Coal-powered passenger ship on Lake Michigan to convert to new fuel source

LUDINGTON, Mich. – A coal-powered passenger steamship on Lake Michigan that’s the final of its variety within the U.S. will cease utilizing coal to gas its historic engines as soon as its operators choose an alternate energy supply.

Lake Michigan Carferry Inc. is early in its seek for what may change the coal that at present propels the 410-foot (125-meter) S.S. Badger on treks between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

“We’re simply within the early phases at what different choices might be viable for the Badger,” Sara Spore, normal supervisor of Lake Michigan Carferry, instructed MLive.com.

“There aren’t any particular plans, however we all know that coal isn’t the long-term resolution. We actually are ranging from scratch and all of our choices.”

She stated there isn’t any timeline but for when an influence conversion may occur on the ship, which may accommodate 600 passengers and 180 autos, and operates between Might and October.

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The ship, which was in-built 1952 and 1953, got here below new possession in 2020 when Lake Michigan Carferry was purchased by Interlake Holding Firm.

The S.S. Badger grew to become a Nationwide Historic Landmark in 2016. Whereas its coal-fired propulsion system is exclusive and was a part of the historic designation, Spore stated the corporate is just not frightened about it shedding that landmark standing.

“We’re how we preserve the historic engines within the boat and doubtlessly having the ability to open that space for folks to see,” she stated.

The S.S. Badger transported railcars throughout Lake Michigan between 1953 and 1990, when it appeared destined for the scrapyard. It was saved in 1992 by Ludington native Charles Conrad, who transformed it right into a ferry, and it’s been transporting passengers and autos throughout the lake ever since.