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Banner image: Oberstar at Port Calcite
Loading at Port Calcite
The Oberstar loading limestone at Port Calcite. The red hull of the ore boats contrast
sharply with the gray hues of the limestone quarried here.
Years ago the vessels of the Michigan Limestone fleet were painted gray to mask the dust accumulated when loading.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9612
Loading at Port Calcite
The shiploader loading limestone.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9625
Port Calcite
Stockpiles of limestone quarried at Rogers City.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9609
Port Calcite
Each dock at Port Calcite has a stationary shiploader.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9606
Port Calcite
Limestone falling off of the shiploader conveyor belt into the cargo hold.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9632
Port Calcite
Cargo gates at the bottom of one of the ship's holds will eventually be covered with cargo.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9626
Port Calcite
Looking aft across the loading deck. The shiploader extends across the deck to evenly fill the cargo holds.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9648
Port Calcite
Limestone nears the top of this hatch opening during the loading.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9644
Port Calcite
The small town of Rogers City has a long-standing maritime tradition
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9644
Port Calcite
Across the slip the Cason J. Callaway waits for the Oberstar to complete loading.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9704
Port Calcite
Deckhands help shift the vessel up and down the dock to align the hatches to the shiploader.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9690
Port Calcite
With an overall length of 806 feet, the Oberstar sticks out from the end of the dock
to load the forward cargo holds.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9716
Port Calcite
As the loading nears completion, a placid Lake Huron off in the distance.
Port Calcite, August 5, 2013, Image 13-9617