(MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio) — The Interlake Steamship Co., through Interlake Logistics Solutions, announced it will time charter an asset from the East Coast to operate on the Great Lakes this spring: The 418-foot Montville, a single-hold, covered hopper barge with a 14,400-short ton capacity that will be able to carry a wide variety of cargoes.
The barge will eventually feature a rail-mounted gantry that will support a large material handler capable of digging or lifting cargo out of the cargo hold and onto shore.
Brendan O’Connor, Interlake’s vice president of marketing and marine traffic, said Montville will be able to carry a wide range of cargoes from bulk products to steel to specialty project cargoes such as wind turbines, generators, heavy equipment and other large structural components.
“While barge service is available in the region, we believe the Montville is a unique asset,” O’Connor said. “Its sheer size and versatility sets it apart. The Montville will be largest U.S.-flagged barge of its kind on the Great Lakes. With its large, open cargo hold – that is completely covered – it will be able to carry high cubic cargoes as well as heavy cargoes protected from the environment.”
Interlake is partnering with Moran Towing to assist with the operations.
