Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1535535
Fortunately, the pace quickened in April, giving way to a more vigor- ous shipping schedule. By month's end, the arrival count approached 65, which was very close to the 2024 pace. That total included a later-than-usual visit from the sea- son's first full-transit oceangoing visitor (Federal Nagara, April 21), which called not at a grain termi- nal, but rather, at Duluth's Clure Public Marine Terminal. It marked the first time in more than 20 years that the season's ceremonial first saltie delivered breakbulk cargo to the Clure Terminal instead of arriv- ing light to load grain. The week of April 21 proved full of oceangoing action, as Barbro G, Eeborg, Asian Spirit and Flevo- gracht all arrived at North Ameri- ca's farthest-inland seaport within a five-day span. Barbro G, the First Ship of 2024, loaded durum wheat for Algeria , and Eeborg loaded beet pulp pellets for Ireland. Asian Spirit (wind energy components) and Flevogracht ( bagged minerals) both called at the Clure Terminal, where the Duluth Cargo Connect team provided cargo-handling and logistics services. It was an especially impressive start to the season at the port's mul- timodal logistics hub, where effi- ciency is a hallmark. Federal Nagara was at the dock fewer than 11 hours, with cargo operations complete and the vessel on her way within 13 hours of arrival under Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge. "It all starts with having a can-do, solutions-based mentality and a good plan up front," said Jonathan Lamb, president of Duluth Cargo Connect. "Then it's a matter of being adaptable as challenges arise, and also working at a steady but controlled pace. None of that is possible without a quality workforce, and we're blessed to have a great team. That's what makes the whole program go." 6 | NORTH STAR PORT | SPRING 2025 SEASON UPDATE The Clyde S. VanEnkevort/Erie Trader tug-barge arrives in Duluth on March 22, 2025. It was the port's first arrival of the season, and also the first tug-barge to earn that distinction since the Victory/Maumee opened Duluth-Superior's season in 2020. "It all starts with having a can-do, solutions-based mentality and a good plan up front." PHOTOS / David Schauer