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APRIL 2007


The ocean tanker, Clipper Kristin.

Tallow Exports to Resume in Green Bay:

April 18th, 2007.

The Sanimax terminal (formerly Anamax) in Green Bay will once again be exporting tallow during the 2007 Shipping season. The terminal has not been used by ship in the past few years due to low demand. An increase in demand has put a ship on schedule to load in Green Bay. The ocean tanker Clipper Kristin is due in the Port of Green Bay around April 25-27th and should be in port loading for about 48 hours before departing.

Story By: Jason Leino

Munson Returns to Green Bay:

April 17th, 2007.

The John G. Munson returned to Green Bay 0430 Monday morning with a load of 19,000 tons of coal from Sandusky, OH. for the Fox River Dock. They were due to be in port until 1500 and then depart for Stoneport, MI.

Story and Photos By: Jason Leino


The John G. Munson at the Fox River Dock.

The John G. Munson unloads coal at the Fox River Dock.
A stern view of the Munson from the Metro Launch.


The American Republic turns off the
Fox River Dock enroute to the C. Riess Coal dock.

American Republic makes first trip of 2007 Season:

April 16th, 2007.

The American Republic arrived in Green Bay for the first time during the 2007 shipping season at 1930 Monday night with a load of coal from Ashtabula, OH. for the C. Riess coal dock. The American Republic turned in the river off the Fox River Dock before making it's way into downtown Green Bay, through the bridges, and on to the C. Riess Coal dock. The American Republic unloaded at C. Riess through the night and was outbound Green Bay 0630 Tuesday morning bound for Silver Bay, MN to load for Cleveland, OH.

Story & Photos By: Jason Leino

The American Republic turning off the Fox River Dock before backing upriver to the C. Riess Coal Dock.
Turned and passing under the Tower Drive Bridge.
Coming through the Main Street bridge.
Walnut Street bridge open and ready for the American Republic.
Just about the Walnut Street.
Stern passing through Walnut. (They were moving pretty quick so it's a little blurry)
Approaching the Mason Street bridge, the last bridge before they reach their dock.
Tied up at the C. Riess Coal dock prior to unloading.

Extended stay for Munson in Green Bay:

April 8th, 2007.

The John G. Munson nursed it's way into port late Saturday night due to a problem with their bow thruster. The ship arrived at the Fox River Dock shortly after 11:30 PM with a load of coal from Sandusky, OH. The Munson experienced another delay overnight when there was a breakdown in the unloading system causing the ship to unload only at 60%. The Munson completed it's unloading Sunday evening and departed Green Bay for the shipyard in Sturgeon Bay to under go repairs to fix the unloading motor.

Story and Photos By: Jason Leino


The John G. Munson sports a new coat of paint
on it's first trip of the year to Green Bay.

The John G. Munson arriving in Green Bay late Saturday night.
Docking on the face of the Fox River Dock for the first part of it's unload.
Unloading Sunday morning.
Under the boom.
A look up at the new paint job.
Stern end smoking as they complete the first part of the unload.
Turning into the slip to complete the unload.
Pulling into position.
Swinging the boom back out.
Another boom view.


Deck view on board the M/V Wolverine.

Wolverine makes first visit in new colors:

April 2nd, 2007.

The M/V Wolverine made it's first trip of the season and in it's new paint scheme. Over the winter in Sturgeon Bay, WI. the Wolverine changed from it's former Oglebay Norton colors to it's new Lower Lakes colors. The Wolverine arrived in port shortly after 2230 with a load of 12,000 tons of coal from Sandusky, OH. for the Fox River Dock.

Story & Photos By: Jason Leino

The Wolverine coming in off the lake in a heavy mist.
Old name, new paint.
Swinging out the unloading boom.
View along the starboard side.
On board, in the galley.
A look at the crew's mess hall.
Tonight's menu.
Time to do a little laundry after supper.
A maze of unloading belts bring the coal from the ship to the dock.
Controls in the engine room.
Even more controls.
The Wolverine's engines.
A closer view of one of the engines.
A look at the prop shaft.

Gates on the bottom of the hold that allow the coal to drop onto the unloading belt.
Hard at work in the unloading tunnel.
Rudder equipment.
Back up on deck.
A couple of hatches stacked on the deck.
Coal loaded up to the top of the hatch.
Tower Drive Bridge from the forward end of the Wolverine.
The unloading boom from the bridge wing.
The nameboard.
Old colors can still be seen on the inside of the smoke stacks.
View of the deck from the pilothouse.
Back on the dock under the unloading boom.
One last view before heading home.
Cason J. Callaway in Green Bay:

April 1st, 2007.

The Cason J. Callaway arrived in Green Bay at 0130 Sunday morning to unload 18,000 tons of coal from Sandusky, OH. at the Fox River Dock. The Callaway finished unloading at 1100 and after three attempts in strong southernly winds, departed Green Bay shortly after 1200.

Story and Photos By: Jason Leino


View of the Cason J. Callaway
from the Metro Launch.

The Cason J. Callaway backing out of the slip at the Fox River Dock.
Outbound Green Bay to the lake.

MARCH 2007


The Earl W. waiting to depart Green Bay
after unloading coal at the Fox River Dock.

Earl W. Second to Visit Port:

March 30th, 2007.

The Earl W. (formally know as the Earl W. Oglebay) was Green Bay's second ship in port this season. The Earl brought in a load of coal from Sandusky, OH. for the Fox River Dock Friday morning.

Story & Photos By: Jason Leino

A wide view of the Earl W. at the Fox River Dock.
Close up view waiting winds at the dock.

Port of Green Bay Starts New Season:

March 27th, 2007.

The 2007/2008 shipping season for the port of Green Bay opened Monday morning at 10:35 with the arrival of the Str. Philip R. Clarke. The Clarke brough in a load of coal for the Fox River dock. The vessel was in port around 7 hours and departed Monday evening.


The Philip R. Clarke opens up the season
with a load of coal for the Fox River Dock.

Story and Photos By: Jason Leino

Unloading the first cargo of the season.
View under the boom.
Bow under the Tower Drive Bridge.
Stern view at the end of the slip.


The Atlantic Huron and Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder
make an early season pass in the St. Mary's River
just downriver of the Soo Locks.

Photos from the Soo Locks Opener:

March 27th, 2007.

After three long months of winter lay-up, ships are taking to the lakes again. One sure sign of the upcoming season is the opening of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The locks close each winter on January 15th and reopen on March 25th. Below are photos of the first few days of traffic going through the locks after opening for the 2007/2008 season.

Story By: Jason Leino - Photos By: Paul Strickland

The Roger Blough waits for the locks to open Saturday afternoon. She was the first to lock through this year.
The Canadian Transport departing the locks upbound.
H. Lee White follows the Transport upbound.
USCG Cutter Mobile Bay passing Mission Point downbound.
Stern view of the Roger Blough downbound in the Rock Cut heading for Lake Michigan.
The Michipicoten in the upper harbor.
CSL Laurentien downbound at Mission Point.
USCG Cutter Neah Bay upbound the St. Mary's River.
Lower Lakes Fleet's, Saginaw, heading for the locks.
The Atlantic Huron passing West Pier.
Str. Arthur M. Anderson approaching the Poe Lock in the lower harbor.
The Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder nearing Mission Point.
Classic laker, Canadian Leader passing Mission Point.
The 1,004 foot Edgar B. Speer is up clear of the locks heading for Lake Superior.
The Algonorth waits for a lock in the lower Soo harbor.

Soo Locks Update:

March 26th, 2007.

Sunday night after the Arthur M. Anderson passed Gros Cap, the Mackinaw found that the ice had started to shift in Whitefish Bay. This made traffic impassible. At approximately 2000, The St. Mary’s River was closed to all traffic. The Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder and the Canadian Leader locked up and tied up next to the West Pier walls. The Edgar B. Speer also locked up and tied to the west center pier. The Great Lakes Trader/Joyce L. VanEnkevort and the Algonorth were tied to the East Pier walls overnight.

Upbound vessels in the system Monday morning included the; James R. Barker, American Integrity, American Century. At 0700 Monday, 4 vessels were scheduled to travel in a convoy upbound; the Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder, Canadian Leader, Edgar B. Speer and the Saginaw. They were due meet the Mackinaw at Gros Cap and be escorted to Whitefish Bay and on to Lake Superior.

Reported By: Paul Strickland

Soo Locks open for 2007/2008 Season:

March 24th, 2007.

3/24/07 - 6:00PM The Roger Blough sits on the west approach to the Poe lock. She is the only boat near the Soo. All upbounders have gone to anchor in Mud Lake.

8:00 PM - Soo traffic starts to move some of the upbounders toward the locks. The Canadian Transport followed by the H. Lee White move through the system to the locks.

3/25/07 2:00 am - The Roger Blough clears the locks and heads downbound. The Canadian Transport is above 9 mile. H. Lee White is at 9 mile. The Saginaw and Arthur M. Andersen have not cleared Mud Lake.

2:15 am - Soo traffic closes the river to traffic between the lock and Mud Lake. All vessels are told to go to anchor. Roger Blough (9 mile), Saginaw and Arthur M. Andersen (Mud Lake Junction). The Canadian Transport and H. Lee White continue to the locks. The Mackinaw is anchored at Gros Cap. She reported visibility at 10 Nautical Miles.

3:15 am - Canadian Transport clears the locks and asks to tie up a West Pier. H. Lee White is asked her intentions. She intents to move up river to Whitefish. Soo Traffic make the decision to close the upper river between Gros Cap and the locks. All traffic between Gros Cap and Mud Lake Junction is put to Anchor. CSL Laurentian calls in at Whitefish and is told to go to anchor until further notice.

4:00 am - Soo Traffic checks with anchored vessels for visibility. Reports from 500-800 feet are received.

Reported By: Paul Strickland

JANUARY 2007

Lay-up of the Edward L. Ryerson:

January 20th, 2007.

Saturday brought beautiful sunny skies, the Edward L. Ryerson, and a large crowd of fans of the ship to Sturgeon Bay. The Ryerson was in bound buoys 1 & 2 just before 1:00 PM local time as she made her way in off Lake Michigan and through the ship canal. People gathered along the piers, rocks, and shores of Sturgeon Bay were treated to many master salutes as the Ryerson made her way through the canal, the Bayview and Michigan Street bridges, and on to Bayship where she is to lay-up for the winter.


The Ryerson approching the North Pier lighthouse

CLICK HERE for a video clip of a salute
from the Edward L. Ryerson in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal.
(CAUTION...this is a VERY large file and may take a long time to load depending on your internet connection).

Photos By: Jason Leino

Steaming out on Lake Michigan.
Ryerson in the distance framed by the North Pier.
Making the turn for the Sturgeon Bay ship canal.
The tug Jimmy L. heading out towards the Ryerson.
Bow view as she enters the ship canal.
Stern view from the pier as she approaches the Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard group.
Bow view in the ship canal.
Stern shot after passing by in the canal.
Going through the Bayview bridge.
Bow coming through the Michigan Street bridge.
All the way through now.
Stern view as she heads for Bay Ship.
backing into the shipyard.
View of her backing into the berth.


Ships laid up in Sturgeon Bay.

Return Trip to Sturgeon Bay:

January 14th, 2007.

While the weather was not near as sunny or warm as my first trip to Sturgeon Bay this lay-up season, a new job and a snow storm will greet me tomorrow helping me in my decision to make one last recreational trip before I go back into the work world. As I mentioned, the light was not near as good this time around and it shows in many of the images. I did the best I could with the conditions I had. I particularly like how the shots of the American Valor in her new colors turned out.

Photos By: Jason Leino

Bow view of the Reserve from Sunset Park.
Name and Stack of the newly repainted American Valor.
Sterns of the Reserve and American Valor.
Stern view of the American Valor in the graving dock.
An even better view of the American Valor in the graving dock.
The Arthur M. Anderson.
Tug/Barge - McKee Sons/Invincible.
The H. Lee White.
Stern view of the Herbert C. Jackson.
The Wolverine.
Bow view of the American Valor from Bullhead Point.
Wide view of the lay-up fleet.

Sturgeon Bay Layup List:

January 12th, 2007.

Listed below is the tentative layup list for the 2006/2007 winter layup in Sturgeon Bay, WI.
As ships arrive for layup I will mark them as "laid up".
CLICK ON a ship name to see an image of that ship. (photos by Jason Leino and Dick Lund)

*** As a reminder the dates and vessels listed are subject to change. ***

Ship Dimensions: length x width in feet Estimated Arrival Date
American Valor 767 X 70 Laid Up
Arthur M. Anderson 767 X 70 Laid Up
Buffalo 630 X 68 Laid Up
Charles M. Beeghly 806 X 75 Laid Up
Edgar B. Speer 1,004 X 105 Laid Up
Edward L. Ryerson 730 X 75 Laid Up
H. Lee White 704 X 78 Laid Up
Herbert C. Jackson 690 X 75 Laid Up
John J. Boland 680 X 78 Laid Up
Joseph L. Block 728 X 78 02-05-07
Lee A. Tregurtha 826 X 75 Laid Up
McKee Sons/Invincible 675 X 72 Laid Up
Paul R. Tregurtha 1,013 X 105 Laid Up
Reserve 767 X 70 Laid Up
Wilfred Sykes 678 X 70 01-31-07
Wolverine 630 X 68 Laid Up

Menominee, MI. Lay-up:

January 3rd, 2007.

Well, having covered the South end of Green Bay Monday and the East end on Tuesday, I made my way to Marinette/Menominee today to see what there was to see on the West side of the Bay. I was able to catch the barge Manitowoc, Tug/Barge Lewis J. Kuber/Olive L. Moore (ex Buckeye), ferry Viking I, USCG Cutter Mobile Bay, and tug Nicole S. Below are some images of the vessels seen in port as well as a couple shots of a Canadian Nation freight train enroute to Green Bay I came across on my way home.


A wide variety of vessels
line the Menominee River.

Photos By: Jason Leino

The barge Manitowoc, tug/barge Lewis J. Kuber/Olive L. Moore, and ferry Viking I.
The Mobile Bay tied up at K&K Integrated Logistics.
The ferry Viking I.
Stern view of the Lewis J. Kuber.
The USS Freedom at Marinette Marine.
The aft section of the Kuber.
Bow closeup.
Stern closeup.
The Ogden Street bridge.
What's left of the old William H. Donner.
Wide view of the Donner and winter stockpile of cargos.
The Mobile Bay from the Wisconsin side.
Canadian National's 9424 GP40-2 and 5930 SD-40-2 hauling freight enroute to Green Bay just south of Oconto, WI.
Another view after the locomotives past.


Entrance to the Sturgeon Bay
Ship Canal off Lake Michigan.

"Winter" Layup in Sturgeon Bay, WI:

January 2nd, 2007.

As I woke up this morning I noticed the unseasonable warmth was continuing and that the sky was blue so the first thing that came to mind was Sturgeon Bay. A fellow boatnerd and good friend of mine once told me that the best time to shoot the boats in winter lay-up in Sturgeon Bay is before it's one mess of bows and sterns. So, with camera and coffee in hand I made my first (of many to come) trip of the season to Sturgeon Bay. I was able to catch the Buffalo, John J. Boland, Reserve, American Valor (ex Armco), and Cuyahoga. With the weather being so favorable I also took some shots of the Bay of Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay ship canal, and Lake Michigan. I have included some shots of the ships and sights from my trip below, I hope you enjoy them!

Photos By: Jason Leino

The Buffalo was the latest boat to arrive to date.
Bows of Buffalo and Boland.
A stern view of the John J. Bolond at Bayship.
The Cuyahoga in the drydock getting a fresh coat of paint.
Looking towards the bay of Green Bay, no sign of ice or snow!
Looking up the Sturgeon Bay ship canal towards Lake Michigan.
North Pier on the Lake Michigan side.
North Pier Lighthouse.
USCG Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Group.
Canal Lighthouse.
The Reserve and American Valor from the South side of the ship canal.
One last view from across the channel before heading home.

2007 Finds Green Bay with 2 Ships in Port:

January 1st, 2007.

Both the weather and ship watching were off to great starts for the new year in Green Bay. The rain and clouds were replaced with sun and above normal temps. The John G. Munson left port before the new year rang in but the Algosar and St. Mary's Conquest remained and became the first two visitors of the new year. Early Monday afternoon the tug Indiana assisted the Algosar with the turn from the U.S. Oil Dock into the channel and the Algosar was outbound Green Bay shortly after. Not long after the departure of the Algosar, smoke could be seen coming form the St. Mary's Conquest and they also departed Green Bay later Monday afternoon.


The Algosar passing the tug Indiana
outbound Green Bay.

Photos By: Jason Leino

St. Mary's Conquest at St. Mary's Cement.
Another view at the dock.
Stern view looking into the sun.

Algosar departing U.S. Oil.
Turning in the river.
Assistance from the tug Indiana.
The turn is almost complete.
Lines are dropped and she's on her own now.
The Indiana waits off to the side for the Algosar to pass.
Outbound Green Bay to the lake.

DECEMBER 2006

Mild Winter Extending Shipping Season:

December 31st, 2006

As you drove through downtown Green Bay on New Years Eve three things brought attention to the fact that Winter just is not what it used to be. The lack of any snow on the ground for the majority of December, the steady rain and temps near forty, and three ships in port. While shipping has in recent years carried well into January, there have been many seasons where shipping has been wrapped up by December 31st. and to have three in port at once this late in the season is a rather rare thing. As of late Sunday morning the Algosar was at the U.S. Oil dock unloading diesel fuel, the John G. Munson was at the Fox River Dock unloading coal (This is their last vessel of the season), and the St. Mary's Conquest was unloading cement at St. Mary's Cement. With out any ice in the river or bay the only hindrance the three vessels may have had is getting around each other and possibly foggy conditions on the bay.

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