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The Clarke is laid up in Toledo; however, it is not due for its 5-year survey. It had that done during the 2014 season in Sturgeon Bay. The ABS record suggests that the 5-year inspection is due March 3, 2019. That could be wrong, of course. At a minimum, if she had her last 5-year in 2014, she's du...

It looks like the Philip R. Clarke is due for it's 5-year inspection this winter (March 3rd to be precise). I haven't seen her on the list of boats laying up at Sturgeon Bay, Superior, or Erie. What other port has a graving dock large enough to accommodate her? Also, any word on whether GLF actually...

Anyone know why the Joyce L. Vanenkevort has been sitting at the SOO since January 7th?

How do we explain the John D. Leitch and Tim S. Dool? Both of these vessels, which were built in the 60's, are being dry docked this winter for 5-yr inspections, steel renewal, and painting. Seems like an odd investment for a company that is so focused on new builds. Do these boats have a particular...

Do the shipping companies clean the holds after a load of salt is delivered? If so, how? I'm assuming that they do in order to reduce any long term corrosive effects, but I could be wrong.

How long does a 5-year inspection typically take? She's been at Sturgeon Bay for about two weeks. Anyone have an update?

I hope they're giving the barge some fresh paint too.

Anyone have additional information about what happened to the Sykes? She's been in Toledo for 6 days now. Seems rather long for only a minor incident.

AIS shows the Sykes heading to Sarnia, ONT. Anyone know what she's carrying? Has she ever carried cargo to Sarnia? Could this, GOD forbid, mean that she was sold to one of the Canadian companies? Why would the Canadians want a steamer? No.. Fair point. I guess I was just having flashbacks to what h...

AIS shows the Sykes heading to Sarnia, ONT. Anyone know what she's carrying? Has she ever carried cargo to Sarnia?

Could this, GOD forbid, mean that she was sold to one of the Canadian companies?

Guest wrote:Both are being drydocked.

I thought the tug could only be drydocked at Port Weller, due to her hull depth. Also, why would the tug need to be drydocked again after just having her 5-year last season?

Stephen Rottiers wrote:The St Clair was moved out of dry dock in Erie with a freshly painted hull.

The St. Clair is now showing up on AIS. Looks like she might sail after all. No destination as of yet.

Stephen, do you know if she had her 5-year inspection while in drydock?

I saw someone post a picture on Facebook of a "scrubber plume" on the American Spirit. I didn't realize that ASC had installed scrubbers on any of its boats. There was much ballyhoo about Interlake being the first fleet to install scrubbers back in 2016, but I've read nothing about ASC fol...

Chris M wrote:Stern thruster repairs

The Clarke's been in dry dock for a little over a week. Seems like a long time for just stern thruster repairs (though, I could be wrong on that). Could they be taking the opportunity to do some other work on her?

So why did Algoma buy her if they never intended to run her...or did they figure they could make a profit on the scrap prices? ASC made the purchase of the Buffalo and the Adam E. Cornelius contingent on the purchase of the American Victory and the American Valor. Algoma was really only interested ...

Denny, all I can tell you, from what I've heard around the Erie bayfront, St. Clair isn't due to be blocked and docked until July. With Don Jon's ever changing schedule, I'm sure that's not completely accurate, but it doesn't seem like ASC is too eager to have her trading extensively this season. M...

RogerKYS wrote:Meredith has some barges with her.

Thanks Roger.

AIS shows the tugs Defiance and Meredith Ashton tied up at the Interlake dock in De Tour. Anything to do with the Sherwin?

Does anyone know if the St. Clair will sail this year? I remember that she fitted out late last season. Everything I've read suggests that cargo tonnage will be about the same as last year, if not slightly better, so that tilts the scales in favor of her eventually sailing this year. Looking forward...

Needs steel work. Wouldn't be surprised to see her out later this season What makes you think that she'll sail later this season? I think that JT had it right. If you see her towed to Fraser, then she'll sail. If not, then she's sitting out the season again (probably not enough tonnage to justify o...

tugboathunter wrote:The time charter is the Burns Harbor. This is why it carries almost exclusively to its namesake port for ArcelorMittal. The time charter means that ASC owns the vessel and it is chartered by ArcelorMittal, not the other way around.

Thanks tugboathunter. That makes a lot of sense.