{"id":8908,"date":"2023-11-18T07:30:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-18T06:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/?p=8908"},"modified":"2023-11-18T07:30:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-18T06:30:05","slug":"are-ships-still-sailing-lake-superior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakebeyond.com\/are-ships-still-sailing-lake-superior\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Ships Still Sailing Lake Superior"},"content":{"rendered":"
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People’s Perceptions of Lake Superior<\/h2>\n

People’s perceptions of Lake Superior vary greatly from those who live near it to those who are familiar with its vastness. For some, it is an awe-inspiring expanse of frigid, open water; for others, it is a mysterious and pristine body of water that conceals many secrets. Even the native Ojibwe people revere the lake, referring to it as gitchi-gami, meaning great sea. Many myths and legends exist about its depths and the creatures that inhabit them. While Lake Superior has captivated the imagination of many, one might wonder if this body of water is still used for commercial trade.<\/p>\n

Are Ships Still Sailing Lake Superior?<\/h2>\n

At one time, sailing ships plied the waters of Lake Superior, transporting goods from port to port, but times have changed and the commercial shipping industry is not what it once was. Despite the decrease in commercial shipping, the lake is still an important hub for the shipping industry. It connects the Great Lakes system to the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence Seaway, with thousands of vessels carrying cargo and passengers each year.
\nDespite the decrease in commercial activity, the lake is still used for shipping. The largest ports are in Duluth-Superior, in the Twin Ports, and Canadian ports at Thunder Bay and Hamilton, Ontario. The Duluth-Superior harbor is the busiest port in the United States, handling over 40 million tons of cargo each year, while Thunder Bay is the second busiest port on the Great Lakes, with over 30 million tons of cargo per year. Shipping on Lake Superior is mainly in the form of bulk carriers which transport a variety of goods including ore, grain, coal, and salt. <\/p>\n

The Shipping Industry Adjusts To The Times<\/h2>\n

The shipping industry on Lake Superior has been affected by the changing economy and environmental concerns. With the decrease in demand, fewer ships travel the lake, but those that remain are becoming more efficient, with vessels able to carry more cargo per trip. Ships are also equipped with modern navigation systems and the latest technology, allowing them to move faster and with greater accuracy. As a result, the costs to transport goods on Lake Superior have decreased, and the industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
\nIn recent years, the shipping industry on Lake Superior has also become more environmentally friendly. The lake has been designated as a ‘significantly protected’ designated area, providing additional regulation to protect the lake from pollution. Vessels use cleaner burning fuels, and safety standards have been tightened to reduce the potential for oil spills.<\/p>\n

Sipping on The Freshwaters of Lake Superior<\/h2>\n

In addition to vessel navigation, sailing on Lake Superior is also popular with recreational sailors. Many ports provide a variety of services including fuel and supplies, as well as accommodations and entertainment. There are numerous marinas, yacht clubs, and sailing associations throughout the region, offering a variety of options for those wishing to travel the lake.
\nThe freshwaters of Lake Superior are renowned for their clarity and cleanliness, making it ideal for a variety of water-based activities. In addition to sailing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming are all popular activities. Many visitors come to the lake to take in the views of its rugged beauty, with skyline views of the island archipelago and numerous beaches and shoreline landscapes.<\/p>\n

Adding To The Economy Of The Cities Surrounding<\/h2>\n