Broadcasting in our monthly PBS television program, The Catch is a Great Lakes Now series that brings you more news about the lakes you love. Go beyond the headlines with reporters from around the region who cover the lakes and drinking water issues. Find all the work HERE.
This month, The Catch features a new bulk freighter that is making waves in Great Lakes shipping.
Great Lakes Now’s Lake Erie Contributor James Proffitt rounds things out with news about the launch of an innovative freighter from the Cleveland-based Interlake Steamship Company. The ship is named the Mark W. Barker and is the first American made bulk cargo carrier constructed on the Great Lakes in nearly 40 years.
Proffitt said the ship will move throughout the Lakes transporting bulk cargo like road salt, iron ore and coal.
“The Barker will definitely set a precedent in Great Lakes bulk shipping not only for its modern computer controls, its size, and its ability to get essentially into any port,” Proffitt said. “But its ability to haul not just bulk cargo, but a variety of products including wind turbines, large machinery, structural items and even containers.”
