Saginaw River Images

Friday, January 9, 2026

Saginaw River - 2025 in Review: July

July was the busiest month of the Shipping Season for the Saginaw River, logging 32 commercial vessel passages, five more than the previous year for July. We also had a first-time visitor, the tug Treasure Coast and barge Cement Transporter 7700. The pair started servicing the Great Lakes cement trade to assist with the cargo lost when Alpena was not able to start the season due to ongoing repairs. Vessels visiting the Saginaw River in July, some multiple times were: American Courage, Saginaw, Sam Laud, Samuel de Champlain/Innovation, Olive L. Moore/Menominee, Algoma Buffalo, Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder, Herbert C. Jackson, Calumet, John J. Boland, Treasure Coast/Cement Transporter 7700, Northern Venture. H. Lee White, Robert S. Pierson, Candace Elise/Robert F. Deegan, Sharon M I/Huron Spirit, and Defiance/Ashtabula.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Saginaw River - 2025 in Review: June

The month of June on the Saginaw River was historic as the tug Undaunted and barge Pere Marquette 41 travelled to the upper Saginaw River for the first time since June 2, 2014 when they had unloaded at the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw. This time, on June 1, 2025, the pair actually took on a cargo at the Sargent docks in Zilwaukee, taking on a cargo of gypsum from the KeyTerra mine in Turner, MI that was destined for Green Bay, WI. This is reportedly the start of what could be many loads to be taken out of the Saginaw River. For the month, the Saginaw River saw 27 commercial vessel passages, nine more than the year before.

Monday, January 5, 2026

Saginaw River - 2025 in Review: May

The month of May on the Saginaw River was an active one, with 26 commercial vessel passages. One more than the previous year. The boats calling on the river in May were Iver Bright, Olive L. Moore/Menominee, H. Lee White, John J. Boland, Herbert C. Jackson, Northern Venture, Samuel de Champlain/Innovation, Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder, American Courage, Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41, Defiance/Ashtabula, Robert S. Pierson, Sharon M I/Huron Spirit, and Candace Elise/Robert F. Deegan.

Following the boats of the Saginaw River and Great Lakes

Here is a little background on my history with the boats: I have been an avid photographer and follower of the big lake freighters that carry their cargoes between the ports of the Great Lakes. During that time, a number of my photos have been used by various shipping companies and in publications from the U.S. Coast Guard, Lake Carriers Association, the Marine Legal Review, and in the annual boatwatchers bible, "Know Your Ships". I also report news and vessel passage information from the Saginaw River to both Boatnerd.com and to the local newspaper, The Bay City Times, and have been fortunate enough to have had the honor of being aboard and taking a trip on a Great Lakes Freighter. I am also a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner, Captain and deckhand for the Bay City Boat Lines, and a Deckhand for Malcom Marine, Inc.

In this blog, you will see information on the vessels that ply the waters of the Saginaw River, photos, and vessel passage information. I hope that you will enjoy what is posted here.