GLIN==> FW: revised departure schedule for BBC ITALY?

MEDIA ADVISORY:

	Departure of Duluth-Superior’s “last saltie of the season” was delayed yesterday due to a crane failure onboard the BBC Italy that has delayed  grain loading.  Once repairs are made, she can get underway. Estimated time of departure is closer to 5 p.m. today, Dec. 18.  As always, be advised that all arrival and departure times are estimates and may change without notice.

	 

	 

	December 18, 2009                                                                                                                                          

	For more information:  Adele Yorde, (218) 727-8525

	 

	Departure of Duluth-Superior’s “last saltie of the season” delayed

	 

	Duluth, Minn., USA – The BBC Italy, the Port of Duluth-Superior’s “last saltie of the season,” did not depart last evening as was originally anticipated due to a crane failure onboard the vessel that has delayed grain loading.  Once repairs are made, her estimated time of departure now looks to be late afternoon – approximately 5 p.m. today, Dec. 18. As always, be advised that all arrival and departure times are estimates and may change without notice.

	The Antigua/Barbuda-flag vessel had arrived at Duluth’s Clure Public Marine Terminal on Sunday morning to discharge wind turbine components (nacelles and hubs) from Denmark and Spain, after which she moved to berth #1 at Superior’s CHS grain elevator to load nearly 5,800 metric tons of flax bound for Ghent, Belgium. 

	According to local vessel agent Guthrie Hubner, if the vessel departs on schedule and weather conditions stay favorable, she should arrive at the Welland Canal by midday Dec. 21 and the Montreal-Lake Ontario section of the Seaway two days later – just a week ahead of the Seaway’s official year-end closing. 

	Unfortunately, another saltie headed for the Twin Ports – a sister ship, the BBC Spain – was delayed leaving Europe and has been diverted to Texas to discharge her wind cargo  as she would have been unable to complete the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway transit before the close of this year’s navigation season. 

	Several “lakers” will continue hauling bulk cargo on four of the five Great Lakes for the next few weeks as the locks at Sault Ste Marie, Michigan (i.e. “the Soo”) won’t officially close until January 15, 2010. Ten of the U.S.-flag lake carriers are currently scheduled to layup for the winter in Duluth-Superior. 

	 

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