James R. Barker near Cleveland

[ashland69]

I watched the Barker pass Marine City upbound on Saturday and I noticed that they were not venting massive clouds of steam from their funnel. The Mesabi Miner followed her and we saw that they were venting massive steam clouds from their stack. Was some upgrade performed on the engine's exhaust system on the Barker?

[clarkjol]

The Barker was undergoing sea trials.

[Denny]

Anyone know why the James R. Barker is heading toward and near Cleveland? They were in layup in Toledo this Winter and departed from there just within the past 1-2 days. I am guessing maybe that they are testing and breaking in some type of a new engine or maybe some sort of repairs or something? Would appreciate any information along with any information on this. Thank You.