U.S. shipping companies operating exclusively on the Great Lakes transitioned from sailing to the annual process of repairing, maintaining and modernizing their fleet of lakers.  Vessels ranging in length from over 1,000-feet to smaller tug and barge combinations have taken to docks and ship repair facilities around the Great Lakes region.

This year alone U.S. Great Lakes shipping companies will invest over $126 million in their vessels at shipyards and facilities across the Great Lakes.  That includes over $48 million in Wisconsin, $43.5 million in Ohio, $9 million in Michigan, and $26 million spread across Minnesota, Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania.  The work includes replacing steel plating, engine overhauls, navigation equipment updates and painting.  Some vessels will be completely pulled from the water in a dry dock to be inspected, cleaned, and repainted.

The work is critical to maintaining a fleet of freshwater ships that will return to the Great Lakes waterways in March.