Boatnerd Discussion Forum

mn brett wrote:We have read in the past,that Shipping Company's do not want to sell excess Boats to the Competition,But are C N Boats really a Competitor to American steamship?

Yes. The Key Lakes/Great Lakes, Inc. fleet competes with ASC, Interlake, LLT/GRN, etc. on the open/general market for cargoes on the Lakes. While they still have a lot of contracts relating to their old owners (U.S. Steel), they haven't been a dedicated haulage fleet for decades, and they do plenty of business that has nothing to do with U.S. Steel.

mn brett wrote:We have read in the past,that Shipping Company's do not want to sell excess Boats to the Competition,But are C N Boats really a Competitor to American steamship?

Actually was just owned by a bank and charted to American Steamship. Was never owned by ASC.

We have read in the past,that Shipping Company's do not want to sell excess Boats to the Competition,But are C N Boats really a Competitor to American steamship?

Just got this from the AMO Weekly news:

AMO jobs secured as M/V Great Republic fits out under new contract with Key Lakes

American Maritime Officers will represent all licensed officers and stewards working aboard the M/V Great Republic under a new five-year agreement. The 634-foot laker is now managed and operated by Key Lakes IV Inc.
Formerly operated by American Steamship Company as the American Republic, the ship spent much of last season in lay-up. Key Lakes is currently fitting out the Great Republic, which is expected to get underway in early June.
First launched in 1981, the ship is the most recently built self-propelled U.S cargo ship on the Great Lakes. The Great Republic will operate between various ports on the Lakes in the coal in stone trades, providing continued employment for AMO members under the new agreement secured by the union.
"It's the most maneuverable vessel on the Great Lakes," said Dave Schultze, manager of fleet human resources for Key Lakes. "It was originally designed to go up and down the Cuyahoga River forward or backward at the same speed. It has twin screws and twin engines, eight rudders, and bow and stern thrusters. It can spin around virtually without moving forward

The chief and 1st asst. showed up on Tuesday the17th. They both came off the Gott. The crew will be S.I.U. and the Officers and Steward A.M.O.

I don't think that anything is actually official until the end of May. It should be out beginning of June. I know Keystone has loads for it.

Has anyone seen any activity on the Republic yet?

Will it be like GLF's M/V Presque Isle and crewed through the SIU, and officers with the AMO?

Or like their other boats - a Local 5000 crew and either AMO for Officers, or is it MMP for officers?

Thanks!

I think it means that they will create a separate business entity (corporation) to lease and operate the ship. If you look back through history, many fleets have done so, sometimes to shield other assets from liability, to isolate the ship financially for tax purposes, or it could be to avoid union agreements concerning their current fleet.

By the way, just because they lease and operate the ship, they don't have to rename it. It could easily retain the current name, and even the paint scheme. Wasn't that the case with the Courtney Burton a few years back when it was hauling grain? They may not want to incur the expenses of the changes until they fully evaluate the operation and see how well it works for them.

Perhaps GLF has to set up another company, much as Columbia had to set up Pringle Transit because of the different unions. GLF boats are USW and BoCo boats are SIU.

al chesky wrote:The boat will start to be crewed next week but will be a considered another company from G.L.F.

Al, what do you mean by "will be a considered another company from G.L.F."? Is some other outfit leasing the American Republic?

The boat will start to be crewed next week but will be a considered another company from G.L.F.

MartinR916 wrote:Just a guess, but I would imagine that the near term would find only American Republic's stack repainted in GLF "tin stacker" color. Perhaps a name change as well. Good to hear an addition to the GLF fleet! It's been a long time.

It'll probably be named for someone at USS or CN.

Just a guess, but I would imagine that the near term would find only American Republic's stack repainted in GLF "tin stacker" color. Perhaps a name change as well. Good to hear an addition to the GLF fleet! It's been a long time.

Will she be repainted red with the black and silver?

It is a done deal GLF will be running her this year, she will be coming out in the next few few weeks.

Guest wrote:Is there any action on the American Republic in Toledo this spring?

I heard nothing for a while now. All I understand is its stack has apparently been repainted a solid black and nothing else. No official confirmation or denial on whether Great Lakes Fleet has chartered it, either.

Is there any action on the American Republic in Toledo this spring?