The Great Lakes Shipyard Winter Maintenance Season

As winter sets in, the U.S.-flagged fleet of Lakers have docked in ports across the Great Lakes region for essential maintenance before the navigational locks in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan reopen on March 25th.

Hundreds of skilled shipyard workers are congregating in the area to support the nearly $150 million maintenance investment being made on these massive ships. Ohio leads the pack with $51.5 million worth of work, followed by Wisconsin at $51 million, Pennsylvania at $25 million, and Minnesota and Michigan each receiving $9 million. Additionally, $3 million will go to facilities in New York and Illinois.

Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers Association, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This level of investment is a testament to the strength of the U.S. shipping industry on the Great Lakes. Domestically produced steel will be installed on many ships by U.S welders, and electronic equipment will be upgraded by American electricians. It is good for the ships, good for local jobs, and great for the Great Lakes region.”

Following nine and a half months of continuous operations handling various bulk cargo, the ships are now undergoing a period of rest and maintenance. While most of the crew enjoy a well-deserved break, engineers and support staff are hard at work ensuring the vessels are in optimal condition for the upcoming season. Propulsion equipment will be fine-tuned or replaced, hull plating and welds will be refreshed, and crew amenities will be added or upgraded.

Due to their size, most of the U.S.-flagged fleet of Lakers cannot exit the Great Lakes through the Seaway locks. Therefore, they will remain at some of the world’s top ship repair facilities located in the Great Lakes states. This investment in the current Great Lakes ships not only ensures their longevity but also contributes to the future of the North American economy and the continued strength of the nation.