Interlake Steamship Company To Add New Laker To Fleet

Interlake Steamship Company announced Tuesday they will be adding a new ship to their fleet, the first new addition in more than 35 years. The shipping company shared news of a partnership with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to build the new bulk carrier.

This new ship is described by Interlake Steamship as a "River-Class, self-unloading bulk carrier" measuring 639 feet in length, 78 feet wide, and 45 feet high. It is being constructed to have a low environmental impact and to ensure low energy consumption. Like other ships in Interlake Steamship's fleet, this new carrier will be used to transport raw materials for manufacturing throughout the Great Lakes region.

This is the first ship Interlake Steamship has added to their fleet since 1981, and is believed to be the first new ship for Great Lakes service built since 1983.

Interlake Steamship President Mark W. Barker shared his excitement to be using Great Lakes-based Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to build this ship, saying:

"The Interlake Steamship Company is extremely proud to build locally, supporting surrounding communities and states - a legacy that we began more than 100 years ago. We live and work in the Great Lakes Region, and promoting growth and the positive economic impact of Great Lakes shipping is integral to our mission and vision as a leader in the industry."

Interlake Steamship currently lists 10 ships in their fleet on the company's website, many of which have names familiar to Twin Ports boat watchers. Ships like the Paul R. Tregurtha, Kaye E. Barker (pictured above), Mesabi Miner, and James R. Barker are among vessels currently in operation by the company on the Great Lakes.

This new ship, which is unnamed at this time, is expected to be completed in the middle of 2022.