U.S.-flag lakers to undergo major upgrades in 2016

U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes have committed over $110 million in 2016 to maintain and upgrade their vessel fleets.    U.S.-flag vessel operators on the Great Lakes have committed over $110 million in 2016 to upgrade their lakers, the Lakes Carriers’ Association said.
   Vessel operators will invest approximately $60 million towards maintenance and repair work and an upwards of $50 million towards repowering vessels and installing exhaust gas scrubbers.
   Massive power plants will be serviced; conveyor systems, which are key to self-unloading vessels, will be inspected and any worn belts will be replaced; and navigation, firefighting and lifesaving equipment will be checked and replaced or upgraded as needed.
   The 768-foot John G. Munson and the 690-foot Herbert C. Jackson will be repowered with state-of-the-art diesel engines. Repowering a Great Lakes laker typically achieves 80 percent of the efficiencies of a new build at 20 percent of the cost, according to a U.S. Maritime Administration report.
   In addition, the 1,004-foot James R. Barker and the 826-foot Lee A. Tregurtha will be fitted with exhaust gas scrubbers. 
   “This level of investment is a testimony to my members’ commitment to Great Lakes shipping,” Lakes Carriers’ Association President James H.I. Weakley said. “The dumping of foreign steel into the U.S. market has severely impacted cargo movement during the final months of 2015. Six of the most efficient vessels in the fleet were withdrawn from service in November because of steel dumping. Still, my members are moving forward with projects that will keep their vessels safe and efficient and further reduce their already small carbon footprint.”
   Founded in 1880, The Lakes Carriers’ Association is designed to maximize the efficiencies of waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes in a manner that respects the environment. The association represents 15 American companies that operate 56 U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes.