Saginaw River Images

Friday, May 29, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 28, 2026: Algoma Buffalo

Algoma Buffalo arrived on the Saginaw River Thursday evening, making the turn into the slip at Port Fisher to unload for Bay Aggregates. She unloaded there overnight and then backed from the slip, turning in the Essexville basin Friday morning before heading for the lake. Photos taken 5/28/26

Saginaw River Passage - May 28, 2026: Alpena - Part 2

Alpena departed the Amrize Cement Dock in Essexville Thursday evening, going up to the Essexville Turning Basin to wind around while the Algoma Buffalo was entering the slip at Port Fisher to unload. Once Algoma Buffalo was in the slip, Alpena slid by and headed for the lake. Photos taken 5/28/26

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Saginaw River Images - May 28, 2026: Alpena

Alpena arrived on the Saginaw River Thursday morning, calling on the Amrize Cement Dock in Essexville. This is Alpena's first trip of the season to the Saginaw River. Photos 5/28/26

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 25, 2026: Samuel de Champlain/Innovation & Defiance/Ashtabula

Here are a few bonus photos of Samuel de Champlain/Innovation & Defiance/Ashtabula from May 25th that have not been posted yet. Enjoy!

Saginaw River Passage - May 25, 2026: Defiance/Ashtabula

Defiance/Ashtabula on the Saginaw River, making the turn into the slip at Port Fisher to unload for Bay Aggregates. Samuel de Champlain/Innovation watch from nearby at the Amrize Cement dock in Essexville.

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.