Boatnerd Discussion Forum

She’s not done yet. S/S Alpena arrived to, well, Alpena this morning. Hot on the heals of the departing G.L. Ostrander. With John J. Boland arriving shortly after, as well. Busy Christmas Day at Amrise (formerly Holcim, before that LaFarge). Happy Holidays fellow Boatnerd.

Pretty sure the demand for cement in construction with these Mid-West temps is pretty low.

Not sure about the ice getting bad early however, maybe the company that owns the Alpena feels that they have done enough orders and trips with the Alpena this season so far, that they don’t need her out any longer? Also, there is the tug and barge combos from Amrize Cement I think it’s called now the Samuel De Champlain/Innovation & G.L. Ostrander/Integrity that can always fill in for the Alpena I suppose and haul the same cargo and products to the Amrize Docks that the Alpena does. Perhaps another possibility is maybe the Alpena needs some sort of work done on her as to why she might be headed for an early lay up. Just my opinion & thoughts only is all on this topic.

Just got word from a friend who follows the Alpena that they’re due to layup by the end of December. That’s surprising being that they had such a late start to the season this year. Wouldn’t you think the company would try and sail them later into January to make up for lost trips? My buddy also said they’re only on the 2nd trip for the month, which is based on them sitting at the dock taking multiple weather delays and anchoring. I know the weather around the Great Lakes has been a bit nasty lately with high winds and wave action, but it looks like other boats are still moving product like normal. Could it be that the ice is getting bad early? Thanks