The Inland Mariners: Special / Joseph H. Thompson


The Joseph H. Thompson arriving at Superior
ITB Joseph H. Thompson arrives at Superior's BN-SF Dock 5 to load taconite pellets for Huron, Ohio. The Thompson waited over 24 hours for several other vessels to load before taking its berth at the taconite dock.

The Thompson is 706'6" overall length, including the powered tug (Joseph H. Thompson Jr.). The vessel was originally launched in 1944 as a C-4 troop carrier named the Marine Robin.


The Joseph H. Thompson waiting at BN-SF Dock 4 


L-R: Tom, Wayne, Richard and Jerry Stropich

The Thompson is operated by Upper Lakes Towing of Escanaba, Michigan.
Upper Lakes is a family owned and operated business, with the tug unit Joseph H. Thompson Jr. under the command of Richard Stropich. Four of Richard's brothers (Tom, Steve, Wayne and Jerry) work aboard the ITB.

The tug Joseph H. Thompson Jr. was built primarily from the former engine room of the Thompson and is powered by two 16-cylinder diesel engines, providing 7,500 horsepower. An additional 16-cylinder engine is used as a back-up.

View of tug portion from deck of Thompson


The spar deck of the Joseph H. Thompson

The ITB Joseph H. Thompson's normal trade route is Superior / Duluth to Indiana Harbor or Huron, Michigan. The vessel carries an average of 21,000 gross tons per trip.
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