Saginaw River Images

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 12, 2026: Iver Bright

Iver Bright on the Saginaw River at sunrise, as they prepare to depart about 30 minutes later, after unloading overnight for Bit-Mat Products of Michigan. Photos taken 5/12/26.

Monday, May 11, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 11, 2026: Iver Bright & North Dakota

The second time was the charm for Iver Bright, entering the Saginaw River this morning with the assistance of tug North Dakota. She tied up in the slip at Port Fisher to unload for Bit-Mat Products of Michigan. Iver bright had been scheduled earlier in the season, arriving on the Saginaw Bay April 2nd and going to anchor at Light 1, unable to enter the Saginaw River due to unsafe outflow. Photos taken 5/11/26

The conditions were tough for photography this morning however, with the sun continually going in and out of the clouds, causing over and under exposure situations and areas in sunlight with others not. It was constant aperture adjustments. I miss the days of shooting in Auto mode.... lol

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 10, 2026: Defiance/Ashtabula

The tug Defiance and her self-unloading barge, Ashtabula, were inbound on the Saginaw River early Sunday morning. The pair made the turn, entering the Port Fisher Slip to unload for Bay Aggregates on a beautiful Mother's Day morning. Photos taken 5/10/26

Friday, May 8, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 6, 2026: Sameul de Champlain/Innovation - Bonus Photos

A few more unpublished photos of Samuel de Champlain/Innovation from May 6, 2026

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.