Gannon University's ENVIRONAUT undergoing major rebuild

Gannon University's research vessel ENVIRONAUT has spent the winter at Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair undergoing a major refit that includes a bottom replacement and a rebuild of the vessel's diesel engine.

The Erie-built vessel, used by Gannon during the navigation season as a floating classroom, ferries students from Gannon and local schools into Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie to conduct scientific experiments.

The work on ENVIRONAUT is expected to be completed by spring.

Photos courtesy of ENVIRONAUT Capt. Sam Poulson

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ENVIRONAUT at Donjon Shipbuilding.


With the bottom of the hull out, work on the vessel's frame is underway.


Work on the stern.


Reinstalling the engine.


Bottom work.


Welding the vessel's hull.

Video: DAY PECKINPAUGH on Lake Champlain

While browsing Youtube today I came across a video that may interest some of my readers. Former Erie-based cement carrier DAY PECKINPAUGH is shown in this video upbound on Lake Champlain last August.

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Video: JAMES NORRIS Inbound Erie, August 16, 2003

Below is video of the JAMES NORRIS making an extremely rare visit to Erie on August 16, 2003. The vessel was inbound to unload stone at the Mountfort Terminal. The NORRIS has not returned to the port since this visit.

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Historical: MICHIPICOTEN in Drydock, March 2008

Below are photos of the MICHIPICOTEN in drydock at Erie Shipbuilding during March, 2008. The MICHIPICOTEN was in for propeller shaft repairs and various other work.

Photos courtesy of the former Erie Shipbuilding LLC.

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MICHIPICOTEN in drydock.


Another view.


View from inside the drydock.


Starboard-side view of the MICHIPICOTEN.


Close up of the hull resting on the blocks in the drydock, one of the largest on the Great Lakes.


Another view with the KAREN ANDRIE in the background.


With the propeller pulled from the vessel. In the background the barge WITTE 1404 is under construction.