21AU9181HDR-SharpenAI-motion
Classic Old Laker "Michipcoten" loading at Superior Elevator over at the Mission River Basin.
The Michipicoten was one of a trio of vessels built on saltwater in 1952 due to a back-up of orders at Great Lakes shipyards. She was launched as the Elton Hoyt 2nd for the Interlake Steamship Company, and the Bethlehem Steel Corporation vessels Johnstown and Sparrows Point were all built to similar plans. Since the vessels were to be brought to the Lakes via the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, their size was limited. The Hoyt measured 626 feet 6 inches long, 70 feet wide, and 37 feet deep, which gave her a capacity of approximately 20,000 tons. The Hoyt is powered by a 7,700 shp Bethlehem Steel Co. cross compound steam turbine and two oil fired Foster-Wheeler water tube boilers.
The Michipicoten laid up at the north slip in Sarnia, Ont. for the last time as a steam powered vessel in December 2010. Over the next several months, her steam plant was removed and replaced by a new MaK 6M32C 6-cylinder 8,160 BHP diesel engine. Combined with a newly installed controllable pitch propeller, this powerplant is capable of pushing her at upwards of 14 mph and has resulted in significantly reduced fuel consumption and substantially reduced emissions levels. Returning to service in late May 2011, this $15 million upgrade ensures the Michipicoten will be an efficient, productive asset as part of the Lower Lakes fleet for many years to come.
Overall dimensions
Length689'06"
Beam70'00"
Depth37'00"
Capacity (tons)22,300
21AU9181HDR-SharpenAI-motion
Classic Old Laker "Michipcoten" loading at Superior Elevator over at the Mission River Basin.
The Michipicoten was one of a trio of vessels built on saltwater in 1952 due to a back-up of orders at Great Lakes shipyards. She was launched as the Elton Hoyt 2nd for the Interlake Steamship Company, and the Bethlehem Steel Corporation vessels Johnstown and Sparrows Point were all built to similar plans. Since the vessels were to be brought to the Lakes via the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, their size was limited. The Hoyt measured 626 feet 6 inches long, 70 feet wide, and 37 feet deep, which gave her a capacity of approximately 20,000 tons. The Hoyt is powered by a 7,700 shp Bethlehem Steel Co. cross compound steam turbine and two oil fired Foster-Wheeler water tube boilers.
The Michipicoten laid up at the north slip in Sarnia, Ont. for the last time as a steam powered vessel in December 2010. Over the next several months, her steam plant was removed and replaced by a new MaK 6M32C 6-cylinder 8,160 BHP diesel engine. Combined with a newly installed controllable pitch propeller, this powerplant is capable of pushing her at upwards of 14 mph and has resulted in significantly reduced fuel consumption and substantially reduced emissions levels. Returning to service in late May 2011, this $15 million upgrade ensures the Michipicoten will be an efficient, productive asset as part of the Lower Lakes fleet for many years to come.
Overall dimensions
Length689'06"
Beam70'00"
Depth37'00"
Capacity (tons)22,300