Two Canadians; one lift of the Bridge

June 30, 2010

  As I pulled into my parking lot this morning, the bridge was up so I scampered across the street to see who was coming. I was not the only one scampering to see the Algosoo. I ran into my office to make sure DSNTV was working (Microsoft sometimes thinks it is a good idea [...]

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Express service from Duluth to Antartica

June 25, 2010

The Antarctica is as close as a trip on one of two ships that will be in Duluth this summer. The cruise ship Clelia II will make 5 trips here this summer, the first coming tomorrow, Saturday June 26, when she comes under the Lift Bridge around 6 am. If January in Duluth in not [...]

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Wind turbine train #2 departs Duluth

June 22, 2010

  The second and last of two trains that carried wind turbine parts originally loaded onto two ships in Denmark and discharged at Duluth left the Port Terminal today (June 22, 2010). Here it has just emerged from the BNSF rail yard in Duluth on its way beside I-35 to the Grassy Point Bridge and [...]

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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. [...]

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A hug from Grandma …

June 19, 2010

… after finishing Grandmas Marathon; what could be better! Well, maybe a hug from your sister the finish line security guard. Donna Philippot, from Minneapolis, ran the race; her sister Lynne Osterman, took care of security at the finish line, at least until Donna finished her race. More pictures from Grandmas 2010

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BBC Sweden delivers wind turbine hubs …

June 13, 2010

… to Duluth on June 12, 2010. Employees at Lake Superior Warehousing are seen moving a hub into place on a shuttle trailer that took the piece to another part of the warehouse (above). Gantry crane #1 was used. At left, you see the crane pulling another piece from the BBC Sweden’s cargo hold. The [...]

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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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Wind turbine train ready to go

June 4, 2010

Last minute touches were being taken care of on the wind turbine train on Thursday night at the Port Terminal. Meanwhile, the Indiana Harbor was tying up at Murphy Fuel after loading coal at Midwest Energy. The train is expected to leave the Port Terminal around 8 am on Friday morning.

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Building a wind turbine train!

June 2, 2010

The Metsaborg brought wind turbine parts from Denmark to Duluth, arriving here on Sunday, May 16th. The parts, as well as 48 containers, were discharged from the ship onto shuttle trucks that moved them to another part of the Port Terminal. This week, those pieces were loaded onto railroad cars for the trip west. A [...]

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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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Spring Summer Winter??

May 28, 2010

It is May 27th; still spring but it was a warm day; maybe the first day of summer; no first day of winter; the Captain Henry Jackman came in with the season’s first shipment of salt, making sure we in Duluth will be ready for winter. When the sun came up, the pile was a [...]

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Lifting wind turbine parts from the Metsaborg

May 19, 2010

  Morning on Wednesday, May 19. Each gantry crane has a hold at each end of the bar being used to lift a nacelle from the cargo hold of the Metsaborg (inset). The cranes slowly lift the nacelle out of the hold, over the deck of the ship, on onto a waiting trailer truck.

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First wind turbine boat of the season

May 17, 2010

The Metsaborg arrived Duluth early evening on Sunday, May 16, 2010 with the port’s first shipment of wind turbine parts (left). The ship was loaded in Denmark about three weeks ago and came directly to Duluth. Early Monday morning, employees from Lake Superior Warehousing Company began to discharge the cargo. First off were 48 containers, [...]

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Advertise in the daily edition of the Duluth Shipping News

May 13, 2010

Three days before Memorial Day, we begin the 15th year publishing the summer daily edition of the Duluth Shipping News. It is a 2-page legal size newsletter with advertising, front page header and footer preprinted in color. Each day, that day’s schedule is added along with text and pictures about the day’s boat traffic. I [...]

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The Schnabelmeister comes to town

May 6, 2010

The world’s largest railcar spends most of its time in Duluth. Occasionally, it has to go to work for a refinery that wants a big, big piece of equipment moved. It is the CEBX Schnabel 800; it is big and red. And it is taken care of by the Schnabelmeister who drops in a couple [...]

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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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Federal Polaris departs Duluth

April 17, 2010

The Federal Polaris was built in Japan in 1985. Here she is departing Duluth, making the turn toward the Lift Bridge on Friday night, April 16, 2010. Unlike many salt water ships that come to Duluth, she has kept the same name, so far, throughout her life on the high seas. She is 600 feet [...]

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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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First salt water ship of the season

April 7, 2010

With an assist from the Great Lakes tug Kentucky (and the North Dakota, unseen here but off the bow of the ship), the Federal Elbe slowly made her way to the CHS dock in Superior to load a cargo of durum wheat for Italy. She is going under the Blatnik Bridge.

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First ocean going ship of the season

April 6, 2010

The Federal Elbe has been at anchor off the Duluth piers for several days. She is set to come in on Wednesday morning around 6 am. She will go over to the CHS dock in Superior to load 23,700 tons of durum wheat to take to Italy where the cargo will be made into pasta. [...]

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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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The beginning of the end …. ?

March 29, 2010

The sign above made Park Pointers happy today; it is the beginning of the end of the Aerial Bridge north tower paint job. Still one lane though. It is possible the work may complete later today; the bridge may go up for the first time in 2 months and it is even possible that a [...]

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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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The Mobile Bay stops by for some rest and relaxation

March 22, 2010

The Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay pulled up to the dock at the DECC early Sunday morning, March 21st. Earlier this season, they were part of a large effort to break up the ice in the St. Clair River, an operation that obviously succeeded in its task as commercial vessels are now moving easily. They [...]

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The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is slowly getting undressed for the new season

March 20, 2010
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The 2010 shipping season got off to a dark start when the James R. Barker departed the Twin Ports between the Superior piers at 3:12 earlier this morning. Meanwhile, between the Duluth piers, seen here several hours later, the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge was shedding her winter skin so she could show the world her [...]

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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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Changing the sheets in the museum

March 11, 2010

If you have visited the Marine Museum in Canal Park, you have certainly walked by the three cabin berths on the second floor each with an original member of the crew still there, although the years have not been kind to the three of them; they are very white and seem barely alive. I have [...]

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The Alder makes her first appearance of the season

March 8, 2010

The US Coast Guard cutter Alder, just before she departed her dock on March 8, 2010 to take a first look at ice conditions. They report ice up to 20 inches thick, better than last year, and the warm weather suggests it could end up being very much better than last year. They will go [...]

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Changing the page

March 5, 2010

I am in the middle of moving this website/blog to a new server that will make this a faster page. I will also be making changes to the look of the page and sometimes just experimenting with stuff. I hope for you patience while I work on this. In the meantime, I will be posting [...]

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The bridge is in the bag!

February 24, 2010

The North Tower of the the Aerial Bridge is getting a paint job.

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Big news at Fraser Shipyards

February 16, 2010

Fraser Shipyards President and COO Jim Korthals today (February 16, 2010) had two big projects to talk about. He first detailed the specifics of the work that will be done at Fraser using a $2 million grant Wisconsin Congressman David Obey helped get for the shipyard. In the picture, he (Korthals, right) is pointing out [...]

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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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One bridge, no boats

February 6, 2010

The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge painting project continues. The scaffolding is almost to the top (below)  and the tents to protect us from flying chips of lead based paint are starting to appear (Saturday, February 6, 2010). Some folks think the concern about lead in paint is overdone, but it is funny, the closer you [...]

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Ships, boats the Aerial Lift Bridge a …

January 29, 2010

Last night (January 28, 2010), the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge was all lights as workers from Rainbow, Inc in Minneapolis erected scaffolding they will use to paint the north tower of the bridge. Next will come a large tent that will cover the scaffolding and the tower while they sandblast the old paint off, down [...]

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Painting the bridge; nice winter work?

January 29, 2010

Last night (January 28, 2010), the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge was all lights as workers from Rainbow, Inc in Minneapolis erected scaffolding they will use to paint the north tower of the bridge. Next will come a large tent that will cover the scaffolding and the tower while they sandblast the old paint off, down [...]

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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 Barker is expected back here on Thursday to load another cargo of coal for Detroit Edison.

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The Duluth Christmas Day, 2009 storm

December 29, 2009

It will be remembered for a long time. With 22 inches of snow falling, helped along by winds over 50 mph and topped off with freezing rain, the day was one to remember, even if all the relatives didn’t make it to dinner. Ships were not moving in the harbor and only a few hearty [...]

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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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The BBC Italy departed the Twin Ports on Friday evening, December 18th with …

December 18, 2009

… grain after discharging wind turbine equipment at the Port Terminal. (BBC Italy)

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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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BBC Italy becomes the last saltwater ship of the season

December 16, 2009

With cold weather and ice in the Seaway, and after many delays, the BBC Spain, originally headed for the Twin Ports, will divert to Texas to discharge her wind turbine equipment. When the BBC Italy departs Duluth, perhaps on Friday, she will be the last saltwater ship of the season. She arrived here on Sunday [...]

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The BBC Italy finally arrived in Duluth …

December 13, 2009

… with wind turbine components to be discharged at Lake Superior Warehousing Company at the Port Terminal on Sunday, December 13, 2009.

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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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Cranes loading cranes onto trucks

December 5, 2009

Last December 13th, the Beluga Revolution brought the pieces for two cranes from Germany. Discharged by Lake Superior Warehousing, they stayed here until this weekend  22 Canadian and US trucks arrived to pick them up and take them to oil sands projects in Alberta, Canada. The job started this morning (12-5-09). All 22 trucks should [...]

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Spring Breeze 1 and the Canadian Provider wait …

November 29, 2009

… for an open berth on Sunday morning, November 29, 2009. The Provider should be in later today to load iron ore pellets; the Spring Breeze will likely be in on Monday morning to load grain.

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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. For more on the Barker, including video, go here.

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The Tuscarora, once the Rixta Oldendorff, arrived off the the Duluth piers last night (November 14, 2009).

November 15, 2009

Overnight, the Tuscarora took the place of the Federal Sakura at anchor off the Duluth piers. She came in last night at 8:27. Both are (will be) loading grain at the CHS terminal in Superior. This is the 2nd trip here for the Tuscarora this season; she has been here many times in the past [...]

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The Ziemia Lodzka arrives Duluth early Monday afternoon, November 10, 2009

November 10, 2009

More on the Ziemia Lodzka

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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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Heritage Marine gets a second tug

October 27, 2009

Heritage Marine bought a second tug for their fleet. Called the Ares, Heritage Marine owner Mike Ojard brought her to Duluth on Tuesday, October 27. 2009. She had been used as a supply tug for oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Heritage owner Mike Ojard had the tug’s hull reinforced in New Orleans to [...]

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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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No beer today for the Rega

October 17, 2009

Above, the Utviken, top, and the Rega, were at anchor off the Duluth piers waiting to load grain at CHS in Superior. The Rega, built in Poland in 1995 as the Fossnes by a Norwegian company, was sold in 2002 to the Polish Steamship Company where she received her current name. She made many trips [...]

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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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A lot to see

October 6, 2009

While I was taking pictures from the blue line in the new hockey arena they are building at the DECC in the afternoon of September 4th, I took a picture of the Aerial Lift Bridge (upper left) while the James R. Barker was coming in. The arena will soon be covered so the picture may [...]

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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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A little windy in Duluth

October 2, 2009

Friday afternoon, October 2 2009

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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 Gordon C. Leitch

September 19, 2009

The Gordon C. Leitch  is here departing Duluth on September 19, 2009 with a cargo of grain loaded at the CHS 2 terminal in Superior. She was built as the Ralph Misener in 1968 by Canadian Vickers Shipyards at Montreal and is owned and operated by Upper Lakes Group, a Canadian company that sends many [...]

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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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BBC Louisiana arrived around noon on Thursday, September 10, 2009. One question ….

September 10, 2009

… when will we see a BBC Duluth or even a BBC Minnesota come under the Bridge. I have asked Mr. Wagenborg when we will get a Duluthborg and he told me he would let me know. I have not found Mr. BBC to ask him about their plans.

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One more for the Federal Hudson, and friend

September 7, 2009

The Federal Hudson, in red, had some company over the Labor Day weekend. On Sunday evening, above, she was joined by, I think, the Algowood. The Algowood came in early Monday morning to load iron ore pellets; the Federal Hudson is expected to come in to load grain on Tuesday morning (September 8th).

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One more look at the Federal Hudson before the summer is over (Sunday, September 6, 2009) …

September 6, 2009

… she will likely come into port on Tuesday to load grain.

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Only 1 1/2 years until hockey in the new DECC arena …

September 5, 2009

… but the lower floor was being laid on Friday, September 5, 2009. That is the floor just behind the glass at the south west corner of the arena. You can see the curve of the ice surface to be. Click here for a Flash update on arena progress: Click here to go to the [...]

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Watching the Federal Hudson

September 2, 2009

Click picture for more ………

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WDSE toured the Clelia II on Saturday while I followed behind. You can see it on Venture North on November 12th at 8 pm

August 31, 2009

Clelia tour manager Nina Padden gets ready to lead the tour with Videographer Judy Morrissey behind the camera and Writer producer Greg Grell out of sight on the right. That was not the first time I followed Judy around. Back in April, 1996, I was behind her trying to stay out of the way as [...]

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Then and now

August 30, 2009

On Friday, August 28th, Commander Beverly Havlik (second from right) stopped by with her mother (center). Beverly commanded the Coast Guard cutter Sundew from June, 2000 until June, 2003. The Sundew is now a museum, located just in front of the William A. Irvin, and is operated by the DECC. Erik Akervik and Tom Kanzier, [...]

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Clelia II arrives Duluth early Saturday morning, August 29, 2009.

August 29, 2009

After waiting for the Cason J. Callaway to depart under the Lift Bridge, the cruise ship Clelia II arrived for the 5th of 6 trips she will make to the Twin Ports. The Marinus Green can be see at anchor off the Duluth piers to the left of the ship.

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The Kaministiqua, formerly the Voyageur Pioneer, formerly the Lady Hamilton.

August 25, 2009

The Kaministiqua  came under the Lift Bridge on Sunday evening, August 23rd, 2009, to load grain. She left port on Tuesday, August 25th (right). She started life as the Saskatchewan Pioneer in 1982 when she was launched in Glasgow. She was built for salt water and Great Lakes work, allowing the ship to work the [...]

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

August 23, 2009
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The Isadora waits and waits ……..

August 22, 2009

 Katie Van Der Linden from the Maritime Museum in Canal Park took this picture of the Isadora while she was at anchor off the Duluth piers on August 22, 2009. She is a Polish ship, owned by the Polish Steamship Company in Szczecin, Poland. She is waiting for her dock at CHS in Superior. Built [...]

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The Atlantic Erie comes in for coal.

August 22, 2009

On Saturday morning, August 22, 2009, the Atlantic Erie moved between the Duluth piers on her way to Midwest Energy Resources in Superior to load coal for Nova Scotia Power in Sydney, Nova Scotia

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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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Train going south

August 15, 2009

I have just realized it is a lot easier to take pictures of ships than of trains. I can easily get a ship in one shot, and they go slower. Still, that second car says Amtrak on it. I invite my train buff friends to add a comment here telling us about these cars. They [...]

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Not lost in the crowd

August 14, 2009

The Indiana Harbor had just cleared the Duluth ship canal on Friday afternoon, August 14th, 2009 and people were wondering what this other boat was bobbing in the water. That little boat, lower right  was captained by Jim Robinson. He left Bayport, Minnesota on September 9th, 2008 and took the long way to Duluth in [...]

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What do you do on a hot day in Duluth?

August 12, 2009

With the temperature in the high 80’s for the first time this summer, the Duluth Shipping News figured it was a good time to find some college students and get the house painted. Happily, Andrea, Jordan and Keri were in the neighborhood and agreed to do it. Andrea (left) and Keri (right) are students at [...]

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

August 11, 2009
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Bayfront Blues Festival August 7-9, 2009

August 7, 2009

Lamont Cranston Coco Montoya Sugar Blue Deb Callahan The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue — Magic Dick, Tommy Castro, Deanna Bogart and Bernard Allison

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Bayfront Blues Festival, Duluth Minnesota Aug 7, 8, 9, 2009

August 7, 2009

 For more pictures of the 2009 Bayfront Blues Festival by the Duluth Shipping News

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What a great year for boats in the Twin Ports!

August 4, 2009

At last, a good day for boatwatching (picture taken at 7:30 am on August 4, 2009). The Canadian Navigator (left) is sitting at the inside anchorage, the Joseph L. Block (center) is departing after discharging a cargo of limestone at the CN dock  and the H. Lee White (right) is at the Port Terminal Dock. [...]

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Icebreaker returns to Duluth in July

August 2, 2009

It wasn’t quite so bad that July was a record cold month in Duluth, and it wasn’t so bad that the temperature today on August 2nd is 55 degrees F. But the ICEBREAKING Coast Guard cutter Alder came home from her annual summer ‘vacation’ on Lake Erie this morning a little early. Do they know [...]

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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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Two ways to look at the Clelia II

July 30, 2009

The Clelia II will be back early Saturday morning with a new group of passengers who boarded in Toronto and will get off here, after which a new group will board here for Toronto, leaving Duluth late Saturday afternoon. It is a one week trip each way. The cruise ship will be back in two [...]

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Peter R. Cresswell makes an appearance in the Twin Ports: note: the Cresswell departed Duluth on Wednesday morning, July 29, 2009 at 5:33.

July 28, 2009

The Peter R. Cresswell arrived in port on July 28, 2009, going under the Lift Bridge and here she is moving up the Duluth harbor at 1:30 in the afternoon. She is here to load iron ore pellets at the CN dock in West Duluth. She has been here only 11 times since 1996, two [...]

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James R. Barker and the Rose Garden in Duluth

July 28, 2009

The James R. Barker added to a pleasant summer evening in Duluth as she came into port just after 8 pm on Monday, July 27, 2009.

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Algowood brings salt, takes iron ore pellets

July 22, 2009

The Algowood was in on Tuesday to discharge a cargo of salt at the North American Salt Company dock in Duluth (above). She then moved over to the CN dock to load iron ore pellets.

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Clelia back again and then gone again

July 18, 2009

 The cruise ship Clelia arrived on Saturday morning and departed at 6:30 Saturday evening. She is seen above after turning away from her moorings at the DECC on Saturday evening and moving toward the Lift Bridge to depart after her second visit to the Twin Ports. She will be back every two weeks, on Saturdays, [...]

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New bridge, old bridge

July 15, 2009

What you see below is not just another tall ship going under another lift bridge. Well, it is just another tall ship, but the bridge is special. If you read about the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, you will quickly find out that the original version of it was modeled after a bridge built in Rouen, [...]

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Algoisle departs with iron ore pellets on Sunday, July 12, 2009

July 13, 2009

The Algoisle had lots of good cheer as they made their way through the ship canal. The collage below shows four happy sailors just outside the pilot house and below right, 3 more standing at the stern.

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Change of command

July 8, 2009

On July 8th, 2009, Commander Kevin Wirth handed over command of the Alder to Commander Mary Ellen Durley.

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The cruise ship Clelia II arrived at 5:33 on the morning of the 4th of July, 2009 and departed at 6:15 that evening

July 4, 2009
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Take a ride with me and the media and the Denis Sullivan. New improved version of the video, click below.

July 3, 2009

click for Flash video

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The Denis Sullivan arrived in Duluth at 6:11 am on Thursday, July 2nd.

July 2, 2009
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Two many ships

July 1, 2009

The Lake Guardian (picture at bottom of page) arrived in port earlier this week. She is the first of several non-cargo vessels that will be visiting the port in the next couple days. Late Thursday or Friday morning, the sailing ship Denis Sullivan arrives for weekend tours. At 6 am on July 4th, the cruise [...]

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A new (to the port) vessel came into port today (June 30, 2009)

June 30, 2009

The tug Erika Kobasic brought a high pressure vessel into port today. It was loaded in Sandusky and will eventually be taken to Beulah, North Dakota. It was discharged at the Port Terminal today (June 30, 2009). For more pictures, click here: http://www.lswci.com/erikakobasic2009.html

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HOG Rally Parade

June 28, 2009

The Minnesota State H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Rally Parade comes down Piedmont Ave on Saturday night, June 27, 2009.  Then there was the parade after the parade!

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Exclusive: Airplane flies under Lift Bridge. Not!

June 25, 2009

I received a call about an airplane of some sort and the Lift Bridge and of course assumed I was getting that big scoop – 50 years from now, people will look at the Duluth Shipping News picture taken way back in 2009 and say Wow; remember when they showed that picture on CNN and [...]

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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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Clean & Safe jumping rope

June 21, 2009

The Greater Downtown Council’s Clean & Safe Team has branched out into sidewalk entertainment. After team member Pat Castellano finished helping the Marathon Sunday cleanup, she got down with her own version of jump rope. She had a hard time talking the two little boys into trying it out, but the two big boys were [...]

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Grandmas 2009 Flash Show from Duluth Shipping News

June 20, 2009

  Click above to open new window.

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The real starting line

June 19, 2009

Duluth is ready for the marathon. Our parking lots are empty and waiting (8 am on Friday, June 19). Kaylie Maki and Elizabeth Matthews (inset at left) will be happy to take your money and show you a great spot. In the meantime, you will be helping them raise money for the Duluth Superior Shoremen [...]

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Mackinaw comes out of dry dock, departs under the Lift Bridge

June 16, 2009

The Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw left Fraser Shipyards today (June 16, 2009), seen above going by the H. Lee White on her way to the Lift Bridge. This at 11:30 this morning. She is still in the area off the piers, checking out the repaired Azipods; not sure they will leave if everything is ok, [...]

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Sunday morning in Duluth; coal and grain

June 14, 2009

The Canadian Transport came in for coal on Sunday morning, June 14, 2009 while the Alexia, waiting beyond her in the outer anchorage, will come in later today to load spring wheat for Italy.

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New Aerial Lift Bridge operator brought on board

June 12, 2009

Make-A-Wish came to Duluth on Friday, June 12th, 2009. Eliot Kramer, below left, got his wish; he was at the controls as the Paul R. Tregurtha came to town. Ryan Beamer, chief Lift Bridge operator for the City of Duluth presented his new operator with a genuine bridge operator certificate, signed by Mayor Don Ness. [...]

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Mackinaw about to get out of dry dock

June 11, 2009

The US Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw arrive here on June 9th to get repair work done on their  2 Azipod thruster engines mounted on pods at the stern of the ship. The propulsion units are below water, so the Mackinaw went into the dry dock at Fraser Shipyards in Superior. They expect to come out [...]

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Wind turbines for Chile

June 9, 2009

One of 40 wind turbine blades built in Grand Forks and going to Chile is hoisted off a a trailer and into the BBC Amazon this morning (June 9, 2009), all this at the Port Terminal in Duluth. You can see another trailer with another blade to be loaded into the ship at the lower [...]

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What rain? We just got married!

June 7, 2009

There were a lot of weddings in Duluth on Saturday, all with dreams of bright sunshine, blue sky, and I am sure lots of boat traffic. It is a hopeful sign when two people are starting out their new life together climbing the back stairs of Grandma’s Sports Garden (presumably to the reception) in the [...]

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Canadians coming in and staying out

June 5, 2009

The Algoisle comes into port to load iron ore pellets on Friday morning, June 5th while the Algosoo waits at anchor to come in and load coal.

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A chance encounter

June 4, 2009

It’s not often I run into someone who grew up in Oakmont, Pennsylvania while I am delivering my newsletters at the Ship Canal. But this morning, there was Jill Landwehr standing with her husband Jerry ready to watch the James R. Barker come in to load coal. We decided to take pictures of each other [...]

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In line at anchor

June 4, 2009

Thursday morning on June 4, 2009: there are two boats in the harbor waiting to load coal (American Century and the Canadian Progress) and outside the Duluth piers, the Algosoo (left) and the James R. Barker (right) also wait to load coal.

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Two Wagenborg ships get longer

June 2, 2009

The Nassauborg has been loading beet pulp pellets at General Mills in Duluth (above) but this past winter, she was in Zhoushan (China) getting more footage added to her length. In the picture below, courtesy of Captain Menno van der Groen, both the Prinsenborg (foreground) and the Nassauborg, just behind the Prinsenborg, are in drydock [...]

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July is only 28 days away

June 2, 2009

Spring is here, at least if you only look at pictures. Pretty yes, and cold, yes too. July is only 28 days away. The Indiana Harbor sits just above the observation deck at the Radisson Hotel. She is waiting to load coal at Midwest Energy Resources in Superior.

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Big day at the Hallett Dock #5

May 29, 2009

The tug Undaunted pulled her barge, the Pere Marquette 41, into the Hallett Dock #5 in West Duluth on Thursday afternoon, May 28th. Both were making their first trip on Lake Superior and they are here to pick up the first cargo of taconite rock to be taken from Duluth. Reporters, cameras and project members [...]

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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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Undaunted brings the Pere Marquette to Duluth

May 26, 2009

  I don’t know which is more interesting; the history of the barge Pere Marquette and tug Undaunted, or the trip they are making to Duluth on Thursday, May 28th. I refer you to the article by  Brian Ferguson  on the Boatnerd for the long and illustrious story. You will learn in the article that [...]

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Lift Your Spirits in Duluth

May 24, 2009

Back in May, 2005, Duluth had a birthday party for the Aerial Lift Bridge. One project gathered a bunch of local artists to create unique works of art from identical sculptures of the Bridge. Christie Eliason, upper left in the collage above, took up the challenge, creating “Lift Your Spirits in Duluth.” Her mother, Linda [...]

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Holiday weekend; the people are back, the sun is out

May 24, 2009

…… and the Algosoo is entertaining the multitudes

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Summer daily edition of Duluth Shipping News getting ready to print at Service Printers in Duluth

May 21, 2009

Friday, May 22nd signals the return of the daily edition of the Duluth Shipping News, being printed now (Thursday) at Service Printers. Above, the first page is at left, the back page at right. I will fill in the white space on the front side each day with schedule information, pictures and stories about the [...]

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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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Getting greener by the day

May 17, 2009

The Canadian Transport came into Duluth late Sunday afternoon on May 17th, 2008. She is here to load 30,000 tons of coal for Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke.

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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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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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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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The Coast Guard and community remember a hero

May 3, 2009

The ceremony to recognize the anniversary of the Coast Guard rescue attempt by Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Edgar A. Culbertson was held on Thursday afternoon, April 30, 2009. (see entry below this for more details on the rescue attempt.) Above, a combined Duluth Police Department and Coast Guard honor Guard starts the ceremony off. Below, [...]

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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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A ceremony to recognize

April 29, 2009

A ceremony to recognize the anniversary of a Coast Guard rescue attempt is scheduled for Thursday, at 2 p.m., just outside the Lake Superior Maritime Museum in Canal Park. The ceremony will honor Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Edgar A. Culbertson (left) who lost his life while trying to rescue 3 boys just off the Duluth [...]

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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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Canadian Olympic here to load coal

April 24, 2009

After a short time waiting at anchor off the Duluth piers, the Canadian Olympic came in to load coal on Thursday afternoon (above). Like the Capt. Henry Jackman and the John B. Aird before it, the Olympic loaded coal for Ontario Power Generation in Nanticoke. All three boats are Canadian flagged. It will be a [...]

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Persenk here for sugar to take to Mexico

April 22, 2009

The Maltese flagged Persenk loaded a cargo of sugar in Mexico and brought it up to the St. Lawrence Seaway, stopping at Hamilton, Ontario to discharge the sugar before sailing to the Twin Ports. After sitting at anchor for a couple days, it came in on Tuesday afternoon (above) to load durum wheat for Algeria. [...]

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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  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 for the Cornelius. [...]

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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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Fire department to the rescue

April 16, 2009

The Sabrina, the third saltwater ship of the season, came into port to load grain on Monday. While waiting at the Port Terminal for their dock to clear, a crew member working in a cargo hold fell and broke his ankle. The call went out to the Duluth Fire Department. Fire equipment operator Steve Gibson [...]

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Duluth Fire Department visits Mackinaw

April 16, 2009

The Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw arrived in Duluth on Friday morning, coming in the Superior entry and moving down to moorings at the DECC. On Friday afternoon, members of the Duluth Fire Department visited the ship. The two groups share many duties. Like all ships, the Mackinaw is its own fire department when under way. [...]

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Federal Welland an hour behind the Medemborg

April 14, 2009

  The Medemborg crossed the finish line around 10:30 Sunday morning; the Federal Welland arrived an hour later. Above left, the Medemborg enters the Duluth ship canal; at right, the Federal Welland does the same.

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Medemborg is first boat from ocean

April 14, 2009

The Medemborg was the first vessel to arrive in the Twin Ports this season after a full transit of the St. Lawrence Seaway. It came in on Sunday morning and is seen above at the General Mills grain terminal in Duluth on Monday morning. It is expected to depart sometime today with 8,100 metric tons [...]

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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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Atlantic Erie to load coal for Nova Scotia

April 12, 2009

As of Saturday evening, the race for first ship was down to the Federal Welland and the Medemborg. The Medemborg is a Wagenborg ship, usually smaller (441 feet) and faster than the typical salt water ship. The Federal Welland is 629 feet long. Both are expected sometime around noon, today. Last night, the Atlantic Erie [...]

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Medemborg crosses finish line, first saltie of the year.

April 12, 2009

The Medemborg became the first vessel to arrive in the Twin Ports after a full passage of the St. Lawrence Seaway, coming under the Lift Bridge at 10:30 on Sunday morning,  April 12, 2009.

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And then there were 2

April 11, 2009

Saturday afternoon: it looks like the Sabrina will not get here until Monday and the Federal Schelde will also not get to the Burlington Northern dock until Monday. That leaves the Federal Welland and the Medemborg still in the race; both now expected around noon on Sunday. Click the schedule button on the menu at [...]

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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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Four ships on their way to the Twin Ports

April 10, 2009

  It has been and probably will be a slow year for shipping in the Twin Ports, and in most ports around the world. We have yet to see a salt water ship this season, but we are about to see 4 of them, all of course coming full steam to win the first ship [...]

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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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Paul R. Tregurtha

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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Fire Department visits the Mackinaw

April 4, 2009

The Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw arrived in Duluth on Friday morning, coming in the Superior entry and moving down to moorings at the DECC. On Friday afternoon, members of the Duluth Fire Department visited the ship. The two groups share many duties. Like all ships, the Mackinaw is its own fire department when under way. [...]

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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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There must be an east wind on the way

April 2, 2009

The US Coast Guard ice breaker Mackinaw, the new one, will be arriving in Duluth around noon on Friday for a stay that will be conditioned on the state of the ice in the harbor and out in the Lake. Below, she is seen when she was launched on April 2, 2005. Click here for [...]

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John B. Aird here with sugar

April 2, 2009

The John B. Aird came into port early Wednesday morning with a cargo of salt loaded in Goderich, Ontario and discharged at the Cutler-Magner salt dock in Duluth (above) using the boat’s self-unloader. In the photo, it is extended to the right of the boat while the conveyor on the self-unloader moves the salt out [...]

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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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Lee A. Tregurtha stopped in the ice off the Duluth piers; Alder out to help

April 1, 2009

April 1st, 2009 • Coast Guard, US Boats 7:05 Thursday morning. The Alder is on her way to Lake Michigan to tend buoys and the Alpena is probably getting close to the Soo. Instead of the Mackinaw making her first visit to Duluth the west wind arrived and moved the ice away. The McCarthy left [...]

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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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Alder out breaking ice

March 30, 2009

I had a chance to take a ride of the Alder this morning, but I had to tell them I was too busy taking pictures of them. Here, she is coming right at me with the Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. on her right and the Edwin H. Gott on her left. The McCarthy is due [...]

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The Alpena hugs the North Shore on her way to Duluth

March 29, 2009

March 29th, 2009 • US Boats • Edit MODIS data acquired by direct broadcast and processed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison The season may actually begin on Monday. The Alpena became a new entry in the ‘race’ for first. She was expected around 8:30 Monday morning but may be delayed since she is taking a [...]

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The tug Edward H is getting ready to work

March 27, 2009

The tug Edward H spent the winter behind the DECC. Mike Ojard and his son Patrick were down there installing some new pumps for their engines today. That’s Patrick waving to the camera. Mike’s other son, Vince, is the third member of the family partnership. They are open for business and waiting for the season [...]

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Back to normal, almost maybe

March 25, 2009

I have been trying to combine the web page at DuluthShippingNews.com and the blog at DuluthBoats.com for several days now. Each day, I make some progress. I hope you will be patient with me; I think the blog is very usable now; the web page may take a day or more. The blog will now [...]

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No boats, little sun, not much snow and the only ice

March 22, 2009

On Sunday, March 22, 2009, the wind was blowing at 32 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. No boats, little sun, not much snow and the only ice to be seen was along the shore fronting the lineup of hotels in Canal Park, that the result of the stiff wind from the east. The [...]

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Coast Guard vessels Alder and Mackinaw out breaking ice

March 17, 2009

The Alder went out for a quick trip through the harbor and out into the Lake on Monday, March 16th. With no traffic set until the 29th, there was not a lot that could be done. Tuesday afternoon, she left for Thunder Bay. They will see traffic before we will. In the picture, we were [...]

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Going out on the Alder to check on ice conditions in the Duluth harbor.

March 15, 2009

I will be going out on the Alder on Monday morning (March 16th). They will be checking the ice thickness in the shipping channels in the harbor; I will try to get some good pictures and video. Keeping the shipping lanes open in the harbor is the direct responsibility of the Alder. Local tugs handle [...]

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First trip into the ice for the Alder

March 10, 2009

The Alder left her dock at 8:30 on Tuesday morning (see picture). That was the first ship movement of the new season. An expected blizzard later today will bring the Alder back to the dock this afternoon rather than making a one-day training run to Lake Superior, as originally planned. The Alder just leaving her [...]

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New shipping season problems in Duluth, Great Lakes

March 10, 2009

The Alder left her dock at 8:30 on Tuesday morning (see picture). That was the  first ship movement of the new season. An expected blizzard later today will bring the Alder back to the dock this afternoon rather than making a one-day training run to Lake Superior, as originally planned. The beginning of the shipping [...]

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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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Bringing 50,000 year old wood to Duluth

February 26, 2009

The largest piece, 40 feet long, as it is just pulled out of the trailer. It will make a great table for someone. The largest peice, 40 feet long, as it is just pulled out of the trailer. It will make a great table for someone. I heard about a shipment of wood that was [...]

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Opening the shipping season on Lake Superior.

February 22, 2009

In the winter, Duluth is locked in by locks and usually by ice. In the dead of winter, the fleet of layup boats is limited to Lake Superior since the Soo Locks are closed. At the beginning of each season, and at the end, many boats, usually taking coal, take advantage of that additional time [...]

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Duluth, winter boats

February 21, 2009

Thursday February 19, 2009:  We have 12 boats in port for winter layup but they are pretty hard to find and not very colorful. This winter, we have the added treat of the Edward H. She has been sitting quietly behind the DECC since the middle of January, adding some color to a landscape that [...]

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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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