Great Lakes Ice-Breaking is a Team Effort

#LSN_Shipping A U.S. Coast Guard cutter and Canadian Coast Guard ship assists a vessel

DETROIT, MICHIGAN -  May 7, 2018  (LSN) The Ninth District is proud to be part of the team effort meeting the challenge of a record season in Great Lakes ice-breaking operations. Working with the Canadian Coast Guard and members of the shipping industry throughout the region, our cutters have logged thousands of hours and miles to keep commerce moving in what has been, to date, the iciest Winter of the past 25 years.

The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards and their industry partners have developed a broad ice-breaking strategy, which is reviewed at a yearly conference held in the Fall. During the Winter season, we all participate in daily “ice calls,” conference calls which set the current ice-breaking priorities. It is here that both U.S. and Canadian assets are allocated as industry provides information on commercial traffic as well as local conditions.

Lake Superior is 15 cm (6 in) above average

#LSN_Shipping   high water levels in the upper Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO  -  May 5, 2018  (LSN)  The Lake Superior water level declined by a record 3 cm (1 in) in April, normally the month that it begins its seasonal rise, and at the beginning-of-May, Lake Superior is 15 cm (6 in) above average (1918 - 2017), but 4 cm (2 in) below the level at this time last year. Lake Michigan-Huron saw wetter weather in April and levels resumed their seasonal rise, increasing 10 cm (4 in) last month. Lake Michigan-Huron is currently 41 cm (16 in) above average, 10 cm (4 in) above last year’s beginning-of-May level and the highest since 1998. The seasonal water level rise is expected to begin on Lake Superior and continue on Lake Michigan-Huron in May.

Despite the recent decline on Lake Superior, the above-average levels coupled with strong winds and waves continue to result in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system. Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur this spring and summer should active weather continue.

ATC cables capped, sealed
Straights of Mackinac

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN , — April 30, 2018  (LSN)   All of the affected utility cables owned by American Transmission Company have been soldered, capped, sealed and laid on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in its original position, Sunday.

ATC is preparing a long-term plan to remove the damaged cables, under the oversight of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Unified Command approves plan to cap, seal severed utility cables

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN. —  April 26, 2018  (LSN) The Unified Command approved a plan developed by American Transmission Company, contracting with Durocher Marine and T&T Subsea, to cap and seal the two severed utility cables in the Straits of Mackinac, Wednesday.

Thursday, a tug, barge, and remotely operating underwater vehicle commenced operations to cap the ends of the two severed ATC utility cables.

One by one, the ends of severed cables will be lifted to the surface of the water, to solder and affix a permanent cap. The caps will be wrapped with the existing outer steel armor wires of the cables and banded with steel clamps

Ocean Shipping  Season  Opens
Port of Thunder Bay

#LSN_Shipping Federal Bering Captain Philips Kuruvilla with Top Hat

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  April 24, 2018 (LSN) The vessel M.V. Federal Bering became the first ocean-going “Salty” vessel to enter the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, berthing at Richardson’s Main elevator Sunday, April 22.  The vessel is loading 21,200 metric tonnes of Western Canadian Wheat in Thunder Bay.  The supply chain for Canadian grain is the longest grain supply chain in the world, and the Seaway route through Thunder Bay is a critical link.  Once loaded, Federal Bering will embark on a 7,800 kilometre journey to the destination port of Casablanca, Morocco. 

Lakes Will Reap Many Benefits From Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Bill

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CLEVELAND, OHIO  –  April 16, 2018   (LSN) Protection of the environment and promotion of waterborne commerce will be well served by Senate passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act.  The bill, S.1129, includes provisions that will protect the Great Lakes from oil spills and non-native species and facilitate shipping during the ice season.

“This bill is a real win-win for the Lakes,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes.  “It is equally concerned with safeguarding our environment and fostering waterborne commerce, the most efficient mode of transportation for dry-bulk cargos.”

Work Continues on Mineral Spill Straits of Mackinac

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN   – April 15, 2018  (LSN)  The Unified Command has announced that the American Transmission Company is slated to deploy sonar scanning technology and a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to better assess damage to the affected utility cables this week, as soon as weather conditions no longer pose a danger to responders.

First Saltie arrive tonight
Port of Duluth Federal Weser

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DULUTH, MINNESOTA - April 12, 2018  (LSN)  The first ‘saltie’ of the 2018 commercial navigation season, the Federal Weser, is on its way to the Port of Duluth-Superior and is expected to arrive tonight by 10 p.m. Its official arrival time will be recorded when the ship passes beneath Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge. 

Mineral oil spill Straits of Mackinac

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MACKINAW CITY, MICHIGAN   -  April 5, 2018  (LSN) The Unified Command has isolated the impacted utility lines and is monitoring the removal progress of the remaining mineral oil from those lines, Thursday.

The Oil Spill Response Organization, contracted by the American Transmission Company, removed approximately 10 percent of the mineral oil from one of the utility lines yesterday. The Unified Command will continue to consult with oil recovery experts and engineers today to ensure the oil extraction process is effective.

M.V. CSL Welland  Opens Navigation 
Port of Thunder Bay

#LSN_Shipping  Photo by Matthew Carlson

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  -  March 28, 2018 M.V. CSL Welland is the first vessel to arrive in the Port of Thunder Bay during the 2018 navigation season, and received the traditional Top Hat in a ceremony today.  The CSL Welland arrived in Port on Tuesday, March 27, berthing at noon at G3 elevator. The vessel is taking on a load of grain.

The CSL Welland holds the record for the largest single shipment of grain loaded in the Port of Thunder Bay.  On August 16, 2016 the vessel departed the Port with 31,064 metric tonnes of grain.  Built in 2014, the CSL Welland is one of dozens of new ships transiting the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway System thanks to a wave of fleet re-investment by Canadian shipping companies in recent years.

U.S., Canadian Coast Guards conduct Spring Breakout;
Soo Locks scheduled to open Sunday

#LSN_Shipping  Ships heading to Soo Locks Thunder Bay, White Fish Bay and CSL Assiniboine To track ships 

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN  March 24, 2018  (LSN)    U.S. Coast Guard cutters are breaking ice in Lake Superior, Bay of Green Bay, Straits of Mackinac and the St. Marys River as part of Spring Breakout in preparation for the seasonal opening of the Soo Locks, which are scheduled to open to commercial vessel traffic on Sunday.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay and Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley will enter through the locks prior to the official opening.

U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Ready
To Meet Needs of Commerce

#LSN_Shipping   USCG Alder Breaking Ice in Thunder Bay Photo By Matthew Carlson

CLEVELAND, OHIO  March 21, 2018  (LSN)  Crews are readying the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet for another shipping season.  Five dry-bulk vessels have already resumed operation, but the bulk of the fleet will get underway once the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, open on March 25.

Last year U.S.-flag lakers hauled 85.7 million tons of cargo, an increase of 3 percent over 2016.  Iron ore for steel production was the largest single commodity carried by U.S.-flag lakers: 46 million tons.  Limestone cargos totaled 21.55 million tons.  Coal shipments topped 13.3 million tons.

Shipping BeginsTuesday
Port Of Duluth 

 #LSN_Shipping Erie Trader-Clyde S. VanEnkevort

Duluth, Minnesota,  March 19, 2018   (LSN) The anticipated departure of six vessels this week signals a strong start to the 2018 commercial shipping season for the Port of Duluth-Superior and the entire region. All will be leaving their winter berths to load iron ore for delivery to steel mills on the Lower Great Lakes—this nation’s industrial heartland.  

5 cm (2 in) below the record-high
set in February 1986

#LSN_Shipping   183.58 m (602.3 ft 2nd highest on record (1918 - present)

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  -  March 7, 2018  (LSN)  Wet conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in February and water levels remain well above average.  The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in February was 183.58 m (602.3 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and just 5 cm (2 in) below the record-high set in February 1986.  Lake Michigan-Huron’s mean February level was 176.74 m (579.86 ft), the 12th highest on record and the highest since 1997. 

The high levels coupled with strong winds and waves have resulted in shoreline erosion and coastal damages across the upper Great Lakes system.  Additional shoreline erosion and coastal damages may occur should active weather continue

Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron above chart datum 

#LSN_Shipping   high water levels in the upper Great Lakes

THUNDER BAY, ONATAIO  -  February 3, 2018  (LSN)  More seasonable conditions returned to the Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron basins in January. Nonetheless, both lakes continue to see the effects of a wet spring and summer, and water levels of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan-Huron remain well above average as a result.

The monthly mean level of Lake Superior in January was 183.65 m (602.53 ft), the 2nd highest on record (1918 - present) and the highest since January 1986.

Port of Thunder Bay
Closes Solid Season 

#LSN_Shipping  Wind Turbines

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  - January 10, 2018  (LSN) The Port of Thunder Bay is closing up for the season, with three wintering vessels arriving today bringing the total of wintering ships in Port to seven.  The final shipment of grain for the season departed the Port on January 4 aboard MV CSL Laurentien. 

Despite closing a bit earlier than normal, total Port shipments for the season were 7% above the five-year average.  The total annual cargo volume of 8.84 million metric tonnes for the season was just a fraction higher than the 8.83 million tonnes recorded a year before.  The Port’s five-year average cargo tonnage is 8.29 million tonnes. 

U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Will Get $65 Million Tune-Up This Winter

#LSN_Shipping  final phase of emission-reduction program, the 1,013.5-foot Paul R. Tregurtha

CLEVELAND, OHIO  –  January 4, 2018  (:SN)  U.S.-flag Great Lakes vessel operators will spend $65 million maintaining and modernizing their vessels at Great Lakes shipyards this winter.  When complete, the fleet will be ready to meet the needs of commerce come the spring break-out in March.

“Winter is the one opportunity our members have to renew and upgrade their vessels,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association, the trade association representing the major U.S.-flag carriers.  “They have just 10 months to deliver their customers’ annual raw materials requirement, so the vessels are in service 24/7 during the shipping season.”

Port of Thunder Bay Unveils New Brand
 The Superior Way West

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THUNDER BAY, ON, November 17, 2017: -  (LSN)   The Port of Thunder Bay today launched a refresh of its corporate brand strategy, unveiling a new logo and tagline, “The Superior Way West”. The new brand strategy supports the Port of Thunder Bay’s strategic growth objectives and vision as the preferred marine route for European trade with western Canada. 

Says Tim Heney, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Thunder Bay; “The Port of Thunder Bay’s new brand will enhance our market proposition as the superior way to and from western Canadian markets. We felt it was time to strengthen the Port of Thunder Bay’s global brand strategy as a provider of world-class port facilities and services in the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Seaway to national and international supply chain customers.

TBay PORT ON TARGET FOR
STRONG SEASON FINISH

#LSN_Shipping   Steel Pipe distributed to laydown area

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO   - November 8, 2017   (LSN)  The Port of Thunder Bay is on track to ship 9-million metric tonnes of cargo this season, a level achieved just three times in the past 20 years.  As of October 31 the port has handled 6.7 million tonnes of cargo, 11% ahead of the five-year average of 6.0 million tonnes year-to-date. 

Cargo volumes are 7% ahead of last year despite October shipments being lighter than in 2016.  “October tends to be a volatile month in the port,” says Tim Heney, the Port Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, “Last year the port saw very strong grain shipments in October, and this year those shipments were closer to average.”

Project cargo shipments keeping Port Busy

#LSN_Shipping Project cargo shipments keeping Port Busy from Poland to Calgary 

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO  ---  October 5, 2017   (LSN)  Project cargo shipments are keeping the Port's general cargo docks busy this season. In September, the Port received shipments of wind turbine towers, modular building components and structural steel, all dimensional cargoes originating overseas and destined for the Prairie provinces. This adds to an already diverse season for project cargoes which has included electrical transformers, pressure vessels, rail lengths and other modularized structures.

The 154 modular building components that were offloaded by Logistec Stevedoring last month are currently being stored in the Port's ample laydown area. They will be trucked to Alberta where they are being constructed into a hotel. 

CN & Duluth Cargo Connect officially open Intermodal Terminal

#LSN_Shipping Duluth Mayor Emily Larson; Vanta Coda, Duluth Cargo Connect/Executive Director, Duluth Seaway Port Authority; Keith Reardon, Vice President, CN Intermodal and Automotive; U.S. Representative Rick Nolan (MN District 8); and Jonathan Lamb, Duluth Cargo Connect/President, Lake Superior Warehousing. 

DULUTH, MINNESOTA  --  September 20, 2017  (LSN) Representatives will joined partners from Duluth Cargo Connect, plus customers and other officials today, for an official ribbon-cutting event at their new Duluth Intermodal Terminal.

 Duluth Cargo Connect today announced a new alliance establishing the first rail-served intermodal container ramp in the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minn. and Superior, Wis

PORT Thunder Bay SHIPMENTS UP 17%
BUSY SEPTEMBER AHEAD

#LSN_Shipping   Algoma Mariner loading   Grain at Superior Elevator

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO September 5, 2017  (LSN)  The Port of Thunder Bay remains well-ahead of last year in cargo volume as of August 31.  Year-to-date grain volumes are 10% higher than last year, while total port shipments of all goods are up 17%. Shipments in August were slightly above the ten-year average for the month at 750,000 metric tonnes.  Potash and coal volumes continued to be strong, offsetting the slight dip in grain movements for the month.

A good mix of cargoes have been crossing port docks this season, including ten-year-high potash volumes and a variety of project cargoes.