“This level of investment is a testament to the strength of the U.S. shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Domestically produced steel will be installed on many ships by U.S welders and electronic equipment will be upgraded by American electricians,” said Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association. “It is good for the ships, good for local jobs, and great for the Great Lakes region.”  

The winter months offer ship crews time off, while engineers and other support staff work to make sure the vessels are in operational order when the season begins again. Propulsion equipment will be tuned and, in some cases, replaced, steel hull plating and welds will get refreshed and crew living spaces will be added or upgraded. The navigational locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, are scheduled to reopen on March 25.  

Image courtesy of Lake Carriers’ Association