Lakers & Salties

More than 25 companies operate ships on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System. Find the latest information on shipbuilding, ship innovations, and technological advances here.

Algoma Central Corporation Sells Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie

Algoma Central Corporation (TSX: ALC) has sold Station Mall, a large regional shopping complex located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The transaction closed on June 30, 2022. Station Mall, a... Read More

RINA and Fincantieri Join Forces in Research and Development

Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, and RINA, an Italian inspection, certification and consulting engineering company, have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop synergies in the field... Read More

Shipyard Innovations: Setting the Stage

Leading the way for powered vessel to ATB conversions on the Great Lakes The Joseph H. Thompson was far from being the first tug-barge on the Great Lakes, nor the... Read More

Alpena: Classic Laker 80 Years Young

In mid-March, the cement carrier Alpena departed her winter lay up dock in Cleveland sporting a fresh coat of paint from her five year inspection at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding at... Read More

Great Lakes Shipbreaking: Canada’s MRC Provides Clean, End-of-Life Ship Recycling

Great Lakes vessels have much longer lifespans than salties, but sooner or later, they, too, face the inevitable. When that time comes, their final journey could be to a breakers... Read More

Herbert C. Jackson: Small but Powerful Contributor to Interlake’s Fleet

Although the smallest boat in the Interlake Steamship Company fleet, at 690 feet, Herbert C. Jackson is an active and important contributor. The Jackson has carried a wide variety of... Read More

Change Is the Only Constant: Adapting to the Ever-Changing Demands of Industry

There are many things in which change is the only constant, and this has been the case for the barge Commander through her 65-year career. She has been rebuilt time... Read More

Great Lakes Towing Acquires Plotz Machine & Forge

Great Lakes Towing Company (GLT) has purchased nearly all of the assets and real estate of The Wm. Plotz Machine & Forge Company. The two companies, Cleveland-based neighbors, have done... Read More

New Technologies: Are efficiencies and opportunities taking us backward?

My briefcase was stolen out of my car while I was traveling recently. In addition to having to cancel or report stolen articles like my passport, my Nexus card, my... Read More

New Biodiesel Era: CSL Completes the World’s Longest-Running Trials on Marine Engines

With sights on decarbonization and environmental stewardship, CSL recently completed trials using B100 biodiesel to power bulk carriers and self-unloading bulkers in the Great Lakes. Testing began in 2020 and... Read More