Modern lakers are usually designed and constructed for a 45-50 year old service life, outlasting ocean-going bulk carriers. [44] As of 2023, ocean-going bulk freighters average an 11-year lifespan, due in part to the corrosive effects of saltwater.

Jul 28, 2022 · Nearly three years after the first cut of steel for the first Great Lakes freighter in nearly 40 years, the 639-foot modern laker M/V Mark W. Barker has completed sea trials and yesterday embarked on her maiden voyage from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

Sep 6, 2022 · For the first time in decades, a new bulk freighter has been built on and launched on the Great Lakes. The Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin unveiled the Mark W. Barker earlier this year after spending nearly three years constructing it.

Jul 7, 2022 · The new U.S.-flagged laker is being built for Interlake Steamship Company and marks their first new vessel in more than 40 years.

Jul 11, 2022 · Named for Interlake Steamship’s president, the vessel, the M/V Mark W. Barker, has been built by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. The ship is believed to be the first ship for U.S. Great Lakes service built on the Great Lakes since 1983 and is very far from being a repeat of earlier designs. Freefall!

Jul 27, 2022 · The newly built Mark W. Barker, the United States' first new Great Lakes bulk carrier in nearly 40 years, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Aug 10, 2022 · Like other vessels in the Interlake Steamship fleet, Mark W. Barker, the first new U.S flagged Great Lakes bulker in almost 40 years, is fitted with oil-free propeller shaft bearings from Thordon Bearings.

Jul 8, 2022 · The 639-foot-long vessel is the first new Great Lakes bulk carrier to be built in the U.S. in nearly four decades. The builders trial marks the first time the ship has sailed under its own power....

Jul 28, 2022 · US’ First Modern Laker Begins Maiden Voyage July 28, 2022 GENERAL The newly built Mark W. Barker, the United States’ first new Great Lakes bulk carrier in nearly 40 years, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

Jul 18, 2010 · A modern laker, Earl W. (now Manitowoc), passes the Renaissance Center in Detroit, MI. Lakers are generally bulk carriers; that is, they carry cargoes of rock, salt or grain in large contiguous holds, and not in containers.