The David Z. Norton (3), along with fleetmate Earl W. Oglebay,
have broken out of their mold as "riverboats" to make numerous
trips up to Silver Bay, Minnesota to load pellets for Cleveland.
The Norton is commemorating it's 30 year of service on the Great Lakes.
David Z. Norton, North Shore Mining, Silver Bay, June 29, 2003, Image 03-9617


The Norton takes about five hours to load its cargo of 19,000
tons of taconite before departing. In Cleveland the Norton will
lighten about 5,000 tons at the lakefront dock and then proceed up
the Cuyahoga to unload the remaining cargo at the ISG steel mill.
David Z. Norton, North Shore Mining, Silver Bay, June 29, 2003, Image 03-9681


The Norton is powered by four cycle diesel engines that produce 5600 horsepower.
David Z. Norton, North Shore Mining, Silver Bay, June 29, 2003, Image 03-9700


The David Z. Norton was built in 1973 by the American Shipbuilding
Company at Lorain, Ohio. The vessel was originally named the
William B. Roesch before being operated by Oglebay Norton.
David Z. Norton, North Shore Mining, Silver Bay, June 29, 2003, Image 03-9706


Captain Alan Ward began his Great Lakes
sailing career as a deckhand in 1969.


In 1998 he became permanent captain
of the David Z. Norton.