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SS Badger Ferrying Service Halted

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  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Monday, August 7, 2023 12:01 PM

The US Route network is a co-operative effort of the various state highway officials and the Federal government is not involved in any way.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    September 2011
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Posted by MidlandMike on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 9:37 PM

I wonder if part of the long timeline for repairs is that they might be looking for government grants/loans.  Ay one time the ferry route was considered a continuation of US Route 10.

  • Member since
    October 2014
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Posted by Gramp on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 9:18 PM

It's just too bad. They had just recently announced business had improved to where they were going to add a second round trip (over night) during August and September. 

  • Member since
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Posted by Leo_Ames on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 8:51 PM

There's certainly a lot more money involved in the Montana Rail Link incident. Throw those level of resources towards this issue and it too would be resolved quickly.

But even though the Badger doesn't share the importance, revenue, and profitability of Montana Rail Link's mainline that enabled that level of resources to be brought to bear on fixing that failure of their infrastructure, I don't believe this incident and the length of time it will take to resolve suggests it's not still a profitable and attractive business segment for the Interlake Steamship Company.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
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Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 7:51 PM

Leo_Ames
It's not that at all.

"Underwater divers, marine construction contractors and an engineering firm were quickly engaged but over the last week it became clear that the necessary repairs were extensive and would take months to clear the collapsed structure and erect a new one.”

They've just realized that there's no way they're going to effect repairs in time to resume their season. Instead of leaving people hanging that have reservations booked for later this year, they've done the right thing by letting everyone know that it's going to take quite a bit longer than they had been hoping.

Interlake didn't buy her since they're carferry fans. They were well aware of the financials and I say we can safely judge her financial performance by the fact that a healthy and well regarded fleet on the Great Lakes invested in purchasing this business.

MRL's Montana bridge issues

When it is critical and profitable - they bring in 'The Pros from Dover' and move heaven and earth to get the job done and the money machine running again.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
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Posted by Leo_Ames on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 7:15 PM

It's not that at all.

"Underwater divers, marine construction contractors and an engineering firm were quickly engaged but over the last week it became clear that the necessary repairs were extensive and would take months to clear the collapsed structure and erect a new one.”

They've just realized that there's no way they're going to effect repairs in time to resume their season. Instead of leaving people hanging that have reservations booked for later this year, they've done the right thing by letting everyone know that it's going to take quite a bit longer than they had been hoping.

Interlake didn't buy her since they're carferry fans. They were well aware of the financials and I say we can safely judge her financial performance by the fact that a healthy and well regarded fleet on the Great Lakes invested in purchasing this business.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 12:10 PM

MidlandMike
The company just announced that the ramp would have to be rebuilt, and service would be shut down for the season.

https://www.ssbadger.com/

All in all - the business must not be 'that profitable' if they are going to 'give up' on the balance of the season - at least 3 if not 4 more months of traffic.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    September 2011
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Posted by MidlandMike on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 9:10 PM

The company just announced that the ramp would have to be rebuilt, and service would be shut down for the season.

https://www.ssbadger.com/

 

  • Member since
    July 2016
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Posted by Backshop on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 3:37 PM

Since it is owned by Interlake, I expect the repairs to be swiftly and competently made.

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Saturday, July 22, 2023 9:57 AM

I would assume that the aprons are in need of repair or rebuilding.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    September 2011
  • 6,449 posts
Posted by MidlandMike on Friday, July 21, 2023 10:36 PM

Ramping system sounds like more a problem with the dock rather than the boat itself.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 399 posts
SS Badger Ferrying Service Halted
Posted by seppburgh2 on Friday, July 21, 2023 10:27 PM

"LUDINGTON, Mich. (WLUK) -- The S.S. Badger is temporarily halting its ferrying services across Lake Michigan due to a mechanical failure.

The company Lake Michigan Carferry announced that it would be halting cross-lake services after the Badger experienced an issue with its ramping system Friday morning.

LMC says a team of Great Lakes partners are working to assess and repair the issue as soon as possible."

As quoted from:

https://fox11online.com/news/local/badger-manitowoc-ludington-michigan-wisconsin-lake-michigan-great-lakes-lake-michigan-carferry-ferry-car-mechanical-issue-ramp-ramping-system

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