Erie Trader and Clyde S. VanEnkevort - Clanking, Honking, and Humming

Here is the articulated tug-and-barge combination of the Clyde S. VanEnkevort (tug) and Erie Trader (barge) returning to Duluth, Minnesota on the afternoon of June 4, 2023. They were carrying limestone they loaded at Stoneport, Michigan and were delivering it to the C. Reiss dock in West Duluth. After unloading, they would depart empty and make the four-hour trip north to Silver Bay, Minnesota to load taconite (iron ore) pellets.

For this arrival, we get a variety of distinct noises. The clanking noise is the sound of deck crew releasing the clamps on the hatches that cover the cargo holds. Even though they aren't taking on a load in Duluth, removing the hatch covers is necessary to not only monitor unloading operations, but to clean out the cargo hold as they prepare to shift to taconite. The second distinct noise is from the ship's horn, delivering the customary captain's salute to the Aerial Lift Bridge who responds in kind. The salute was a little quiet this time around, because she held off saluting until she was nearly past my position. But I'm not complaining, as any salutes are still fun. A third noise we hear is from the Clyde's twin diesel engines producing a hum that is very characteristic of the VanEnkevort tugs. You can hear them humming away, even some distance away across the harbor.

I often get asked about the water seen discharging from the rear or sides of ships making their way through the canal. Typically this is cooling water (especially if it comes from the engine area). Instead of using a radiator to cool their engines like your car does, they use lake water. The cool water is pulled into the engine's cooling system and then discharged back into the lake again, only a few degrees warmer. It's a simple solution to keep the massive diesel engines running at a happy temperature.

The 740-foot barge Erie Trader began her life in April 2012 as the Lakes Contender, while the 135-foot tug Clyde S. VanEnkevort began her life as the Ken Booth Sr. in February 2011. Both were built at Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair in Erie, Pennsylvania. They were specifically designed to work with each other and not mate with any other tugs or barges. Both are owned by VanEnkevort Tug and Barge of Escanaba, Michigan. They were leased by the American Steamship Company until 2017, when the lease ended and their operation went to VanEnkevort Tug and Barge. At the time the lease expired, they obtained their current names... though observant viewers will spot the old names of both the tug and barge in the metalwork. The Erie Trader can carry 38,500 tons of cargo and has a 1000-horsepower diesel-driven bow thruster that helps her maneuver in port. The Clyde S. VanEnkevort is powered by twin 5,400 HP MaK diesel engines driving two controllable pitch propellers.

The main advantage of the articulated tug-and-barge combos is that they can operate with smaller crews than traditional lake freighters. Tug crew sizes are typically 15-18 compared to the crews of 25-30 on traditional lakers. The tugs also have the flexibility to detach from the barge for maintenance, refueling, and even occasional ice breaking duties.

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