American Mariner - Making a Big Noise in the Night

NOTE: For the month of March, I will be uploading footage I recorded during the 2022-2023 shipping season but haven't previously posted. Early in the shipping season, I made the decision to reserve some video clips so we would all have something to enjoy during the off-season before I can shoot footage from the 2023-2024 shipping season. If you haven't seen it already, I recently posted my video showing the highlights of the 2022-2023 shipping season. It can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/WI55UjblOZA

Here is the American Mariner seen departing Duluth, Minnesota at 3:35am on November 14, 2022. She had arrived early that evening with dolomite which she discharged at the Hallett 5 dock in West Duluth. After unloading was completed, she departed empty... bound for Thunder Bay to pick up a load of grain. The total duration of her 7-hour visit occurred in the hours of darkness. Fortunately for us boatnerds she wasn't shy about saluting both hello and goodbye during her visit, as heard here. If you like to see her arrival (and hear the hello salute), see here: https://youtu.be/vfT-GSdqxZI

The American Mariner ended up spending her 2023 winter layup at Fraser Shipyards in Superior, Wisconsin, getting her 5-year inspection and maintenance done. She was then the first ship to load taconite at the Canadian National dock for the 2023-2024 shipping season, departing Duluth on the evening of March 23, 2023. The Soo Locks should be re-opened by the time she reaches Sault Ste. Marie near midnight on March 25, 2023 (if they haven't already opened). They definitely wasted no time getting a start to their new season!

The 730-foot American Mariner was launched in 1979 and made her maiden voyage in 1980. Her single propeller is powered by twin 3,600 horsepower V-20 GM diesel engines giving her a rated service speed of 15 mph. She can hold up to 37,300 tons of cargo in seven holds accessed by 24 hatches. Her 250-foot self-unloading boom can unload up to 6,000 tons per hour. She has sailed for the American Steamship Company for her entire career up until 2021 when she was leased to Grand River Navigation. She usually alternates between iron ore (taconite) and grain deliveries, but occasionally can be seen hauling limestone.

Видео American Mariner - Making a Big Noise in the Night канала 1 Long 2 Short