Interlake Steamship Company

Founded: 1913

Headquarters: Middleburg Heights, Ohio, USA

Industry: Great Lakes Bulk Shipping

Primary Operations: Transporting iron ore, coal, and other bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes

History and Establishment

The Interlake Steamship Company was established in 1913 as a subsidiary of Pickands, Mather & Co., a leading mining and shipping conglomerate in the Great Lakes region. Its formation was part of an effort to streamline and modernize bulk transportation operations on the lakes, ensuring the efficient movement of critical raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone.

The company inherited and managed a fleet of robust steel-hulled freighters, many of which were considered state-of-the-art for their time. Over the years, Interlake Steamship became synonymous with reliable and efficient bulk transportation, earning a reputation as one of the most prominent carriers on the Great Lakes.

Fleet Evolution

Early Fleet:

• The original fleet included several steam-powered freighters inherited from Pickands, Mather, and newly constructed vessels specifically for Interlake’s needs.

• Notable Early Ships:

• ARGUS (formerly Lewis Woodruff): Lost during the Great Storm of 1913, a tragic event that claimed many ships in the Interlake fleet.

• Col. James M. Schoonmaker (later renamed Willis B. Boyer): Now preserved as a museum ship in Toledo, Ohio.

Mid-20th Century:

• Transitioned from steam propulsion to diesel engines, modernizing the fleet to meet increasing cargo demands and improve fuel efficiency.

• Introduced self-unloading technology, allowing faster and more efficient offloading of materials without the need for shore-based unloading equipment.

Current Fleet:

• Interlake operates a fleet of nine modern freighters, including some of the largest vessels on the Great Lakes.

• Notable Current Ships:

• Paul R. Tregurtha: At 1,013.5 feet, it is the longest vessel operating on the Great Lakes.

• James R. Barker and Lee A. Tregurtha: Self-unloading freighters with state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems.

Operations

Cargo and Routes:

• Primary Cargoes: Iron ore, coal, limestone, salt, and other bulk commodities.

• Primary Ports: Includes major Great Lakes ports such as Duluth-Superior, Cleveland, Toledo, Gary, and Detroit.

• Routes: Interlake ships connect mining regions in Minnesota and Michigan with industrial centers in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, facilitating the steel and manufacturing industries.

Sustainability and Innovation:

• Interlake has been a pioneer in adopting environmentally friendly practices, including cleaner diesel engines and ballast water management systems to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• The company invested in the MV Mark W. Barker, the first new Great Lakes bulk carrier built in the U.S. in nearly 40 years, incorporating cutting-edge green technologies.

Significant Historical Events

Great Storm of 1913:

Interlake was deeply affected by the storm, losing several vessels, including the ARGUS, and suffering significant financial losses. This tragic event underscored the dangers of Great Lakes shipping and led to improvements in weather forecasting and vessel design.

Shift to Self-Unloaders:

In the mid-20th century, Interlake spearheaded the adoption of self-unloading technology. This innovation revolutionized Great Lakes shipping by drastically reducing port turnaround times and labor requirements.

Maritime Preservation Efforts:

Interlake has played a role in preserving Great Lakes maritime history. For example:

• The Col. James M. Schoonmaker (Willis B. Boyer) was restored and converted into a museum ship.

• The company supports educational initiatives and collaborates with historical societies.

Current Leadership and Vision

Interlake Steamship remains a family-owned business, guided by a commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and service excellence. The company’s leadership focuses on maintaining its position as a leader in Great Lakes shipping while embracing new technologies to ensure sustainable operations.

Resources & Links

1. Interlake Steamship Company: Official Website

2. Great Lakes Historical Society: Visit Website

3. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Visit Website

4. Bowling Green State University Historical Collections: Visit Website

Conclusion

The Interlake Steamship Company has been a cornerstone of Great Lakes commerce for over a century, evolving from a fleet of steam-powered freighters to a modernized line of environmentally conscious bulk carriers. By bridging the region’s mining and industrial sectors, Interlake continues to play a critical role in the economic vitality of the Great Lakes while preserving its rich maritime heritage.

Keywords:

Interlake Steamship, Great Lakes Shipping, Bulk Freighters, Pickands Mather, Iron Ore Transport, Self-Unloading Technology, ARGUS, Paul R. Tregurtha, Lake Freighters, Maritime History