Watch for these new faces
VSL Centurion is a former saltwater vessel brought to the lakes and Seaway by Vanships of Port Colborne, Ont, in 2011. Tecumseh, another former saltie, enters service in 2012 for Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. A new tug/barge duo, Ken Boothe Sr./Lakes Contender, just completed in Erie, Pa., will enter service for American Steamship Co. Another tug/barge combo - the Beverly Anderson/Mary Turner - is also expected on the lakes in 2012 from saltwater, sailing for Grand River Navigation Co. Renames are expected eventually for those two vessels.
New names for ex-Upper Lakes vessels
Last year, Algoma Central Marine purchased the assets of Upper Lakes Group's Seaway Marine Transport and renamed many of the vessels. Here are the old names, followed by the new names.
Canadian Transport (Algoma Transport)
Canadian Enterprise (Algoma Enterprise)
Canadian Progress (Algoma Progress)
Canadian Olympic (Algoma Olympic)
Canadian Navigator (Algoma Navigator)
Canadian Transfer (Algoma Transfer)
Canadian Mariner (Algoma Mariner)
Canadian Provider (Algoma Provider)
Montrealais (Algoma Montrealais)
Quebecois (Algoma Quebecois)
Ships still on the sidelines
Here are the vessels not expected to sail in 2012, along with their layup ports: American Valor and American Fortitude (both at Toledo), American Victory (at Superior), Algonorth (Thunder Bay) and Edward L. Ryerson (Superior). John Sherwin, its rebuild canceled in 2008 by the economy, is still laid up at DeTour, Michigan.
Fleets scrap more familiar ships
Several vessels that have been familiar sights on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway have been towed to overseas scrappers, including Algoisle, Agawa Canyon, Canadian Prospector, Saunuere, Halifax, Canadian Ranger and Algontario. Canadian Miner was also under tow overseas when she broke free from a tug and grounded on Canada's East Coast in 2011. Three other vessels - Canadian Leader, James Norris and Maumee - have been sent to the shipbreakers at Port Colborne, Ont.
Manitoba is new name for Maritime Trader
Maritime Trader (Fleet V-8) has been sold to Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. (Fleet L-13). She has been renamed Manitoba.
Great Lakes Fleet acquires American Steamship vessel
American Republic (Fleet A-5) has been acquired by Great Lakes Fleet (Fleet G-13). Her new name is Great Republic.
Beeghly rename to honor Oberstar
Interlake Steamship Co.'s Charles M. Beeghly has been renamed Hon. James L. Oberstar, after the former chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and champion of the Great Lakes shipping industry.