Saginaw River Passage - December 30th

The tug Kathy Lynn arrived on the Saginaw River on Thursday, pushing a crane barge to the old Defore Shipbuilding slip, just below Liberty Bridge. Ryba Marine has been staging their equipment in the slip the for the past month in preperation for work in the spring. This will most likely be the final passage of the year on the Saginaw River.

Saginaw River Passage - December 21st

Stephen B. Roman called on the Saginaw River Wednesday afternoon, stopping at the Essroc Cement dock in Essexville to unload. She was expected to be outbound on Thursday.

Saginaw River Update

With the departure of the Manistee on Decmber 14th, shipping on the Saginaw River could be finished for the season. I am still out there watching and listening for any traffic, and will report it here if it happens.

This winter off season, I am also planning on running some photos of historical vessel passages and do a feature on the docks of the upper Saginaw River. Last winter I did a feature of the docks of the lower river.

Anyway, lots to keep you interested during the winter.....

Saginaw River Passages - December 13th & 14th

The tug Tenacious arrived on the Saginaw River during the day Tuesday, taking barges up to the old Defoe Shipbuilding slip, just below the Liberty Bridge. Tenacious was outbound later in the day. The USCG Cutter Hollyhock was working out in the Saginaw Bay on Tuesday working AtoN.

Wednesday saw the Manistee call on the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw to unload and the Tug Olive L. Moore, with her barge Lewis J. Kuber, unloading at the Bay City Wirt Stone Dock. Both the Manistee and Moore-Kuber were outbound late Wednesday evening, headed for the lake.

Saginaw River Passage - December 12th

The tug Olive L. Moore, and barge Lewis J. Kuber were inbound the Saginaw River on Monday, calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. The pair completed their unload during the afternoon and were then outbound for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - December 9th

Stephen B. Roman backing to Essroc

Manitowoc arrived early Friday morning, calling on the Bay City Wirt Stone Dock to unload. She completed her unload, turned off the dock in the Wirt Turning Basin, and was outbound for the lake around 2:30 on Friday. The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber arrived Friday afternoon to call on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. To be able to back into the Bay Aggregates slip, Stephen B. Roman, who was unloading across the river at Essroc, had to move upriver to make room for the Moore-Kuber. After the pair had backed in to Bay Aggregates, the Roman backed downriver and again tied back up at the Essroc dock to finish unloading. Both vessels were expected to be outbound late Friday.

Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber nearing Bay Aggregates

Manitowoc turning in the Basin at Bay City Wirt

Saginaw River Passage - December 8th

The Stephen B. Roman called on the Saginaw River on Thursday, stopping at the Essroc Dock in Essexville to unload. She was expected to be outbound early Friday morning.

Stephen B. Roman upbound nearing the Essexville Range

Saginaw River Passage - December 5th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were inbound the Saginaw River late Monday evening, headed for the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee to unload. The pair were expected to be outbound during the day Tuesday.

Saginaw River Passages - December 3rd

Michipicoten was inbound Friday evening on her first trip to the Saginaw River of 2011. She called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload, and once finished, departed for the lake early Saturday morning.

The tug Olive L. Moore, with her barge, Lewis J. Kuber, was inbound Saturday morning carrying a split load. The pair unloaded a partial cargo at the Bay City Wirt Stone dock, the continued upriver to finish unloading at the Saginaw Wirt Stone Dock. They were expected to be outbound early Sunday morning.

Saginaw River Passages - December 1st

Thursday saw the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. After unloading, the pair departed for the lake and were outbound on the Saginaw Bay during the early evening. The USCG Cutter Hollyhock was also in the area working AtoN .

For the month of November, commercial vessel passages on the Saginaw River totaled twelve, a decrease of five from the seventeen recorded in 2010 and a decrease of eight over the five year average of 20 vessels. For the year to date, there have been 127 passages. This is down eleven as compared to the same period last year and 47 over the five year average of 174 for the year to date.

Saginaw River Passage - November 25th

The Stephen B. Roman called on the Essroc Cement Dock in Essexville on Friday to unload. She was expected to be outbound late Friday night or early Saturday morning. The Roman's visit is the first commercial vessel passage since November 16th.

Saginaw River Passage - November 16th

Manistee called on the Saginaw River on Wednesday, unloading at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Once finished, she turned and was outbound for the lake, early Thursday morning.

Saginaw River Passages - November 15th

Algorail and James Norris were both outbound late Monday night, early Tuesday morning, headed for the lake after unloading overnight at Saginaw area docks. The tug Olive L. Moore and barge Lewis J. Kuber were inbound Tuesday morning, calling on the Lafarge Stone dock in Saginaw to unload. The pair were outbound Tuesday evening.

Saginaw River Passages - Novmeber 14th

The James Norris was joined by Algorail out on the Saginaw Bay, Sunday night. The pair were able to come off the hook Monday morning and finally head up the Saginaw River to unload. James Norris came in first and called on the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Algorail was not far behind, and traveled all of the way up river to the Sixth Street Turning Basin to unload at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw. Both vessels were expected to be outbound late Monday evening.

Saginaw River Passages - November 13th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River Sunday morning, carrying a split cargo. The pair stopped at the Bay City Wirt Stone dock to drop part of their cargo, then continued upriver to finish unloading at the Saginaw Wirt Stone dock. The Moore - Kuber were outbound for the lake Sunday night.

The James Norris was anchored out in the Saginaw Bay early Sunday morning waiting for better weather before coming in to the Saginaw River. She was still out there late Sunday night. Wind has been out of the south at 22 knots, gusting to 31.

Saginaw River Passage - November 10th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River, Thursday evening, with a split load. The pair stopped at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City on to drop part of their cargo, then continued upriver to the Buena Vista dock in Saginaw to finish unloading. They were expected to be outbound on Friday.

Saginaw River Passages - November 7th & 8th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were inbound on the Saginaw River Monday afternoon headed upriver to unload at a Saginaw area dock. The pair were back outbound for the lake Tuesday morning. The tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge called on the Bit-Mat dock in Bay City to unload Tuesday morning. They were expected to be outbound on Wednesday.

Saginaw River Passages - November 3rd & 4th

Thursday saw the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber call on the Wirt Stone dock in Bay City to unload. Once the pair had finished, they traveled upriver to turn at the Airport Turning Basin, then headed back through Bay City and out to the lake. The tug Spartan, with tank barge Spartan II called on the Dow Chemical Oxy Dock in Bay City on Thursday. The pair unloaded overnight and departed for the lake Friday morning. This was the first visit by the pair to the Saginaw River since being renamed from the Mark Hannah. Algorail was inbound Friday afternoon, headed for the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee to unload. She was expected to be outbound Saturday morning.

Saginaw River Passage - November 1st

On Monday, Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. The pair were outbound early Tuesday morning.

For the month of October, there were 15 commercial vessel passages on the Saginaw River. This is down by four compared to October 2010. For the year to date, there have been 115 passages. This is down by six passages from the same period last year. Looking at the five year average, October is down six from the average of 21. For the year to date, 2011 is down 39 from the five year average of 154.

Saginaw River Passage - October 30th

The Stephen B. Roman departed the Essroc dock in Essexville, early Sunday evening, turned and headed for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - October 28th & 29th

Four vessels were moving on the Saginaw River on Saturday, starting with the Algorail, who had arrived Friday night to unload at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber arrived early Saturday morning, also unloading at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee, making the dock once the Algorail had departed to turn at Sixth Street and head for the lake. The Moore-Kuber were outbound during the early afternoon Saturday. Manistee was inbound later in the morning, calling on the GM dock in Saginaw to unload. She was outbound Saturday evening. Finally, Stephan B. Roman called on the Essroc Cement dock in Essexville to unload. She is expected to be outbound sometime on Sunday.

Saginaw River Passage - October 26th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were back at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. The pair arrived on Wednesday and were still unloading as of 10pm. They were expected to depart overnight and head for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - October 24th

After a period of six days without any boats, there were two arrivals on the Saginaw River early Monday. First in was Manistee, who traveled upriver to the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee to unload. She was followed by the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber, who called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. Both Manistee and the Moore-Kuber were outbound Monday afternoon and headed for the lake.

Manistee inbound nearing the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee

Saginaw River Passage - October 19th

After spending more than 24 hours at anchor on the Saginaw Bay, Algorail was able to safely enter the river Tuesday morning, traveling up to Saginaw to unload. She was back outbound late Tuesday.

Wednesday evening saw the Saginaw Bay/River with water levels higher than plus 50 inches above datum and winds sustained above 40 knots, gusting to nearly 60 knots.

Saginaw River Updates

Things have been really slow on the Saginaw River, as there has not been a commercial vessel passage/delivery since October 8th. Algorail has been at anchor out in the inner Saginaw Bay for the past 24 hours.

The upper river dredging is finished for the season. Wednesday saw the Ryba Marine tug, Tenacious, depart the Saginaw River with few barges that had been moved down to the Essroc dock in Essexville earlier in the day. Tenacious stated that she was headed to Cleveland.

Tug Tenacious and barge downbound at Veteran's Memorial Bridge

Saginaw River Passage - October 8th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River early Saturday morning, unloading at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. Once finished, the pair left the Bay Aggregates slip and were outbound for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - September 26th to October 7th

Hi Everyone,
I am back from a week of camping and a few days of work around the house playing catch-up. Here is my report from the past 12 days:

The Stephen B. Roman called on the Essroc dock in Essexville on Monday, September 26th. Indiana Harbor was in on Tuesday, calling on the Consumers Energy Dock in Essexville. Wednesday saw the Mississagi calling on the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee, Followed by the Olive L. Moore – Lewis J. Kuber, calling on the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw on Thursday, September 29th.
Traffic picked up again on Monday, October 3rd, with the Olive L. Moore – Lewis J. Kuber back on the Saginaw River, but I do not know what dock the pair unloaded at. Unloading on Thursday was a trio of vessels: Manitowoc unloaded at the GM Dock in Saginaw, American Century unloaded at the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville, and Olive L. Moore – Lewis J. Kuber unloaded at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee. Friday saw the return of Manitowoc, who unloaded at the Lafarge Stone dock in Essexville. Manistee was also inbound on Friday, unloading at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee.

For the month of September, there were 19 commercial vessel passages, up three from the same time period in 2010. For the year to date, there were 100 vessel passages, just below the 102 recorded in 2010. Looking at long term numbers, September 2011 was 19 passages below the five year average of 38. For the year to date numbers, 2011 fell to 47 passages below the five year average of 147.

Saginaw River Update

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the lack of reports! I have been out of town, but I will compile everything from the week I was/will be away and post it Tuesday or Wednesday.

Thank you for your patience!

Saginaw River Passage - September 24th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber returned to the Saginaw River on Saturday, calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. Once finished, the pair departed the slip and were outbound for the lake.

Moore - Kuber unloading in the Bay Aggregates Slip

Saginaw River Passages - September 21st - 23rd

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber was inbound the Saginaw River late Wednesday, calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. The pair was outbound Thursday. Inbound on Thursday was the Manitowoc, who called on the GM dock in Saginaw to unload coal, and the Algorail, who called on the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee to unload salt. Manitowoc was outbound early Friday morning, while Algorail was outbound Friday afternoon. Algoway was inbound Friday morning, taking the place of her fleetmate at Sargent Zilwaukee to unload salt. She was expected to be outbound late Friday.

Manitowoc inbound at Veteran's Memorial Bridge

Lafayette Bridge had mechanical problems and failed to open timely, causing Manitowoc take evasive action.

Algorail inbound at Liberty Bridge Thursday night

Saginaw River Passage - September 18th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River Sunday evening, carrying a split cargo. The pair stopped at the Bay City Wirt Stone Dock to drop part of the load before continuing upriver to finish at the Wirt Stone Dock in Saginaw. The Moore - Kuber were outbound for the lake Monday afternoon.


Olive L/ Moore - Lewis J. Kuber inbound at the Front Range

Saginaw River Passages - September 16th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River on Friday, traveling upriver to unload at the Buena Vista Dock in Saginaw. The pair completed their unload and were outbound Friday evening. Ryba Marine Contracting has begun dredging operations in the Upper Saginaw River, hauling spoils to the CDF located on the Saginaw-Bay County line. The tug Kathy Lynn was busy moving mud barges in the river on Friday.

Saginaw River Passages - September 12th & 13th

The Ryba Marine tugs, Tenacious and Kathy Lynn, were inbound the Saginaw River on Monday with dredging equipment for the upper river. Crews are setting up at the new confined disposal facility located along the river at the Bay-Saginaw County line. Late Tuesday night, the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were inbound nearing the Saginaw River Entrance Channel. It is unknown as to which dock she will call on when she arrives on the river.

Saginaw River Passages - September 11th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River Sunday afternoon, traveling all the way up to the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw, to unload. The pair finished unloading, turned in the Sixth Street basin and was outbound for the lake around 10pm. The American Century called on the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville late Sunday afternoon to unload coal. She was expected to depart for the lake late Sunday night or early Monday morning.

Saginaw River Passages - September 8th & 9th

Manistee was outbound from the Saginaw River Friday morning, after unloading at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City, she was followed by the tug Tenacious, who was outbound for the lake a short time later. Inbound on Friday was the tug Olive L. Moore and barge Lewis J. Kuber. The pair lightered at the Bay City Wirt Stone Dock, the continued upriver to finish at the Saginaw Wirt Stone Dock. The Moore - Kuber were outbound Friday night.

Saginaw River Passages - September 3rd and 4th

The tug Mary E. Hannah and her tank barge called on the Bit-Mat dock in Bay City on Saturday to unload. She was followed by the tug Dorothy Ann, and the barge Pathfinder, who also called on the same slip, but unloaded at the Bay Aggregates dock early Sunday morning. The latter were outbound later in the morning, while the Mary E. Hannah and her barge remained at the dock late Sunday night.

Mary E. Hannah inbound near the Front Range, Saturday night

Saginaw River Passages - August 24th to August 31st

Wednesday, August 24th, saw the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber call on the Saginaw River with a split load for the Bay City Wirt Stone Dock and for the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw. On Friday, the tug Cleveland, with the barge Cleveland Rocks arrived on the river, traveling up to the GM dock in Saginaw to unload. This was the first visit to the Saginaw River for the pair since August 27, 2006. In that year, Cleveland - Cleveland Rocks visited the river 10 times. On Saturday, the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were back, calling on the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee. Monday, August 29th saw the American Century call on the Consumers energy dock in Essexville, and the Cleveland - Cleveland Rocks back at the GM dock in Saginaw. Wednesday, August 31 saw the Algoway call on the Buena vista dock in Saginaw, early in the morning. Manistee was inbound Wednesday evening, calling on the GM dock in Saginaw.

For the month of August there were 29 commercial vessel passages on the Saginaw River. This is up six from the same time last season and above the five year average of 26. There have been 81 commercial vessel passages for the year to date. This is five less than the same period last season. Looking back at the five year average, this is 29 passages below the average of 110.

Saginaw River Updates

Hi Everyone,

I just returned this evening from a week long vacation. I am currently checking on the traffic from the past week and will have the report up sometime tomorrow. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Saginaw River Passage - August 22nd

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber arrived on the Saginaw River Monday evening, calling on the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City to unload.

Saginaw River Passage - August 21st

The Stephen B. Roman called on the Saginaw River early Sunday morning, stopping at the Essroc Cement dock in Essexville to unload. She finished her unload, turned in the Essexville basin and was outbound for the lake late Sunday night.

Saginaw River Passages - August 19th & 20th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J Kuber called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload on Thursday. The pair completed their unload and were outbound later in the day. The tug Tenacious arrived on the Saginaw River and took a barge upriver to the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee during the afternoon on Friday. She was followed by the Manitowoc, who called on the Lafarge Stone dock in Essexville to unload. Manitowoc was back outbound for the lake early Saturday morning after turning in the Essexville basin. The tug Gregory J, Busch and her deck barge turned off the Dow Chemical dock Friday afternoon and was outbound from the Saginaw River, heading for the lake.

Manitowoc unloading at the Lafarge Stone dock in Essexville

Saginaw River Passages - August 17th

The tug Gregory J. Busch and her barge were inbound Tuesday morning, calling on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City. Wednesday morning saw the American Century stopping at the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville to unload coal. She was expected to back from the dock and head for the lake early in the evening. Manitowoc was inbound Wednesday afternoon headed for the GM dock in Saginaw to unload. She was expected to be outbound late in the evening or early Thursday morning.

American Cenruty nearing Consumers Energy

Manitowoc inbound at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club

Saginaw River Passages - August 15th

Algorail was outbound Monday morning after unloading salt overnight at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Inbound on Monday was the tug Olive L. Moore, with the barge Lewis J. Kuber. The pair traveled upriver to unload at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee. The tug Zeus and her tank barge, Robert F. Deegan, were inbound Monday night for the Dow Chemical Oxy dock in Bay City. The tug Tenacious was downbound Monday night, moving from the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee to the Essroc dock in Essexville.

Algorail outbound nearing the Independence Bridge

Saginaw River Passage - August 14th

Algorail arrived on the Saginaw River on a very windy, rainy Sunday morning. She tied up at the North Star dock in Essexville to wait for more favorable weather conditions before making the trip up the Saginaw River to the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. Algorail got underway Sunday evening and was expected to unload overnight.

Saginaw River Passage - August 12th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River Friday evening. With a split cargo, the pair stopped at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Essexville to lighter, before heading upriver to finish unloading at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Saginaw. The Moore - Kuber were expected to be outbound for the lake Saturday morning.

Saginaw River Passages - August 9th

The tug Barbara Andrie - Barge A-390 departed the Bit-Mat dock on Tuesday ands was outbound for the lake. Inbound on Tuesday was the Saginaw, making her first visit of the season to her namesake river. She called on the Bay Aggregates dock to unload and was then outbound for the lake later in the day.

Tug Tenacious at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee on August 10th

Saginaw River Passage - August 8th

The tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge called on the Bit-Mat dock in Bay City on Monday. The pair remained there early Tuesday morning.

Saginaw River Photos

Here are a few of my photos of the Alpena outbound from Bay City, Sunday morning

Saginaw River Passages - August 6th

The steamer Alpena was inbound the Saginaw River late Saturday morning, headed upriver to the Lafarge Cement Terminal in Carrollton to unload. She is expected to be outbound late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.

Alpena inbound nearing Cass Avenue

Saginaw River Passages - August 5th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were back on the Saginaw River again, Thursday morning. The pair delivered a split load, stopping first at the Bay City Wirt Stone dock, then finishing at the Saginaw Wirt Stone dock. After turning at Sixth Street, the Moore-Kuber were outbound for the lake passing through Bay City around 9:30 Thursday night. Calumet also unloaded at the Bay City Wirt dock, arriving during the late afternoon. She finished her unload early Friday morning, turned in the Wirt turning basin at the end of the dock, and were outbound for the lake. The tug Gregory J. Busch and barge STC 2004 departed the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City during the afternoon on Thursday. They turned and headed for the lake.
On Friday, Manitowoc was inbound, heading upriver to unload at the GM dock in Saginaw. She was outbound Friday evening.

Calumet unloading at Bay City Wirt Thursday night

Gregory J. Busch - STC 2004 turning in Essexville Thursday afternoon

Saginaw River Passages - August 3rd

The Dorothy Ann - Pathfinder departed the Bay Aggregates dock Tuesday morning, after unloading overnight. The tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge departed the Bit Mat Dock later in the morning, then waited just off the dock at Consumers Energy in Essexville for the inbound Olive L. Moore - Lewis J Kuber to pass, before continuing on to the lake. The Moore - Kuber called on the Bay Aggregates dock to unload, and were then back outbound for the lake late in the day on Tuesday.

Saginaw River Passages - August 1st

The tug Barbara Andrie and her tank barge arrived on the Saginaw River Monday morning, calling on the Bit-Mat dock in Bay City. Later in the afternoon, the tug Dorothy Ann, with the barge Pathfinder, called on the Bay Aggregates dock, which shares the slip with Bit-Mat. Both vessels worked it out so they could share the slip and unload their cargos.

For the month of July, there were 16 commercial vessel passages on the Saginaw River. This is up from 14 passages in 2010. For the year, the total number of passages stands at 52. This is 11 behind the total of 63 from 2010, over the same time period.

Barbara Andrie inbound at the Essexville Ranges on Monday.

Gregory J. Busch - STC2004 outbound at Vet's bridge on Thursday

Thanks to Ed Cotto for sending me the photos

Saginaw River Passages - July 28th

The tug Undaunted, with barge Pere Marquette 41, was inbound on the Saginaw River Wednesday afternoon, headed for the Wirt Stone dock in Saginaw to unload. The pair was followed a few hours later by the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber, who were also headed up to the Saginaw area to unload at the Lafarge Stone Dock in saginaw. The Moore-Kuber finished unloading overnight and were outbound for the lake Thursday morning. The Undaunted - PM41 were outbound for the lake Thursday evening after taking on a cargo of sand at the Sargent dock in Zilwaukee. It is very rare for a vessel to load a cargo here on the Saginaw River.

Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber inbound at the Lake States Railway Bridge

Undaunted - Pere Marquette 41 outbound from the Sargent Dock in Zilwaukee, headed for the lake Photo by Ed Cotto

Saginaw River Passages - July 26th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber finished unloading at Bay City Wirt overnight, then traveled upriver through Bay City, to the Airport Turning Basin. The pair turned and were outbound for the lake early Tuesday morning. The tug Karl Luedtke was also outbound for the lake, departing from the Essroc dock Tuesday morning. Tuesday evening saw the arrival of the Manitowoc. She called on the Lafarge Stone Dock in Essexville to unload Sugar Stone. Manitowoc was expected to be outbound Wednesday morning.

Manitowoc inbound nearing the Lafarge Essexville Stone Dock

Stern View swinging the boom out to unload

Product coming off the boom and onto the Lafarge dock

Saginaw River Passage - July 25th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Bay City Wirt stone dock Monday evening to unload.

Saginaw River Passages - Week of July 17th-23rd

On 18th, the Algorail called on the Buena Vista dock in Saginaw, and the American Century stopped at the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville. On the 19th, the tug Olive L. Moore, and barge Lewis J. Kuber, arrived with a split load. The pair stopped at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City before heading upriver to finish at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee. The tug Zeus and her tank barge called on the Dow Chemical dock in Bay City on July 21st.

Update - July 23rd

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of updates, but I have just returned from a week of camping with my family.

I will be getting caught up with the vessel passages in the next few days. Thank you for your patience!

Saginaw River Passage - July 16th

The tug Tenacious delivered a barge to the Saginaw River on Saturday, taking it upriver to the Saginaw area during the afternoon. After dropping the barge off, Tenacious departed the river and was outbound for the lake.

Tug Tenacious close up at Cass Avenue

Saginaw River Passage - July15th

Algoway was inbound the Saginaw River, Friday evening, calling on the North Star dock in Essexville to unload. She is expected to be outbound Saturday morning.


Algoway inbound at the Confined Disposal Island. Photos by Ed Cotto aboard the Princess Wenonah

Saginaw River Passage - July 13th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber departed the Bay Aggregates slip Wednesday morning after unloading there overnight.

Olive L. Moore uncoupled from the Lewis J. Kuber before Departing Bay Aggregates

Lewis J. Kuber pushed partially into the Saginaw River from the Bay Aggregates Slip

Saginaw River Passage - July 12th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw River, Tuesday evening, stopping at the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload.

Saginaw River Passage - July 11th

An Interlake Steamship vessel made the company's first visit to the Saginaw River for the 2011 shipping season on Monday. The tug Dorothy Ann and barge Pathfinder called on the Bay Aggregates Dock in Bay City during the morning. They finished their unload and were outbound for the lake later in the afternoon.

Dorothy Ann - Pathfinder at Bay Aggregates

Saginaw River Passage - July 11th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber returned to the Saginaw River on Sunday with a split cargo. The pair dropped part of their load at the Wirt Sand and Stone dock in Essexville during the late morning. They then continued upriver to finish at an undetermined Saginaw Dock. The Moore - Kuber were outbound for the lake Sunday night.

Saginaw River Passage - July 7th

Manitowoc moved back across the river to the Lafarge Stone dock, Thursday morning, and finished unloading her cargo of Sugar Stone. When finished, she turned and departed for the lake.

Saginaw River Passage - July 6th

The Manitowoc backed from the Lafarge Stone dock in Essexville Wednesday morning and into the Bay Aggregates slip across the river to repair a mechanical issue. The Alpena was downbound from the Lafarge Cement terminal in Carrollton Wednesday morning, headed for the lake after unloading. The American Century called on the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville Wednesday evening to unload coal. A few hours later, they had finished and were backing out to Light 12 to turn and head for the lake.

Manitowoc at Bay Aggregates Thursday morning

Saginaw River Passages - July 5th

Manitowoc made her first visit of the season to the Saginaw River, stopping Tuesday afternoon at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Essexville. She was followed by Alpena, also making her first visit of the season, who traveled upriver to unload at the Lafarge Cement terminal in Carrollton to unload. Both vessels were expected to be outbound on Wednesday.

Alpena upboundnear Smith Park in Essexville

Alpena Passing Manitowoc at the Lafarge Stone Dock in Essexville

Saginaw River Passage - July 4th

After dropping part of her cargo at Bay Aggregates overnight, the Olive L. Moore-Lewis J. Kuber ended up continuing upriver to finish at the Buena Vista dock in Saginaw early Monday morning. Ther pair were then outbound for the lake Monday afternoon.

Saginaw River Passage - July 3rd

The tug Olive L. Moore and barge Lewis J. Kuber called on the Saginaw
River Sunday evening, backing into the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City.
After unloading, the pair is expected to be outbound Monday morning.

Saginaw River Photos

Here are a few shots from Friday on the Saginaw River/Bay:


Greyfox downbound near Independence Bridge


Schooner Appledore IV on the Saginaw Bay

Saginaw River Passages - June 30th

The tug Olive L. Moore, with the barge Lewis J. Kuber, called on the Saginaw River late Thursday evening. The pair stopped at the Wirt Stone Dock in Bay City to unload.
For June, there were 19 commercial vessel passages on the Saginaw River, which is up one from the same period last year. For the year to date, there have been 13 fewer passages with a total of 36 so far in 2011. Looking at long term averages for the month of June, vessel passages are 12 below average for the month, while the year to date number is 42 passages below the average of 78.

Princess Wenonah during the 1st night of Bay City Fireworks on Thursday

Saginaw River Passage - June 28th

Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were back on the Saginaw River Tuesday evening, traveling up to the end of the navigatible channel and the Saginaw Lafarge Stone Dock to unload. The pair are expected to be outbound on Wednesday. Tuesday morning saw the tug Undaunted and barge Pere Marquette 41 depart the Saginaw Wirt dock and head outbound for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - June 27th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were outbound from the Saginaw River Monday morning, after arriving early on Sunday. The tug Undaunted, with her barge Pere Marquette 41, called on the Wirt Stone dock in Saginaw Monday afternoon to unload. The pair is expected to be outbound Tuesday morning. The SCS Greyfox arrived Monday evening, docking in Downtown Bay City for her annual 4th of July weekend visit.

Saginaw River Passages - June 25th & 26th

The tug Krista S. departed the Essroc dock in Essexville on Saturday morning. She was headed for the lake with two barges that were brought down the river from Zilwaukee, Friday evening. Indiana Harbor was also outbound for the lake on Saturday, backing from the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville, turning in the Saginaw Bay, and heading for the lake after unloading coal. Stephen B. Roman was inbound Saturday evening, calling on the Essroc dock to unload. She turned in the Essexville Turning Basin late Sunday afternoon and departed for the lake. Olive L. Moore – Lewis J. Kuber were inbound Sunday morning with a cargo bound for the Saginaw Lafarge Stone Dock. The pair had to wait briefly at the Wirt Stone dock in Bay City before heading upriver to wait again at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee for the Algoway. Algoway arrived on Friday and has remained tied up at the Saginaw Lafarge dock since, right where the Moore and Kuber are scheduled to unload, due to strong river currents from torrential rain in the area a few days earlier. Algoway was finally able to get turned late Sunday night and once past the Burroughs dock, the Olive L. Moore will move upriver to begin unloading at Saginaw Lafarge. Also going on in Bay City this weekend was the Bay City River Roar Formula 1 Powerboat races. This is the 24th year for the tunnel boat races held between the Liberty and Veteran’s Memorial Bridges.

Stephen B. Roman at Essroc

Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber at Bay City Wirt

Saginaw River Passages - June 24th

The Algoway was inbound the Saginaw River early Friday morning, calling on the Lafarge Stone dock in Saginaw. She remained at the dock early Saturday morning. The tug Krista S. also traveled upriver to just below the I-75 bridge to pick up two barges. The tug and barges were tied up at the Essroc in Essexville early Saturday morning. The Indiana Harbor called on the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville, Friday evening, to unload. She was expected to depart Saturday morning.

Tug Krista S. downbound at Essroc in Essexville

Saginaw River Passage - June 18th

The hardest working pair on the Saginaw River, the Olive L. Moore and Lewis J. Kuber, were back yet again early Saturday morning, traveling upriver to the GM dock in Saginaw to unload. Finished by early afternoon, the Moore-Kuber turned and were outbound through Bay City mid-afternoon Saturday.

Saginaw River Passage - June 15th

The Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber were inbound the Saginaw River on Wednesday night, carrying a split cargo. The pair stopped at the Bay City Wirt stone dock to drop a partial load before continuing upriver to finish unloading at the Saginaw Wirt dock. The Moore-Kuber were outbound early Thursday morning. This was the first cargo delivered to the Bay City and Saginaw Wirt dock of the 2011 season.

Saginaw River Passages - June 13th

The Indiana Harbor called on the Saginaw River early Monday morning, stopping at the Consumers energy dock to unload coal. She then backed from the dock and turned around near Light 12, before heading for the lake later in the morning. The tug Krista S. was outbound from the Essroc dock Monday morning, pulling two mud barges, headed for the lake.

Saginaw River Passages - June 9th & 10th

Algorail was inbound the Saginaw River on Thursday afternoon, headed up to the GM Dock in Saginaw. Once unloaded, she turned in the Sixth Street turning basin and was outbound for the lake early Friday morning. The tug Olive L. Moore and barge Lewis J. Kuber were inbound Friday evening, calling on the Lafarge Stone dock in Saginaw. After unloading, they were expected to be outbound Saturday morning.


Tug Jill Marie at Stender Marine on Friday

Tug Floyd Sr. at Stender Marine on Friday

Saginaw River Passages - June 7th & 8th

Calumet made her first visit of 2011 to the Saginaw River on Tuesday, traveling up to the GM Dock in Saginaw to unload. On her way upriver, the Lafayette Bridge failed to open, causing the Calumet to stop in the middle of the channel as quickly as she could to avoid striking the bridge. After a lengthy delay while MDOT mechanics worked to get the bridge open, Calumet was finally able to continue her trip up to Saginaw without incident. She was back outbound for the lake early Wednesday morning.

The Calumet River Fleeting tug, Krista S., arrived overnight and was tied up at the Essroc dock in Essexville on Wednesday morning.

Wednesday evening saw the arrival of the Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber, who called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City, to unload. The pair were expected to be outbound Thursday morning.

Tug Krista S. at the Essroc Dock, Wednesday morning

Saginaw River Passages - June 5th & 6th

The Stephen B. Roman called on the Essroc Dock in Essexville early Sunday morning to unload. She finished up by early Sunday afternoon and was outbound for the lake.
On Monday morning, the tug Olive L. Moore, with the Lewis J. Kuber traveled to the upper river to unload at the Burroughs dock in Zilwaukee. The pair were finished by late afternoon and were outbound for the lake, passing through downtown Bay City by 7:30 Monday evening.

Olive L. Moore - Lewis J. Kuber inbound just clear of Liberty Bridge in Bay City

Saginaw River Passage - June 2nd

The Invincible-McKee Sons completed their unload and departed the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City, ealry Thursday morning. The pair were assisted by the tug Gregory J. Busch in making the turn coming out of the slip and getting headed downriver.

The tug Kurt Luedtke was busy on Thursday moving barges from the lower river, through the Bay City bridges, and staging them upriver in Zilwaukee.


Tug Kurt Luedtke downbound at Cass Avenue

Saginaw River Report - May 2011

The month of May on the Saginaw River continued the same downward trend we have been seeing for the past five years. May 2011 stood at eight commercial vessel passages for the month and for the year to date, 17 commercial vessel passages. This is compared to 17 for May 2010 and a total of 31 for the year to date.

Saginaw River Passages - June 1st

The Indiana Harbor called on the Consumers Energy dock in Essexville early Wednesday morning to unload coal. She was still at the dock just before 9pm Wednesday night. Arriving Wednesday afternoon was the tug Invincible, with her barge McKee Sons. The pair called on the Bay Aggregates dock in Bay City to unload. They were also still at the dock just before 9pm Wednesday night.

Saginaw River Passage - May 30th

The tug Zeus, with tank barge Robert F. Deegan, arrived on the Saginaw River Sunday afternoon, calling on the Dow Chemical Oxy Dock. After unloading, and with the assistance of the Bay County Sheriff Marine Patrol to clear the heavy holiday weekend pleasure craft traffic out of the way, the pair turned off the dock and headed outbound for the lake on Monday afternoon.


Tug Zeus outbound passing the Bay Aggregates Slip