The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea An inside look at the Great Lakes marine industry.... through the eyes of the Mariners that keep things moving. Currently on the MV Northern Venture.

A very unique ship in a unique trade on the Great Lakes.

Calibration: There are a lot of moving parts on a self-unloader. Let’s just say it takes a few unloads to fine tune ever...
04/23/2026

Calibration:

There are a lot of moving parts on a self-unloader. Let’s just say it takes a few unloads to fine tune everything.

Our 4th cargo would be the one that would test the system. The previous cargoes were light and easy.

We made a stop at the Amrize dock at Marblehead, OH and put on a few pebbles shy of 26,000 tons to take up to Sarnia and give the system it’s first proper workout.

On the way we made a stop at Detroit’s Mistersky fuel dock to take on a sip of MDO, enough to get us through the next couple of weeks on the upper lakes.

As the sun came up in Sarnia it felt like spring has finally arrived, they guys were able to enjoy a break from the last few weeks wind, fog and cold as they worked in Sarnia’s 24 degrees of sunshine.

A few grunts and grumbles could be heard from the stack as the generators laboured like beasts of burden being whipped as the technicians pushed the system and tested it to the limits.

As expected, the unload has been long as the EMS-Tech technicians work to run all their tests and dial in the system in order to bring it up to it’s full potential.

Tomorrow we head north for our first load at Bruce Mines…. Back in the ice and wind.

04/23/2026

First stone load: Picked up a load at Amrize Marblehead dock. Made a stop at Mistersky fuel dock in Detroit, then discharge at Amrize Sarnia. Finally feeling like spring! 😎

Triscuits and the Port StateMany years ago, I was told an old-timer affectionately known as “Fuddy-duddy” that a Triscui...
04/21/2026

Triscuits and the Port State

Many years ago, I was told an old-timer affectionately known as “Fuddy-duddy” that a Triscuit simply cannot be made without Canadian Red Winter wheat as we passed the Nabisco Elevator. Like many “wise” stories passed along the docks over the years, I wasn’t entirely sure whether to believe it or not.

When our sibling, the NOVE encountered a mechanical issue this spring and had to be placed on the hard at Port Weller, we were fortunately in the right place at the right time.

We made a stop at the London Agricultural Commodities elevator in Port Colborne— well known around the industry as “Robin Hood” — We loaded a cargo of that very same Red Winter wheat that had been put in the NOVE destined for Toledo, Ohio.

After all, we couldn’t let anyone go without their Triscuits.

On arrival, our first U.S. Coast Guard Port State Inspection was a near certainty.

Although not all the frequent on the Great Lakes, such inspections are standard for a vessel on its initial visit to a U.S. port.

A vessel goes through many layers of inspections that play a vital role in our industry. They verify that all safety equipment is properly maintained and functioning, ensuring the protection of our crew, the environment, and the safe operation of the vessel. It is work that our company and every crew member take very seriously.

We were pleased to welcome a team of local USCG inspectors aboard. They were courteous, professional, and thorough as we worked together throughout the morning. With the inspection successfully completed, we proudly checked off the final step in becoming a true Laker.

Now our focus turned to the satisfying task of delivering this cargo of Red Winter wheat to the Mennel Milling elevator, formally known as Mondelez, Kraft and Nabisco.

We always enjoy learning more about the cargoes we carry and the products they help create. It gives real meaning to the work we do every day.

So here’s a question for our followers: Is it true that Triscuits require Canadian Red Winter wheat? is that really what the wheat milled here in Toledo used for?

If you know the answer, please share it in the comments below!

The first time:Our vessel has officially begun her new chapter on the Great Lakes, and what better way to mark the occas...
04/10/2026

The first time:

Our vessel has officially begun her new chapter on the Great Lakes, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a maiden grain loading at Parrish & Heimbecker’s brand-new terminal in Picton, Ontario.

It was, quite literally, a first for all parties involved. Both ship and shore were still getting to know their respective new systems—learning when to ease in gently, when to hold position, and, occasionally, discovering that what felt like the right move at the moment made you wonder if you yinged when you should have yanged.

There were the inevitable first-time hesitations: a pause here, a slight misalignment there, and a few moments where everyone aboard and ashore found themselves blushing at how new everything felt. Technicians assisted with commissioning of equipment on both sides.

Yet, as any seasoned mariner knows, the most rewarding voyages often begin with a bit of youthful awkwardness. With patience, clear communication, and a healthy dose of good humour, the initial clumsiness gave way to a steady, harmonious rhythm.

As we near the end of the operation, both crews were moving together like partners who had already learned each other’s subtle cues.

We were pleased to document the occasion with a fine selection of drone photographs from above and warm, on-deck images of our combined crews working side by side. These shots capture not only the technical ballet of grain loading but also the budding camaraderie that makes such partnerships truly special.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Teams from both Parrish & Heimbecker and Picton Terminals for their understanding and professionalism as we all navigated this shared inaugural experience.

Here’s to smoother sailings ahead, to many more successful loadings, and to turning those early “first-time” moments into the foundation of a long and productive relationship on the lakes.


Don’t Scratch the Paint! 🚢✨There’s nothing quite like the white-knuckle feeling of your ship’s first transit through the...
04/06/2026

Don’t Scratch the Paint! 🚢✨

There’s nothing quite like the white-knuckle feeling of your ship’s first transit through the St. Lawrence Seaway — it’s the maritime equivalent of driving a brand-new car off the lot while a convoy of gravel trucks kicks up stones ahead of you.

The mind conjures up every sour comment you have ever read on the various boat pages about scraped up hulls and sub-standard paintjobs, All while pretending that maybe we can be different.

In the Panama Canal a couple of weeks ago, our paint emerged as pristine as it entered, thanks to the helpful guidance of tugs and locomotives keeping us perfectly centered.

Here in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway trades, however, it’s a different story: a graceful ballet of steel sliding politely (we hope) along concrete and bouncing along sometimes shoddily mounted timbers.

We are now working our way towards the tail end on our first Seaway transit, proceeding with the utmost care and deliberation — treating every lock like a delicate dance and doing our best to emerge with our dignity — and our paint — intact…ish.

Tomorrow we arrive in Picton, where we will officially become a Laker and take on our first cargo load at the new P&H terminal.

Sure to be a proud milestone for the ship and terminal crew alike.

Have a look at some shots of life onboard during our transit. Feel free to weigh in: Have you ever transited the Seaway with a “perfect paint score”? Or are battle scars simply part of becoming a true Laker?

04/01/2026

ONVE first cargo in Port Cartier. # lakerlife

We are nearing completion of the discharge of our first cargo. As expected, there were a few tweaks, alignments and adju...
04/01/2026

We are nearing completion of the discharge of our first cargo. As expected, there were a few tweaks, alignments and adjustments that needed to be done. Soon we will be underway and heading for the lakes. 😎

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season. Thinking especially of the crews still out on the lakes. It can be a t...
12/24/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.

Thinking especially of the crews still out on the lakes. It can be a tough time of year to be out here.

Merry Christmas!

12/17/2025

Northern Venture delivers the last salt load into Parry Sound for the 2025 season.

12/10/2025

Loading Bruce Mines for Chicago.
Thanks to Chief Mate Brandon and Captain Paul for taking some video!

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