Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature - Indiana Harbor
By George Wharton
Built by Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI; this twin-screw self
unloading bulk carrier was launched March 19, 1979 as the Indiana Harbor
for the American Steamship Co., Buffalo, NY. She is powered by 4 GM V-20
cylinder 3500 horsepower diesel engines giving her a rated service speed
of 14 knots. She is equipped with both bow and stern thrusters. The
Indiana Harbor's 37 hatches feed into 7 holds where she is capable of
carrying 78850 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 34 feet. Her
stern-mounted self unloading equipment feeds a 250 foot discharge boom
that can be swung 92 degrees to port or starboard.
The Indiana Harbor was the ninth 1000 footer built for Great Lakes
service. She was the eighth of ten vessels launched for the American
Steamship Co. under Title XI of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. Under
this Act, U.S. shipping companies could modernize their fleets or build
new vessels with guaranteed government financing and tax deferred
benefits. She became the first U.S. flagged vessel on the Great Lakes
to have a satellite communication system installed; the installation
taking place Nov. 28, 1983.
The Indiana Harbor is currently an active carrier in the American
Steamship Co. fleet principally in the iron ore trade from Lake Superior
ports to destination ports in lower Lake Michigan. She has the
distinction of carrying the largest single passage cargo through the Soo
Locks in 1998: 69528 net tons of iron ore.
A great example of a modern lake boat; boatwatchers can look forward to
observing the Indiana Harbor plying the Great Lakes for many seasons to
come.
