In the context of the Great Lakes, a “saltie” refers to a type of vessel or ship that is primarily designed and used for maritime transport across the oceans. The term “salties” or “saltwater vessels” is used to distinguish these ships from “lakers” or “laker vessels,” which are specifically built for sailing within the Great Lakes region.
Salties are typically larger and more ocean-going in nature, constructed to navigate the open waters of the world’s oceans and seas. They are often employed in international trade and transportation, carrying various cargo such as bulk commodities, containers, and general merchandise across global shipping routes.
When referring to vessels in the Great Lakes circles, the distinction between salties and lakers is important due to their differences in size, design, and capabilities. Salties are adapted to handle the unique conditions and challenges of the open seas, while lakers are specifically tailored for the narrower and shallower waterways of the Great Lakes.
