The Inland Steel Fleet
The Inland Steel Fleet

Author: Raymond A. Bawal Jr.

Publisher: Inland Expressions

Published: 2016-02-12

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 1939150132

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

For nearly ninety years, lake freighters belonging to the Inland Steel fleet transported the raw materials necessary for the manufacture of steel at their owner’s sprawling industrial complex at Indiana Harbor, Indiana. Easily distinguishable from vessels operated by other shipping companies following the incorporation of a unique color scheme in 1950, the members of the Inland Steel fleet became some of the most recognizable and popular ships to ever sail the waters of the Great Lakes. This volume traces the history of this fleet from its formation, through an era of expansion that included the construction of two groundbreaking vessels and the rebuilding of its older units, to its demise following the sale of the Inland Steel Company in 1998. In addition, complete factual accounts chronicle the careers of each of the ten vessels that served in this fleet over its long history.

Twilight of the Great Lakes Steamer
Twilight of the Great Lakes Steamer

Author: Raymond A. Bawal

Publisher: Inland Expressions

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 117

ISBN-13: 0981815723

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Once the mainstay of the Great Lakes fleet, steam powered freighters are now in the twilight of their era on the inland seas. Once numbering in the hundreds, this class is now represented by only twenty active carriers as of the end of the 2008 shipping season. They range from the ST. MARYS CHALLENGER built in 1906, with over 100 years of steadfast service, to the last steam powered freighter constructed on the lakes, the CANADIAN LEADER, built in 1967. Individual histories are given for each vessel providing details of previous and current operations. These steamers encompass a variety of carrier types, including cement carriers, straight deckers, and self-unloaders. Included are numerous never before published photographs, portraying these vessels in both previous and current operations.