The following is the text of a news release from The Great Lakes Towing Company:
(CLEVELAND) — The Great Lakes Towing Company has replaced the resilient tugs North Dakota and Kentucky with the recently upgraded and highly dependable tugs Indiana and Arkansas in preparation of the upcoming 2014/2015 winter icebreaking season. This ensures the first-class harbor assist, towing and icebreaking services that lakers and salties expect in the Port of Duluth will continue for years to come.
Tug Capt. Dean Olson in the Port of Duluth explains that, “We offer 24/7 service with experienced full-time crews, so our customers always receive consistent and dependable service.”
As an employee of Great Lakes Towing, Olson has called the Port of Duluth home for over 42 years. Olson remembers starting his career in Duluth as a deck hand on the tug Arkansas. It’s a true homecoming for Olson to see the tug Arkansas return to Duluth.
The steadfast and committed harbor fleet in Duluth now includes the tugs Indiana and Arkansas, giving it “fresh legs” for the upcoming icebreaking battle, after undergoing major repairs and upgrades over the past several months. The company also plans to replace the tug Minnesota before winter sets in. The tug North Carolina is in great shape, and will remain the “first tug out” when icebreaking services are called for.
Tugs North Dakota and Kentucky were the 14th and 15th tugs upgraded as part of the company’s major fleet overhaul program.