STURGEON BAY (WTAQ-WLUK) — It’s a sign of the season. A huge freighter, about three football fields long.
With shipping on the Great Lakes winding down, many big boats are heading into ports like Sturgeon Bay.
With a frigid haze just above the surface, The Stewart J. Cort crept its way out of the Sturgeon Bay ship canal and toward the Bayview Bridge Tuesday morning.
“Come to see the big 1000-footer come through the channel. It’s something you don’t get to see every day. It drew a lot of people, even as cold as it is,” said Paul Haynes, Sturgeon Bay.
“It was so impressive. It just came out of the fog. Now, I haven’t seen it go through the bridge yet, so this is all new. I’m excited,” said Sue Pierce, Bullhead City, Arizona.
The 100-foot long tugboat William C. Gaynor pushed chunks of ice out of the way.
“It’s the ice. The ice builds up, and the tugs got to go around and flush the ice. So they can turn the stern, so they can line up,” said Bob Osborne, Sturgeon Bay.
The Cort was heading toward Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. The vessel is due for its five-year inspection, some maintenance, and a fresh coat of paint. But first, the 1000-footer had to make it through not one, but two bridges.
“And then at one point, they’re under two bridges at one time. So the captains are something. The way they maneuver these ships, it’s incredible,” said Haynes.
In about 20 minutes, the Cort was safely through.
“These captains, they don’t call for pilots or tugboats unless they absolutely have to do so. So, these guys earn their money in this,” said Haynes.
And not far away, the 768-foot long freighter, John G. Munson chugged its way through the channel, followed by the 767-foot Cason J. Calloway.
“They’re gorgeous. They’re absolutely gorgeous. It’s a part of Sturgeon Bay. So how could you not love it?” asked Laurie Chapman, Sturgeon Bay.
The vessels will be among 14 ships in port as part of Sturgeon Bay’s winter fleet.
The shipping season typically reopens in late March, but that depends on the weather.
