Boatnerd Discussion Forum

ashland69 wrote:I was just thinking the other day about the possibility that Cleveland Cliffs might get one or two of the ASC boats down the road. It would be fantastic to see the olive-drab cabins and black stack with the red "C" return. Thots?

Laker Cap wrote:

Guest wrote:It amazes me at all of the conjecture of certain ASC ships seemingly destined to go immediately into the Canadian fleet. Last season, ASC ran all of their existing ships (that may have not been true if the St. Clair had not burned) thereby signifying that there was enough current business to do so. From all appearances this sale was not just for the ships but also the fleet's various hauling contracts and customer base so it is not like ASC just went out of business and Rand bought their ships. Rather, they invested in an operating business entity to expand their overall footprint. Although it is likely that there will be some adjustments made by Rand in its mix of Canadian and US flagged vessels on the lakes at some point in the future, this will not occur until warranted by customer demands such as when coal bottoms out and to what extent the iron ore briquette trade develops. One thing I'm seeing mentioned is what may happen to the ships in the Grand River Navigation US subsidiary fleet. It will be interesting to see if this entity continues to be operated independently or absorbed into the ASC fleet down the road. I surmise that with the acquisition of ASC, Rand logistics now owns the largest number of ships on the lakes in terms of both numbers and single trip carrying capacity. Although the government will likely approve this deal, does anyone have any insight into how other fleets such as Interlake and Great Lakes Fleet are viewing this development? Above all, I hope that this transaction has a positive impact upon all of Rand's employees.

Please bear in mind that every GRN vessel except for the MAUMEE has hauled salt. They are not coated, and are headed for the end of their life cycle.
Every LLT self-unloader has hauled salt including the their newest, the MANITOULIN. The straight-deckers have not, but they will major investments to meet environmental requirements.
AIP is a short term investment company, with Rand currently managing GRN and LLT.
IMO, the AIP ASC purchase has consolidation, purging, and resale all over it. I as you, hope the best for the employees of all companies involved.

IMO, the AIP ASC purchase has consolidation, purging, and resale all over it. I as you, hope the best for the employees of all companies involved.

Guest wrote:It amazes me at all of the conjecture of certain ASC ships seemingly destined to go immediately into the Canadian fleet. Last season, ASC ran all of their existing ships (that may have not been true if the St. Clair had not burned) thereby signifying that there was enough current business to do so. From all appearances this sale was not just for the ships but also the fleet's various hauling contracts and customer base so it is not like ASC just went out of business and Rand bought their ships. Rather, they invested in an operating business entity to expand their overall footprint. Although it is likely that there will be some adjustments made by Rand in its mix of Canadian and US flagged vessels on the lakes at some point in the future, this will not occur until warranted by customer demands such as when coal bottoms out and to what extent the iron ore briquette trade develops. One thing I'm seeing mentioned is what may happen to the ships in the Grand River Navigation US subsidiary fleet. It will be interesting to see if this entity continues to be operated independently or absorbed into the ASC fleet down the road. I surmise that with the acquisition of ASC, Rand logistics now owns the largest number of ships on the lakes in terms of both numbers and single trip carrying capacity. Although the government will likely approve this deal, does anyone have any insight into how other fleets such as Interlake and Great Lakes Fleet are viewing this development? Above all, I hope that this transaction has a positive impact upon all of Rand's employees.

Denny wrote:Besides the Boland in drydock at Fraser in Superior, I’d also keep an eye out at Sturgeon Bay as well. The American Integrity is there along with the American Mariner and H. Lee White. So far I think the Integrity has gone into the large graving dock with no changes so far. We will have to see IF the Mariner or White enters the drydock and if anything new is done to them? Also keep an eye out in Toledo as well for any possible changes there that may come about. Would they possibly repaint the stacks and logos? I could see that happening at some point this year to where the stacks are completely painted all black covering up the ASC stack logos to where one wouldn’t see that anymore. Just my thoughts.