⚓️Broken Bow Thruster? What's Wrong? Ship 'American Century' departs Duluth, MN

The 1000 foot ship American Century was having problems as it departed Duluth, MN! There's a good chance the bow thruster was broken or another similar mechanical failure occurred.
The huge ship required the tugboat Kentucky to help it depart from the dock. The tug constantly helped the ship make its turns in the harbor basin and as it went under the Aerial Lift Bridge, shown in this video.
More information about the ship American Century: www.americanste...
#ship #duluth #problem #lakesuperior #maritime #boat #freighter

[@kaceyl6291]

The Kentucky was helping her in on Sunday morning when she arrived.

[@vibewithmike]

That confirms it then, if the American Century arrived empty and it needed help, there definitely was an issue. Thank you for the update and the comment! I pinned your comment to the top.

[@bettygilmore611]

Thsnk you for this video and your thoughtful narrative . Great shots

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@vibewithmike Agreed Mike. Hopefully they get it sorted!

[@vibewithmike]

I don’t think it was too bad of a situation because it still went to its destination. I think it’s having issues with maneuverability so that’s what the issue was I believe, not sure what is causing it.

[@vibewithmike]

It definitely can be interesting at times trying to fill 10 minutes of a video with talking but without overdoing it. I have fun trying though.😂👍🌷

[@Rogerramjet4321]

The tugs are like the best friends who always have your back.

[@vibewithmike]

Especially in the winter with all that ice. These big ships would never be able to move if it wasn’t for the tugs.

[@mcsmith732]

Dusk is my favorite time of the day. The golden reflection of the ship's lights on the water is truly stunning. Thanks for photographing and posting this video.

[@vibewithmike]

I agree, I love evening. Thanks for watching friend. That cat picture is awesome!!!!!🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱

[@skycvg]

Awesome work catching the Mighty Kentucky doin her thang. I'm sure it's a cost thing as usual, but a lot of cruise ships have 2 or 3 bow thrusters. I would think a bow thruster is really almost required with a footer, but of course that's why we have tugs.

[@vibewithmike]

I’ve seen a lot of thousand footers go out, but I’ve never seen them need assistance in a calm situation going outbound. I figured it must be a bow thruster down.

[@harrietweber2520]

Beautiful dusk departure! The blues of the sky, with a hint of pink, and water. And the ship's lights. As you said, very picturesque. Thanks.

[@vibewithmike]

Harriet, nice hearing from you. Yes, it was amazing those conditions with the skylight.

[@jamielee9350]

Good morning Mike. It is 0700hrs GMT, on 03/06/2023 over the pond . She is now part way across Lake Huron . By the way , I think I have found one of the best channels on KZbin ... 💯

[@vibewithmike]

What’s up Jamie! I actually like waking up and seeing an update like this. I hope all is well in the UK, what’s the weather like over there for you right now? Decent?🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍👍👍⛴️⛴️

[@karlschwab6437]

Very, very, nice. As a retiree from General Motors, I am happy to hear from you, that these great ships are powered with engines built by GM. Kinda makes me feel good.

[@vibewithmike]

Those General Motors engines have a lot of power!

[@chapgood13]

Beautiful night for a departure there in Duluth. Thanks for sharing this one Mike!

[@vibewithmike]

I thought it was fun shooting this video in a new direction that might not be very common to people watching Duluth videos

[@gregmctevia5087]

Another beauty. You had perfect lighting conditions and took full advantage. Loved it!!

[@vibewithmike]

Greg, I wish I could have that type of lighting every day.👍⛴️

[@chuckg6039]

If you start the video at 5:16, look carefully at the small white box like structure directly above the bridge operator control house. That structure has a radar on top, and also a weather station. The first radar (Raytheon) had a 32 mile range and was installed on the bridge in 1960. It's also the location of two Westinghouse train horns. One faces the harbor, the other towards the lake.

[@vibewithmike]

I didn’t know it had a 32 mile range Chuck. Very cool.

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike no wonder I sometimes think it's similar to a train horn 📯

[@vibewithmike]

Oh yeah, powerful train horn

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike I am sure it is a good thing. I learned something new today.

[@j.r.796]

Beautiful ship but the scenery was outstanding ! 👍😎

[@vibewithmike]

J.R. It really makes me happy to hear you enjoyed it. I thought it was amazing as I watch the ship with the background of the sky.

[@j.r.796]

@@vibewithmike 😎👍

[@vibewithmike]

⛴️⛴️👍👍👋👋

[@jbmann52]

Thank you for this and all other videos. Enjoying each one from north west Georgia. I really appreciate your commitment to capturing these ships and enjoy your commentary on each departure and arrival.

[@vibewithmike]

Barry! What a wonderful comment. I thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful day planned in Georgia today! All the best and blessings to you!

[@A-Dam84]

Beautiful departure for sure Thanks Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it.

[@scottburk4083]

Nice departure. Have a good one Mike,thanks for sharing! God Bless!!!😊

[@vibewithmike]

Have a wonderful night Lumpy! Have a blessed Friday night

[@djackson2243]

You just answered a question I had. Where are lift bridge people? Never noticed the house before. You have mentioned the current lights before. I have learned so much listening to you. Thanks Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

Hey, check this out! This explain the Aerial Lift Bridge operations center. The small house in the middle of the bridge. That’s where the bridge operator controls it. This video brings you right inside. There’s a person in there 24/7. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKW7aXucgrl8hZo (kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKW7aXucgrl8hZo)

[@Beekers1]

Hi Mike, This was another artfully done video & I too enjoy your commentary plus listening to your 'midwest accent'...seriously! 😅 You're my current favorite 'go to' YT'er.🎉👍 I've been watching various Laker KZbinrs for many years and originally started watching the stationery Harbor cams probably 15+ years ago after we first visited Duluth and Canal Park and were smitten.😊 Thank you for your dedication and unique content that thrill and entertain so many fans. Dorleen Ukiah, California

[@vibewithmike]

Dorleen! Talk about an awesome that can really pep a person up. You did that for me with this comment! I have so much fun going out to watch the ships and I happen to bring a camera with so others can follow along. I hope you come back to Duluth sometime soon from sunny California, but don’t forget your jacket.😂😂😂 I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your comment. I look forward to chatting with you again my friend.👍⛴️

[@mcsmith732]

He does have an appropriate voice for these videos. Kind of smooth, relaxed and enthusiastic at the same time. Excellent voice!

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice scene Mike. I believe she took on every ton she could take. Summer coming on power plants want to stock pile. Thanks to the Kentucky for a helping hand. Enjoyed the video and BE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@chuckg6039]

And speaking of tugs, the Missouri arrived in Sault Sainte Marie this morning for her 5 year inspection. I watched her lock through. Let's hope the Missouri returns to the Twin Ports. Captain Chip took her there along with a crew of 3. One was a new crew member (female) who is receiving training.

[@karengausman1459]

@@chuckg6039 Glad to hear that there are female crew members and that Chip hired one.

[@vibewithmike]

Henry, there definitely was something going on. Another person left a comment that the vessel needed assistance coming in empty. I pinned that to the top. I suspect a bow thruster was broke or something similar? That’s my non-expert opinion.

[@vibewithmike]

Captin chip is no joke in the winter

[@vibewithmike]

That’s a great thing

[@bobjohnston5527]

Gorgeous sunset over the hill and scenery

[@vibewithmike]

Bob, my friend, I wish I could hit reset on that sunset every day. It was very enjoyable. Thanks for the comment my friend.

[@bobjohnston5527]

@Vibe with Mike ⚓️ Your welcome my friend. I been watching your video since last fall. I live in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada. Fredericton is 2 hours from the port city of Saint John on the coast of the Bay of Fundy. Saint John has the oil refinery where they get many cargo ships. Ships that take Hazzard material from Saint John. Saint John also gets many cruise ships 🛳 in. I have ship tracker app with picture on some of the different ships, other boats. Have a great night and the weekend

[@vibewithmike]

What a beautiful city! Boat friends, check this place out! Right on the Saint John River! It really looks like a gem! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredericton

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Wishing them a safe voyage! Hope you have a great weekend Mike! 🙂🛳🚢

[@anthonygiglio9860]

Great Video Mike Looks Like A Nice Night Out There Have A Great Saturday😊

[@vibewithmike]

Nice to hear from you Anthony. Each day gets warmer than we take a step back getting cooler. It is what it is.

[@diecastdungeon8970]

Great video Mike, of the 1000' lake monster. Beautiful sky and water colors. Thank You for what you do for us .... 🇺🇸

[@vibewithmike]

It definitely was a fun video to shoot. Lots of good coloring and the door was open too!

[@nomadictraveller8580]

That’s a beautiful view from the pier. The flat calm makes it look like it’s straight out of a painting😊

[@vibewithmike]

Nomadic, sometimes I can’t believe the scenery in Duluth. However, I’m not too much into scenery that involves ice and snow in the winter! It gets cold out here!⛴️⛴️👍👍😂😂🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@marthav2772]

Beautiful video Mike. Thank you.😊

[@vibewithmike]

I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the ship!

[@GHarris218]

Great job as usual, Mike. Thanks!

[@vibewithmike]

Wow! GH! What a lovely comment. I appreciate you taking a minute to say that. All the best to you on this Friday night.

[@SweetUniverse]

Another gorgeous night! ✌️✌️

[@vibewithmike]

Hey, sugar, I’ll take these nice nights. I hope I’ve earned these better weather days after this last winter.👍⛴️❄️🥶⛴️

[@maryanneveite5096]

We’re back home from our trip there. It was such a great vacation ❤😊. We are coming back next year,we loved it.

[@chuckg6039]

Glad you had a great time Mary Anne. I will be up there on July 15th. It can't get here soon enough!

[@vibewithmike]

I’m so happy you had a wonderful trip, Mary. The weather actually was pretty good for you. I’m very happy for you my friend.

[@vibewithmike]

That’s right around the corner Chuck

[@TxVet1027]

Been watching your videos for a while now, and I have your location on my list of places needed to go. 9 yr navy vet and really enjoy watching ship movement. Keep piping your videos to texas. Thanks

[@vibewithmike]

Wow! I think it’s really cool that my videos help you see how cool Duluth is! Wow! It is a wonderful place, but cold during the winter. Thank you for your service! It means a lot to me and many others. It’s people like you that served our country that allows me to make videos like this. Thank you!🙏🇺🇸

[@antwaunsmith8392]

Don't you just love these late evenings looking at the ships departing sailing out to there journeys ⛴⛴⛴

[@vibewithmike]

What’s up Antwaun! Nice hearing from you on a Friday night. I hope you are doing great.

[@corporaldigbygeste7640]

Beautiful evening in Duluth.

[@vibewithmike]

Corporal, thank you so much. It’s so nice to have better weather man.👍⛴️

[@Coxxy2.0]

I was down there and learned something new that day - the bridge has a light that shines at the top with each horn blast it does. Wild 🤣

[@vibewithmike]

You found out earlier than I did. I just found out about that yesterday. It’s fun learning things! I’m having fun with it!😂👍⛴️

[@Coxxy2.0]

@@vibewithmike I missed the Barker by 10 minutes that day because food was more important apparently lmao but I did get to watch the Frontenac come in and the Century and Assiniboine leave so I guess that makes up for it lol. Took videos of all 3 too

[@vibewithmike]

What was the food? I don’t like my food getting cold either.

[@Coxxy2.0]

@@vibewithmike Culver’s chicken tenders from the drive thru. 😋 had I bypassed the food I would’ve gotten to see the Barker up close 🤣 but there’s always next time. I have all summer and fall to catch her and her bark. Lol

[@Coxxy2.0]

Are you on Facebook or have a vibe with mike page at all or you just here? I got to meet Paul Scinocca the other day finally as he was collecting his GoPro cameras 🎉 hope to meet you irl soon too this summer! 🙂

[@karengausman1459]

Hello, friend. A beautiful night!! Love your vantage point!! I hope that there is nothing major going on with her. As you said, i hope it is just the load that she is carrying. Nice to see the Kentucky. One of my favorite tugs. But I hope that the American Century with make it to St. Claire with no issues. Agree that it is always nice to hear her whistle exhange with the bridge. Please be safe out there captain and crew. Nice to peek into the door but I didn't really see much out of the ordinary. Love this "lady" and hope she is around for awhile. Thanks Mike for the evening video. Hope to chat with you later. 🙋‍♀🙋‍♀🚢🚢

[@vibewithmike]

Karen, I thought it was pretty cool we could kind of see deep inside to the engine room when I zoomed in.

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike I do like when you can zoom in. I might have to watch again. And now that I think about it, I think I saw a fire extinguisher hanging up in there. Sometimes the ships are moving so fast I miss things.

[@vibewithmike]

OK, I’m going to look close. If you saw a fire extinguisher, that’s pretty cool. I like seeing what’s in those places.

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike At least I think I was. It was red and about the size and shape of one.

[@dmc9492]

Very nice Mike! Calmer then usual going on vacation in the U.P soon & might be paying you a visit if I have time in no small part thanks to Paul S. & your excellent videos, have a small boat I might toss in the harbor also🚤🦈🤪🙏

[@vibewithmike]

Yes, bring that boat DMC! There’s a great boat launch on Park Point. Very good parking for you. Here’s the video I did for people like you bringing a boat. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyxnaptqL2ja80

[@pamanderson5841]

Thanks Mike!

[@vibewithmike]

Pam, it’s always great hearing from you. I hope you have a wonderful Saturday.

[@geofffikar3417]

I would imagine every sailor who sails Lake Superior prays she will be calm.

[@vibewithmike]

Geoff! They can get very scary out there. I have a lot of respect for anybody out on the water.

[@chuckg6039]

Sound Levels to date: James R. Barker 123.1, Edwin H. Gott 117.1, Paul R Tergurtha 111.5, 108.1, 107.7, 100.9, Philip R. Clarke 109.1, UAL Fortitude 104.7, 101.6, Mesabi Miner 104.6, John G. Munson 103.1, 101.6, 98.0, 83.4, H. Lee White 102.5, Mark Barker 102.3, Great Republic 102.1, 101.6, 91.6, USCG Cutter Spar 101.6, American Century 100.3, 100.1, Joseph L Block 100.3, American Integrity 99.7, Michipicoten 93.0, Algoma Transport 87.3, 82.0, Big Bird- Peacefully Silent

[@vibewithmike]

👍⛴️

[@djackson2243]

Thanks Chuck for keeping track of the decibel readings. Thought about it myself and decided not to. Nice to see it in print.

[@vibewithmike]

It’ll be a nice way for us to determine the average of each vessel overtime. All of us boat friends appreciate Chuck’s help.

[@chuckg6039]

@@vibewithmike Glad to help keep track of the readings. It's something I can do to contribute to the channel.

[@vibewithmike]

Don’t think I missed big bird!😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jackmcgill3150]

Great video! It was a good time of day. That would have been awesome to be that crew member out on the bow at this time of day!

[@vibewithmike]

It was a beautiful night. If I was a crew member, I’d be out there.

[@jackmcgill3150]

@@vibewithmike I missed my calling.

[@vibewithmike]

Jack, would you have liked to been a crew member or work up to Captain?

[@jackmcgill3150]

@@vibewithmike crew member

[@jackmcgill3150]

@Vibe with Mike ⚓️ I watched a video on the prt. Of what the crew does. It's deffenatly alot of learning.

[@barbarahuffman3118]

Hello Mike, You did a great job. How often do you come on here? I just wondering. This is my first time hearing you on here. I wish that i could be there. There just something about watching the ships go by. Thank you Mike.

[@vibewithmike]

Barbara! Well, I’m glad that you found this channel. I have such a wonderful time with the ships and I love relaying what’s going on to all the people that enjoy the ships like I do. I’m up there all the time. I’m not up there this weekend though. It looks very foggy from what I see on the cameras. I hope you come back to my channel and watch more ship videos moving forward. It’s all about having fun. No agenda, just chilling out with the ships!👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@wyattclepper4685]

The Arthur M. Anderson is in dock rn last time I checked in Duluth

[@vibewithmike]

Wyatt, unfortunately, I’m not in Duluth this weekend. I wish I was because the Anderson is one of my top three. Beautiful vessel, I hope you have a wonderful Saturday.👍⛴️👋

[@wyattclepper4685]

@Vibe with Mike ⚓️ thanks Mike, you too!! Well, catch it sometime soon when it's in Duluth. I've been watching it like a hawk on that app

[@vibewithmike]

I watch that and the PRT on the app

[@Peter-qf3be]

Waving a hand from texas I like the evening videos

[@vibewithmike]

A big wave back from Minnesota Peter 👋

[@ginog5037]

Nice pictures Mike the golden hour. Think of it the AC is longer and bigger 80,000 ton compared to the 52,000 ton Titanic 😮 Is the bridge manned 24/7 and is there any whistle restrictions?

[@vibewithmike]

Gino!!!!! I hope all is well, my friend. Hey, check this out! This explain the Aerial Lift Bridge operations center. The small house in the middle of the bridge. That’s where the bridge operator controls it. This video brings you right inside. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKW7aXucgrl8hZo

[@ginog5037]

@vibewithmike That was cool Mike thanks, no restroom in the house...lol They used to give rides up, fun! So is it manned 24/7, he didn't say?

[@vibewithmike]

I guess I didn’t know that, no restroom? That has to be challenging at times.

[@Biwabik223]

If you look at the middle of the bridge you will see the whistle light illuminate when they blow the horn on the bridge.

[@vibewithmike]

You just pointed something out that I have never seen! What a great eye! Thank you so much. I see that now. Have a wonderful Friday night my friend.👍⛴️

[@Bructer21]

Could you explain how the self unloader works sometime? Thanks

[@vibewithmike]

Bruce, I think you’ll enjoy this video. This is how I learned. They did a good job with this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5WZgpx-rJyGi5I

[@pythanthofficial]

Hey. We're coming up to Duluth tomorrow, if you want to meet in person at the canal and discuss my project face to face, I would love that. (I'm the guy who's making the Duluth/Superior game for context)

[@vibewithmike]

Unfortunately, I’m not in Duluth this weekend. I’ll be back possibly next weekend. I had obligations down here in the Twin Cities. I’m keeping my eye on the harbor cams! It looks pretty foggy up there.

[@pythanthofficial]

@@vibewithmike Oh dang, alright.

[@vibewithmike]

I hope you are able to see the ships with all the fog. It looks really thick. Maybe it’ll clear up in the morning there?

[@teresak1177]

Nice video, MIke! When cars get ‘bridged,’ are people able to get out of their cars? Thanks!!

[@vibewithmike]

Great question! As a matter of fact I’ve been bridged many times, I get right out of my vehicle and watch the ship. As the bridge is coming down, I get back in my vehicle.

[@teresak1177]

@@vibewithmikethanks! maybe someday I will get there and hope to be bridged for the best overhead views!!

[@vibewithmike]

It’s one fantastic view! Sometimes it can take 45 minutes to get going again because two ships come back to back

[@karengausman1459]

Can someone tell me what happens when I bow thruster gets broken? Newby to these ships. I actually did a little bit of research and found out for myself. So thanks anyway.

[@vibewithmike]

Check this out Karen, this is a great video, explaining how they work, kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF6nc3Z-pLx-isk

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike thanks Mike. Know I understand why The Kentucky was out there helping out.

[@ReclinedPhysicist]

What is the meaning of that circle with the x in the middle painted on the front of the ship. Kind of reminds me of a four-leaf clover😮

[@vibewithmike]

Mike, I’m glad you asked. It wasn’t too long ago that I learned about this. That allows people assisting the vessel (like tugboats) to know where the bow thruster is and to stay away from that area. Basically, if you see this symbol that means the bow thruster is directly below. You want to avoid that area? Take a look at this. encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRT1ZE1hdET647hmWlMmI_ljmLYHQ7UTgz82A&usqp=CAU

[@ReclinedPhysicist]

@@vibewithmike that would be why I don't always see a ship with that painted on the side

[@vibewithmike]

I used to think it was just a cool symbol. I’m learning new things every day in this industry, Mike. It’s pretty cool man.

[@evomink]

When was this shot as she is on her way back to Duluth as I write this…

[@vibewithmike]

AJ, good question. Last weekend. 👍⛴️

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Strange that the bridge didn’t come down.

[@vibewithmike]

You are right, there was a big delay. I didn’t notice that.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

This is the life!!!!!

[@frankdillon6127]

is it possible to fly a drone over the ships to get great footage?

[@dwardldlind4656]

the canal is fedral property drones are prohibited

[@frankdillon6127]

@@dwardldlind4656 thanks, bummer!

[@vibewithmike]

Frank, I’ve seen many drones flying over the bridge. Unfortunately, it’s illegal and the drone operators didn’t know that.

[@vibewithmike]

That is correct dwardl, but I see people flying them weekly.

[@vibewithmike]

They’re totally legal to fly on an Park Point right next to the bridge I’m guessing?

[@JaceJordan-fe1sy]

The graffiti is awful, what a shame people do that.

[@vibewithmike]

Jace, I agree, the problem is the area is so far away from people that it’s easy to do that type of stuff

[@todddembsky8321]

G'Day -eh!! Mike, incredible photography of the AC heading downbound. Funny story, my Uncle was the Gantry Crain operator in Sturgeon Bay from 1958 to 1961 for the shipyards. These videos continue to remind me how small this world really is, and how huge the Great Lakes are🙂. How loud is the fog horn at Canal Park? I can hear that horn blast all the way to Split Rock on some humid early mornings. Go enjoy those Onion Rings at Grandmothers. Need a video of you on the deck overlooking the lake woofing down OR's with a Hurrican in one hand 🛥⛵⚓

[@vibewithmike]

You know what Todd, this is the type of comment that really puts a smile on my face. There’s a background story and how could I not have a smile on my face when I think of those onion rings. Can you imagine all the cool vessels your uncle got to see and the things he was doing there in the shipyard? I’ve always been fascinated by maritime things. The foghorn is easily over 100 dB. I also like your idea with the hurricane too! You’re my kind of guy! All the best to you brother! ⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️👍👍👍👍

[@METALITHrevetments]

It's hard to believe that a freighter has a door/window through the hull into the engine room.

[@vibewithmike]

I think it’s fun seeing if a ship has an open. It’s a treat when I see it.