In Erie harbor, broken ice in the channel was actually washed over the South Pier.
The South Pier on Wednesday. Note how high the water is.
At the West Slip.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Seiche Confirmed on Tuesday on Lake Erie
A confirmed seiche condition occured during high winds on Tuesday that directly affected the water level in Erie harbor. A seiche occurs during sudden changes in lake levels because of winds; for example, a seiche could be if winds blew water from the south end of the lake to the northern end, and it remained there. In the case on Tuesday, water from the western basin of Lake Erie were blown east, toward Erie and Buffalo. At one point during the storm on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, water levels near Toledo, Ohio were five feet below chart datum. On the eastern end, near Buffalo, water levels were reported to be 10 feet above the low water mark, and some waterfront streets in the city reportedly flooded.
In Erie harbor, broken ice in the channel was actually washed over the South Pier.
The South Pier on Wednesday. Note how high the water is.
At the West Slip.
In Erie harbor, broken ice in the channel was actually washed over the South Pier.
The South Pier on Wednesday. Note how high the water is.
At the West Slip.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Cofferdam Installation Complete
Installation of the cofferdam on the PRESQUE ISLE's starboard side is now complete. Meanwhile, replacement of the bow thruster of CASON J. CALLAWAY has been delayed until the end of February. I will update when I know more.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
PRESQUE ISLE Cofferdam Installation
Below are more photos of the cofferdam being moved to be installed on the PRESQUE ISLE late on Monday morning.
Mountfort Terminal's Manitowac crane prepares to move the cofferdam.
Moving into position.
The crane moves the cofferdam into position on the starboard side..
Mountfort Terminal's Manitowac crane prepares to move the cofferdam.
Moving into position.
The crane moves the cofferdam into position on the starboard side..
Monday, January 28, 2008
COFFERDAM BEING INSTALLED
As I write this, Lakeshore Towing's skilled divers are hard at work with officials from Great Lakes Electrical Services, Great Lakes Fleet, and O-N Minerals installing the cofferdam on the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE. After that, Lakeshore tugs DON HENRY and FLATTOP will shift barge 401 from Wolverine Marina to the Old Ore Dock to assist in replacement of the bow thruster of the CASON J. CALLAWAY. This will require them to break the ice on the bay, so if you're thinking of going out ice fishing on the city side of the bay, forget it.
Installation work begins at 0730 Monday.
Installation work begins at 0730 Monday.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Cofferdam Installation Set
Tomorrow morning Lakeshore Towing's divers will enter the frigid waters of Presque Isle Bay and install the cofferdam on the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE. The cofferdam will remain there for the rest of the winter as the vessel undergoes repairs.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Historical Layup: ELTON HOYT II in Drydock
During the winter of 1994-95, the ELTON HOYT II spent part of the winter in drydock at Erie Marine Enterprises for her 5-year survey. During that time, the vessel was repainted by EME painter Eric Guerrein (now owner of Lakeshore Towing). Each vessel painted took about two weeks to complete.
ELTON HOYT II in drydock. Next to her is the 1,013 foot long PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the longest vessel on the Great Lakes, which was also painted in drydock that winter. Photo by Jim Thoreson taken from the JOHN B. AIRD.
Stern view of the HOYT as painting is nearly complete.
ELTON HOYT II in drydock. Next to her is the 1,013 foot long PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the longest vessel on the Great Lakes, which was also painted in drydock that winter. Photo by Jim Thoreson taken from the JOHN B. AIRD.
Stern view of the HOYT as painting is nearly complete.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Cofferdam Installation Delayed
The installation of the cofferdam on the PRESQUE ISLE has been put on hold until Monday morning. Lakeshore Towing's divers will be installing the cofferdam on the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE, and later that day crews from Lakeshore will
move barge 401 from Wolverine Marina to the Old Ore Dock. There the excavator mounted on 401 will assist in this winter's replacement of the bow thruster on the CASON J. CALLAWAY.
PRESQUE ISLE in layup Friday afternoon.
J.S. St. JOHN.
CALLAWAY.
MICHIPICOTEN at the West Slip.
move barge 401 from Wolverine Marina to the Old Ore Dock. There the excavator mounted on 401 will assist in this winter's replacement of the bow thruster on the CASON J. CALLAWAY.
PRESQUE ISLE in layup Friday afternoon.
J.S. St. JOHN.
CALLAWAY.
MICHIPICOTEN at the West Slip.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Historical Layups: ELTON HOYT II, 1994-95
During the winter of 1994-95, the ELTON HOYT II, of Interlake Steamship, spent the winter in Erie, first at the Sassafras Street dock, and then in drydock at Erie Marine Enterprises. This winter the vessel, now named MICHIPICOTEN and flying the Canadian flag, is spending the winter at Erie Shipbuilding.
ELTON HOYT II inbound Erie, January 14, 1995. Jim Thoreson photos
A stern view of the HOYT.
Approaching the Sassafras Street dock, then nothing but a barren dock after Erie Sand and Gravel moved from the site about 15 months earlier. Today the site houses the Bayfront Convention Center.
ELTON HOYT II inbound Erie, January 14, 1995. Jim Thoreson photos
A stern view of the HOYT.
Approaching the Sassafras Street dock, then nothing but a barren dock after Erie Sand and Gravel moved from the site about 15 months earlier. Today the site houses the Bayfront Convention Center.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
ANOTHER VESSEL ARRIVES FOR LAYUP
Bay ice is unsafe for ice fishermen this afternoon after another vessel arrived for layup last night. The MICHIPICOTEN, after unloading iron ore in Nanticoke, Ontario, sailed across the lake and arrived in Erie last night for winter layup. The steamer is the first member of the Lower Lakes Towing/Grand River Navigation fleet to ever spend a winter in Erie.
MICHIPICOTEN broke through ice a couple of inches thick and slowly made her way through the channel and Presque Isle Bay to the West Slip. This morning the crew was hard at work, pumping ballast off and performing other tasks necessary before they can leave the vessel for the winter. Over the coming winter crews from Erie Shipbuilding will be performing work on the MICHIPICOTEN.
The MICHIPICOTEN's arrival is the vessel's second visit to the port under that name, with the first having been last June. The vessel has wintered in Erie before, however. During the winter of 1994/95, as Interlake Steamship's ELTON HOYT II, the vessel spent part of the winter at the Sassafras Street Dock (now the site of the Bayfront Convention Center) before going into drydock during March. Thanks probably to the weak American dollar, the Nanticoke, Ontario-registered MICHIPICOTEN is also the first Canadian vessel to spend the winter in Erie since the LOUIS R. DESMARAIS spent the winter of 1997/98 at Metro Machine.
Meanwhile, within Erie Shipbuilding, work continues on the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397. East of there, crews from Great Lakes Electrical Services, Erie Shipbuilding and O-N Minerals are hard at work on the Steamer CASON J. CALLAWAY and tug/barge PRESQUE ISLE. Lakeshore Towing's skilled professionals are tentatively scheduled to join them on Saturday, when they sink the cofferdam under the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE, exposing the vessel's starboard propeller and rudder for work. Cranes at the Mountfort Terminal will drop Lakeshore's barge 502 into the water to serve as the dive platform for that work.
Lakeshore's barge 401 will also be busy later this winter. Lakeshore Towing in December purchased a CAT excavator and mounted it on 401, and will be using that to replace the bow thruster on the CALLAWAY.
MICHIPICOTEN secured for the winter at the West Slip.
CALLAWAY at the Old Ore Dock.
The view from the parking lot at Erie Shipbuilding, with the J.S. St. JOHN. Note the change in the weather in the five minutes since the photo above this one was taken.
Bow view of the CALLAWAY.
PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
MICHIPICOTEN broke through ice a couple of inches thick and slowly made her way through the channel and Presque Isle Bay to the West Slip. This morning the crew was hard at work, pumping ballast off and performing other tasks necessary before they can leave the vessel for the winter. Over the coming winter crews from Erie Shipbuilding will be performing work on the MICHIPICOTEN.
The MICHIPICOTEN's arrival is the vessel's second visit to the port under that name, with the first having been last June. The vessel has wintered in Erie before, however. During the winter of 1994/95, as Interlake Steamship's ELTON HOYT II, the vessel spent part of the winter at the Sassafras Street Dock (now the site of the Bayfront Convention Center) before going into drydock during March. Thanks probably to the weak American dollar, the Nanticoke, Ontario-registered MICHIPICOTEN is also the first Canadian vessel to spend the winter in Erie since the LOUIS R. DESMARAIS spent the winter of 1997/98 at Metro Machine.
Meanwhile, within Erie Shipbuilding, work continues on the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397. East of there, crews from Great Lakes Electrical Services, Erie Shipbuilding and O-N Minerals are hard at work on the Steamer CASON J. CALLAWAY and tug/barge PRESQUE ISLE. Lakeshore Towing's skilled professionals are tentatively scheduled to join them on Saturday, when they sink the cofferdam under the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE, exposing the vessel's starboard propeller and rudder for work. Cranes at the Mountfort Terminal will drop Lakeshore's barge 502 into the water to serve as the dive platform for that work.
Lakeshore's barge 401 will also be busy later this winter. Lakeshore Towing in December purchased a CAT excavator and mounted it on 401, and will be using that to replace the bow thruster on the CALLAWAY.
MICHIPICOTEN secured for the winter at the West Slip.
CALLAWAY at the Old Ore Dock.
The view from the parking lot at Erie Shipbuilding, with the J.S. St. JOHN. Note the change in the weather in the five minutes since the photo above this one was taken.
Bow view of the CALLAWAY.
PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Historical Arrivals: January 22
January 22, 2000: USCGC NEAH BAY arrives in Erie to break ice prior to the arrival the next morning of the JAMES R. BARKER. The BARKER and MESABI MINER both spend the winter of 1999/2000 in Erie.
NEAH BAY breaks ice in the West Slip, January 22, 2000.
Turning to head back into Presque Isle Bay.
NEAH BAY breaks ice in the West Slip, January 22, 2000.
Turning to head back into Presque Isle Bay.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Winter Fleet Iced in
Erie's winter fleet, due to the recent cold spell, is now iced in. The CASON J. CALLAWAY and PRESQUE ISLE are both now undergoing work with a coating of ice around them.
CALLAWAY iced in at the Old Ore Dock.
With the J.S. St. JOHN.
PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
CALLAWAY iced in at the Old Ore Dock.
With the J.S. St. JOHN.
PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Layups Past: CASON J. CALLAWAY Arrives in 2006
The CASON J. CALLAWAY is shown in the photos below while arriving in Erie on January 16, 2006 for winter layup.
CASON J. CALLAWAY passes the Erie Pierhead Light inbound at 0758 hours, January 16, 2006.
A closer view of the CALLAWAY.
Stern view.
Passing around the PRESQUE ISLE.
BUCKEYE is shown while being converted to a barge as the CALLAWAY prepares to back into the Old Ore Dock.
CASON J. CALLAWAY passes the Erie Pierhead Light inbound at 0758 hours, January 16, 2006.
A closer view of the CALLAWAY.
Stern view.
Passing around the PRESQUE ISLE.
BUCKEYE is shown while being converted to a barge as the CALLAWAY prepares to back into the Old Ore Dock.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Storm Video
I've added a video from yesterday that shows the PRESQUE ISLE inbound, the CALLAWAY anchored in the bay, and also waves from Beach 6 of Presque Isle State Park. It's a shaky video because if I'd brought my tripod out in the winds, it would have been knocked right over.
Click here to watch. (10.5 MB)
Click here to watch. (10.5 MB)
Friday, January 18, 2008
CALLWAY, PRESQUE ISLE Arrive for Winter
PRESQUE ISLE, after reporting that they were dragging their anchors and had touched bottom in the stormy waters of Lake Erie on Thursday night, arrived in Erie at 0730 Friday morning to dock at the Mountfort Terminal. The bow of the barge was covered in ice as the vessel docked, due to the spray from Lake Erie.
CASON J. CALLAWAY arrived at 0600 Friday morning and anchored off the Old Ore Dock to await winds. The vessel got underway at about 1800 this evening and by 1845 was secured for the winter at the dock.
CALLAWAY rides at anchor in Presque Isle Bay on Friday morning.
Bow view.
The sun comes out on the CALLAWAY.
With the PRESQUE ISLE in the background.
At anchor, awaiting wind.
Bow view.
The CALLAWAY remains anchored at 1500 hours.
Bow view.
CALLAWAY at anchor with the PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
PRESQUE ISLE after arriving Friday morning.
Ice on the forward mast of the barge.
CASON J. CALLAWAY arrived at 0600 Friday morning and anchored off the Old Ore Dock to await winds. The vessel got underway at about 1800 this evening and by 1845 was secured for the winter at the dock.
CALLAWAY rides at anchor in Presque Isle Bay on Friday morning.
Bow view.
The sun comes out on the CALLAWAY.
With the PRESQUE ISLE in the background.
At anchor, awaiting wind.
Bow view.
The CALLAWAY remains anchored at 1500 hours.
Bow view.
CALLAWAY at anchor with the PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.
PRESQUE ISLE after arriving Friday morning.
Ice on the forward mast of the barge.
CALLAWAY, PRESQUE ISLE in Port
PRESQUE ISLE entered Erie in the darkness at 0700 this morning, securing at the Mountfort Terminal at 0800. The CASON J. CALLAWAY continues to ride at anchor in Presque Isle Bay. The CALLAWAY may not make the dock at the Old Ore Dock anytime soon; the vessel is reporting winds between 45 and 50 miles per hour.
Lake Erie Throws Everything She has at CALLAWAY, PRESQUE ISLE
CASON J. CALLAWAY is, as I write this, slowly working her way through the channel into Presque Isle Bay. The CALLAWAY's master, however, has decided he will be anchoring in the bay rather than attempting to make the dock in winds he reports to be from 260 at 35-40 miles per hour.
The PRESQUE ISLE's master reported at 0500 that he had approximately five hours of cleaning left to do and will try to proceed inbound at 1000 this afternoon. However, that is subject to change.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.
The PRESQUE ISLE's master reported at 0500 that he had approximately five hours of cleaning left to do and will try to proceed inbound at 1000 this afternoon. However, that is subject to change.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the day.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Layup Update
PRESQUE ISLE and CASON J. CALLAWAY are both still scheduled to arrive in Erie at 0500 Friday morning for winter layup. However, at the discretion of each vessel's master, the ships may wait until daylight to enter. In 2006, when the CALLAWAY laid up in Erie, the vessel waited off of Erie harbor until 0800 to enter the harbor.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
ANDRIE Settles into Drydock; Layup Update; Lakeshore Towing Moves Cofferdam
KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397 are now drydocked at Erie Shipbuilding. The tug is inside the building covering the southern 150 feet of the drydock, and the barge A-397 is right behind it. Both are pulled in, which is the first time I can think of that any tenant at the shipyard has pulled a vessel into the drydock. Normally the vessels are backed in.
This morning Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved barge 502 to the Mountfort Terminal, where it was lifted out and placed on the dock. This afternoon FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved the cofferdam for the PRESQUE ISLE from Erie Shipbuilding to the Mountfort Terminal.
Both PRESQUE ISLE and CASON J. CALLAWAY are currently expected at 0500 on Friday for winter layup.
DON HENRY pushes the barge 502 up alongside the Mountfort Terminal.
Crews from O-N Minerals and Lakeshore go to work to secure the barge to the crane.
Crane begins to lift the 502 from the water.
In mid-air.
Positioning the barge over the dock.
502 is lowered onto the dock.
This morning Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved barge 502 to the Mountfort Terminal, where it was lifted out and placed on the dock. This afternoon FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved the cofferdam for the PRESQUE ISLE from Erie Shipbuilding to the Mountfort Terminal.
Both PRESQUE ISLE and CASON J. CALLAWAY are currently expected at 0500 on Friday for winter layup.
DON HENRY pushes the barge 502 up alongside the Mountfort Terminal.
Crews from O-N Minerals and Lakeshore go to work to secure the barge to the crane.
Crane begins to lift the 502 from the water.
In mid-air.
Positioning the barge over the dock.
502 is lowered onto the dock.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
WITTE 1402 Emerges from Drydock; ANDRIE and A-397 Enter; PRESQUE ISLE, CALLAWAY Update
At 0830 on a blustery, snowy morning typical of a January in Erie, Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY entered the flooded drydock at Erie Shipbuilding to move a new barge from the drydock. About 15 minutes later the duo slowly moved from drydock with the WITTE 1402 in tow. The last of the first six deck barges being constructed by Erie Shipbuilding was moved, unfinished, slowly into Presque Isle Bay and turned to line up for the West Slip.
A few tense moments followed as the barge was slowly moved past the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397; however the crews on FLATTOP and DON HENRY skillfully manouevered past the ANDRIE and docked the barge alongside the deck barge SUE B.
Another job successfully completed, Lakeshore Towing stood by and assisted while the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 moved into drydock. The A-397 is in for its five-year drydocking survey and the KAREN ANDRIE is moored south of the barge in the drydock for minor repairs.
Lakeshore Towing tomorrow will be moving the cofferdam for the PRESQUE ISLE to the Mountfort Terminal. Current ETA for the PRESQUE ISLE is 0500 on Friday, with the CASON J. CALLAWAY expected for layup at 0600. Hopefully these times will get pushed back a couple of hours until daylight.
Click here to watch the 50 MB, large version of a video of the tow.
Click here for the smaller, 20 MB version.
KAREN ANDRIE at dock this morning.
FLATTOP, DON HENRY and the WITTE 1402 in Presque Isle Bay.
Turning the barge.
Approaching the West Slip.
In the West Slip.
FLATTOP.
Stern view of the tow.
Approaching the SUE B.
Alongside the Port Albany Ventures barge SUE B.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY keep WITTE 1402 in place.
ANDRIE and barge A-397 in drydock.
KAREN ANDRIE.
A few tense moments followed as the barge was slowly moved past the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397; however the crews on FLATTOP and DON HENRY skillfully manouevered past the ANDRIE and docked the barge alongside the deck barge SUE B.
Another job successfully completed, Lakeshore Towing stood by and assisted while the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 moved into drydock. The A-397 is in for its five-year drydocking survey and the KAREN ANDRIE is moored south of the barge in the drydock for minor repairs.
Lakeshore Towing tomorrow will be moving the cofferdam for the PRESQUE ISLE to the Mountfort Terminal. Current ETA for the PRESQUE ISLE is 0500 on Friday, with the CASON J. CALLAWAY expected for layup at 0600. Hopefully these times will get pushed back a couple of hours until daylight.
Click here to watch the 50 MB, large version of a video of the tow.
Click here for the smaller, 20 MB version.
KAREN ANDRIE at dock this morning.
FLATTOP, DON HENRY and the WITTE 1402 in Presque Isle Bay.
Turning the barge.
Approaching the West Slip.
In the West Slip.
FLATTOP.
Stern view of the tow.
Approaching the SUE B.
Alongside the Port Albany Ventures barge SUE B.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY keep WITTE 1402 in place.
ANDRIE and barge A-397 in drydock.
KAREN ANDRIE.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Layup Update; WITTE 1402 to be Moved from Drydock
PRESQUE ISLE is now due in Conneaut to unload at 0400 on Thursday, which puts the vessel in Erie at 1800 on Thursday, January 17. The CASON J. CALLAWAY will arrive in Conneaut at 0930 that day, wait for the PRESQUE ISLE to finish unloading, and as such will arrive in Erie sometime on the evening of January 17.
The last of the first six deck barges being constructed by Erie Shipbuilding, the WITTE 1402, is tentatively scheduled to be removed from drydock tomorrow by Lakeshore Towing.
The last of the first six deck barges being constructed by Erie Shipbuilding, the WITTE 1402, is tentatively scheduled to be removed from drydock tomorrow by Lakeshore Towing.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
PRESQUE ISLE; CALLAWAY Update
PRESQUE ISLE is still expected on the morning of January 17; however, the CASON J. CALLAWAY will now arrive on the night of the 17th or morning of January 18.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Erie Shipbuilding, Winter Layup Update
As I have written here in the past, Erie Shipbuilding is nearing completion of a financing deal to begin building a sister tug-barge to the GREAT LAKES TRADER, along with a sister tug to the JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT. The $50 million project is estimated to taken nine months or so to complete, but in reality will probably take much longer.
The last of the six deck barges under construction by the company is to be completed and will be moved from drydock sometime this week. According to Erie Shipbuilding CEO Ned Smith the company has signed a contract for another two deck barges and is negotiating to sign another contrack for an additional two deck barges.
As far as work for this winter, as I have reported already this month, three vessels are expected in port. One, the tug-barge unit KAREN ANDRIE/A-397, is already in port. The PRESQUE ISLE is due in Erie for the Mountfort Terminal on the morning of January 17, and the CASON J. CALLAWAY will follow her that afternoon to the Old Ore Dock. It's also possible that another vessel may winter here, but if that happens it will likely be a Canadian vessel that arrives late this month or in February after running late shuttling coal or salt on the Great Lakes.
Along with Erie Shipbuilding, Great Lakes Electrical Services, O-N Minerals and Lakeshore Towing will be completing work on the vessels this winter. Great Lakes Electrical and O-N Minerals will be working on all of the vessels; Lakeshore Towing will perform any towing work needing completed for any of the vessels in layup. Lakeshore Towing will this week tow the cofferdam built for the PRESQUE ISLE from Erie Shipbuilding to the Mountfort Terminal, and later this winter divers from Lakeshore will sink the cofferdam to install it under the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE. Lakeshore's divers will complete any underwater work needing done on the layup fleet as well.
The winter of 2007-08 is looking to be extremely busy in Erie harbor. Keep watching as I will continue to report on the happenings around the harbor.
GREAT LAKES TRADER, which would be a sister to the new barge ESB is in negotiations to build, is shown outbound Erie on January 26, 2007.
JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT is shown pushing the TRADER, January 26, 2007.
Underneath the port propellor of the PRESQUE ISLE, March 12, 2007.
The last of the six deck barges under construction by the company is to be completed and will be moved from drydock sometime this week. According to Erie Shipbuilding CEO Ned Smith the company has signed a contract for another two deck barges and is negotiating to sign another contrack for an additional two deck barges.
As far as work for this winter, as I have reported already this month, three vessels are expected in port. One, the tug-barge unit KAREN ANDRIE/A-397, is already in port. The PRESQUE ISLE is due in Erie for the Mountfort Terminal on the morning of January 17, and the CASON J. CALLAWAY will follow her that afternoon to the Old Ore Dock. It's also possible that another vessel may winter here, but if that happens it will likely be a Canadian vessel that arrives late this month or in February after running late shuttling coal or salt on the Great Lakes.
Along with Erie Shipbuilding, Great Lakes Electrical Services, O-N Minerals and Lakeshore Towing will be completing work on the vessels this winter. Great Lakes Electrical and O-N Minerals will be working on all of the vessels; Lakeshore Towing will perform any towing work needing completed for any of the vessels in layup. Lakeshore Towing will this week tow the cofferdam built for the PRESQUE ISLE from Erie Shipbuilding to the Mountfort Terminal, and later this winter divers from Lakeshore will sink the cofferdam to install it under the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE. Lakeshore's divers will complete any underwater work needing done on the layup fleet as well.
The winter of 2007-08 is looking to be extremely busy in Erie harbor. Keep watching as I will continue to report on the happenings around the harbor.
GREAT LAKES TRADER, which would be a sister to the new barge ESB is in negotiations to build, is shown outbound Erie on January 26, 2007.
JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT is shown pushing the TRADER, January 26, 2007.
Underneath the port propellor of the PRESQUE ISLE, March 12, 2007.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Layup Update
Both of the Great Lakes Fleet vessels due to winter in Erie, the CASON J. CALLAWAY and PRESQUE ISLE, should be arriving on January 17. The PRESQUE ISLE will spend the winter secured at the Mountfort Terminal, while the CALLAWAY will be at the Old Ore Dock.
The CALLAWAY is due for her five-year survey this winter; however it is possible that Great Lakes Fleet, the vessel's owners, will seek an extension of her drydocking survey until next winter, as the PHILIP R. CLARKE, which spent the winter in Erie last year and also received the extension, will be spending the winter at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for drydocking.
The CALLAWAY is due for her five-year survey this winter; however it is possible that Great Lakes Fleet, the vessel's owners, will seek an extension of her drydocking survey until next winter, as the PHILIP R. CLARKE, which spent the winter in Erie last year and also received the extension, will be spending the winter at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for drydocking.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Harbor Activity Back to Normal; PRESQUE ISLE Update
A day after strong winds delayed any activity in Erie harbor, things were back to normal on Thursday morning. Lakeshore Towing tug DON HENRY this morning moved barge 401 to the Mountfort Terminal for work. KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 remain at Erie Shipbuilding.
PRESQUE ISLE is due in Two Harbors, Minnesota Saturday at 0400 and should arrive in Conneaut, if everything goes right, at around 1800 on the 15th. That puts the vessel here likely early on Wednesday, January 16 for winter layup.
ANDRIE and A-397 at dock this morning.
DON HENRY and 401 at the Mountfort Terminal.
PRESQUE ISLE is due in Two Harbors, Minnesota Saturday at 0400 and should arrive in Conneaut, if everything goes right, at around 1800 on the 15th. That puts the vessel here likely early on Wednesday, January 16 for winter layup.
ANDRIE and A-397 at dock this morning.
DON HENRY and 401 at the Mountfort Terminal.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
KAREN ANDRIE Video; PRESQUE ISLE Update
I've put up a video of the KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 arriving in Erie on Monday. Click the links below to watch.
Large Version (40 MB)
Small Version (16 MB)
PRESQUE ISLE is unloading in Gary, Indiana and will depart this evening for Two Harbors, Minnesota, where she is due on the 12th early in the morning. That should put the vessel into Conneaut sometime on the morning of January 15th, weather permitting, and in Erie for winter layup later that day or early on the 16th.
Large Version (40 MB)
Small Version (16 MB)
PRESQUE ISLE is unloading in Gary, Indiana and will depart this evening for Two Harbors, Minnesota, where she is due on the 12th early in the morning. That should put the vessel into Conneaut sometime on the morning of January 15th, weather permitting, and in Erie for winter layup later that day or early on the 16th.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Dredging Work Wraps Up
Lakeshore Towing completed dredging the Old Ore Dock early this afternoon. The successful project took a month to complete, having been hampered several times by weather.
At 1230 hours today the company's tug FLATTOP and towboat DON HENRY brought barge 401 back to the Old Ore Dock, securing it south of the barges 501 and 502. Another job successfully completed, FLATTOP and DON HENRY then departed for Lakeshore Towing's home base at Wolverine Marina.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY pushing 401 into the Old Ore Dock.
Turning to dock the barge.
DON HENRY leads FLATTOP into the West Canal Basin toward Wolverine Marina.
Turning.
A-397 and KAREN ANDRIE at dock on Tuesday afternoon.
A small crane at the shipyard lifts an orange tarp from the ANDRIE..
At 1230 hours today the company's tug FLATTOP and towboat DON HENRY brought barge 401 back to the Old Ore Dock, securing it south of the barges 501 and 502. Another job successfully completed, FLATTOP and DON HENRY then departed for Lakeshore Towing's home base at Wolverine Marina.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY pushing 401 into the Old Ore Dock.
Turning to dock the barge.
DON HENRY leads FLATTOP into the West Canal Basin toward Wolverine Marina.
Turning.
A-397 and KAREN ANDRIE at dock on Tuesday afternoon.
A small crane at the shipyard lifts an orange tarp from the ANDRIE..
Monday, January 7, 2008
ANDRIE Arrives for Repairs; Dredging Continuing
On a beautiful January morning more reminiscent of late April than January 7, the tug KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397 arrived in Erie at 1115. The tug switched from towing the barge into push mode off of Erie harbor and proceeded inbound, docking at the West Slip at Erie Shipbuilding. I have no word yet on what work is being done on the pair, but the barge is due for its drydocking survey this winter and will likely receive that here.
Dredging continues today at the Old Ore Dock.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY push barge 401 into the channel this morning at 1000 hours..
Stern view.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 inbound.
Another view.
Close up of tug KAREN ANDRIE.
Stern view.
Passing Coast Guard Station Erie.
In Presque Isle Bay approaching the West Slip.
Turning.
Approaching the West Slip.
Turning in the slip.
Approaching the dock.
KAREN ANDRIE pushes the tug.
At 1330, the tug and barge are secured at the dock and work is beginning.
Workers hard at work.
Close up of the ANDRIE.
Dredging continues today at the Old Ore Dock.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY push barge 401 into the channel this morning at 1000 hours..
Stern view.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 inbound.
Another view.
Close up of tug KAREN ANDRIE.
Stern view.
Passing Coast Guard Station Erie.
In Presque Isle Bay approaching the West Slip.
Turning.
Approaching the West Slip.
Turning in the slip.
Approaching the dock.
KAREN ANDRIE pushes the tug.
At 1330, the tug and barge are secured at the dock and work is beginning.
Workers hard at work.
Close up of the ANDRIE.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
KAREN ANDRIE Due; Dredging Work Continues; Letter to Editor of Erie Times-News Critical of Biofuel Shipment
KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397 are due in Erie tomorrow at 0800.
Phase II of the dredging of the Old Ore Dock continued on Sunday; however, today's work was made easier by temperatures reaching above 50 degrees that melted much of the ice that Lakeshore Towing's crews battled on Saturday. Crews will continue working seven days per week until finished with the dredging work.
A letter to the editor of the Erie Times News in today's newspaper is critical of the fact that there were no environmental studies done on the impact of a potential spill before the shipment of biofuel through the port last month. This is the response I wrote to the paper today:
DON HENRY stands by as FLATTOP returns barge 401 to the Old Ore Dock on Sunday afternoon.
FLATTOP shifts to the 501.
A few minutes later, FLATTOP and DON HENRY take loaded barge 501 outbound. As there is no visibility over the barge from the pilothouse of FLATTOP, the crew on the tug relies on the lookout on the bow, GPS, and DON HENRY to stay on course..
And below, click to watch a video of today's action. I hope to incorporate video more and more into the Erie Shipping News in the coming year (Right click on it, click "Save Target as" and save to your computer for best viewing):
Large Version (34 MB)
Small Version (16 MB)
Phase II of the dredging of the Old Ore Dock continued on Sunday; however, today's work was made easier by temperatures reaching above 50 degrees that melted much of the ice that Lakeshore Towing's crews battled on Saturday. Crews will continue working seven days per week until finished with the dredging work.
A letter to the editor of the Erie Times News in today's newspaper is critical of the fact that there were no environmental studies done on the impact of a potential spill before the shipment of biofuel through the port last month. This is the response I wrote to the paper today:
I’m writing in response to Tom Hintenberger’s letter questioning the shipment of biofuel through the port of Erie. I watched the loading process daily as it occurred, and can say with certainty that every precaution possible was taken to guard against a spill. Local marine contractor Lakeshore Towing was hired to deploy an oil boom around the tanker Clipper Tobago and provide pollution control in the event of a spill.
The Erie Times-News reported on preliminary discussions regarding the shipment of biofuel through the port of Erie on September 4, 2007. More than three months passed before this shipment was loaded, which would have been ample time for anyone who had a problem with the plans to protest. No one did.
Shipping by rail would have been more dangerous for the environment than shipment via water, as railroad derailments resulting in spills are far more common than waterborne oil spills. And as the biofuel was headed for Europe, it would have been necessary to load the cargo aboard a ship eventually. Lake Erie Biofuels should be applauded for choosing to provide the work to the local port, rather than ship the product via rail to a port on the Eastern Seaboard.
Lake Erie Biofuels and similar companies are the future of well-paying industrial jobs in Erie and should be praised, not criticized, for keeping as much work as possible in the hands of local companies.
DON HENRY stands by as FLATTOP returns barge 401 to the Old Ore Dock on Sunday afternoon.
FLATTOP shifts to the 501.
A few minutes later, FLATTOP and DON HENRY take loaded barge 501 outbound. As there is no visibility over the barge from the pilothouse of FLATTOP, the crew on the tug relies on the lookout on the bow, GPS, and DON HENRY to stay on course..
And below, click to watch a video of today's action. I hope to incorporate video more and more into the Erie Shipping News in the coming year (Right click on it, click "Save Target as" and save to your computer for best viewing):
Large Version (34 MB)
Small Version (16 MB)
KAREN ANDRIE Due
KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397 are departing Detroit tonight and should arrive in Erie sometime tomorrow morning. I will update when I have a more firm ETA.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Dredging Begins Again
Lakeshore Towing on Saturday began work on dredging the Old Ore Dock slip. The crews are working hard to get the slip dredged, and are battling ice brought on by recent cold temperatures. However, with warm temperatures forecast for the next several days the ice will hopefully disappear, making the job much easier.
The same equipment is involved in the project now that was in December: tug FLATTOP, towboat DON HENRY and barges 401, 501 and 502.
The same equipment is involved in the project now that was in December: tug FLATTOP, towboat DON HENRY and barges 401, 501 and 502.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Dredging to Begin Again; PRESQUE ISLE due around January 15
Lakeshore Towing on Saturday will once again begin dredging the Old Ore Dock, due to several high spots that remain in the slip. The professionals at Lakeshore were hard at work on Friday setting up to begin Saturday morning.
PRESQUE ISLE should be arriving sometime around January 15 for the Mountfort Terminal.
Setup of the dredging operations on Friday.
PRESQUE ISLE should be arriving sometime around January 15 for the Mountfort Terminal.
Setup of the dredging operations on Friday.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Historical Winter Layup: 1967/68
This winter, Erie should see two or three ships spending the winter in the port. By contrast, forty winters ago, during the winter of 1967-1968, the following ships were in the port.
For winter layup: ALPENA, BETHLEHEM, HENRY J. DALTON, ARTHUR B. HOMER, LAKEWOOD, LEHIGH, NIAGARA, POINTE NOIRE, SPARROWS POINT, WALTER E. WATSON.
In long-term layup, having not sailed the previous season: E.A.S. CLARKE, HARRY CROFT, C.H. MCCULLOUGH JR.
And in port for conversion to a sand dredge: J.S. St. JOHN
For winter layup: ALPENA, BETHLEHEM, HENRY J. DALTON, ARTHUR B. HOMER, LAKEWOOD, LEHIGH, NIAGARA, POINTE NOIRE, SPARROWS POINT, WALTER E. WATSON.
In long-term layup, having not sailed the previous season: E.A.S. CLARKE, HARRY CROFT, C.H. MCCULLOUGH JR.
And in port for conversion to a sand dredge: J.S. St. JOHN
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Harbor Quiet; PILGRIM Not Yet Razorblades
Erie's harbor is quiet, as is normal for this time of year. Lakeshore Towing has completed dredging of the Old Ore Dock and all of their equipment is now back at their base at Wolverine Marina. FLATTOP and DON HENRY, along with barges 501 and 401 are moored at the marina, and barge 502 is moored immediately west of there at Presque Isle Yacht Club.
PILGRIM, meanwhile, has not yet been sent to a scrapyard. The vessel is currently high and dry inside the boat yard south of Liberty Park.
PILGRIM high and dry.
Another view.
PILGRIM, meanwhile, has not yet been sent to a scrapyard. The vessel is currently high and dry inside the boat yard south of Liberty Park.
PILGRIM high and dry.
Another view.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2007 in Review, Part 3 of 3: Looking Forward to 2008
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.
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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