Tug Fleet Overhaul Commences
The Great Lakes Towing Company has commenced a major overhaul program for its Great Lakes fleet of 37 harbor assist tugboats. The ILLINOIS is the first of the Company’s tugs to undergo this overhaul at the Company’s new Cleveland shipyard. The new 770-ton Travelift; the largest on the Great Lakes, second largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the third largest in the World; permits the yard to “dry dock” on land several vessels at a time. The Great Lakes Towing Company operates the largest fleet of tugs on the Great Lakes serving 40 ports and has been in continuous business for 113 years.
Canadian-Flag Vessel to Undergo Repairs at Great Lakes Shipyard
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has awarded a contract for the five-year drydocking of the M/V Pelee Islander to Great Lakes Shipyard, Cleveland, Ohio. The Pelee Islander will arrive at Great Lakes Shipyard in early April and will be hauled-out using the Shipyard’s new 700-metric ton Marine Travelift. Work will include hull inspection and painting; propeller, shaft, and rudder inspection; steel work; and other routine maintenance. The M/V Pelee Islander is a passenger ferry operated by Owen Sound Transportation Company, an Agency of the Province of Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, and provides transportation services between Kingsville, Leamington, Ontario; Pelee Island, Ontario; and Sandusky, Ohio.
GLS Completes 1st Canadian Repair Contract
Great Lakes Shipyard Completes First Repair Contract with a Canadian Tug-Barge Company. McKeil Marine of Hamilton, Ontario contracted Great Lakes Shipyard to provide winter layup and repair work on their tug and barge, John Spence and Niagara Spirit. The Shipyard completed general steel work on both the tug and barge and installed a winch system for the cover of the Niagara Spirit. The completion of this contract marks the first major repair contract that Great Lakes Shipyard has had with a Canadian company.
Seaway Concludes 53rd Navigation Season
The St. Lawrence Seaway closed for the season on December 30, 2011, with the westbound vessel Algoma Spirit reaching Lake Ontario at 7:54 a.m. after having transited the locks on the St. Lawrence River. The Seaway’s 53rd navigation season commenced on March 22nd, and the system remained open for a record 284 days, exceeding by one day the previous record set in 2006. The tug / barge combination John Spence / Niagara Spirit was the last vessel to transit the Welland Canal, clearing Port Colborne December 30th at 8:26 p.m. on its way to Lake Erie. The St.
