WILDFLOWER Departs, Next Biodiesel Tanker Set to Arrive

Tug WILDFLOWER departed Erie at 0630 this morning bound up the lake for Michigan. The little bit of history on the tug WILDFLOWER that I have been able to find lists her at 75.5 feet long, 20.1 feet wide, and 560 horsepower, built at Avondale, Louisiana in 1940.

The next biodiesel tanker is scheduled to be the CLIPPER LANCER, which is set to arrive between July 4th and 6th. The CLIPPER LANCER is a sister to the CLIPPER TOBAGO, which loaded the first cargo last December.

Also, over the past few days this blog has been spammed by an anonymous poster who continues to bash the shipment of biodiesel overseas. Therefore, I have decided to enable comment moderation for anyone who wishes to comment on this blog. I regret that it came to that, but it was the only way to end the spamming.

Tug WILDFLOWER in Port

Former U.S. Navy tug WILDFLOWER arrived in Erie this evening at 2000 hours and docked on the West Side of Dobbin's Landing. A group of investors from Michigan have purchased the tug and are taking the vessel from Staten Island to Michigan for conversion to a live-aboard. The 76-foot long, 1940-built tug, with a draft of 8.5 feet, is too deep for Wolverine Marina, which necessitated the stop at Dobbin's Landing.

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WILDFLOWER inbound Erie.


Close up.


In Presque Isle Bay.


Backing around to turn for the dock.


Approaching Dobbin's Landing.


Stern view.


Securing at dock.


With the Bicentennial Tower.


WILDFLOWER secured at dock for the night.