PRESQUE ISLE Fitting Out; BLOUGH Fit Out Cancelled; Harbor News and Notes

PRESQUE ISLE's engine room crew reported to the vessel on Wednesday and began fitting out for the new season. The barge has been ballasted down to allow for reconnection of the tug and barge when the deck crew reports on Monday. The PRESQUE ISLE is still scheduled to begin the new season on next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, ROGER BLOUGH's fit out has been cancelled due to the poor economy and reduced demand for iron ore pellets. Late next week the BLOUGH is scheduled to be towed from Erie to Conneaut, where the vessel will be layed up at the P&C Coal Dock. I will update when I learn a more definitive date for the tow.

Despite the poor economy, Lakeshore Towing Services has several jobs underway or scheduled to be completed this spring. The company is currently finishing a dredging job in Conneaut harbor and will soon be completing minor dredging at the Old Ore Dock and major dredging at Shade's Beach.

The company also will soon be beginning the construction of a floating dock behind the Sheraton Bayfront hotel and replacing the "C" Dock at Perry's Landing Marina.

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Barge PRESQUE ISLE ballasted down at the Mountfort Terminal on Thursday.


Another view.


Tug PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal.


Another view.


Stern view.


THE PRESQUE ISLE from inside the notch of the barge.


ROGER BLOUGH at the Old Ore Dock on Thursday.


With the J.S. St. JOHN.


Port side bow thruster on the BLOUGH.


A unique angle of the J.S. St. JOHN. If you look closely under her name, you can see her former name, LAKE EDWARD, and port of registry, Wilmington, DE.


Stern view of the BLOUGH.


Another view.