Lake Michigan ferry comes to Sturgeon Bay April 30 for repair work before 2025 season

Yahoo! News - Apr 29th, 2025

The SS Badger, the last operational steamship on the Great Lakes, is temporarily docking at Sturgeon Bay for a necessary propeller shaft bearing repair at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. The 72-year-old vessel embarked from Ludington, Michigan, and is expected to arrive in Sturgeon Bay on April 30 after a 12-hour journey. Originally scheduled for April 29, the trip was delayed due to adverse weather conditions predicted by the National Weather Service. Owned by Lake Michigan Carferry and operated by Interlake Maritime Services, the Badger is undergoing repairs to ensure a smooth sailing season beginning May 16. The ship is anticipated to return to Ludington by May 11.

This repair marks a return to the Badger's birthplace, as it was constructed in 1953 at the same facilities now operated by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. A designated National Historic Landmark since 2016, the Badger serves as an auto and passenger ferry on Lake Michigan, traveling between Ludington and Manitowoc from May to October. The vessel's visit to dry dock is part of its routine maintenance to reduce service interruptions during the busy summer months, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition for its upcoming season. The Badger's journey under its own power signifies the crew’s readiness, as they prepare the ship’s engines and machinery for the upcoming ferry operations.

Lake Michigan Ss Badger Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Lake Michigan Carferry Interlake Maritime Services Steamship Repairs Historical Ships Sturgeon Bay

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate account of the SS Badger's repair journey and operational schedule, supported by credible sources and detailed information. Its focus on logistical and technical aspects ensures clarity and relevance for readers interested in transportation and regional tourism. However, the article could benefit from a wider range of perspectives, including those of passengers and local stakeholders, to enhance balance and engagement. While the article is timely and addresses topics of public interest, its potential for controversy and impact is limited, as it primarily reports on factual updates without delving into contentious issues. Overall, the article is a well-structured and informative piece that effectively communicates the necessary information to its audience.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports the main events concerning the SS Badger, including its delayed departure due to weather conditions, the specifics of the repair work, and the historical context of the ship. The claim about the delay to April 30 due to predicted gale force winds is supported by multiple sources, confirming the weather-related postponement. The description of the repair work, including the removal of the 13-foot, 10-inch starboard propeller, aligns with official statements from the ship's engineers. There is a minor discrepancy regarding the return date to Ludington, with some sources suggesting May 10 instead of May 11, but this does not significantly detract from the overall accuracy. The historical context, such as the ship being built in 1953 and its designation as a National Historic Landmark, is consistent with known facts about the vessel.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the logistical and technical aspects of the SS Badger's repairs and its operational timeline. It provides statements from the general manager and chief engineer, offering a perspective from the ship's operators. However, it lacks viewpoints from passengers, local businesses, or historians who might offer additional insights into the ferry's cultural and economic significance. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives to present a more balanced view of the ferry's impact on the region.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly presents the timeline and rationale for the SS Badger's repair journey. It uses straightforward language and a logical flow to convey the necessary information. The inclusion of specific details, such as the ship's dimensions and the route taken, aids comprehension. However, the article could improve clarity by providing a brief background on the significance of the SS Badger as a National Historic Landmark, which would help readers unfamiliar with the ferry understand its importance.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including direct quotes from Sara Spore, the general manager of Lake Michigan Carferry, and Andrew VerVelde, the chief engineer of the SS Badger. These sources are authoritative and directly involved in the operations of the ferry, lending credibility to the information presented. However, the article does not reference any external or independent sources that could provide additional verification or context, such as maritime experts or local government officials.

Transparency

The article provides clear information about the basis of its claims, including direct quotes from key personnel involved with the SS Badger. It explains the reasons for the repair and the decision to travel under the ship's own power. However, it does not disclose the methodology or sources used to verify the weather conditions or the historical claims, which could enhance transparency. The article could also benefit from more explicit disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between the publication and the ferry operators.