Michigan Wheel
SkipperLiner Introduces 'Pride of Cassville'
SkipperLiner of LaCrosse, WI, recently launched a passenger/vehicle barge and towboat ferry. Here are her particulars: BARGE LOA: 78’ Beam: 32’ Hull Depth: 5’0" Draft (clearance): 3’6” Hull Thickness: 5/16" (sides) 3/8" (deck) 5/16" and 3/8" (bottom Displacement: 74.08 long tons Certification: USCG TOW LOA: 45’ Beam: 16’ Hull Depth: 6’0" Draft (clearance): 4’6” Gross Tons: Less than 100 Displacement: 35 tons Hull Thickness: 5/16" (sides) 1/4" (deck) 3/8" (bottom) Propulsion Engines: Twin Cummins model QSB5.9 300 HP marine diesel engines with direct drives Transmissions: ZF model 280-1 3:0:1 Engine Cooling: Fernstrum Propellers: Michigan Wheel 32" x 21 pitch, bronze. five blade Propeller Shafts: 2.5" (Aquamet 17) Generator(s) 9 kW generator powered by Cummins model MDKBL marine diesel engine HVAC: 1 ton air cooled Electronics: Two ICOM model 412 VHF/FM marine radios, Furuno model 1715 radar system Winches: Wintech Certification: n/a The PRIDE OF CASSVILLE was built for the City of Cassville WI. She will transport vehicles and passengers across the Mississippi River between Cassville, WI and IA. This service connects two National Scenic Byways: the Great River Road and the Iowa Great River Road. The PRIDE OF CASSVILLE replaces the CHARLIE D that has been in service in Cassville since 1966
Metabo Offers Two New Instant Brake Grinders
Metabo Corporation has introduced two new angle grinders, designed to stop wheel rotation in two seconds or less when the Deadman safety switch is released, greatly reducing the likelihood of injuries. Ideal for heavy duty grinding and cutting applications, both the WEPBA14-125 Quick and WEPBA14-150 Quick feature a long-lasting 12.2 A motor and 1,400 watts of power. The WEPBA14-125 Quick offers a no-load speed of 10,000 rpm and a maximum wheel diameter of 5
Maritime Academy to Host Open House
The community is invited to explore the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College at an Open House on Saturday, October 19, 2002 from 11 am to 2 pm. The Academy is located on East Front Street at Barlow Avenue (next to the Holiday Inn) in Traverse City. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the academy's new 225 ft.training ship State of Michigan.
News: Austal Launches Lake Express
On March 20, Austal USA launched its seventh and largest vessel to date. Lake Express, a 192 ft. high-speed vehicle-passenger ferry rolled out of Austal's purpose-built aluminum shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Ala., and into the Mobile River. "This project is a further step in building up capacity and capability at Austal USA which will stabilize our efforts to be a major contender in larger contracts in both the commercial and military markets," said Austal USA CEO, Greg Metcalf
Cox Disappointed by Asian Carp Ruling
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said he is extremely disappointed that the United States Supreme Court declined to immediately close Chicago-area locks that could stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, but is pleased that Michigan's fight to reopen the Chicago Diversion case will continue. Cox also said President Obama, who failed to respond to Cox's previous request for an Asian carp conference, must now act and use his powers to close the locks because Asian carp eDNA
Michigan Marinas Need Deeper Water
Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) applauds introduction of legislation to help marinas during dredging crisis. Senate Bill No. 215, introduced by Senators Brandenburg, Hansen, Casperson, Booher, Green, Walker, Robertson, Jones, Proos and Smith is an act which will provide for low interest loan opportunities for marinas in need of dredging. "The problems facing our waterways need to be addressed immediately and a long-term strategy to maintain them needs to be developed
Simrad GPS Gains Wheel Mark Approval
Aimed at all sizes of commercial, fishing and coastal vessels Simrad’s GN33 is the first GPS Navigator with built-in chartplotter to gain the coveted Wheel Mark approval granted by BSH in Hamburg Germany. The GN33 is the successor to the stalwart Wheel Mark approved GN30 DGPS. The new GN33 offers a whole new set of functions; not least the Chartplotter feature which is set to satisfy the increasing demand for approved GPS Navigators on small and medium size vessels.
Austal USA Names Spiegel COO
Austal announced the appointment of Dan Spiegel to the position of Chief Operating Officer for Austal’s Mobile, Ala., shipyard. Spiegel, his wife and their three children have relocated to the Mobile area from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Spiegel holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Michigan and an MBA from Indiana University. He brings to Austal a successful career background that includes over 20 years of management experience in the manufacturing industry.
Tugboat Captain Sentenced
The U.S. Attorney's Office said that Gary O. Burnham, of Michigan City, Ind., was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for operating as a ship's captain on a forged license, neglect of duty by a seaman resulting in the sinking of the M/V Margaret Ann, and negligently causing a diesel fuel spill in Lake Michigan. He was also ordered to pay $750,000 in restitution to Holly Marine Towing, the owner of the vessel that sank in Lake Michigan under Burnham's command.
This Day in Navy History
1843 - USS Michigan is launched at Erie, Penn. Michigan is America's first iron-hulled warship, as well as the first prefabricated ship. 1941 - USS Lexington (CV 2) sails with Task Force 12 to transport Marine aircraft to Midway, leaving no carriers at Pearl Harbor only days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. For more information about Naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil
New Coast Guard Response Boat Delivered
Coast Guard Station Charlevoix, Michigan, accept delivery of the station’s new 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, built by Marinette Marine, of Manitowoc, Wis. The RB-M can respond faster than previous boats of similar size with a top speed in excess of 40 knots and has advanced search
Logistics in Action: Keeping Cargo Moving
Although much of the country is welcoming spring and the warm weather that comes with it, many of the Great Lakes waterways are still laden with ice. Coast Guard icebreaking tugs continue to work on the lakes to keep critical shipping lanes clear for merchant vessels
University of Mich. To Host Panel on Low Great Lakes Levels
The University of Michigan will host a seminar and panel discussion entitled “Low Great Lakes Water Levels: Understanding the causes and potential consequences” on May 30 from 3-5 p.m. at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Lobbyists Begin Capitol Hill 'Sail-In'
Representatives from U.S.-flag maritime labor and industry work the halls of Capitol Hill together to promote their cause. The delegation came to promote various issues affecting those who work, sail, build and operate American vessels as well as nation’s harbors, ports and waterways.
Great Lakes Crisis Continues: Dredging and Water Both Needed
Lake Michigan-Huron sets all-time record for lowest monthly water level. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District through its Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office reports a preliminary new record low water level for Lake Michigan-Huron for the second month in a row
Great Lakes Ore Trade Down 11%
Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes in January totaled 3.2 million tons, a decrease of 11% compared to a year ago. The comparison is somewhat problematic, as the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, stayed open until January 18 in 2012, but closed on January 15 this year
LCA Endorses Government Report
U.S.-flag shipping on the Great Lakes provides efficient, safe, and environmentally sound transportation services to industries that are the backbone of the American economy finds a report released on February 12 by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration.
MHI Unveil 'Super Giraffe Robot'
The newly developed remote control Giraffe Robot can reach up to 8 meters to control valves in hostile environments. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has developed a remote-controlled robot, dubbed the 'MHI-Super Giraffe (MARS-C), which is capable of working at heights up to 8 meters (m) and
Lake Michigan Coal-burning Ferry: Future Questioned
The EPA permit that has long allowed the SS Badger to dump coal ash into the lake is now under review. On the shores of Lake Michigan, the tiny town of Ludington, Mich., is home port to the last coal-fired ferry in the U.S. The SS Badger has been making trips across the lake to Manitowoc, Wis
Royal Caribean Names Rob Zeiger VP, Global Communications Officer
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has named Rob Zeiger to the position of vice president, global chief communications officer. Zeiger is responsible for leading Royal Caribbean’s overall communications, corporate social responsibility, public relations and corporate positioning strategies
Great Lakes 2013 Shipping Preparations Begin
The Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw' breaks ice in Western Lake Superior in preparation for the upcoming shipping season. The Mackinaw (WLBB-30) is the only U.S. heavy ice breaking resource assigned to the Great Lakes and in addition to heavy icebreaking other missions of the crew include servicing
Lake Michigan Marinas Applaud Dredging Assistance Package
The Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) thanks the Michigan State House and Senate for speedy support of bills. The package included assistance to public and private marinas and helped streamline the regulatory process within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Great Lakes Community Soon Treading on Thin Ice
US Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan advises of the dangers as increasingly warmer temperatures weaken ice. The Coast Guard warns that warmer temperatures present the possibility of extremely hazardous ice conditions throughout Lake Michigan, including Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Lake Winnebago
USGS to Receive New Great Lakes Research Vessel
The U.S. Geological Survey awarded a contract for the construction of a large research vessel for Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior to Burger Boat Company of Manitowoc, Wis. The vessel will replace the 38-year-old Grayling, bringing the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) large vessel
Transas Releases New Version of FleetView Online
Transas Marine has released a new version of its FleetView Online web-based SSAS-tracking service. New FleetView Online version boasts improved user interface, object overlay and chart navigation controls. Object overlay on the charts have been updated to enhance visual appearance and improve