PRESQUE ISLE DEPARTS

This morning, Lakeshore Towing tugs FLATTOP and DON HENRY moved the cofferdam used on the PRESQUE ISLE from the Mountfort Terminal to the Old Ore Dock at around 0930. At that time the PRESQUE ISLE was preparing to get underway, and did so at around 1030. The PRESQUE ISLE, after 15 days in port, turned in her namesake harbor and departed Erie upbound for Duluth, Minnesota, where the vessel is expected to load taconite pellets.

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PRESQUE ISLE heads into its namesake harbor and starts to turn around to line up with the channel.


Turning.


PRESQUE ISLE rounds the Mountfort Terminal and prepares to head out.


In the channel.


Close up.


Outbound for Duluth.

PRESQUE ISLE Repairs Complete; Departure Scheduled for Monday

This morning crews from Lakeshore Towing and Erie Sand & Gravel, along with Great Lakes Electrical Services, removed the cofferdam from the starboard side of the PRESQUE ISLE. With repairs to both shaft seals complete, the vessel is expected to depart sometime on Monday.

Stay tuned to Erie Shipping News for updates.

Work Continues on PRESQUE ISLE

This morning crews from Erie Sand & Gravel, Lakeshore Towing Services and Great Lakes Electrical Services removed the cofferdam from the port side of the PRESQUE ISLE after successful completion of repairs to the propeller shaft seal. The cofferdam has now been installed on the starboard side and repairs are expected to continue through the weekend.

Weather Delays Cofferdam Installation

Today's east winds caused swells in Erie's entrance channel that have delayed the installation of the cofferdam on the PRESQUE ISLE. Crews from Erie Sand & Gravel and Lakeshore Towing will try again tomorrow morning to install the cofferdam and facilitate the beginning of repairs to the tug.

PRESQUE ISLE Arrives for Repairs

PRESQUE ISLE arrived in Erie this morning at 0900 and docked at the Mountfort Terminal. The vessel is in for repairs to an ever-troublesome shaft seal and will have the cofferdam installed soon. Reportedly, PRESQUE ISLE will be here about two weeks.

Video of the PRESQUE ISLE's arrival will be posted tomorrow.

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PRESQUE ISLE inbound this morning.


Another view.


Stern view.


Slowing to dock.


With the cofferdam secured at the Mountfort Terminal.


PRESQUE ISLE moves in toward the dock.


Docking.

PRESQUE ISLE DUE OUT

Crews from Great Lakes Electrical Services, Lakeshore Towing and Erie Sand & Gravel today worked on moving the cofferdam from the starboard to port side of the PRESQUE ISLE at the Mountfort Terminal. The cofferdam was moved to facilitate work on the port shaft seal, which will be repaired overnight tonight. If all goes well, PRESQUE ISLE could depart tomorrow afternoon bound for Two Harbors, Minnesota to load taconite pellets.

Repairs Continue on PRESQUE ISLE; McALLISTER 132 Unloading

Repairs continued today on the PRESQUE ISLE; after the discovery of another leaking seal, the repairs are expected to take longer than originally thought and the PRESQUE ISLE will likely not depart before Friday.

W.N. TWOLAN/McALLISTER 132 continued unloading today and are expected to be out of Erie on Wednesday. The tug apparently will tow the McALLISTER 132 through the channel, and is expected to need tug assistance to get off the dock.

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W.N. TWOLAN/McALLISTER 132 and CLIPPER LANCER at the Mountfort Terminal at 0630 on Saturday.


Close up of the tug.


CLIPPER LANCER.


Stern view of the TWOLAN and McALLISTER 132.


CLIPPER LANCER awaits the finalization of paperwork related to the biodiesel shipment before departure.


LANCER clears the piers at 0845.


With the McALLISTER 132 and TWOLAN turning in the background.


Close up of the LANCER.


CLIPPER LANCER turns in line with the channel at buoys 3 and 4.


Side view.


Stern view.


The LANCER is loaded with about 5,000 tons of biodiesel bound for the Netherlands.


Another view.


Underway and picking up speed, 2.5 miles from Erie piers. In about five hours the LANCER will be arriving in Port Colborne to begin her downbound voyage through the Welland Canal.


PRESQUE ISLE about two miles from the piers.


Wide-angle view as the vessel approaches buoys 1 and 2.


The tug PRESQUE ISLE, providing the propulsion.


Lining for the channel.


Passing the outer buoys.


Stern view.


PRESQUE ISLE enters the piers.


This view gives a good look at how much room a 105-foot wide vessel takes up.


At the other end of the piers and approaching the dock at the Mountfort Terminal.


Turning.


Approaching.


Sliding alongside.


With the cofferdam in the background.


Another view.


TWOLAN/McALLISTER 132 at dock.

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.

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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.