Saginaw River Images: March 2017

Thursday, March 30, 2017

2017 Season Begins! Saginaw River Passage - March 30th

On Thursday afternoon, and without fanfare or celebration, the 2017 commercial shipping season began on the Saginaw River, with the arrival of the tug Spartan, and her tank barge, Spartan II. The pair called on the Port Fisher dock in Bay City, arriving on March 30th and starting the season 11 days later than last year.

Spartan - Spartan II upbound on the Saginaw River at Bay Harbor Marina

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.