Page 18: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2024)

TECH FEATURE

A New Era for Great

Lakes Freighters with

Modern Marine Epoxies

By Justin Peare, Marine Coatings Representative, Great Lakes Region & Matt Heffernan, Commercial Marine Business Manager, North America,

Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine he Motor Vessel Mark W. Barker – the ? rst U.S.- advanced coatings systems to ensure durability. Initially built constructed freighter of its kind in almost four to transport salt, the M/V Mark W. Barker has showcased its decades – is an historic addition to Great Lakes versatility since launching in 2022 (Figure 3), carrying vari-

T shipping. ous bulk and break-bulk cargoes, from iron ore pellets to over-

With dimensions of 639 feet in length and a width of 78 feet, sized items like steel bars and wind turbine parts.

the M/V Mark W. Barker – The Interlake Steamship Compa- “This boat will continue to ? nd unique cargoes that haven’t ny’s ? rst new build since 1981 – distinguishes itself from the traditionally been moved,” said Rick Hanning, ? eet engineer typical 1,000-foot-long freighters on the Great Lakes. Built by of The Interlake Steamship Company, which operates 10

Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Wisconsin, this bulk carrier Great Lakes vessels and is headquartered in the Cleveland is designed to navigate narrow rivers without compromising area. “It has a special ability to navigate rivers and ports – and capacity (Figure 1). The vessel also features square, ? at cargo its cargo hold is unlike any other on these waters.” holds (Figure 2) and a forward-placed unloading boom, which enhances operational ? exibility. Guarding the Freighter

Despite its unique size, the self-unloading freighter remains The M/V Mark W. Barker required a coatings system as competitive with larger vessels, boasting a 26,000-ton cargo distinctive as its design and historic signi? cance. The coatings capacity. Its distinctive design contributed to the selection of speci? cation for the ship was developed through collaboration 18 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • January 2024

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