Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 08/17/2025

 

 Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth this morning under an incredible Lake Superior sunrise. The Tregurtha will be loading coal. note: the horn was added from a previous voyage, due to the fact that it was too early to rattle windows this time of day. I wanted you to hear it anyway.

Algoma Conveyor departed Duluth 08/14/2025

 

The Algoma Conveyor easing her way out of Duluth Harbor. This modern self-unloading bulk carrier has just finished loading a full cargo of petroleum coke at Midwest Energy, and she’s now bound for Soo Ste. Marie, Ontario, with arrival expected later tonight around 11 o’clock. Built in 2019, the Algoma Conveyor stretches 740 feet from bough to stern and spans 78 feet across her beam. She can carry roughly 37,400 tons of cargo, and her powerful self-unloading system includes a 262-foot boom mounted at the stern, allowing her to unload quickly at ports without special equipment. An interesting bit of history—this ship’s life almost ended before it began. Partway through construction, her original shipyard went bankrupt. Algoma Central stepped in, bought the incomplete hull, and had her finished at a different yard. Today, she’s a hardworking member of the Equinox-class fleet, designed for efficiency and reliability on the Great Lakes. She should have nice weather for todays voyage.

Viking Polaris departed Duluth 08/11/2025

 

 Here comes the Viking Polaris, a Norwegian-flag expedition cruise ship built in 2022. She measures about 673 ft long and 78 ft wide, with a draft of ~20 ft, and is rated at 30,114 gross tons. Designed for remote exploration, her service speed is about 19.0 mph. Polaris spends summers exploring the Great Lakes, including this Toronto-to-Duluth route, then heads south for Antarctica when our lakes turn icy. Instead of ore or grain, she carries curious travelers—and a science team—with a working science lab and a sheltered boat Hangar for Zodiacs and special operations boats. That distinctive bow you see is the Ulstein X-BOW, shaped to cut through waves more smoothly and reduce spray—handy on Lake Superior’s moodier days. In late 2022, while crossing the Drake Passage, Polaris was struck by an abnormally large breaking wave; investigations followed and she soon returned to service—an episode now part of modern expedition-ship lore. Polaris’s two bright-yellow submersibles are nicknamed “George” and “Ringo,” a wink to the Beatles—just one example of Viking’s playful streak amid serious science. Farewell Viking Polaris—enjoy the lift bridge salute!

Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 08/11/2025

 

 Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth early this morning for a day visit.

James R Barker departed Duluth 08/09/2025

James R Barker departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with iron ore pellets.

Concrete Pouring - 08/07/2025

 

 It was quite a reach to pour concrete for the new section of Lakewalk - An interesting operation.

Asian Spirit arrived in Duluth 08/07/2025

 

 The Asian Spirit arrived in Duluth this morning with it's third load of wind turbine blades for the summer.

Sailboat Races 08/06/2025

 

There was plenty of wind Wednesday evening to fill the sails of all the participants.

John G Munson arrived in Duluth 08/02/2025

 

 John G Munson arrived in Duluth this evening loaded with limestone and serenading hundreds of summer visitors with multiple horn blasts.

BBC St Petersburg arrived in Duluth 08/01/2025

 

 BBC St Petersburg arrived in Duluth this morning loaded with containers.

Thank You Benson Electric

 Many thanks to Benson Electric for installing the new Great Lakes Aquarium Camera after the lightning strike.

Polstream Dabie departed Duluth 07/29/2025

 

Polstream Dabie departed Duluth loaded with grain bound for Italy.

American Century arrived & John G Munson departed Duluth 07/25/2025

 

 American Century arrived for iron ore pellets & John G Munson departed Duluth to load iron ore pellets in Two Harbors.

jrb072425

 

 With its familiar blast, the James R Barker arrived in Duluth to a cheering crowd to load iron ore pellets.

Lightning Strike Direct Hit 07/23/2025

 

 The Harbor Plaza/Great Lakes Aquarium camera, which sits atop the Great Lakes Aquarium, took a direct hit this afternoon during a lightning storm. Thankfully, there was no damage to the structure. The camera did not fare as well.

American Integrity arrived in Duluth 07/21/2025

 

 American Integrity arrived in Duluth this morning to load iron ore pellets.

James R Barker arrived in Duluth 07/12/2025

 

 James R Barker arrived in Duluth this morning to load iron ore pellets.

Tall Ships25

 

 An early morning look at the Tall Ships at rest.

Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 07/10/2025

 

 Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth this evening to load coal

Parade of Sale - Duluth 07/10/2025

 

 Sundew

 Zeeto

 Abby Road

 Liberty Clipper

 Alliance

 Inland Seas

 When & If

 St. Laurence II

 Charlie

 Pride of Baltimore II

Liberty Schooner, When & If, and Zeeto arrived in Duluth 07/09/25

 

 Liberty Schooner, When & If, and Zeeto arrived in Duluth today for the Tall Ship Festival. More info: https://festofsailduluth.com/

Abby Road, Alliance, & Inland Seas arrived in Duluth 07/08/2025

 

 Abby Road, Alliance, & Inland Seas arrived in Duluth Tuesday evening as part of the Festival of Sails going on later this week. More info on the festival: https://festofsailduluth.com/

American Mariner & John G Munson arrived in Duluth 07/08/2025

 

 American Mariner & John G Munson arrived in Duluth both loaded with various stone products

Lightning Show - Duluth

 

 A powerful summer storm rolled over Lake Superior in the early morning hours of July 4th. This time-lapse video displays the power and beauty of summer storms in the Northland.

Indiana Harbor arrived in Duluth 07/08/2025

 

 Indiana Harbor arrived in Duluth this morning to load coal.

Viking Octantis departed Duluth 07/05/2025

 

 Viking Octantis departed Duluth this afternoon after a warm day in Duluth.

Fireworks 07/04/2025

 

 Duluth July 4 Fireworks.

Samuel De Champlain arrived in Duluth 07/02/2025

 

 Samuel De Champlain arrived in Duluth this morning loaded with cement.