SARNIA, ON – Algoma Central Corp. stack logos were applied to the Saginaw on Tuesday and she is also showing on AIS. Waterfront reports indicate she may sail in early September.

Shawn Hinz, Marc Dease

TRAVERSE CITY, MI ­– An ongoing series of federal waivers has created a storm of uncertainty for the United States maritime industry, with experts foreseeing potentially devastating implications for the Great Lakes shipping and Traverse City’s own Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA). The waivers suspend a century-old federal law called the Jones Act, which requires cargo shipped between domestic ports to be transported on vessels built in America, owned and operated by American companies, and predominantly crewed by American workers.

Adopted as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Jones Act has been the subject of fierce debate for years. Defenders say the law is vital for supply chains, American maritime supremacy, and even national security. Critics call it “protectionist,” claiming it gives U.S. shipyards and carriers a monopoly on domestic shipping and leads to higher shipbuilding costs, domestic shipping rates, and end-consumer prices. Last year, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R-California), even introduced legislation aimed at repealing the Jones Act entirely.

While it would take an act of Congress to end the Jones Act, the president does have power to issue temporary waivers, and the regulation has been waived several times over the decades in response to wars or natural disasters. On March 17, President Donald Trump issued a 60-day waiver, ostensibly to ease surging gas prices in the midst of America’s undeclared war with Iran and the resulting closure of Iran’s Strait of Hormuz. In late April, the Department of Homeland Security approved a 90-day extension, to begin on May 18. That extension expires next Sunday, August 16, but a report from Reuters this week indicated the White House is planning to extend the Jones Act waiver further.

Even without another extension, this waiver period will go down as the lengthiest in Jones Act history. According to the Cato Institute, which maintains a tracker “documenting domestic cargo movements” under the waiver, 170 foreign ships have completed 210 domestic shipping voyages since March 17.

Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA), says the Great Lakes have so far been insulated from the effects of the waivers. The LCA represents “U.S.-flag lakers operating exclusively on the Great Lakes, moving solid bulk products” – a fleet which collectively transports 90 million tons of iron ore, limestone, coal, cement, salt, sand, and grain annually

“There have been a couple of fuel cargos that moved from Toledo to Green Bay [under the waiver] – and by ‘fuel,’ we’re talking gasoline,” Weakley says. “I don’t represent the Great Lakes companies that would have been able to move that cargo, so [the waivers] have not really had an impact on my numbers yet. The good news is, for solid bulk, most of our carriers have longer-term contracts.”

But while direct impacts on Great Lakes shipping have thus far been minimal, Weakley says he and his constituents are still feeling the effects of Jones Act waivers “because of the uncertainty” they have caused industry-wide.

“We’re clearly seeing, on the coasts, tank barges and tank ships being displaced by foreign operators,” Weakley says. “That has the short-term impact of those people losing their jobs and those profits going overseas. But there are mid-term impacts, too, because a lot of those tankers are due to be replaced in the next couple years, and the banks aren’t giving loans and the companies aren’t investing given this level of uncertainty. There are literally billions of dollars sitting on the sideline because of this waiver.”

According to GLMA Superintendent Jerry Achenbach, the situation is starting to hit close to home here in Traverse CIty. While some GLMA grads do take jobs on Great Lakes ships, many others head to the coasts for work, “and those jobs are disappearing as vessels are laid up.”

For now, Achenbach says maritime retains its reputation as a high-paying career, noting that 2026 GLMA graduates finished school with a “reasonable expectation” of earning $130,000 per year for six months at sea. The academy takes 60 cadets a year, and consistently draws “several hundred applications” for those seats.

“Other academies are also possibly at record enrollment,” Achenbach adds. “2015, I believe, was the high-water mark for number of cadets at the seven U.S. maritime academies, and we may be higher than that in 2026.”

But Weakley believes the numbers are only strong because students applying to maritime academies are “making that decision based on historical information,” not future outlook.

“If the Jones Act goes away, or if this uncertainty continues, it would make me think twice about entering the industry,” Weakley says. “Jobs on the coasts are going to dry up quicker than they are here, and then all those coastal union members with seniority are going to come to the Great Lakes, and it’ll be harder to get a job at the entry level. I fear it could be a return to the 1980s, when graduates were not able to find jobs in our industry.”

Weakley believes Jones Act opponents “smell blood in the water” and will use this moment to push forward a total repeal of the law. In particular, he points the finger at the oil companies, which he says are enjoying a profit margin “three times what it was last year at this time” thanks in part to the waivers. And while maritime workers would be the hardest hit by a full repeal of the Jones Act, Weakley insists the average consumer should care about the possibility, too.

“The biggest reason is supply chain integrity,” Weakley says. “Our American industrial base is made possible by efficient transportation. On the Great Lakes, we make steel possible, and without our ability to move heavy materials efficiently, you wouldn’t have any steel manufacturing in the U.S. We also make construction zone and aggregate affordable by our ability to move it on the Great Lakes. And once you lose the ability to control that supply chain, you’ve given away your economic as well as your military strength.”

Read the story here.

 

LUDINGTON, MI — The first visit by the American Patriot to Ludington on Friday proved to be a success for both the area and its visitors, giving more than 100 cruise passengers an opportunity to experience Mason County while demonstrating the potential for Great Lakes cruise tourism to become a growing part of the local economy. Approximately 130 passengers spent the day exploring downtown Ludington or participating in excursions throughout Mason County, visiting attractions that included the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Historic White Pine Village, Ludington State Park, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Amber Elk Ranch and downtown businesses.

“Today was a really successful first visit for the American Patriot and its passengers, and we were thrilled to be at Waterfront Park to welcome them as they arrived and again as they returned to the ship before departure,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Visitors & Convention Bureau, which coordinated the visit.

Miller said passengers consistently praised both the community and the experiences they enjoyed throughout the day. “We also had the opportunity to hear directly from passengers throughout the day, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” Miller said. “They commented on the beauty of Waterfront Park and our community, how friendly and welcoming everyone was, and the great experiences they had at attractions throughout Mason County. It was wonderful to hear those firsthand impressions from people experiencing our area for the very first time.”

“With approximately 130 passengers exploring downtown and participating in excursions throughout Mason County, it was a great opportunity to showcase what makes our community special,” Miller said. “We’re very proud of our businesses, attractions and community partners who helped create such a positive experience for these new visitors.”

The welcoming atmosphere also left an impression on visitors. “There were a wonderful number of local residents at the park as the ship arrived, and throughout the day we saw so many friendly exchanges between our community and the passengers, including plenty of people simply saying, ‘Welcome to Ludington,’” Miller said. “It was a great reflection of the hospitality and pride our community has for where we live.”

Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society, said the organization’s attractions received positive reviews from cruise passengers. “The visit by the American Patriot provided an opportunity for new visitors to experience Mason County and its many cultural assets,” Berringer said. “We heard many great comments from the cruise ship passengers at both Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.”

The successful visit also could have long-term benefits for future cruise calls. The American Patriot’s visit had been intentionally shortened because of concerns raised by Lake Michigan Carferry about the cruise ship remaining moored along the seawall while the SS Badger completed its evening docking maneuver. The cruise ship had been expected to depart before the Badger arrived Friday evening. Instead, the American Patriot remained alongside the seawall until after the Badger docked. With ample clearance between the vessels, the American Patriot departed about 7 p.m. for Milwaukee, demonstrating that the two ships could safely share the harbor. The successful operation could help pave the way for longer future port calls, giving passengers and crew additional time to visit Ludington’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

The American Patriot is scheduled to return to Ludington on Friday, Aug. 14, as the first port of call on another Great Lakes itinerary departing Milwaukee the previous day.

The vessel also gave passengers a unique perspective unavailable at most Great Lakes ports — watching the historic SS Badger arrive and dock. Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones said the American Patriot’s captain appreciated the rare opportunity. “We spent 10 minutes just talking about how it was an honor for him to be in the same port as the Badger,” Jones said.

Read more here:

Rob Alway – Mason County Press

Boatnerds to Gather Oct. 24 at Fairport Harbor, Ohio

Join fellow Boatnerds at an informal fall Boatnerd get-together on Saturday, October 24 from noon-3 p.m. at the Lyric Bistro and Event Center 225 High St., Fairport Harbor, OH. Meet fellow ship fans, share stories and bring marine items to buy, sell or trade. Ship swag will be given away and Chrissy Kadleck from the Interlake Steamship Co. is expected to attend. There will also be an optional tour of the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse (watch for details). No registration required. Food can be ordered off the menu at the host facility.

Bill Kloss – Host and Event Organizer

SUPERIOR, WI – Fraser Industries has signed an agreement with a South Korean shipbuilding company to explore a major modernization of Fraser Shipyards in Superior. The memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering calls for cooperation on shipyard design, construction and operations.

The companies plan to introduce robotics, automation equipment and artificial intelligence-based systems to improve productivity, costs and quality. The partnership will also focus on expanding supply chains and developing a skilled workforce. A consulting contract is expected to be signed later this year. The companies hope to make Fraser Shipyards a demonstration model for efforts to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

Fraser Industries CEO Patrick Kelly said the partnership would bring advanced technology and operating techniques to the Superior shipyard. “The cooperation between the two companies will be an important starting point for the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” Kelly said.

For the Northland, it could bring a significant boost to the economy.

“It means more jobs. Plain and simple. It means more work coming to Fraser Shipyards. We’re partnering with one of the best shipyards in the world to get better at building boats, get better at repairing boats and that will attract more work over time,” Kelly says.

Kelly says many of the new jobs will be skilled, including welding and electrical. Physical changes at the shipyard are likely to start showing up sometime next year.

Northern News Now

ROGERS CITY, MI – The U.S. Steel steamer Carl D. Bradley sunk in November 1958, taking 33 souls to the depths of Lake Michigan. In the 67 years since,

loved ones have gathered regularly in Rogers City to remember those lost. On Wednesday, they’ll finally have a chance to pay respects to the vessel that rescued the Bradley’s only two survivors from the icy waters.

Today the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sundew is privately owned by former Minnesota trucking executive Jeff Foster. Now known as SUNDEW WLB 404 LLC, the 82-year-old vessel will make a stop in Rogers City for a public ceremony at Lakeside Park. The service will feature a proclamation by Mayor Scott McClennan. The Bradley’s bell, salvaged from its wreckage in 2007, will be rung once for every sailor lost.

The Presque Isle County Historical Museum and the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum partnered to bring the Sundew to Rogers City for this event. Karen Goddard, executive director of the Presque Isle County Historical Museum, recognized that the cutter has some very special history to share with northeast Michigan residents.

“The Sundew searched for survivors in merciless conditions,” she said. “The wind shredded its flags, its seasick crew members tied themselves to the ship’s furniture. Ultimately, their search-and-rescue mission pulled eight bodies and two survivors from the water. They were the heroes of that awful night. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to commemorate their efforts.”

The event will take place at Lakeside Park in Rogers City at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The public is invited to attend, and refreshments will be served at the end of the service.

Presque Isle County Historical Museum

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.1 million tons in July, an increase of less than one percent compared to 2025.  Shipments were below the month’s 5-year average by 7.2 percent.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 22.5 million tons, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to a year ago.  Iron ore shipments were 5.2 percent below their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year.

Lake Carriers’ Association

 

CLEVELAND — U.S. shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes increased to 3.1 million tons in July, an 8.7 percent increase compared to last year.  The trade was also above the month’s 5-year average by 3.2 percent. Year-to-date, the Lakes limestone trade stands at 10.1 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent compared to 2025 and 4.2 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Lake Carriers’ Association

MONTREAL:  Preparatory work is progressing rapidly at the site of the future container terminal. Over the past few weeks, a major operation took place with the delivery of the sheet piles that will be used to build the wharf.

Made from 95% recycled steel at an ArcelorMittal plant in Luxembourg, the sheet piles began their journey at the Port of Antwerp before making their way to Quebec. After being unloaded by Logistec, they were transported by truck to the construction site.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) has awarded nine U.S. ports in the Great Lakes the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for shipping a record volume of international cargo last year. The award-winners collectively moved more than 4 million metric tons of international freight—27% of the international freight traveling through the Great Lakes in 2025.

“Congratulations to the nine Great Lakes ports being recognized as GLS Pacesetter Award recipients for their achievements during the 2025 Seaway navigation season,” said GLS Administrator Mike McCoshen. “The sustained level of high performance is a testament not only to the Seaway System’s importance as a maritime supply chain, but also to the hard work and resiliency of the dedicated men and women throughout the Great Lakes region port community.”

The Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award was established in 1992 to recognize the U.S. ports that have increased international tonnage shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The nine U.S. ports earning the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award for 2025 are:

Port of Buffalo (NY) – increased tonnage movement by 132% through the Seaway System

Conneaut Port Authority (OH) – increased tonnage movement by 11% through the Seaway System

Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority (PA) – increased tonnage movement by 1% through the Seaway System

Port Green Bay (WI) – increased tonnage movement by 145% through the Seaway System

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor (IN) – increased tonnage movement by 5.83% through the Seaway System

Lorain Port and Finance Authority (OH) – increased tonnage movement by 15.37% through the Seaway System

Port Milwaukee (WI) – increased tonnage movement by 78% through the Seaway System

Port of Monroe (MI) – increased tonnage movement by 100% through the Seaway System

Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (OH) – increased tonnage movement by 7.36% through the Seaway System

U.S. Department of Transportation