As I wrap up this three-part series reviewing 2007, I feel it's best to look forward to 2008. Some of the stories that the Erie Shipping News will be following in the coming year are as follows:
1. Winter layup: Erie should continue to be a viable port for winter layups during the winter that is now here with us. The PRESQUE ISLE and one other Great Lakes Fleet vessel are tentatively expected (layup plans can change at any time before the vessel docks at its winter berth). It's possible that there may be another vessel at Erie Shipbuilding.
2. Continued success of Erie Shipbuilding: Erie Shipbuilding should continue to see new contracts for work pour in during the new year, particularly for newbuildings. Waterfront rumor has financing for the long-planned sister barge to the GREAT LAKES TRADER almost complete, with construction possibly beginning sometime this year.
3. Biodiesel shipments continuing: Biodiesel shipments hopefully should continue through the port in the coming year.
4. Deeper Ore Dock slip means less vessels in the port?: The recently-completed dredging of the Old Ore Dock means that vessels can load deeper and carry more cargo to the port, which may very well mean less vessel visits in 2008 than in 2007. However, any difference would likely be made up for by more biodiesel shipments.
As far as the Erie Shipping News is concerned, I hopefully should be able to update this blog every day. Currently I am working on a series of articles dealing with the Erie Maritime Museum, different commodities handled by the port, and the histories of various vessels that have visted the port over the years.
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2 comments:
Very interesting material Jeff -- I enjoyed reading your 3 part series. Wonder what you do in your voluminous amounts of spare time?
Dave
Thanks for a great year of postings, Jeff. Best wishes for 2008!
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