Below is video of the MAUMEE departing Erie on April 22, 2008.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
BRISTOL BAY in Port
USCG BRISTOL BAY and buoy barge CGB 12001 arrived in port this morning at 0800 and moored at Coast Guard Station Erie so the barge could load the summer buoys that have spent the winter on the North Pier after their removal last fall by the cutter HOLLYHOCK. BRISTOL BAY's crew spent the day removing the unlighted winter markers and replacing them with the summer buoys before mooring at Station Erie at 1700 to unload the winter buoys. BRISTOL BAY departed at 2100 for Dunkirk, New York.
Deck barge WITTE 1402 was shifted backwards today at Erie Shipbuilding. I'm not sure if this is to facilitate work on the WITTE 1402 or to allow tugs access to the deck barge SUE B., but with the New York State Barge Canal opening on Thursday, the newly built barges should be leaving port sometime in the near future.
BRISTOL BAY and CGB 12001 inbound.
BRISTOL BAY.
Side view.
Stern view of the pair.
Crane on CGB 12001 lifts buoys 12 and 14 onto the barge.
Buoys 12 and 14 secured on deck.
Deck barge WITTE 1402 was shifted backwards today at Erie Shipbuilding. I'm not sure if this is to facilitate work on the WITTE 1402 or to allow tugs access to the deck barge SUE B., but with the New York State Barge Canal opening on Thursday, the newly built barges should be leaving port sometime in the near future.
BRISTOL BAY and CGB 12001 inbound.
BRISTOL BAY.
Side view.
Stern view of the pair.
Crane on CGB 12001 lifts buoys 12 and 14 onto the barge.
Buoys 12 and 14 secured on deck.
Monday, April 28, 2008
KAREN ANDRIE Video
Below is video of KAREN ANDRIE/A-397 departing Erie last Wednesday with an assist from the skilled professionals at Lakeshore Towing.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Historical Arrivals: April 27
April 27, 2003: PHILIP R. CLARKE arrives with salt from Fairport Harbor for the Mountfort Terminal.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
WHITE IN PORT
After unloading at the Mountfort Terminal for a couple of hours last night, H. LEE WHITE shifted to the Old Ore Dock and unloaded the remainder of her cargo there before departing ths morning at 0800 bound for Toledo, Ohio to load coal at the CSX coal dock.
The WHITE is the third stone vessel of the new season to visit the port, and the sixth overall.
WHITE unloads at 0600 this morning.
Overhead view.
At dock after the sun has risen.
Unloading.
Finished unloading.
Departing the Old Ore Dock.
Outbound in the morning sun.
Stern view.
The WHITE is the third stone vessel of the new season to visit the port, and the sixth overall.
WHITE unloads at 0600 this morning.
Overhead view.
At dock after the sun has risen.
Unloading.
Finished unloading.
Departing the Old Ore Dock.
Outbound in the morning sun.
Stern view.
Friday, April 25, 2008
H. LEE WHITE INBOUND
H. LEE WHITE, with stone from Calcite, Michigan, is now inbound Erie and should be tied up at the Mountfort Terminal by midnight. After unloading, the vessel should be out at dawn tomorrow bound for Toledo, Ohio to load coal.
An Erie Shipping News FAQ
I figured that since I have some time this evening, I'll answer a few of the questions I receive as comments either on here or from my readers via email.
Q: Is shipping biodiesel by water efficient?
A: Honestly, I don't know much about the specifics of it. But I'd imagine that it must be, since Lake Erie Biofuels has done it once before and is making plans to do so again within the next month or so. As far as how much money they're making, I really couldn't give you a good answer without making something up off the top of my head, and I really don't want to do that.
Q: Are there any restrictions on pleasure boaters now that the commercial shipping season is in full swing?
A: No, but your safety is your own responsibility, and for most people should be common sense. If you're out in a 16' boat and see a 730', fully loaded freighter coming at you, who do you think has the right-of-way? Not you, that's for sure. Any vessel with restricted manoueverability has the right-of-way, meaning that other traffic should yield to it. That's commercial traffic ranging from 1000' long freighters to Lakeshore Towing's tug FLATTOP pushing a barge. Anything engaged in making money generally has the right-of-way. Generally, give the bigger vessel room to manouever. Vessels under sail have the right-of-way over powered vessels, but that doesn't mean that a ship has to yield to your sailboat. Although I will say that what seems like common sense to me, and to most of my readers, doesn't necessarily apply to some of the pleasure boaters I've seen. Some don't yield for anything, and put their own safety in peril when they don't.
Q: Where do you get information on vessel arrivals and departures, and what's going on around the harbor?
A: A variety of sources are responsible for arrival and departure information, including several websites and also the AIS computers that ships over 300 GT are required to carry. This information is freely available to anyone with a receiver capable of picking it up. And yes, those are perfectly legal. As far as harborfront happenings, I'm fortunate enough to have great sources from Lakeshore Towing and Erie Shipbuilding. Thanks guys.
Tomorrow I hope to start posting video from the happenings of the past couple of weeks.
Q: Is shipping biodiesel by water efficient?
A: Honestly, I don't know much about the specifics of it. But I'd imagine that it must be, since Lake Erie Biofuels has done it once before and is making plans to do so again within the next month or so. As far as how much money they're making, I really couldn't give you a good answer without making something up off the top of my head, and I really don't want to do that.
Q: Are there any restrictions on pleasure boaters now that the commercial shipping season is in full swing?
A: No, but your safety is your own responsibility, and for most people should be common sense. If you're out in a 16' boat and see a 730', fully loaded freighter coming at you, who do you think has the right-of-way? Not you, that's for sure. Any vessel with restricted manoueverability has the right-of-way, meaning that other traffic should yield to it. That's commercial traffic ranging from 1000' long freighters to Lakeshore Towing's tug FLATTOP pushing a barge. Anything engaged in making money generally has the right-of-way. Generally, give the bigger vessel room to manouever. Vessels under sail have the right-of-way over powered vessels, but that doesn't mean that a ship has to yield to your sailboat. Although I will say that what seems like common sense to me, and to most of my readers, doesn't necessarily apply to some of the pleasure boaters I've seen. Some don't yield for anything, and put their own safety in peril when they don't.
Q: Where do you get information on vessel arrivals and departures, and what's going on around the harbor?
A: A variety of sources are responsible for arrival and departure information, including several websites and also the AIS computers that ships over 300 GT are required to carry. This information is freely available to anyone with a receiver capable of picking it up. And yes, those are perfectly legal. As far as harborfront happenings, I'm fortunate enough to have great sources from Lakeshore Towing and Erie Shipbuilding. Thanks guys.
Tomorrow I hope to start posting video from the happenings of the past couple of weeks.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
MICHIPICOTEN DEPARTS
MICHIPICOTEN departed Erie last night at 2230 hours bound for Marblehead, Ohio to load stone. With her departure, the last of Erie's layup fleet has departed.
This leaves Erie Shipbuilding's docks quite empty, so what's next for the company? They have two more deck barges to build and delivery of the ones currently moored in the West Slip should begin sometime in May.
This leaves Erie Shipbuilding's docks quite empty, so what's next for the company? They have two more deck barges to build and delivery of the ones currently moored in the West Slip should begin sometime in May.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
ANDRIE, WITH ASSISTANCE, DEPARTS; MANISTEE ARRIVES
After spending the morning preparing to depart Erie Shipbuilding, KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 got underway from Erie Shipbuilding at noon today, with the tug pushing the barge as Lakeshore Towing's tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY stood by. The two were on hand to assist the ANDRIE before the tug-barge's departure.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397, along with FLATTOP and DON HENRY slowly made their way into the channel, and around 1250 hours this afternoon the two tugs moved in as the ANDRIE approached the North Pier to set the barge alongside. ANDRIE intended to tow the barge on the open lake, and decided to switch to pull mode in Erie harbor. As the barge A-397 does not have a bow thruster, FLATTOP and DON HENRY were on hand to push the barge alongside the North Pier and held it there as ANDRIE unhooked from the barge and shifted around to the bow. Having taken up a tow line on the barge, KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 departed at 1400 this afternoon for Toledo, Ohio.
I erred in mentioning yesterday that both the ANDRIE and A-397 had received a new coupler system this winter while in drydock. Only the tug KAREN ANDRIE received the JAK coupler system. This occured so that the ANDRIE can be mated with a new barge that Andrie has on order for delivery this November from a shipyard in Mississippi. When this occurs, barge A-397 will be transfered to tug BARBARA ANDRIE, and BARBARA ANDRIE's barge, A-390, will likely be scrapped.
MICHIPICOTEN is now the last remaining member of Erie's layup fleet. Today the vessel was conducting fire and boat drills in preparation for her departure, which will likely be sometime before the end of the week.
Lakeshore Towing continued to dredge at East Avenue today. The company has another day or two worth of work there, two days of dredging work in the East Canal Basin and will then be working at Shades Beach in Harborcreek for about two weeks.
As I was about 90% finished with this entry at 2005 hours this evening, MANISTEE gave a 15-minute security call inbound for the Mountfort Terminal with salt for Fairport Harbor. The vessel was tying up by 2100 and should be unloaded by around 0300.
Lakeshore Towing Service's towboat TITAN is outbound the piers ahead of the A-397 and ANDRIE.
ANDRIE, assisted by FLATTOP enters the channel.
The flotilla of tugs and a barge.
Closer view of the convoy.
FLATTOP alongside the stern of the A-397.
DON HENRY pulls ahead of the A-397.
DON HENRY.
A-397.
KAREN ANDRIE and FLATTOP.
KAREN ANDRIE.
FLATTOP pushes on the A-397 to bring it closer to the North Pier.
DON HENRY joins the fun.
TITAN passes the ANDRIE and FLATTOP.
Tug KAREN ANDRIE begins to back out of the barge.
Out of the barge.
KAREN ANDRIE manouevers around the barge.
Coming ahead.
Side view. Note the door below the pilot house is open and can
KAREN ANDRIE comes alongside the barge.
ANDRIE takes the tow line.
ANDRIE and A-397 preparing to leave.
Pulling away from the pier.
ANDRIE...
A-397.
Stern view of the KAREN ANDRIE.
Stern view of the barge.
Outbound.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY depart the South Pier bound for East Avenue.
FLATTOP.
Stern view with Lake Erie Biofuels in the background.
MANISTEE inbound.
Framed by the lighthouse and a buoy.
Close up.
Stern view.
Docking.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397, along with FLATTOP and DON HENRY slowly made their way into the channel, and around 1250 hours this afternoon the two tugs moved in as the ANDRIE approached the North Pier to set the barge alongside. ANDRIE intended to tow the barge on the open lake, and decided to switch to pull mode in Erie harbor. As the barge A-397 does not have a bow thruster, FLATTOP and DON HENRY were on hand to push the barge alongside the North Pier and held it there as ANDRIE unhooked from the barge and shifted around to the bow. Having taken up a tow line on the barge, KAREN ANDRIE and A-397 departed at 1400 this afternoon for Toledo, Ohio.
I erred in mentioning yesterday that both the ANDRIE and A-397 had received a new coupler system this winter while in drydock. Only the tug KAREN ANDRIE received the JAK coupler system. This occured so that the ANDRIE can be mated with a new barge that Andrie has on order for delivery this November from a shipyard in Mississippi. When this occurs, barge A-397 will be transfered to tug BARBARA ANDRIE, and BARBARA ANDRIE's barge, A-390, will likely be scrapped.
MICHIPICOTEN is now the last remaining member of Erie's layup fleet. Today the vessel was conducting fire and boat drills in preparation for her departure, which will likely be sometime before the end of the week.
Lakeshore Towing continued to dredge at East Avenue today. The company has another day or two worth of work there, two days of dredging work in the East Canal Basin and will then be working at Shades Beach in Harborcreek for about two weeks.
As I was about 90% finished with this entry at 2005 hours this evening, MANISTEE gave a 15-minute security call inbound for the Mountfort Terminal with salt for Fairport Harbor. The vessel was tying up by 2100 and should be unloaded by around 0300.
Lakeshore Towing Service's towboat TITAN is outbound the piers ahead of the A-397 and ANDRIE.
ANDRIE, assisted by FLATTOP enters the channel.
The flotilla of tugs and a barge.
Closer view of the convoy.
FLATTOP alongside the stern of the A-397.
DON HENRY pulls ahead of the A-397.
DON HENRY.
A-397.
KAREN ANDRIE and FLATTOP.
KAREN ANDRIE.
FLATTOP pushes on the A-397 to bring it closer to the North Pier.
DON HENRY joins the fun.
TITAN passes the ANDRIE and FLATTOP.
Tug KAREN ANDRIE begins to back out of the barge.
Out of the barge.
KAREN ANDRIE manouevers around the barge.
Coming ahead.
Side view. Note the door below the pilot house is open and can
KAREN ANDRIE comes alongside the barge.
ANDRIE takes the tow line.
ANDRIE and A-397 preparing to leave.
Pulling away from the pier.
ANDRIE...
A-397.
Stern view of the KAREN ANDRIE.
Stern view of the barge.
Outbound.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY depart the South Pier bound for East Avenue.
FLATTOP.
Stern view with Lake Erie Biofuels in the background.
MANISTEE inbound.
Framed by the lighthouse and a buoy.
Close up.
Stern view.
Docking.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
MAUMEE in Port; MICHIPICOTEN Ready to Go; ANDRIE Out on Sea Trials
MAUMEE arrived in port at 0030 this morning and moored at the Mountfort Terminal with a cargo of salt from Fairport Harbor, Ohio. The vessel unloadied throughout the night and finished as the first rays of dawn peaked over the horizon at 0555 this morning. MAUMEE's crew quickly cast off and departed the Mountfort Terminal, slowly worked her way into Presque Isle Bay and turn on hard starboard wheel to line up with the channel. The Lower Lakes Transportation-owned, 1929-built classic the proceeded slowly through the channel and into Lake Erie on a gorgeous morning more typical of late May than mid-April, bound for Cleveland's Cargill Salt dock to load.
Meanwhile, across the harbor, MAUMEE's Canadian fleetmate, Lower Lakes Towing's MICHIPICOTEN, is in the final stages of fitout at Erie Shipbuilding and this morning the vessel was waiting on inspection from Lloyd's of London and various government agencies. If all goes well the vessel will be departing today or tomorrow.
MICHIPICOTEN was drydocked for the rebuilding of a piece of machinery in the tail shaft, located at the stern near the propeller. This work was supposed to have been done when the vessel received its five-year survey at Bay Shipbuilding in December; however, Bay Shipbuilding, the largest shipyard on the Great Lakes, did not have the capability to do the work, resulting in Erie Shipbuilding winning the contract. Hopefully, the completion of this work will lead the Lower Lakes fleet to do more business with Erie Shipbuilding.
Fit out work continues on tug KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397. This afternoon at 1555 the ANDRIE departed Erie on sea trials, returning an hour later after completion of them. A-397 received her five-year survey, along with the Hydraconn coupler system installed on the tug and barge over the winter, while in drydock.
An article in today's Buffalo News indicates that scrapping on the LANSDOWNE is almost complete and the remains will be moved later this week to facilitate scrapping. The two rail cars on the stern have been saved by the Illinois Railway Museum.
MAUMEE completes its turn this morning.
Lining up for the channel.
Entering the channel as the sun rises.
MAUMEE in between the piers.
The bow of the MAUMEE approaching the Erie Pierhead Lighthouse.
Stern view.
Another view.
Into Lake Erie.
KAREN ANDRIE preparing for sea trials.
With the MICHIPICOTEN.
With the A-397.
MICHIPICOTEN fitting out.
Another view, taken from the public dock.
Meanwhile, across the harbor, MAUMEE's Canadian fleetmate, Lower Lakes Towing's MICHIPICOTEN, is in the final stages of fitout at Erie Shipbuilding and this morning the vessel was waiting on inspection from Lloyd's of London and various government agencies. If all goes well the vessel will be departing today or tomorrow.
MICHIPICOTEN was drydocked for the rebuilding of a piece of machinery in the tail shaft, located at the stern near the propeller. This work was supposed to have been done when the vessel received its five-year survey at Bay Shipbuilding in December; however, Bay Shipbuilding, the largest shipyard on the Great Lakes, did not have the capability to do the work, resulting in Erie Shipbuilding winning the contract. Hopefully, the completion of this work will lead the Lower Lakes fleet to do more business with Erie Shipbuilding.
Fit out work continues on tug KAREN ANDRIE and barge A-397. This afternoon at 1555 the ANDRIE departed Erie on sea trials, returning an hour later after completion of them. A-397 received her five-year survey, along with the Hydraconn coupler system installed on the tug and barge over the winter, while in drydock.
An article in today's Buffalo News indicates that scrapping on the LANSDOWNE is almost complete and the remains will be moved later this week to facilitate scrapping. The two rail cars on the stern have been saved by the Illinois Railway Museum.
MAUMEE completes its turn this morning.
Lining up for the channel.
Entering the channel as the sun rises.
MAUMEE in between the piers.
The bow of the MAUMEE approaching the Erie Pierhead Lighthouse.
Stern view.
Another view.
Into Lake Erie.
KAREN ANDRIE preparing for sea trials.
With the MICHIPICOTEN.
With the A-397.
MICHIPICOTEN fitting out.
Another view, taken from the public dock.
Monday, April 21, 2008
MAUMEE Inbound
MAUMEE, loaded with salt from Fairport Harbor, will be inbound Erie at 12:30 Tuesday morning for the Mountfort Terminal to unload. Depending on the unload time, the vessel will hopefully be in port come daybreak.
MICHIPICOTEN Set to Depart; Dredging Continues; LANSDOWNE's Milwaukee Skytops to be Saved; Dredging Work Continues
MICHIPICOTEN is scheduled to depart sometime Tuesday afternoon or evening bound for Toledo, where she is expected on Wednesday morning to load coal for Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
MICHIPICOTEN emerged from drydock on Sunday and is now moored at the north face of Erie Shipbuilding. The KAREN ANDRIE, meanwhile, has been turned around and is now moored behind the A-397 facing south.
Dredging work at East Avenue continues today as crews from Lakeshore Towing works to finish the job. Lakeshore's entire fleet is now back in the water, with towboat ENDURANCE having been put back in the water over the weekend.
A bit of good news for preservationists: the two Milwaukee Skytops on the LANSDOWNE are have been saved and are going to be shipped back to the midwest for restoration. Although the LANSDOWNE won't be saved, a piece of the vessel will be.
KAREN ANDRIE, now turned around at dock on Sunday night.
Another view.
At dock with the MICHIPICOTEN.
MICHIPICOTEN at dock. This is only the second time I know of since the shipyard was built in 1967 that a vessel this size has moored here.
Stern view.
KAREN ANDRIE at dock on Monday.
Another view.
MICHIPICOTEN with fitout continuing on Monday.
Another view.
MICHIPICOTEN emerged from drydock on Sunday and is now moored at the north face of Erie Shipbuilding. The KAREN ANDRIE, meanwhile, has been turned around and is now moored behind the A-397 facing south.
Dredging work at East Avenue continues today as crews from Lakeshore Towing works to finish the job. Lakeshore's entire fleet is now back in the water, with towboat ENDURANCE having been put back in the water over the weekend.
A bit of good news for preservationists: the two Milwaukee Skytops on the LANSDOWNE are have been saved and are going to be shipped back to the midwest for restoration. Although the LANSDOWNE won't be saved, a piece of the vessel will be.
KAREN ANDRIE, now turned around at dock on Sunday night.
Another view.
At dock with the MICHIPICOTEN.
MICHIPICOTEN at dock. This is only the second time I know of since the shipyard was built in 1967 that a vessel this size has moored here.
Stern view.
KAREN ANDRIE at dock on Monday.
Another view.
MICHIPICOTEN with fitout continuing on Monday.
Another view.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Historical Arrivals: April 20
Historical arrivals in the port of Erie on April 20:
1952: STANDARD PORTLAND CEMENT arrives in ballast to load coal.
1979: NEW YORK NEWS arrives to unload 4,500 tons of pig iron.
2001: RICHARD REISS arrives for the Old Ore Dock to unload stone.
2003: DAVID Z. NORTON arrives with stone from Cedarville.
1952: STANDARD PORTLAND CEMENT arrives in ballast to load coal.
1979: NEW YORK NEWS arrives to unload 4,500 tons of pig iron.
2001: RICHARD REISS arrives for the Old Ore Dock to unload stone.
2003: DAVID Z. NORTON arrives with stone from Cedarville.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
MICHIPICOTEN Tentatively to Depart Monday
MICHIPICOTEN has been added to CSX's vessel lineup to load coal in Toledo on Tuesday at 1000 hours. If this holds, the vessel will be departing Erie Shipbuilding sometime late Monday. However, this time may change between now and Monday.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Dredging Work Begins at East Ave.
Lakeshore Towing began dredging at East Avenue boat ramp on Friday. During the time while crews are working there, boaters are advised to use Lampe Marina's boat launch. Lampe, which normally does not open until May 1, has been opened early this year to accomodate boaters while dredging is completed.
Barges 502 and 401 at East Avenue on Friday. In the background, notice towboat TITAN leaving the scene.
Barges 502 and 401 at East Avenue on Friday. In the background, notice towboat TITAN leaving the scene.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
STELLANOVA Departs
STELLANOVA departed Erie at 1520 Wednesday bound for Montreal and eventually for Albany, New York.
Lakeshore Towing crews are working on wrapping up dredging at the Chestnut Street boat ramp and are next bound for East Avenue.
Lakeshore Towing crews are working on wrapping up dredging at the Chestnut Street boat ramp and are next bound for East Avenue.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Harborfront Happenings
STELLANOVA remains in port unloading this morning and should depart either later today or tomorrow.
Lakeshore Towing continues work on dredging at Chestnut Street and should wrap up there any day now before moving the dredging operation to the boat launch at East Avenue.
STELLANOVA at dock this morning.
With the counterweight down and part of the cargo on the dock at the Mountfort Terminal.
Lakeshore Towing continues work on dredging at Chestnut Street and should wrap up there any day now before moving the dredging operation to the boat launch at East Avenue.
STELLANOVA at dock this morning.
With the counterweight down and part of the cargo on the dock at the Mountfort Terminal.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
GREAT LAKES TRADER Departs; STELLANOVA Arrives
STELLANOVA arrived in Erie at 0745 this morning, having been delayed by the departure of tug JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT and barge GREAT LAKES TRADER. The TRADER departed her dock at Erie Shipbuilding at 0620 and backed into Presque Isle Bay,
where the vessel slowly turned for the channel. At this time the pilot on STELLANOVA attempted to reach the TRADER's captain on the radio; however, after trying on channels 16, 12, 8, 10 and 6, in that order, the pilot gave up and ordered STELLANOVA turned north to turn a big lazy circle in outside of buoys 1 and 2 while the TRADER passed through the channel.
The two vessels finally made radio contact outside of Erie harbor and agreed to meet on two whistles, or starboard-to-starboard, but the TRADER turned hard left wheel outside the channel and cut across the bow of STELLANOVA before meeting the vessel, and headed up Lake Erie bound for Stoneport, Michigan, where GREAT LAKES TRADER is expected tomorrow evening to load stone.
With GREAT LAKES TRADER out of the channel, STELLANOVA slowly proceeded inbound and turned in Presque Isle Bay before docking at the Mountfort Terminal. The vessel should be in port today and part of tomorrow unloading 775 tons of steel mill components.
I hope to have video of the day's events tomorrow or Thursday.
GREAT LAKES TRADER turns in Presque Isle Bay.
Leaving Presque Isle Bay.
In the channel.
Close up.
Tug JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT.
The sun rises on the North Pier and lighthouse as STELLANOVA holds off Erie piers.
Stern view of the TRADER.
Outbound.
Turning to head westbound on Lake Erie.
Erie's last commercial fisherman, BIG TONY, was outbound as STELLANOVA approached the piers.
STELLANOVA inbound.
Close up.
Stern view.
Into the bay.
Side view in the bay.
Turning.
Another view.
Completing the turn.
Docking.
At dock at noon.
where the vessel slowly turned for the channel. At this time the pilot on STELLANOVA attempted to reach the TRADER's captain on the radio; however, after trying on channels 16, 12, 8, 10 and 6, in that order, the pilot gave up and ordered STELLANOVA turned north to turn a big lazy circle in outside of buoys 1 and 2 while the TRADER passed through the channel.
The two vessels finally made radio contact outside of Erie harbor and agreed to meet on two whistles, or starboard-to-starboard, but the TRADER turned hard left wheel outside the channel and cut across the bow of STELLANOVA before meeting the vessel, and headed up Lake Erie bound for Stoneport, Michigan, where GREAT LAKES TRADER is expected tomorrow evening to load stone.
With GREAT LAKES TRADER out of the channel, STELLANOVA slowly proceeded inbound and turned in Presque Isle Bay before docking at the Mountfort Terminal. The vessel should be in port today and part of tomorrow unloading 775 tons of steel mill components.
I hope to have video of the day's events tomorrow or Thursday.
GREAT LAKES TRADER turns in Presque Isle Bay.
Leaving Presque Isle Bay.
In the channel.
Close up.
Tug JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT.
The sun rises on the North Pier and lighthouse as STELLANOVA holds off Erie piers.
Stern view of the TRADER.
Outbound.
Turning to head westbound on Lake Erie.
Erie's last commercial fisherman, BIG TONY, was outbound as STELLANOVA approached the piers.
STELLANOVA inbound.
Close up.
Stern view.
Into the bay.
Side view in the bay.
Turning.
Another view.
Completing the turn.
Docking.
At dock at noon.
Monday, April 14, 2008
TRADER Causes Unloading Problems for LAUD
GREAT LAKES TRADER's visit to Erie caused unloading problems for the SAM LAUD this morning, as the 78-foot wide barge was discovered to simply be too wide for the LAUD to unload at the Old Ore Dock.
After arriving at 0730 this morning, the LAUD docked at the Mountfort Terminal, where the vessel remained until 0940 hours. At that time the LAUD departed the Mountfort Terminal and turned in Presque Isle Bay to back into the Old Ore Dock.
The vessel was unable to complete this manouever, however, due to the TRADER's presence at Erie Shipbuilding, and by 1130 the LAUD returned to the Mountfort Terminal to finish unloading. The JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT even moved to the north side of Erie Shipbuilding to allow more room, but to no avail.
SAM LAUD departed for Ashtabula at 1430 this afternoon.
The next vessel scheduled for the port will be the STELLANOVA tomorrow at 0800.
Lakeshore Towing continues dredging on the Chestnut Street boat launch and has about one more day of work to complete there.
LAUD unloading at 0830.
Another view of the unloading.
J.S.St. JOHN and GREAT LAKES TRADER at the Old Ore Dock this morning.
GREAT LAKES TRADER.
TRADER is still heavily ballasted.
Another view.
LAUD attempting to back into the Old Ore Dock at 1100.
With that attempt having failed, the vessel throttles up and heads back to the Mountfort Terminal.
Another view.
JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT at Erie Shipbuilding.
Approaching the Mountfort Terminal.
Swinging the boom out.
LAUD unloading.
Departing.
Another view.
Stern view.
Another view.
Passing the lighthouse.
After arriving at 0730 this morning, the LAUD docked at the Mountfort Terminal, where the vessel remained until 0940 hours. At that time the LAUD departed the Mountfort Terminal and turned in Presque Isle Bay to back into the Old Ore Dock.
The vessel was unable to complete this manouever, however, due to the TRADER's presence at Erie Shipbuilding, and by 1130 the LAUD returned to the Mountfort Terminal to finish unloading. The JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT even moved to the north side of Erie Shipbuilding to allow more room, but to no avail.
SAM LAUD departed for Ashtabula at 1430 this afternoon.
The next vessel scheduled for the port will be the STELLANOVA tomorrow at 0800.
Lakeshore Towing continues dredging on the Chestnut Street boat launch and has about one more day of work to complete there.
LAUD unloading at 0830.
Another view of the unloading.
J.S.St. JOHN and GREAT LAKES TRADER at the Old Ore Dock this morning.
GREAT LAKES TRADER.
TRADER is still heavily ballasted.
Another view.
LAUD attempting to back into the Old Ore Dock at 1100.
With that attempt having failed, the vessel throttles up and heads back to the Mountfort Terminal.
Another view.
JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT at Erie Shipbuilding.
Approaching the Mountfort Terminal.
Swinging the boom out.
LAUD unloading.
Departing.
Another view.
Stern view.
Another view.
Passing the lighthouse.
LAUD in Port, Departs; STELLANOVA Due
SAM LAUD departed Erie at 1445 after unloading stone at the Mountfort Terminal.
STELLANOVA, meanwhile, is due in port tomorrow at 0745.
Photos of the LAUD's visit and the rest of the day's activity to follow.
STELLANOVA, meanwhile, is due in port tomorrow at 0745.
Photos of the LAUD's visit and the rest of the day's activity to follow.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
ANDRIE, WITTE 1404 Emerge from Drydock; GREAT LAKES TRADER in for repairs
JOYCE L. VANENKEVORT and barge GREAT LAKES TRADER arrived in port sometime this morning and secured at the east dock of Erie Shipbuilding for repairs. I'm not sure what type of work the duo is in for at this time.
This afternoon, Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved the gate from the drydock at Erie Shipbuilding and headed into the drydock to retrieve the next deck barge the company is building for Donjon Marine.
After slowly manouvering the barge in the wind, FLATTOP and DON HENRY slid the barge alongside A-397 and secured the barge next to WITTE 1403.
Safely securing the barge alongside at around 1500, FLATTOP and DON HENRY returned to the drydock and took the tug KAREN ANDRIE in tow and moved the tug out of drydock. The ANDRIE is now secured behind barge A-397 and will be fitting out shortly. Over the winter the ANDRIE was fitted with the Hydraconn articulated tug-barge coupler system, which replaces the tow-line system the barge had used.
GREAT LAKES TRADER at dock this afternoon.
Another view.
Overhead view.
GREAT LAKES TRADER later in the afternoon. Note that the vessel has been ballasted to take list to port, allowing inspection of part of the hull beneath the waterline.
FLATTOP pulls WITTE 1404 in Erie harbor.
DON HENRY stands by to assist in turning the barge.
Turning the corner into the West Slip.
Another view of the turn.
WITTE 1404.
FLATTOP pulls the barge alongside A-397.
Alongside.
Docking the barge.
About 45 minutes later, FLATTOP and DON HENRY pull KAREN ANDRIE into Erie harbor.
KAREN ANDRIE in Presque Isle Bay.
DON HENRY pushes on the ANDRIE.
Turning the tug.
Another view.
FLATTOP comes around to pull the barge.
DON HENRY docks the ANDRIE.
Side view.
Another job well done by Lakeshore Towing Services, Inc., and the ANDRIE rests at dock.
Side view.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397.
This afternoon, Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved the gate from the drydock at Erie Shipbuilding and headed into the drydock to retrieve the next deck barge the company is building for Donjon Marine.
After slowly manouvering the barge in the wind, FLATTOP and DON HENRY slid the barge alongside A-397 and secured the barge next to WITTE 1403.
Safely securing the barge alongside at around 1500, FLATTOP and DON HENRY returned to the drydock and took the tug KAREN ANDRIE in tow and moved the tug out of drydock. The ANDRIE is now secured behind barge A-397 and will be fitting out shortly. Over the winter the ANDRIE was fitted with the Hydraconn articulated tug-barge coupler system, which replaces the tow-line system the barge had used.
GREAT LAKES TRADER at dock this afternoon.
Another view.
Overhead view.
GREAT LAKES TRADER later in the afternoon. Note that the vessel has been ballasted to take list to port, allowing inspection of part of the hull beneath the waterline.
FLATTOP pulls WITTE 1404 in Erie harbor.
DON HENRY stands by to assist in turning the barge.
Turning the corner into the West Slip.
Another view of the turn.
WITTE 1404.
FLATTOP pulls the barge alongside A-397.
Alongside.
Docking the barge.
About 45 minutes later, FLATTOP and DON HENRY pull KAREN ANDRIE into Erie harbor.
KAREN ANDRIE in Presque Isle Bay.
DON HENRY pushes on the ANDRIE.
Turning the tug.
Another view.
FLATTOP comes around to pull the barge.
DON HENRY docks the ANDRIE.
Side view.
Another job well done by Lakeshore Towing Services, Inc., and the ANDRIE rests at dock.
Side view.
KAREN ANDRIE and A-397.
SAM LAUD, with stone from Cedarville, is due in Erie tomorrow around 0700. About a day behind her, the STELLANOVA is due at 1030 hours on Tuesday.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MORE BIODIESEL TO BE SHIPPED
More biodiesel will be shipped through the port of Erie in May, according to executives with Lake Erie Biofuels. Three million gallons of the cargo will be shipped through the port, which will likely require two ships.
CLIPPER TOBAGO carried the first cargo out last December.
I will continue to monitor this story and update as I get more information.
CLIPPER TOBAGO carried the first cargo out last December.
I will continue to monitor this story and update as I get more information.
Friday, April 11, 2008
PORT OPEN FOR SEASON; FIRST FOREIGN VISITOR DUE
ADAM E. CORNELIUS finally arrived in port at 1500 today and docked at the Old Ore Dock with stone from Calcite, Michigan to open Erie's 2008 shipping season. The vessel should be in port for several hours before departing to return to Calcite to load stone.
The second vessel of the young season, and the first foreign-flagged visitor of the season, the STELLANOVA, is due in Erie sometime next Tuesday with 775 tons of steel mill components loaded in Valetta, Malta.
CORNELIUS in Presque Isle Bay, turning for the Old Ore Dock.
Approaching the Old Ore Dock. The CORNELIUS was drawing 24 feet, which is deeper than the vessel could have loaded before Lakeshore Towing completed dredging late last year.
The first few tons of stone to reach the port in 2008 come off the boom of the CORNELIUS.
Unloading.
The second vessel of the young season, and the first foreign-flagged visitor of the season, the STELLANOVA, is due in Erie sometime next Tuesday with 775 tons of steel mill components loaded in Valetta, Malta.
CORNELIUS in Presque Isle Bay, turning for the Old Ore Dock.
Approaching the Old Ore Dock. The CORNELIUS was drawing 24 feet, which is deeper than the vessel could have loaded before Lakeshore Towing completed dredging late last year.
The first few tons of stone to reach the port in 2008 come off the boom of the CORNELIUS.
Unloading.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
SEASON OPENER DUE
ADAM E. CORNELIUS, loaded with stone from Calcite, Michigan, is due to be the first vessel of the season to visit Erie when she arrives shortly after midnight tonight.
Due late on Monday or early Tuesday is heavy-lift vessel STELLANOVA, which is coming from Valetta, Malta. Not sure what she's carrying, but I'm trying to find out. STELLANOVA last visited the port on June 16, 2006 to load locomotives.
CORNELIUS in Erie on May 22, 2007.
STELLANOVA loads locomotives (to the left of the photo, under tarps) at the Mountfort Terminal on June 16, 2006.
Due late on Monday or early Tuesday is heavy-lift vessel STELLANOVA, which is coming from Valetta, Malta. Not sure what she's carrying, but I'm trying to find out. STELLANOVA last visited the port on June 16, 2006 to load locomotives.
CORNELIUS in Erie on May 22, 2007.
STELLANOVA loads locomotives (to the left of the photo, under tarps) at the Mountfort Terminal on June 16, 2006.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chestnut Street Work Continues
Lakeshore Towing Services continued dredging work on the Chestnut Street marina today. Apparently, the width of barge 401 wasn't the problem for crews trying to get the barge into the east side of the marina on Monday; rather, gusting winds were the problem and both barge 401 and 502, along with the company's 20 foot barge, are in the east side of the boat launch serving as the platforms for the work.
Dredging work continues at 0915 hours today.
Another view.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY push barge 501 out to the confined disposal area.
Dredging work continues at 0915 hours today.
Another view.
FLATTOP and DON HENRY push barge 501 out to the confined disposal area.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Video from Monday
Below is a video taken yesterday of Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moving barge 401 in Erie harbor yesterday. I hope to offer a downloadable version tomorrow.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Dredging Work Begins
Early this afternoon, Lakeshore Towing began setting up to dredge the Chestnut Street marina. Tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY brought barge 401 the west side of the Chestnut Street ramp and secured it there while the captains of each boat devised a plan to squeeze the 401 through the narrow entrance to the east side of the marina.
Two attempts were made at around 1230 hours today to get the barge through, but failed by inches as the barge was found to be a little too wide. Strong wind gusts didn't help the tugs either, as the wind was causing the barge to drift.
The barge 401 was then moved back to west side of the Chestnut Street ramp and secured there.
Dredging is expected to continue all week. After completion of this dredging Lakeshore Towing will start to dredge the East Avenue boat launch.
FLATTOP pushes the 401 in Erie harbor, approaching the west side of the boat launch.
Closer view.
A few moments later, FLATTOP lines the barge up for the narrow entrance to the east side of the boat ramp.
The wind screwed this attempt up.
DON HENRY pushes to keep the barge in line.
A tight squeeze into the marina.
Another view.
After another unsuccessful attempt, FLATTOP backs the barge away.
Tieing up along the west side, for the second time.
Two attempts were made at around 1230 hours today to get the barge through, but failed by inches as the barge was found to be a little too wide. Strong wind gusts didn't help the tugs either, as the wind was causing the barge to drift.
The barge 401 was then moved back to west side of the Chestnut Street ramp and secured there.
Dredging is expected to continue all week. After completion of this dredging Lakeshore Towing will start to dredge the East Avenue boat launch.
FLATTOP pushes the 401 in Erie harbor, approaching the west side of the boat launch.
Closer view.
A few moments later, FLATTOP lines the barge up for the narrow entrance to the east side of the boat ramp.
The wind screwed this attempt up.
DON HENRY pushes to keep the barge in line.
A tight squeeze into the marina.
Another view.
After another unsuccessful attempt, FLATTOP backs the barge away.
Tieing up along the west side, for the second time.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Dredging of Chestnut Street Boat Ramp to begin
Lakeshore Towing this week will be dredging at the Chestnut Street boat launch to remove shoaling from the area. FLATTOP, DON HENRY, and barges 501 and 502 will be involved in the operation.
I will update this as more develops on the story.
I will update this as more develops on the story.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
BRISTOL BAY Returns; J.S. ST. JOHN Fit Out Work Begins
BRISTOL BAY returned to port this morning, arriving at 1030, turning in the channel and docking once again at Coast Guard Station Erie. The 140-foot incebreaker stopped within her own length before turning.
In other news, crews have begun fit-out work on the J.S. ST. JOHN, which is marking forty years of service as a sand dredge in Erie this season. Carmeuse Lime and Stone crews were busy working on the vessel yesterday morning and had it ballasted and listing to starboard to facilitate work on the port side of the vessel.
BRISTOL BAY inbound.
Another view.
Stern view.
Stopping.
Turning.
Starboard side view.
Side view in the channel.
Approaching the dock.
Stern view as the vessel ties up.
Alongside.
In other news, crews have begun fit-out work on the J.S. ST. JOHN, which is marking forty years of service as a sand dredge in Erie this season. Carmeuse Lime and Stone crews were busy working on the vessel yesterday morning and had it ballasted and listing to starboard to facilitate work on the port side of the vessel.
BRISTOL BAY inbound.
Another view.
Stern view.
Stopping.
Turning.
Starboard side view.
Side view in the channel.
Approaching the dock.
Stern view as the vessel ties up.
Alongside.
Friday, April 4, 2008
LANSDOWNE SCRAPPING UPDATE
An article in Thursday's Buffalo News highlights the LANSDOWNE's scrapping, which I first reported here on March 26. Apparently, demolition work on the vessel will be completed by May 1, leaving the 124-year-old vessel to be just another memory.
Certainly some will cheer at the dilapadated vessel's demise; however, I am not one of them. The LANSDOWNE represents a lot of Great Lakes history, and its present state of disrepair was one caused solely by neglect on the part of Specialty Restaurants, the vessel's last owner. With the vessel's loss another priceless piece of maritime and railroad history is gone forever.
I will continue to follow this story and will hopefully within the next couple of weeks have photos to post of the vessel's scrapping.
Certainly some will cheer at the dilapadated vessel's demise; however, I am not one of them. The LANSDOWNE represents a lot of Great Lakes history, and its present state of disrepair was one caused solely by neglect on the part of Specialty Restaurants, the vessel's last owner. With the vessel's loss another priceless piece of maritime and railroad history is gone forever.
I will continue to follow this story and will hopefully within the next couple of weeks have photos to post of the vessel's scrapping.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Historical: April 3
Historical arrivals and departures for April 3:
1974: Cleveland Tankers' POLARIS arrives at the United Oil Company dock with a cargo of gasoline, becoming the first ship of the season.
1993: J.L. MAUTHE departs winter layup at Erie Marine Enterprises, bound for Superior to load wheat for Buffalo. This is the vessel's last season of operating as a steam-powered ship; MAUTHE lays up in Superior at the end of the season and is converted to the barge PATHFINDER three years later.
1974: Cleveland Tankers' POLARIS arrives at the United Oil Company dock with a cargo of gasoline, becoming the first ship of the season.
1993: J.L. MAUTHE departs winter layup at Erie Marine Enterprises, bound for Superior to load wheat for Buffalo. This is the vessel's last season of operating as a steam-powered ship; MAUTHE lays up in Superior at the end of the season and is converted to the barge PATHFINDER three years later.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
BRISTOL BAY arrives in port
Only about a half-hour after I posted earlier today that the Coast Guard icebreaker BRISTOL BAY was working in Lake Erie, the vessel arrived in Erie and secured at the Coast Guard station for supplies. The 140-foot "Bay Class" U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking tug was inbound at 1045 hours this morning and secured at the North Pier along the Coast Guard property.
The last time BRISTOL BAY was in Erie was May 4, 2007, when the vessel brought its buoy barge into port to replace the winter markers with the summer aids to navigation.
BRISTOL BAY at the Coast Guard Station at 1230 this afternoon.
Another view.
Stern view.
BRISTOL BAY at dock.
The last time BRISTOL BAY was in Erie was May 4, 2007, when the vessel brought its buoy barge into port to replace the winter markers with the summer aids to navigation.
BRISTOL BAY at the Coast Guard Station at 1230 this afternoon.
Another view.
Stern view.
BRISTOL BAY at dock.
Wind Complicates Ice
Yesterday's high winds seriously complicated efforts to ease the burden of an ice-covered Lake Erie.
After warm temperatures over the past few days had moved the ice off-shore and weakened it, the wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or more on Tuesday moved most of the ice to the south shore again, clogging up the approaches to harbors and making the movement of commercial traffic harder.
Currently, the USCGC BRISTOL BAY is working on Lake Erie to assist shipping. Yesterday the vessel was working with the CANADIAN ENTERPRISE on its trip across the Lake.
After warm temperatures over the past few days had moved the ice off-shore and weakened it, the wind gusts of 40 miles per hour or more on Tuesday moved most of the ice to the south shore again, clogging up the approaches to harbors and making the movement of commercial traffic harder.
Currently, the USCGC BRISTOL BAY is working on Lake Erie to assist shipping. Yesterday the vessel was working with the CANADIAN ENTERPRISE on its trip across the Lake.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Historical Season Openings: April 1
Historical arrivals for April 1:
1998- DAVID Z. NORTON arrives with stone for the Old Ore Dock, becoming the first vessel of the 1998 season. The vessel is in service today for Lower Lakes Transportation as CALUMET.
1998- DAVID Z. NORTON arrives with stone for the Old Ore Dock, becoming the first vessel of the 1998 season. The vessel is in service today for Lower Lakes Transportation as CALUMET.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
