Boatnerd Discussion Forum

That problem could be solved by using MarineTraffic desktop version or by using boatnerd.com's new AIS. Both of those sites show the actual destination that the ship's crew has put, unlike the MarineTraffic mobile app. When a ship is using codes for their destination port, for Duluth they will usually use US DLH.

Regarding the AIS Port of call designation, a perfect example of the confusion in my opinion anyway on the SUW designation the Paul R. Tregurtha is heading to SUW from Indiana Harbor to load next. At first, I thought they were heading up to Duluth to load at the CN Ore Dock #6. However, after looking at the ship schedule on the harbor lookout website they’re showing their destination as Superior to load at the BNSF Ore Dock #5. So, my point is just wish Marine Traffic could somehow make it easier and use SUW for Superior designations and DUL for Duluth so that there’s no confusion. It would certainly make it easier in my opinion at least!

Thank you to all who have responded...it gave me very good insight as to the how's and why's of my question. Thank you for your time boat nerds.

This is because you are using MarineTraffic. That website uses an automated system to track where vessels have been and where they are going, and it is often incorrect and has nothing to do with a ship's actual destination. Similarly, when a ship makes a stop in Detroit for fuel or to unload, MarineTraffic's system typically logs the ship as stopping in Windsor Canada rather than Detroit.

I have often asked myself that very same question Central Ohio Nerd as far as why they list the Soo Locks in Canada on ships’ AIS Port of call designation and not in the U.S. instead? Also, another puzzling question is “Why is a Ship’s AIS shown on Marine Traffic as arriving at an anchorage when it really isn’t?” They’ve been doing this for many years like that now and it just makes it more complicated along with very confusing. One last thing to add, whenever a ship is showing on their AIS destination of SUW for Duluth-Superior I wish they would simply use either SUW for Superior and maybe DUL for Duluth! I can never tell what port by using SUW that a ship is going to whenever it’s going to Duluth-Superior? I think it would just be easier and less complicated and confusing if they would simply use Duluth or Superior instead of SUW.

Maybe the AIS receiver is at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario?

I was just wondering why vessel's passing through the Soo Locks always have Canada designated as the port of call....isn't the locks in American waters? Any info very much appreciated in advance.