November 2, 2008

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. was expected to depart the port with a cargo of coal for Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke just after midnight. It was to be followed by the Paul R. Tregurtha which came in on Saturday afternoon (above) and waited at the Port Terminal for the dock to open up at [...]

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Arthur M. Anderson leaving the Twin Ports

November 1, 2008

The Arthur M. Anderson was expected to arrive last night with a cargo of limestone loaded at Cedarville, Michigan. After getting fuel at the Murphy Fuel Dock in Duluth, it was expected to go to the Hallett #5 dock in West Duluth to discharge the limestone and then load iron ore pellets for Gary. This [...]

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Mesabi Miner nears the Duluth ship canal

October 31, 2008

The amount of daylight we will have today, 11 hours and 9 minutes, is about the time it takes for a thousand footer to come under the Lift Bridge, load about 64,000 tons of coal and return to the lake for the trip back down the chain of lakes. That’s about how long most trips [...]

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Old-Timers meet new ship USS Freedom

October 30, 2008

It was not hard for USS Freedom executive officer Commander Kris Doyle (second from left), to impress four Duluth old timers with her brand new ship on Wednesday. While winding up the tour on the deck of the ship (above), Wes Harkins, at left, retired, Fraser Shipyard, showed Doyle a picture of the USS Paducah, [...]

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USS Freedom cargo area

October 29, 2008

The photo yesterday of the USS Freedom was taken from the front of the ship looking back. Above, the photo is taken from the back, looking forward into the airborne mission zone, often referred to as the hangar. It is one of several large open spaces that allow the crew to deploy a variety of [...]

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USS Freedom brings out the big guns

October 28, 2008

The USS Freedom arrived on Sunday afternoon and should be here until Thursday. The photo above was taken on Monday afternoon while standing on the pointy end of the ship as our guide, executive officer Kristy D. Doyle, first called it so we would understand. It is more formally the forecastle. Straight ahead is the [...]

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Tug assist for USS Freedom to DECC dock

October 27, 2008

The Navy had two tugs standing by when the USS Freedom arrived in Duluth on Sunday. Both were helpful as the ship approached the berth at the DECC head-on. Above, they asked the tug North Dakota to gently move up to the side of the ship so it could use the tug as a pivot [...]

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The USS Freedom comes to Duluth

October 26, 2008

The USS Freedom arrived Duluth on Sunday October 26th, 2008 at 12:38 in the afternoon. She is a fast, maneuverable vessel that will be used for mine, anti-submarine and surface warfare and for humanitarian relief. It can be reconfigured to provide for helicopter and boat launch and as well as variety of recovery operations. Designed [...]

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USS Freedom launch

October 26, 2008

The US Navy ship that will be commissioned as the USS Freedom in Milwaukee on November 8th is expected in Duluth today. While there are no public tours, the ship will be behind the DECC for several days. Above, the ship was side launched at Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The 377 foot Navy ship [...]

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Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. departs Duluth

October 24, 2008

The Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. departed Duluth on Thursday afternoon (above) with 64,000 tons of coal for Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke. American Steamship Company in Buffalo owns the McCarthy, and also the American Mariner which will be here late this morning to load coal for Ashland, Winconsin. It will likely cross the lake to [...]

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Edwin H. Gott arrives Duluth

October 23, 2008

The Edwin H. Gott came into port Wednesday morning. The Canadian Transport, the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. and the Herbert C. Jackson came in or were expected in last night. There are no arrivals set for today but all four of those boats, plus the research vessel Blue Heron, will be departing today. The Gott [...]

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Adam E. Cornelius enters Duluth at sunset

October 21, 2008

The Adam E. Cornelius is here today with limestone loaded at Port Inland, Michigan. After discharging that cargo at the CLM Lime Plant in Superior, it will move over to the CN Dock in West Duluth to load iron ore pellets. Above, it arrived last night on its 13th trip to the Twin Ports. On [...]

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Indiana Harbor departs via Duluth canal

October 20, 2008

We will have two boats arriving by way of the Duluth entry today and two boats departing using the Superior entry. The Indiana Harbor is well on its way to Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke with a cargo of coal it loaded yesterday. It departed around 3 in the afternoon on Sunday and should be [...]

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Chilly onlookers see H. Lee White depart

October 19, 2008

The H. Lee White left under the Lift Bridge late Saturday afternoon (above) with coal for Milwaukee. It had arrived just after midnight with limestone loaded at Calcite, Michigan. The White follows a fairly regular cycle of loading taconite at Silver Bay; discharging it in Cleveland and then going to Sandusky or Toledo to load [...]

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Edward L. Ryerson arrives Superior

October 17, 2008

The Edward L. Ryerson was expected in port very early this morning. Many consider her the prettiest boat on the Great Lakes. This will be the 24th visit this season for the Ryerson and on each trip, it has loaded iron ore pellets at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe ore dock just inside the Superior [...]

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Great Lakes Trader departs with Joyce

October 15, 2008

Since 2003, there have never been more than 10 arrivals at the Duluth entry in one day. Since then we have had that many arrivals in one day 7 times. We have had 9 ships arrive in one day 9 times since 2003. Today should push that number to 10. During that time, the average [...]

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Philip R. Clarke arriving Duluth

October 14, 2008

Three thousand footers will load about 192,000 tons of western coal for lower lakes electrical power stations today. The Philip R. Clarke, seen above arriving in Duluth last November, will arrive today with a cargo of eastern coal loaded at Ashtabula. It will discharge the coal at the CLM Corporation in Superior. They operate seven [...]

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American Century former Columbia Star

October 13, 2008

It has been over two years since Oglebay Norton sold six vessels to American Steamship Company in Buffalo. They were the: Oglebay Norton, Columbia Star, Armco, Middletown, Courtney Burton and Fred R. White Jr. They still make regular visits. In the same order, the American Integrity was here last Wednesday, the American Century is expected [...]

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Mesabi Miner arrives for coal

October 12, 2008

The Mesabi Miner came into port on Saturday morning at 10:07 (above) to load coal for Minnesota Power at Taconite Harbor. It likely left last night but will return late today or on Monday to load iron ore pellets. As mentioned yesterday, today is still mostly a day for loading coal but two boats slipped [...]

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Callaway brings limestone

October 9, 2008

The Cason J. Callaway loaded limestone in Calcite, Michigan and arrived here on Wednesday (above) to discharge it at the Hallett Dock in West Duluth. It is loading iron ore pellets today and is expected to depart later in the day for Gary. Four other boats will be here today, all of them, like the [...]

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Adam E. Cornelius enters Duluth ship canal

October 8, 2008

For many years, the Kinsman Independent came to the Twin Ports to load wheat at General Mills for the Frontier grain elevator in Buffalo. Then as now, it tends to be a spring and fall trip when wheat is more available. In the summer, the Kinsman just took a rest, but the Adam E. Cornelius [...]

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James R. Barker greeted by lighthouse and visitors

October 6, 2008

The James R. Barker will be here this afternoon to load coal for the We Energies power plant at Presque Isle, Michigan. This is the 30th trip the Barker has made to the Twin Ports this season. It loads iron ore pellets about half the time and coal the other half. About half of the [...]

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Callaway departs with iron ore pellets

October 2, 2008

The Cason J. Callaway loaded limestone in Calcite, Michigan and arrived here on Tuesday to discharge it at the Hallett Dock in West Duluth. It then loaded iron ore pellets and departed the port yesterday afternoon (above) for Gary. The Joseph L. Block also came in with limestone on Tuesday and will depart today with [...]

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Lee A. Tregurtha welcomed by crowd

September 28, 2008

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center will be 35 years old tomorrow. A birthday party yesterday was planned for outside but was moved inside because of the problematic weather. Outside might not have been good for birthday parties but it was great for boat watching at least around 6 last night. The Walter J. McCarthy, [...]

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Lee A. Tregurtha turns up the Duluth harbor

September 27, 2008

Late September still brings boat watchers to the Duluth ship canal. Many were there to watch the Lee A. Tregurtha come in around 6 pm on Saturday, September 27th, 2008.

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Three boats in the Duluth harbor

September 24, 2008

After a wait at anchor off the Duluth piers, the Federal Ems came into port today (Wednesday, September 24th, 2008) to load grain. The Vista King was right behind her giving tourists a close up view of the action. The tug North Dakota is at right, moving in to help the Federal Ems make her [...]

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Tug Billmaier bringing in the tow

September 24, 2008

A Corp of Engineers tow came back to its home port (above) after a summer of working breakwaters in the Great Lakes. They left in June for Two Harbors and then went down to Burns Harbor. On the way back, they did more breakwater work at Marquette before returning to Two Harbors and then home [...]

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Paul R. takes on fuel, wind turbine parts wait for trucks

September 23, 2008

No ships are in town discharging wind turbine parts but there are a lot of trucks leaving the port with pieces that have been brought here by ship. They are taking them to several wind farms in the Midwest, one piece for one truck at a time. Above, while the Paul R. Tregurtha was in [...]

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