Yards start $97 million winter work on Great Lakes fleet

Written by Marine Log Staff
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Image source: Lakes Carriers Association

The Lakes Carriers Association says that more than $97 million in maintenance and modernization is underway on U.S.-flag Lakers idled for winter work at multiple Great Lakes shipyards.

“After working around the clock for 10 months hauling cargo over more than 70,000 miles per vessel, the ships and their crews are given a brief rest to recoup before the next season starts in March,” notes the association.


The investment U.S. shipping companies put into these freshwater vessels will grow the workforce at shipyards across the Great Lakes. More than one-thousand engineers, welders, pipe-fitters, mechanics and electricians will work tirelessly on the ships over the next two months to ensure they are ready to sail as soon as the Soo Locks open on March 25.

Major shipyards are located in Superior, Wis., Sturgeon Bay, Wis., and Erie, Pa .with other work being done in Toledo and Ashtabula, Ohio. as well as Milwaukee, Wis, Detroit, Mich., and Ludington, Mich.

Winter work includes the steel renewal, installation of advanced electronic navigation systems, and replacement of safety equipment such as lifeboats.

The self-unloading capability on Lakers is unique and the equipment requires maintenance to ensure the vessels can continue to unload up to 75,000 tons of cargo in less than 12 hours.

The work is carefully orchestrated to get as much done as possible while ensuring the U.S.-flag fleet is ready to sail when the locks reopen. It will be in high demand come March after stockpiles of raw materials are running low and customers require resupply immediately to maintain operations and keep people employed.

“When the Lakers come out of maintenance there is no idle time,” says the association. “Crews arrive, warm up the engines and get to work moving vital cargo. Every day in a 10-month shipping season is critical, hence the investment in maintenance and modernization now while the Soo Locks are closed.”

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