Captain Len Bartlett, Voyageur Independent
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7870


Pilothouse (port side), Voyageur Independent
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7864


The Voyageur Independent in Superior, Wisconsin on its inaugural
trip to the United States since changing to Canadian registry in 2005.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7854


The Voyageur Independent, last named Kinsman Independent (3), (Ernest R. Breech),( Charles M. Hutchinson)
was built in 1952. The Independent is 642' long with a 67' beam.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7932


Since its acquisition by Voyageur Marine Transport, of Ridgeville, Ontario, the Voyageur Independent
has undergone extensive refitting. The Independent returned to service on Novemeber 15, 2005.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7858


Following Indpendence Day, the Independent will load approximately 18,000 net tons of wheat
destined for Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. This cargo is the second of two loads being transferred to Quebec
for re-loading to a deep-draft salt water vessel.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7912


The major portion of the re-fit in Hamiltion, Ontario was the removal of the vessel's original steam plant
and the installation of a new General Electric 7FDM diesel engine.
In addition, a new shaft and propeller, plus two new Caterpillar diesel generators were installed.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7884


The General Electric 7FDM engine is rated at 4100 continuous horsepower and 4500 maximum horsepower at 1050 rpm.
The Voyageur Indpendent will do about 12 mph loaded and about 15 mph, light ship.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7902


The new engine is fully computerized, reducing the control room space needed by an engineer to about the size of a small desk.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7887


The captain and ship's officers have full control of the ship from the bridge.
This fully automated control console has taken the place of the traditional
radio telegraph line of communication to the engine room.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7865


Young officers coming on to the lakes will appreciate the joystick and
computer-game style efficiency of the new system.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7868


For old school skippers like Captain Bartlett there is no substitute for
experience and knowing when to look out the front window instead of relying on technology.
Superior, July 4, 2006, Image 06-7872


The Voyageur Independent carries a crew of 19. The vessel's normal trade is canola seed from Thunder Bay
to ADM's elevator in Windsor, Ontario. A normal round trip is about five days.
Chief Cook Tony Temple operates the ship's galley, serving three meals daily, seven days per week.
July 4, 2006, Image 06-6883


Engineers Cristian Iancu, from Romania and Rovshah Huseynov,
from Azerbaijan, take time to visit the Twin Ports.


Port security in operation on the 4th of July.
Security check points are now a way of life on the Great Lakes.

Additional crew images from Voyageur Independent

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