Sky High: American Mariner under the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge [4K]

MV American Mariner is a diesel-powered lake freighter owned and operated by the American Steamship Company (ASC). It was constructed in 1980 at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and features self-unloading technology for efficient cargo handling. The vessel measures 730 feet in length and 78 feet in width, with a carrying capacity of 37,300 tons at midsummer draft, capable of transporting limestone, grain, coal, or iron ore.
USAS American Mariner was a different vessel, initially built in 1941 as the Liberty ship SS George Calvert. It served as a U.S. Army research vessel from January 1959 to September 1963 under the DAMP Project to collect radar signature data on intercontinental ballistic missiles. This ship played a crucial role in the early space race and missile development by tracking various missile types.

Interesting Facts:

Naming and Launch: The MV American Mariner was initially intended to be named "Chicago" but was renamed before its launch on August 2, 1979. Its name honors all American seafarers.
Operational Incidents:
On April 28, 2000, MV American Mariner lost steering and struck a navigation light in the Lake Huron Cut, causing significant damage which led to flooding in the forward cargo hold. This incident temporarily closed the navigation channel, affecting multiple vessels.
In 2024, the vessel again encountered navigational issues, striking a navigational aid in Munuscong Lake, which temporarily blocked the St. Mary's River channel.
Self-Unloading Technology: Both the MV American Mariner and other similar vessels built around that time were equipped with self-unloading systems, featuring a 250-foot boom that could swing 105 degrees to either side, allowing these ships to discharge cargo at rates up to 6,000 tons per hour, which was quite advanced for the time.
Historical Role in Research: The USAS American Mariner's role in missile tracking during the late 1950s and early 1960s was pivotal for U.S. defense during the Cold War era, providing critical data on missile re-entry capabilities, and even tracking missiles through nuclear clouds during atmospheric tests.
Construction and Design: The vessel was part of a series built under the Merchant Marine Act of 1970, which aimed to improve the U.S. commercial fleet. Its construction included innovative features like bow and stern thrusters for better maneuverability in ports.
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