Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I don't think we'll ever see a new footer built...at least within the next 50ish years. We already see the current footers sitting out once in a while with lack of cargo. Coal is going away. There is no reason the current footer fleet can't make it to 70, 80, 90+ years old.

They wouldn't have to change too much to build a new laker because they're already fabricating a self-unloading ATB for Van Enkevort. So building a self-powered laker would be well within their capabilities.

I don't see another thousand footer being built due to cost and the fact that everytime there's a business recession several more blast furnaces are permanently closed. So equipment upgrades, etc are what those types of ships will receive.

Fincantieri Sturgeon Bay certainly has the capability to build new vessels, as evidenced by the long-standing program of ATB and offshore support vessel constructions of late.

However, they would likely never be able to compete with foreign yards for non-US flag vessels. Everything they build - like every other USA shipyard - is for the domestic Jones Act fleet. The costs to build in the USA (and Canada) are far too high to compete against East Asian and Eastern European yards.

Modern shipbuilding utilizes modular construction, though I am curious as to Sturgeon Bay's capabilities, considering their recent projects have all been of smaller tonnage. How much organization would need to change to build a new commercial laker?

MikeCDN wrote:Perhaps Algoma Central could look at SB to build new boats?

They cancelled orders at Croatian shipyard.

Would they consider SB?

While they are American, I would however, like to see lake boats built on the lakes.

M.

One of the primary reason Canadian companies went overseas for new ship construction is cost. As such, to build a ship in a US shipyard would probably be to costly to consider. If given the chance, I'm sure US shipowners would do the same thing as their Canadian counterparts if they required new construction.

Perhaps Algoma Central could look at SB to build new boats?

They cancelled orders at Croatian shipyard.

Would they consider SB?

While they are American, I would however, like to see lake boats built on the lakes.

M.

That’s if another footer is ever built

I doubt very much that anything but a "footer" will ever be built for the ore trade on the lakes.

Well, Sturgeon Bay is building a ATB self-unloader for Van Enkevort Tug and Barge, so they are competitive.

The US lake fleet generally doesn't operate in salt water or rarely, so that makes it worthwhile for an owner to update machinery and electronics to extend the life of their asset. A lot depends on future lake shipping demands on the US side of the lakes.

Jerry at Duluth wrote:Of course they will build Lakers in the future. The footers are too large to be built of lakes and Bay Ship is too good, not be competitive in building seaway size or smaller.

That’s if another footer is ever built.

Of course they will build Lakers in the future. The footers are too large to be built of lakes and Bay Ship is too good, not be competitive in building seaway size or smaller.

Will Sturgeon Bay build anymore lakers in the future? Or is the future one of maintenance of the fleet while building barges and ferries? I'd love to see footers being built there again some day.