Saginaw River Images

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - July 6, 2026: Candace Elise/Robert F. Deegan

The tug Candace Elise, and her tank barge Robert F. Deegan, arrived on the Saginaw River early Monday morning, calling on the Port Fisher Terminals Dock in Bay City. The pair unloaded for Occidental Chemical. Photos Taken 7/6/26

Saginaw River Passage - July 4, 2026: American Courage & Olive L. Moore/Menominee

American Courage outbound on the Saginaw River, passing her fleet mate, Olive L. Moore/Menominee at the Burroughs North/Zilwaukee Dock on July 4th, 2026.

Monday, July 6, 2026

St. Clair River - June 27th & 28th, 2026: Huron Spirit & Huron Pride

During my recent trip to the St. Clair River area, I was able to catch two of the Lake Pilots Association vessels, Huron Spirit and Huron Pride, in action. The photos of Huron Spirit are from June 27th when she exchanged pilots on Kamenitza. The photos of Huron Pride are from June 28th when she exchanged pilots on BBC Singapore.

Saginaw River Passage - July 4, 2026: Olive L. Moore/Menominee

Olive L. Moore/Menominee were on the Saginaw River, delivering a split cargo to the Burroughs North - Essexville Dock and the Burroughs North - 1st Street Dock in Saginaw. These photos show the pair tied up at the Burroughs North - Zilwaukee Dock, as American Courage passes on her outbound trip. Photos taken 7/4/26

Saginaw River Passage - July 4, 2026: Herbert C. Jackson

Herbert C. Jackson called on the Saginaw River for her first visit of the season on July 4th, arriving shortly after midnight, and traveling up to the Burroughs North/GM Dock in Saginaw that the American Courage was preparing to leave. Herbert C. Jackson unloaded coal there that was taken on in Toledo, OH. After unloading, she was outbound later that afternoon. Photos Taken 7/4/26

Saginaw River Passage - July 4, 2026: American Courage

American Courage arrived on the Saginaw River mid-afternoon on July 3rd, marking her first trip here for the season. She unloaded at the Burroughs North/GM Dock in Saginaw overnight, turned and was outbound on the morning of July 4th, passing both the Herbert C. Jackson and Olive L. Moore/Menominee on her outbound trip down the Saginaw River. American Courage blew at least six salutes, one to her fleet mate, Olive L. Moore as they passed, and the rest while traveling though Bay City and Essexville on the way to Saginaw Bay. Photos taken 7/4/26

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.