Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I was told they were having some issues with the tug (specifically one of the pitch propellers). They should be moving again soon.

The Michigan Trader was towed back to Bay Ship on Thursday afternoon by Sarter Marine. Micigan Trader was turned around out by Sherwood Pt and was towed stern first to Bay Ship and was then was tied up out on the face dock.

Going back to the shipyard for minor adjustment

Looks like they must be having some kind of difficulty. The Ganor appears to be along side.

BeeZee wrote:Is the tug Dirk VanEnkevort and barge MIchigan Trader going back to Bay Ship? Looking at AIS, she is heading is a Westward direction (4.4kn at 274 degrees).

Probably on a shakedown run before they head out and get too far away from Bayship.

BeeZee wrote:Is the tug Dirk VanEnkevort and barge MIchigan Trader going back to Bay Ship? Looking at AIS, she is heading is a Westward direction (4.4kn at 274 degrees).

May be wrong but maybe they are doing sea trials for the barge

With some ships layed up what contract are these VanEnkvort barges hauling pellets for?

Is the tug Dirk VanEnkevort and barge MIchigan Trader going back to Bay Ship? Looking at AIS, she is heading is a Westward direction (4.4kn at 274 degrees).

The tug Dirk VanEnkevort and barge MIchigan Trader left Bay Ship late Tuesday evening and headed outto the bay of green Bay and cleared Sherwood Pt. light at 2045 hrs, cst.

Departing at 8:09 tonight on maiden voyage!

THe Dirk VanEnkevort arrived earlier Tuesday morning and went right into the notch of the Michigan Trader,unknown when its actually going to leave Bay Ship.

Bailey wrote:I’m no captain but why would the dirk go to Drummond island to wait out weather , pull up the anchor and proceed to go wait out weather a smidge south by Bois blanc island . It didn’t make sense to me.

It has no anchor

I’m no captain but why would the dirk go to Drummond island to wait out weather , pull up the anchor and proceed to go wait out weather a smidge south by Bois blanc island . It didn’t make sense to me.

They just moved the barge in Sturgeon Bay a few days ago. Must be going there to pick it up.

Possible waiting on weather. Very high winds expected today.

Why is the Dirk in Detour? Aren’t they coming to Bay Ship to pick up the Michigan Trader? The port report of today says they arrived in Detour to load limestone? Based on yesterday’s photos, I thought the Dirk was the new tug and didn’t have a barge with her.

Harbor Lookout has the Dirk S. VanEnkevort/Michigan Trader loading at the West Duluth ore docks on Thursday.

Would be interesting to be in Pilot House with full speed and giving her a hard over in her unhooked condition...

I second Garbear's comments and agree. Very nice photos of them indeed Dawn and glad to see you were able to get out and see her and get photos of them. Wish I could've been there to see them as well but, I had other obligations I could not get out of and away from yesterday. Although I won't see just the tug part only at least someday I'll see them with the new barge Michigan Trader though out along the St. Clair River. Get ready though as very soon the new Algoma Intrepid should be headed up the river sometime soon!

garbear wrote:

Dawn wrote:Passing Marysville around 2:15 this afternoon.

Nice shots, Dawn. Watched her on the Marine City cam. Be interested to see her up this way. Probably will be up her soon loading pellets either here in Duluth or Silver Bay.

This was my first time to see only the tug of an ATB moving on the water. Gave me a whole new perspective, especially the wake it created.