While we see trucks and trains moving freight around the country, goods are also traveling by freighter, and some of those ships are 1,000 feet long. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sam Hankinson, Development Coordinator at the Port of Monroe about the health of Great Lakes shipping and how we can learn more about what’s cruising out on the water.

Key Takeaways:

• Great Lakes vessels can haul as much cargo in one trip as hundreds of rail cars or thousands of trucks, showcasing their efficiency and importance.
• The seasonality of Great Lakes shipping includes winter layup for maintenance and upkeep, ensuring the reliability of vessels during the active shipping season.
• Despite the age of some ships, proper maintenance and care can prolong their lifespan, highlighting the durability of vessels in freshwater environments.
• The tight-knit maritime community of the Great Lakes region comes together in times of need, exemplified by the prompt and collaborative response to maritime incidents.
• Resources such as the Marine Traffic app provide real-time vessel tracking, allowing enthusiasts and observers to monitor ship movements and identify passing vessels.

Notable Quotes:

1. "These vessels are carrying the iron ore that's going into steelmaking… They're doing everything. They're carrying the building blocks of America."
2. "These ships exist to move cargo, people make their livelihoods on the Great Lakes… when stuff goes wrong and people are in danger, our industry stands up, our community stands up."
3. "The winter layup period is a very important time… to prepare vessels for the next season and the seasons beyond."
4. "When you start tracking them, you will get it down to a science of how far away they are, when they're going to show up, and when the next one will be coming by."
5. "There is nothing wrong with traveling to a place like Duluth, Marquette, or Sault Ste. Marie… just sitting down by the water and waiting for the boats to go by and enjoying it at your own speed."

Resources:

• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
• Marine Traffic app

Don't miss out on the captivating insights and stories shared in this episode of the Lake Superior podcast. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the world of shipping on the Great Lakes and discover more enriching content from the podcast series.