Category Archives: Freighters Newsletter

72 Freighters November-December 2023

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • Algoma Tankers’ Birgit Knutsen renamed Algoluna
  • Saltwater visitor Barbro G. grounds in Detroit River
  • Ships of past eras: the Ontario Hydro coal boats
  • Continued growth: McKeil Marine adds more ships to Great Lakes fleet
  • Engineering: Propulsion Systems
  • Featured Vessel: Algoma Transport
72 Freighters November-December 2023Download
Algoma Transport on the Detroit River during her final season of operation, June 21, 2023. Photo: Sam Hankinson

71 Freighters September-October 2023

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • Farewell to the Thompson
  • Port of Monroe hosts Heritage Days, tugboat America restored to original name
  • Seaway strike halts traffic
  • Return of the Cuyahoga
  • Engineering: Designed with the cargo in mind – liquid bulk
  • Featured Vessel: Saginaw
71 Freighters September-October 2023Download
Laura L. VanEnkevort pushes her barge Joseph H. Thompson on their final voyage together to drop the Thompson at the scrapyard. They are pictured here on the Detroit River on September 25, 2023. Photo: Sam Hankinson

70 Freighters July-August 2023

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • SS Badger dock collapses, ends season prematurely
  • Tecumseh towed to the scrapyard
  • VanEnkevort Tug & Barge marks 55 years
  • Ecosse moves short-sea cargoes across the system
  • Engineering: Designed with the cargo in mind – cement
  • Featured Vessel: Joseph L. Block
70 Freighters July-August 2023Download
Joyce L. VanEnkevort / Great Lakes Trader upbound on the St. Marys River on their maiden voyage together, 2000. Photo: Roger LeLievre

#68 Freighters March-April 2023

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • Soo Locks & Seaway open for the season
  • Northshore Mining resumes operations
  • Early season groundings
  • Lorain Pellet Terminal: The unique story of the Great Lakes’ first super port
  • Engineering: Designed with the cargo in mind – coal
  • Featured Vessel: Michipicoten
68 Freighters March-April 2023Download
Joseph L. Block anchored on the St. Marys River, awaiting the opening of the Soo Locks for the 2023 season, March 24, 2023. Photo: Ethan Severson

#67 Freighters January-February 2023

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • 2022 Season in review
  • Algoma tankers shuffle
  • Winter work prepares ships for upcoming season
  • Breaking the ice: Coast Guard icebreakers keep shipping lanes open during the winter
  • Engineering: Designed with the cargo in mind – iron ore
  • Featured Vessel: Hon. James L. Oberstar
#67 Freighters January-February 2023Download
USCGC Mobile Bay [WTGB-103] breaking ice in the Straits of Mackinac, March 25, 2022. Photo: Isaac Pennock

#66 Freighters November-December 2022

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The News is in!

In this issue:

  • CSL’s Nukumi honored at International Bulk Journal Awards
  • Mark W. Barker receives multiple awards
  • Coal power continues phase out, future of Great Lakes steel production comes to life
  • Lake Superior weather makes for impressive scenes
  • A new future for a historic trade route: The history of the Magdalen Islands salt run and the vessels that sailed it
  • In the Design: Managing an Aging Fleet
  • Featured Vessel: Frontenac
#66 Freighters November-December 2022Download
American Spirit is barely visible through the sea smoke on Lake Superior off Duluth, MN, December 8, 2022. Photo: David Schauer

#65 Freighters September-October 2022

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The News is in!

#65 Freighters September-October 2022

Mark W. Barker christened in Cleveland

Verplank opens new Port Facility, American Integrity visits Muskegon

Great Lakes Cruise Report 2022

Roger Blough towed to Conneaut

Are forward accommodations rising back to the top of ship design trends?

In the Design: Versatile Ships, Diverse Cargoes

Featured Vessel: John G. Munson

#65 Freighters September-October 2022Download

#63 Freighters May-June 2022

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The News is in!

#63 Freighters May-June 2022

The cruise ships are back!
Lee A. Tregurtha and Alpena celebrate 80 seasons
SS Badger begins 69th season
USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul commissioned at Duluth, MN
Putting on the finishing touches: Mark W. Barker nears completion
In the Design: the Pilothouse
Featured Vessel: Joseph H. Thompson / Laura L. VanEnkevort

In Memory of William “Mike” Lewis

Mike gifted me my first Know Your Ships book way back in 2013. That gift inspired me to start writing Shipwatcher News, and without it the newsletter would not have brought me and so many others on this incredible journey.  It is because of this that this issue of Freighters is dedicated in his memory.

~ Brendan Falkowski

#63 Freighters May-June 2022Download
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