Boatnerd Discussion Forum

The loading time for a thousand footer at the gravity ore dock takes longer because of how it has to be loaded and the capacity of the ship. They have to be ballasted to fit under the chutes, then de-ballasted as they are loaded on one side. Then the vessel have to be moved to the opposite side of the dock, or turned around to complete loading. All this takes time.

The gravity chute ore dock at Marquette has the greatest distance from the lake surface to the chute hinge point out of all the gravity ore docks, which makes it easier for thousand footers with a depth of 46 or 50 feet to load at it. Yes, I'm aware that the Presque Isle can load at the gravity chute ore docks in Two Harbors.

While in Marquette, Michigan recently I observed the freighter American Spirit arrive and dock alongside the loading terminal at Marquette’s upper harbor.  The ship arrived on Thursday June 18 and departed at approximately 0400 on June 21.  Was there a problem that caused such a long visit?  Thanks for any information.