Page 27: of Marine News Magazine (June 2014)

canaba, Michigan, on March 5 did not arrive until March 17th. The voyage should have taken about 50 hours. We have to be realistic. This was the worst winter in decades. Still, LCA has said before that the Lakes need more than one heavy icebreaker. The MACKINAW can?t handle the job alone. We came very close to building her twin in the economic stimulus package in 2009. It?s time to reconsider building another MACKINAW. Furthermore, the Coast Guard?s Chadburn must stay set at Full Ahead concerning the service life extension of the 140-foot-long icebreaking tugs; otherwise we court disaster. The ice on the Lower Lakes has pretty much loosened its grip and conditions are improving up North. Still, a lot of cargo got delayed, so meeting the needs of commerce will be a challenge this year. I am, however, con dent the  eet is up to the task.Jim Weakley has served as President of Lake Carriers? Association since January 16, 2003. As chief spokesman for U.S.- ag Great Lakes carriers, he represents 57 deep- draft vessels from 17 companies on a wide range of issues. A 1984 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Mr. Weakley earned a Masters of Business Administration from the Executive Program at Case Western Reserve University in 1999. www.marinelink.com MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 27MN June14 Layout 18-31.indd 275/20/2014 10:31:51 AM5/20/2014 10:31:51 AM