Position Papers

Position Papers

Uniform Regulation of Ballast Water
Jones Act and Other U.S. Maritime Cabotage Laws
Efficient Funding for the Second Poe-Sized Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Keep Commerce Moving on the Great Lakes During the Winter Months – Protect the Supply Chain
Full Federal Funding for State Maritime Academies
Short Sea Shipping
Great Lakes Shipbuilding and Government Programs to Promote the Industry
Full Funding for Dredging Great Lakes Deep-Draft Ports and Waterways

Keep Commerce Moving on the Great Lakes During the Winter Months – Protect the Supply Chain

Goal:

Build a second heavy Great Lakes icebreaker now and repower the 140-foot icebreaking tugs. The USCG should provide the Great Lakes the same icebreaking level of service provided to American East Coast ports and waterways.

Background:

Over the past eleven years, the lack of adequate icebreaking on the Great Lakes has caused the loss of over 10,000 jobs and $2 billion to the economy.  In addition, ice jam flooding in the Great Lakes region has become extreme due to more frequent polar vortexes. Congress has authorized $350 million for the construction of another heavy Great Lakes icebreaker.  The USCG has committed to building the new icebreaker and requested funding in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill.  Unfortunately, the final bill did not provide funding for the heavy icebreaker.

Only construction of a twin to the heavy Great Lakes icebreaker MACKINAW will ensure the continued movement of critical raw materials on the Great Lakes during the winter season.  The interconnected Great Lakes system requires reliable and predictable icebreaking to ensure workers at the ports, on the ships, at the mills, and at the mines stay employed and continue to produce and transport the vital cargoes needed to keep American economic security intact.

The 45-year-old 140-foot icebreaking tugs have exceeded their service life and continue to suffer significant casualties.  One Great Lakes win in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill was funding to recapitalize these aging cutters.  Construction needs to start immediately since the funding does have an expiration date, and the first seven should be delivered to the Great Lakes.

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) needs to do their part.  With only two Great Lakes icebreakers, compared to nine for the USCG, the Canadians have willfully delegated all international waterway icebreaking.  The CCGS JUDY LAMARSH enters Great Lakes service this winter but will only remain until the rehabilitation work is complete on the CCGS RISLEY and CCGS GRIFFON.

Action:

The USCG statutory requirement to maintain waterways with icebreaking during the winter months is on the precipice of complete failure.  Funding must be provided now for a second heavy icebreaker to be built and operated on the Great Lakes.  GLMTF urges the Administration to fully fund the USCG heavy Great Lakes icebreaker immediately.  GLMTF also encourages the CCG to keep the JUDY LAMARSH in the Great Lakes permanently and to add another icebreaker from the Fleet Renewal Program.