STR Edward L Ryerson

The Edward L Ryerson is a freighter measuring about 222 meters in length and built from steel, with a flared bow and rounded stern. The cargo holds are arranged like large boxes and were designed specifically for carrying iron ore, with room for around 27500 tons of material.

The ship was built in 1960 at the Manitowoc shipyard and was the last American steam freighter for the Great Lakes to enter service without its own unloading equipment. It arrived at a time when the steam engine was already being replaced by more modern propulsion systems.

The ship carries the name of a man who shaped the steel trade in Chicago and whose family built one of the most important commercial dynasties in the region. When you see the name today, you recognize the close bond between the big freighters and the industrialists who made their fortunes along the shores of the Great Lakes.

When the ship is docked in the harbor, you can clearly see the size and structure of the hull, especially the high bow and the wide cargo hatches along the deck. The best view comes from the shore when the light hits from the side and brings out the outlines clearly.

The General Electric steam turbine drives the ship to about 30 kilometers per hour (19 miles per hour), making it one of the fastest freighters on the Great Lakes. This speed was unusual at the time for ships of this size and gave it an edge on longer trips.