Alpena

[GreatLaker]

Alpena is laying at Detroit Thursday night for weather

[Denny]

As of 6 PM ET on March 12, the Alpena is upbound below Detroit and is at or near the Detroit River entrance. As far as questions about where she will go after loading in Alpena? Possibly to Detroit as the SDC & Innovaton was laid up in Detroit all Winter. The point is, the SDC & Innovation delivered their storage load of cement at Detroit & Toledo then went back up to Alpena and repeated their unload destinations again! So, I would guess that the Alpena may possibly go to Detroit or Cleveland? What about Essexville as a possible destination as well? I’m sure that the Saginaw Bay and the river itself both have their fare share of ice up there right now? We’ll just have to wait and see after she loads in Alpena where she goes next! As for CG escort, I would guess that she may have an escort possibly and probably? I’m sure they will have CG Icebreakers standing by in case they may be needed then!

[Guest Jon Paul]

There has been a serviceable track through Round Island Passage and the Straits all winter for salt and tanker traffic

[Guest]

Where will she go after loading? Still looks like significant ice in the Straits and the SOO. Lake Huron isn't ice free either.

Will she have an escort?

[Denny]

As of 11:30 AM ET on March 12, the Alpena has departed their lay up and is now out with Alpena as their next destination. It should however be noted though, high winds are in the forecast tomorrow on March 13 so, I don’t know how far she will go as far as sailing goes? The Alpena could possibly end up going to anchor someplace then to wait out the high winds! At least for now though she has left her lay up in Cleveland and is now out sailing for the 2026 season.

[Guest]

Just left cleveland

[Darryl1]

Thanks Denny,

It is always great to see one of the old steamers coming out. Especially, one I worked on. I was a relief sailor on her for 60 days I think, about 20 years ago. It was a good job. That engineroom with that big steam turbine is becoming more and more rare. Also, the stern cabin is like a classic ore boat. Hopefully, there won't be too much ice in the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers.

Daryl

[Luth]

The Samuel D. Champlain/Innovation just opened the season up here yesterday. The entirety of Thunder Bay had been frozen over for the first time in years, it had just thawed last weekend. Perfect timing.

[Denny]

Heads up all boatnerds. The classic steamer Alpena is expected to arrive up in Alpena on March 13 at 8 A.M. per their AIS. They should be departing from their Winter Lay Up in Cleveland then any day and time now. I have not seen her on the St. Clair River now since 2022 believe it or not and even then I only saw her just once! However, the last 3 years I’ve had serious health issues that have limited me from seeing much shipping activity up along the St. Clair River. Hopefully 🙏 I’ll get lucky and see the Alpena then this year.