Boatnerd Discussion Forum

It’s all but almost official now folks. I’d say from the looks of the AIS Maps that it’s 99.9% certain the Dirk S. VanEnkevort & Michigan Trader will be the first ship for 2026 at the Soo Lockx when the Soo opens up next week then on March 25! In 2025, it was Clyde S. VanEnkevort & Erie Trader that opened the Soo Locks and it should be noted in 2025 the Soo Locks opened a few days earlier than the traditional March 25 date due to a much milder & warmer winter I guess you’d say maybe last year. So, as they say in the Sport of Racing “They’re off and running!”

Don’t know who will be first, buy it’s good to see the Sykes has her boilers up already, so there will be one classic steamer bulk self unloader running this year again (besides the Alpena cement carrier).

Here is Thursday's Great Lakes ice concentration and thickness chart from the National Ice Center.

I was going to say the same thing that there must have been a glitch in the ais system as was reported the Indiana harbor has not left its layup dock yet this season as there is still ice surrounding the ship. The burns harbor had fired her engines up as I drove by today Friday the 20th and they have ballasted down so won’t be long before they head out. The Indiana harbor is still sitting high out of the water. There was a big crane near her today so don’t know if that’s to assist getting the anchors out of the water or what.

Yup 👍 I see that now on the AIS Maps and Thank You very much for the update much appreciated.

Indiana Harbor hasn't left the dock at all. There was some sort of glitch either with her AIS or with Marine Traffic.

Well folks things now just got a bit more interesting as far as just who will be the first ship at the Soo next week for the 2026 season. The Stewart J. Cort which is laid up in Milwaukee, now shows Silver Bay as their first port of call from layup. They are estimated at Silver Bay on March 26 at about 8 AM subject to change based on weather and ice conditions! Also, the Dirk S. VanEnkevort and the barge Michigan Trader departed Toledo this afternoon, March 20 with a Duluth-Superior destination listed. Keep in mind folks that in 2025, it was the Clyde S. VanEnkevort and Erie Trader which opened the Soo. Could we see possibly see the Dirk & Michigan Trader do it for 2026 then? We shall see. Spring has arrived today, March 20 and with it the ships are coming back to life again and are slowly awakening from their long Winter Nap 😴 along with their hibernation too! The opening of the 2026 season is close at hand now and very soon now, the 2026 KYS Book will be on its way to us all as I just put in my order today and can’t wait! Let the fun, party and games begin and start. I’m waving and dropping the green flag to start up 2026! Ahoy all ships & captains alike, raise and heave up the anchor ⚓️ and unhook the cables, wires and lines. Anchors Aweigh and let the 2026 season and the good times roll! It’s A Celebration 🥳 and A Party everyone!

After looking at the ice coverage map, who with today's fuel prices wants to get stuck in the ice?

Or damage a boat.

Well folks it appears that one of my “First Ship at the Soo” predictions may not come true after all. The Indiana Harbor today, March 19 on the AIS map has arrived back in port at Superior and is at the Lakehead Pipeline Dock the same berth and dock she’s been at since arriving in early January for Lay Up. However, IF I was betting on it to which I never do! My pick would be the Barker (James R.) since she’s at Sturgeon Bay and the closest to the Soo right now. Of course we will see come next week then.

As we approach and get near and close to the opening of the 2026 season next week at the Soo, anyone care to take a wild guess and shot at who the first boat at the Soo for 2026 will be then? Not counting any of the Coast Guard Icebreakers I’m talking regular ships and vessels as far as who the first one at the Soo will be for 2026? I see on the AIS map, Indiana Harbor left from Superior on March 18 but appears to be anchored off of Duluth or Superior probably for ice or weather or both. The Gott has their AIS now on in Toledo as does the James R. Barker at Sturgeon Bay. With that said, my bet so far then is that one of those three could be the one at the Soo to kick things off next week. I’d say let’s go with many boatnerds’ favorite “The Barker Bark!” They just got a new paint job this Winter at Sturgeon Bay after getting their 5 Year done and should be noted as well that the Barker Bark, will be 40 years of the Barker Bark this season! Personally though I would’ve loved to have seen the Paul R. Tregurtha or PRT and my favorite BTW be the first at the Soo since she made the cover of the 2026 KYS Book and this year marks 45 years she’s sailed now and held the honor and title of “Queen of the Lakes” the longest ever reign of any ship to ever sail then!