USS Gary Works to Receive More Iron Ore Vessels

Ore ships continue to struggle to ports near Duluth to load with iron ore. Coast Guard icebreaking ships continue to lead convoys of ships across the lake. No ships have arrived or departed Duluth today (Easter Sunday).

Steel Market Update received the following information through our LinkedIn group (conveniently called Steel Market Update):

“The ice conditions on the upper Great Lakes continue to be challenging, to the point of a sailor on one of the ships coming up with the following: WANTED: Ice Eating Sea Monster- Pay Commensurate with experience, All the Ice you can eat. 401K, Benefits Package, Vacation based on performance. Profit sharing. Apply In person@ Lake Superior

“Some of the upbound convoys have begun to move with the assistance of US and Canadian icebreakers. As the upbound ships cleared, some downbound ships were able to move through the Soo Locks. Some ships needed mechanical repairs and others the need to take on fuel and stores before moving upbound or downbound. Still considerable ice in the Straits of Mackinac. The recent cold weather and snow last week (note it only got into the low 40’s during the day yesterday in Sault Ste. Marie and back down into the 20’s at night- both about 9 degrees below average for the day) has made river transits difficult again.

“It has been reported that all the ice breaking over the past two weeks has created a large amount of brash ice, which has frozen into nearly impenetrable masses, particularly in the various turns along the river. As a ship moves through it, the brash gets pushed aside and becomes even deeper along the ship’s sides, creating considerable friction and reducing the ship’s power and often bogging it down. Even the icebreakers have trouble turning and progressing through these ice conditions. Despite this, several ships were moved up- and down-river. Those that have been waiting the longest were loading provisions and fresh water, as they normally do not go this long without refilling their water tanks. Showers were rationed as water levels on board dropped.”