Great lake boats, a good video

[ArlyA]

 

[ArlyA]

Any word on the reason for the transfer?
I assume Presque Isle is having a mechanical problem.

Workers from Fraser Shipyards repair an issue with the Presque Isle's hull as the American Century departs with coal. Duluth, MN - June 10, 2025

 

[ArlyA]

Here is the Hon James L. Oberstar and Kaye E. Barker in the St. Mary's river just above 9 mile point. If you look close you might see two smaller boats hanging out as well.

 

[ArlyA]

A bit of a chop on Lake Superior made for some nice "splash and dash" scenes as the Presque Isle departed with ore for Indiana Harbor. The tug/barge had spent a few days in port having work done on its hull that involved unloading some of its cargo into fleetmate Great Republic. After the work was done, the PI went back to CN and topped off for the trip to Indiana. Note - a music bed was added, so if you don't like that, simply hit mute. Duluth, MN - June 12, 2025

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1895440154608687

 

[ArlyA]

CN's ex-Hallett Dock SW1200RS 1251 spots cars for loading of Minntac fluxstone as the Herbert C. Jackson unloads (a rare caller in the Ports). Duluth, MN - June 13, 2025

 

[ArlyA]

Hon. James L. Oberstar being towed and escorted around Mission Pt. at Rotary Park SOO MI. 6/14/25
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infofrom USCG: Tugs are assisting the Oberstar to a local dock for refueling. I can’t confirm that she “lost an engine,” but the will be doing maintenance when docked. St Marys River is currently closed but USACE is conducting a survey as would be done any time the channel is closed. Captain of the Port is standing by to receive the survey information as well as confirmation that the Oberstar is safely moored up.

 

[ArlyA]

Now moored pic. Should have added.

 

[ArlyA]

On our local news service Houghton MI. Seen at the McClain State Park Portage Entry. Its actually called the Portage north entry.

 

[ArlyA]

On our local news service Houghton MI. Seen at the McClain State Park Portage Entry. Its actually called the Portage north entry. View attachment 3618534View attachment 3618535

HOUGHTON - A national park service boat ran aground early Saturday, while transporting a patient. According to a press release from Isle Royale National Park, at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, the 25-foot National Park Service (NPS) Vessel Peregrine.

 

[ArlyA]

The James R Barker turning into the Rock Cut at the Soo, heading down bound on her way to Burns Harbor with a load of ore. What a pic!

 

[ArlyA]

Fresh from its grounding and a lightering operation in the St. Marys River, the Hon. James L. Oberstar entered the harbor this morning with an escort from Duluth-based USCGC cutter SPAR. A large crowd was on hand for its arrival. The laker will unload its Tilden fluxstone at CN-Hallett Dock 5 before shifting to Fraser Shipyards for inspection and repair as needed. Duluth, MN - June 16, 2025

 

[BravoXray]

The James R Barker turning into the Rock Cut at the Soo, heading down bound on her way to Burns Harbor with a load of ore. What a pic!View attachment 3619252View attachment 3619251

Top picture lower right hand corner is the ferry that runs over to Neebish Island. Rode the ferry a couple of times when I had friend that lived on the west side of the cut, and I visited him there. Watching the 1000 footers coming through the cut was really impressive. The cut is 33-35 feet deep and some of the boats were drawing 28-29 feet of draft.

 

[MossRoad]

Top picture lower right hand corner is the ferry that runs over to Neebish Island. Rode the ferry a couple of times when I had friend that lived on the west side of the cut, and I visited him there. Watching the 1000 footers coming through the cut was really impressive. The cut is 33-35 feet deep and some of the boats were drawing 28-29 feet of draft.

I don't like taking my rowboat in shallow water. Can't imagine a 1000 footer with just a few feet of clearance under it. Amazing machines!

 

[ArlyA]

Tug Candace Elise downbound in the Soo Locks. 6-16-25

 

[ArlyA]

A busy day at Fraser Shipyards as the Oberstar arrived for inspection/repair. Superior, WI - June 17, 2025

 

[MossRoad]

Reyerson still languishing back there? What a beautiful ship!

Munson looking sharp.

 

[ArlyA]

Nice pic! Oberstar, Munson and Ryerson at Fraser Shipyards. Superior, WI - June 17, 2025

 

[MossRoad]

Interesting how the self-unloading is on the front on one and on the rear on the other.

Too bad about the Reyerson. I'm guessing the cost of conversion to self-unloading would outweigh the lifespan and/or value of the ship, plus there'd have to be a demand. Probably end up scrapped. Surprised it isn't already.

Is someone using it as a tax write off, perhaps?

 

[ArlyA]

Smaller boats have a value all there own, like getting up rivers or into Smaller harbors. That's what the Mark Barker was built for..

 

[jjeff]

St. Mary's challenger, under 600' was used and self propelled for over 100yrs til they did the tug conversion. I remember seeing that ship tied up at the cement plant many times on the Kinnikinnick River.in South East WI, think it's still used as a barge on lake Michigan I can't see getting anything bigger up that river regardless of bow and stern thrusters.