American Steamship, aquarium send message: Protect the Great Lakes

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The following is the text of a news release from GATX Corp.:

(CHICAGO) — American Steamship Company (“ASC”), a subsidiary of GATX Corporation (GMT), and Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium are proud to share their common goal of protecting the Great Lakes—and now they’re taking that message to communities along the shores. One of ASC’s 1,000-foot vessels, the M/V Indiana Harbor, is displaying each organization’s logo along with the slogan “Working Together to Keep the Lakes Great.” The vessel travels throughout the Great Lakes region including ports in western Lake Superior, southern Lake Michigan, Detroit and Cleveland.

ASC is actively involved in researching ways to stop the spread of non-native aquatic species on the Great Lakes. In an effort to understand and address the issue, ASC has been exploring methods for treating ballast water on ships that operate exclusively on the fresh water of the Great Lakes. Working with Lake Superior’s Isle Royale National Park, the United States Geological Survey, the Northeast Midwest Institute’s Great Ships Initiative and other support agencies, full-scale trials have been conducted aboard the M/V Indiana Harbor over the past three years.

Shedd is committed to protecting the Great Lakes by conducting science and research through collaborative efforts with other Great Lakes organizations, facilitating work between Great Lakes leaders that develop solutions for tomorrow’s conservation challenges, and offering immersive learning programs and outreach for all ages. Shedd focuses on four key Great Lakes issues, seeking to build awareness of ecological separation, contribute to solution-oriented invasive species research, accelerate habitat restoration, and protect and promote native wildlife.

American Steamship Company

American Steamship Company (“ASC”), one of the leading Great Lakes shipping companies, is owned by GATX Corporation (GMT). ASC provides waterborne transportation of dry-bulk commodities on the Great Lakes with a fleet of modern, self-unloading vessels. ASC has been operating on the Great Lakes since 1907, joining GATX in 1973. For further information, visit ASC’s website at www.americansteamship.com.

GATX Corporation

GATX Corporation (GMT) strives to be recognized as the finest railcar leasing company in the world by its customers, its shareholders, its employees and the communities where it operates. Controlling one of the largest railcar fleets in the world, GATX has been providing quality railcars and services to its customers for 115 years. GATX has been headquartered in Chicago, Illinois since its founding in 1898. For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.gatx.com.

Shedd Aquarium

The John G. Shedd Aquarium, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public education and conservation, is among one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums. The facility houses over 32,500 aquatic animals representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is known as “The World’s Aquarium.” Since its opening in 1930, the aquarium’s mission has been to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the aquatic world. Shedd is dedicated to preserving and protecting Great Lakes wildlife and habitats through conservation science, education and awareness programs generously supported by Conservator Partners ArcelorMittal and Coca-Cola.

By Professional Mariner Staff