The John D. Leitch loading coal for Nanticoke at Midwest Energy.
The Leitch arrived in ballast from Burns Harbor, on Lake Michigan,
its longest "light" trip of the 2006 season.
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2703
Looking forward down the spar deck of the Leitch. The John D. Leitch
is the largest bulk carrier in the Seaway Marine Transport fleet.
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2731
Loading began just before midnight.
It takes about 5 hours to load the Leitch.
2nd Mate Mike Nicholls monitors the loading
and ballast from this control room. Mike began
sailing in 1979 aboard the cement carrier
Robert Koch, for St. Lawrence Cement.
Captain Bill Cross, Yarmouth NS, began his career as a deckhand
aboard the New York News, before spending 14 years with Misener Shipping.
Bill has been captain on the John D. Leitch for the past 7 years.
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2699
The holiday season always means sacrifice for those who sail on the
Great Lakes. This small tree in the crew's galley is a bright reminder
of family back home and coming end of the sailing season. And yes, that is 2:50 a.m.!
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2745
Mike Strowbridge, 4th Engineer, at work assisting 2nd Engineer Christian
Dube with some early morning work on the ship's engine. The Leitch is
powered by a British built Burmeister and Wain 2 stroke, 5 cylinder diesel engine.
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2756
Rocker arms at the top of the engine force the engine exhaust into the
exhaust manifolds to the right. The Leitch burns roughly 2.4 tons of heavy
fuel per day. The ghostly image is that of 2nd engineer Christian Dube.
M/V John D. Leitch, Superior WI, Dec 29, 2006, Image 06-2771
