February 14, 2019. Fraser Shipyards is off to a busy start working on six vessels for the 2019 winter layup season. There are three vessels tied up in Fraser’s yard (the Tim S. Dool, Kaye E. Barker, and Lee A. Tregurtha) and three vessels docked elsewhere in the Twin Ports (the Mesabi Miner, American Spirit, and H. Lee White).

Fraser Yard Superintendent Derek Tanula states “This winter is on track to surpass total labor hours from last season with a good variety of steel projects throughout the fleet.” He goes on to state “We are particularly happy to have an Algoma Central vessel in the dry dock this winter. This is the first time in many years we have hosted one of their vessels. It is a real pleasure to be working with the crew of the Tim S. Dool and Algoma Central staff to accomplish an aggressive list of renewal projects.”

Based on current project schedules Fraser expects to get all of the vessels out and running on time. The recent cold weather has been a bit of a challenge but the hardy crew at Fraser has been able to keep making progress on the fleet. Ice build-up on the lakes may play a factor in plans to be at the Soo Locks by March 25th but the vessels should be fit-out and ready on time.

In addition to the normal winter lay-up activities Fraser is busy building a new auto/passenger ferry for Miller Boat Line of Put-In-Bay, Ohio. The new vessel is scheduled to be delivered late summer 2019. The vessel will carry passengers and vehicles to the vacation islands of Western Lake Erie.