American Century - Supplying Santa With 68,000 Tons of Coal for Your Stockings

Here is the American Century departing Duluth, Minnesota late on the afternoon of November 27, 2024. We had previously seen her arrive in the early morning hours to load 68,000 tons of coal at the Midwest Energy Terminal in Superior. While the books have officially recorded the coal as being delivered to the power plants in St. Clair and Monroe in Michigan, it seems more likely that it was a secret delivery to Santa Claus... to make sure he has enough lumps of coal for the stockings of all the naughty people out there. It's impossible to verify, of course, but I hope all of the viewers for this video are on the nice list, not the naughty list!
Even if Santa ends up being stingy, the American Century gifted us with two captain's salutes as she made her way out through the shipping canal, with the Aerial Lift Bridge responding to the first salute. Note that it takes a few seconds for the Century's horn to "warm up" in the cold air. As the temps got colder in the days that followed, the sound of raspy and frozen horns could frequently be heard in the canal. Stayed tuned to this channel for a lot more shipping action to come before the season ends!
The 1000-foot American Century was launched under the name Columbia Star in November 1980, making her the twelfth of thirteen 1000-footers built for Great Lakes trade. She originally sailed for Oglebay Norton. In June 2006, she was sold to American Steamship Company and obtained her current name at that time. She is powered with four V-20 cylinder 3,600 horsepower G.M. diesel engines and has a cargo capacity of 78,850 tons at her maximum mid-summer draft of 34 feet. Cargo is stored in seven holds that are accessed by 34 hatches on deck. Her 260-foot self-unloading boom can discharge up to 10,000 tons per hour.
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[@carolyndavis7476]

The American Century. A black wall of steel that's big, bold and "bad to the bone." Shes owning the Canal in her turn and you captured her mighty strength... just amazing head on! I only hope that Rudolph does " buck up" when it comes to carrying this cargo.....he is such a dear... Wonderful last salute from Capt as they sailed away...beautiful video of the Northland. Thanks.

[@jeffdayman8183]

Century's horn took a minute to get going, it must have been napping in the cold. 8^) Some people like me are happy to get coal in their stockings - handy for use in the forge! Cheers.

[@1Long2Short]

Yeah, the funny thing is that I would also love a stocking full of the Century’s coal. 😁

[@williamcarl4200]

Whistles and bells aside...most people never get to hear what a ship sounds like. The heartbeat of the ship is mechanical and rhythmic. Lulled me to sleep many a night. Shocked me awake and ready if the sound ever changed.

[@1Long2Short]

I would love to hear that sound up close while a ship has reached cruising speed. I tend to sleep with a fan on to hear a constant hum, so I understand what you’re saying.

[@oceansoul3694]

This ship just mystifies me, wonderful salute and roaring away through the water...All Hail The Bringer of the Coal! So many really awful people deserve it. This is another in your collection of wonderful videos, I hope you weren't frozen in the cold. Thanks Mark!!

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks Lisa! Yes, there’s a long list of people who deserve coal this year… but then again, that might be too good for them. 😆

[@SkeeterA]

Really liked this one too!❤ Love the different views you capture! Awesome job!Thanks a Bunch😊

[@1Long2Short]

Thank you! 😊

[@markhavingfun]

Awesome footage! Video and ship. :)

[@GlendaLewis-p5b]

Nice view. When you only see it from the side you forget how wide it really is.

[@gregmctevia5087]

Great lighting conditions. That red and white livery really pops against that light gray background. Really pretty production.

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks Greg! Sometimes a very moody, grey afternoon can have its own charm.

[@gregmctevia5087]

@1Long2Short Almost as much as a black, moonless night.😉😉😉😉🤭🤭🤭🤭

[@sonsofblood7510]

Gota love how wide that ship looks.

[@greatlakesadventures2024]

Cool

[@cris_261]

American Century: Greetings and Merry Christmas to one and all! I've got a plot twist, although 1L2S' description for all that coal being delivered to Santa Claus is apt. I'm actually heading to Superman's Fortress of Solitude. Supes has a side hustle in the diamond trade. Some of the diamonds go to jewelers, and some are for industrial use. Not sure what he does with the rest.

[@1Long2Short]

So I should call it a cargo of diamonds in the rough? 😁

[@harryscott9533]

🤓🙋‍♂️❤👍

[@1Long2Short]

👍 🙂

[@harryscott9533]

@1Long2Short ❤👍

[@MelissaHess-xm9wt]

😊