The Great Lakes Shipping season ends tomorrow, Sunday, January 15th, with the annual closing of the Soo Locks for winter maintenance. So today’s freighter photos will most likely be the last here on the Pasty Cam until around March 25th, when the locks open up the shipping season for the Great Lakes once again.

The first two photos come to us from Andrea Guerriero over at DRE Designs – Great Lakes Marine Products. The first shot is the Burns Harbor arriving at Mission Point in Sault Ste. Marie. She was upbound this day, making her way to the Poe Lock and then on to Superior, WI to load iron ore that was then brought to her namesake, Burns Harbor. The second photo from Andrea is the Wilfred Sykes sitting at the LS&I Ore Dock in Marquette, waiting to load. Andrea says this boat is a fan favorite and one of the prettiest vessels on the Great Lakes.

The next two photos were snapped by Laurie Bashaw in Marquette. She captured the Wilfred Sykes and the Herbert C. Jackson, side by side at the LS&I Ore Dock, one on each side. I can only imagine the sounds when two freighters are at the dock and both loading. I’m not positive, but I think that’s the Barge Menominee and Tug Olive L. Moore in Laurie’s bottom photo. She said she wasn’t sure if it was out there waiting its turn or not.

Andrea also shares a video of the Burns Harbor as it arrives at Mission Point in Sault Ste. Marie. She always has some great commentary and information about the boats coming and going through the locks. If you haven’t checked out her Facebook page, make sure you do so with the link here: DRE Designs – Great Lakes Marine Products Your boatnerd side will thank you!

I love freighters. I don't think we'll be
seeing much of them for a while so it's good
they got these.

A lonely-feeling set today.

I agree with both Deb & Alex. Sleep well mighty bulk
carriers and get the maintenance and upgrades that
you need, we'll see you in the Spring!

Just checked the Marine Traffic site and the Presque Isle is headed for the locks. Right now she is just north of Grand Marais, so she'll have to really book it to get to the Soo in time. Seems like they have kept it open longer at times, but maybe that's not right. It'll be interesting to see what happens.

Sleep well sailors, you have earned your rest!