And the Federal Elbe

Surprisingly the next ship is a new visitor to this page.

 The Federal Elbe was built in 2003 in Jingjiang, China.  She is powered by a diesel engine.

 She is owned by Federal Navigation out of Montreal but is registered in the Marshall Islands.

 That practice is known as a flag of convenience.  It is used so that the shipping company can skirt the labor laws and maritime laws of the country they are shipping to.  Many of the foreign ships are registered in countries other than their origins.

 I'm not a fan of the practice.  Especially when the owners of these ships require the services of their host country to protect them from pirates or whatever.

 This practice is typical on cruise ships.

 Again, I'm not sure where she originated but she is heading up to Duluth.

 Typically salties will sit outside the harbor until they are ready to load.  They don't have to pay while they are anchored outside the harbor.

 There is also a pilot change as she passes Port Huron.  I think there is a pilot change as she approaches Detour and there is another as she leaves the Soo Locks.

 Pilots are required on the Great Lakes.  Not for navigation but for adherence to the regulations.

She continues on her way.  Again, it will be about 48 hours before she arrives near Duluth.