Great lake boats, a good video

[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.