Saginaw River Images

Monday, May 25, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 24, 2026: Samuel de Champlain/Innovation

Samuel de Champlain/Innovation were inbound on the Saginaw River during a rainy, overcast Sunday afternoon. The pair tied up at the Amrize Cement Dock in Essexville, assisted by the tug North Dakota. Photos taken 5/24/2026

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 21, 2026: Algoma Compass

Algoma Compass on the Saginaw River, unloading at the Burroughs North - GM Dock in Saginaw at sunrise, Thursday morning. Photos taken 5/21/26

Saginaw River Passage - May 20, 2026: Algoma Compass

Algoma Compass arrived on the Saginaw River Wednesday evening, carrying a split cargo for the Burroughs North - Essexville Dock and the Burroughs North - GM Dock in Saginaw. After dropping part of her load in Essexville, she then headed upriver for Saginaw late Wednesday night. Algoma Compass was unloading at the Burroughs North - GM Dock at sunrise Thursday morning. Photos taken 5/20/26

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 20, 2026: Samuel de Champlain/Innovation

Not every trip works out perfectly. I have been lucky with sunrises, and was set for another amazing one this morning, but as I was preparing to leave the house this morning, my fire department pager went off for a medical response. By the time I cleared from that and made it down to the river, I had missed the most beautiful sunrise with reds and yellows lighting up the clouds... Missed it by 5 minutes. You can't win them all.

Samuel de Champlain/Innovation arrived on the Saginaw River overnight, calling on the AmRize Cement Dock in Essexville to unload. Photos taken 5/20/26

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Saginaw River Passage - May 19, 2026: Manitowoc

Manitowoc became the first repeat visitor to the Saginaw River, arriving Tuesday morning, making the turn into the slip at Port Fisher to unload for Bay Aggregates. Photos taken 5/19/26

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.