Sharon M I / Huron Spirit

[tugboat]

At the discretion of the Master, but on a rig like that it is very weather dependent.

[guest]

i would say at the descreation of the master. if its destination was the saginaw area probably hauling trap rock from bruce mines, ontario

[BrassTack]

On Friday, October 6, 2023 the Sharon M I was pushing the barge Huron Spirit as it went downbound (south) by Oscoda, Michigan with a full load. The mounds of stone were clearly visible on Huron Spirit. On Sunday, October 8, the Sharon M I was upbound (north) passing Oscoda but was clearly towing Huron Spirit behind her. I am not sure, but I assume the barge unloaded in Saginaw.

I realize the Sharon M I and Huron Spirit are not an Articulated Tug/Barge combo, as there is no notch in the stern of the Huron Spirit. My question is, in a pairing such as this, what factors would determine whether a Tug would push or pull its barge? Is it based on whether the barge is loaded or empty? Weather? Destination? Or other factors?