First Ship Built on Great Lakes in 40 Years

The first Great Lakes freighter in nearly 40 years undertook her first voyage. The newly built 639-foot Mark W. Barker took its first trip from Fincantieri Bay Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin to transport raw materials and stones throughout the Great Lakes region.

The Interlake Steamship Company, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS), and Bay Engineering collaborated on its design, which included highly automated vessel and unloading systems. It is also entirely Jones Act compliant and built with steel produced in Indiana and iron ore from Minnesota.

“This is a monumental day for our company and the U.S. flag fleet as our much-anticipated freighter departs on her first voyage in what will be a long life of service on the Great Lakes,” said President of The Interlake Steamship Company Mark W. Barker.

“The construction of this vessel, which was made from steel manufactured in Indiana, from iron ore delivered by vessel from Minnesota, reinforces our long-term commitment to shipping and delivering essential cargoes for our customers throughout the region.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to add this skillfully constructed vessel to our growing Interlake fleet. It has been genuinely inspiring to see the dedication and workmanship from all of those involved in this multi-year project, from the design, construction, final outfitting and successful sea trials. We are thrilled to add our newest U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.-owned vessel to the Great Lakes fleet,” added Barker.

The River Class self-unloading bulk carrier is thought to be the first vessel built in the United States since 1983 on the Great Lakes.

“The M/V Mark W. Barker will give us unmatched ability for cargo operations and to carry unique project cargoes because of both her square-shaped cargo hold and larger hatch openings. She truly was designed to be a vessel for the future,” said Vice President of Marketing and Marine Traffic at The Interlake Steamship Company Brendan O’Connor,