Manitoulin threads the needle under the bridge to Fraser shipyard in Superior WI. for winter layup

I added a supplemental video of the ship striking the bridge • Manitoulin antenna hit...
Manitoulin was christened in China in September 28, 2015. She sailed for Canadian waters via the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, arriving in Canada in mid-November 2015. After a cargo of ballast stone was unloaded, she entered service with a load of iron ore to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Ship Particulars
Length 664′ 00″ (202.39m)
Beam 78′ 00″ (23.77m)
Depth 45′ 00″ (13.72m)
Midsummer Draft 30′ 00″ (9.14m)
Unloading Boom Length 265′ (80.77m)
Capacity 27,550 tons
Engine Power 8,113 bhp diesel
The saltwater Lalandia Swan, owned by Uni Tankers, was purchased in 2014 and rebuilt for Great Lakes service under the Canadian flag in 2015 with a new, self-unloading bow section. The bow section was built in 2014-15 at Chengxi Shipyards, Jiangyin, China. The stern section was built in 1991 at Uljanik Shipyard, Pula, Croatia. (Stern name history: Trelsi ’08-’01, Euro Swan ’01-’11, Lalandia Swan ’11-’15)
boatnerd.com/m...

[@joankralik6794]

That was great! Quite a show of skill & navigation from the pilothouse. A true thing of beauty! They're going out in a blaze of glory for this season. The blanket of ice & snow is fabulous. Tells us it's over for now. May her crew have some very deserved rest & special times with their loved ones!💖☃

[@cottonflash]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching

[@billg7813]

This is great. I've seen enough ships going under the lift bridge. I'd like to see what happens to them after that. Thanks for posting this 👍🏻

[@cottonflash]

She is wintering at Fraser shipyard a couple hundred yards past the Ryerson at the end of the video

[@centexan]

I've seen this bridge before but never realized what a tight fit it is for these ships. Nice music score.

[@cottonflash]

John A. Blatnik Bridge: This is the specific name of the bridge that carries U.S. Highway 53 and Interstate 535 over the St. Louis River. It's a 7,975-foot bridge that's a prominent landmark in the area. Thanks for watching.

[@evangelicalcatholics]

This is only when going to the Frazer Shipyard for maintenance or layup. Ships don't regularly traverse that stretch of the harbor. But yes, tight.

[@centexan]

@@evangelicalcatholics Good info. Thanks!

[@andremetayer1467]

@@evangelicalcatholics Thank you for the precision. I said to myself, that if the traffic was intense, the bridge piers must receive some hurts because of the so narrow way. It's a hard work with that long boat. We can see the work on the rudder, by the water mouvment. It's imperativ to take the right decision at the right time becaue of the inertie.

[@randyhale4181]

Wow that's some great seamanship.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼

[@cottonflash]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching

[@oystertoadfish1149]

Watching the screw discharge insightful. You can see the adjustments of the rudder as the ship starts to twist a little. Deft helmsman.

[@rottngranny2876]

Excellent footage and love the music ❤ I can’t believe how dirty that water is!

[@lowercherty]

Mostly silt and natural tannin. The St. Louis is a dark river.

[@cottonflash]

I agree with @lowercherty and The ice is super thin for this time of year in the harbor. Thanks for watching.

[@douglashurd8652]

Too epic for words , just look at the amazing beauty of history

[@RangieNZ]

The aerials, actually hit the bridge! :)

[@cottonflash]

I believe the answer is YES but I am going to review my raw video.

[@RangieNZ]

It's a definite yes They hit every bridge beam - on the last one, the whole tower shakes. It maybe a good idea to send this to the roading people, so they know they need to check for damage

[@TJ-zl3tx]

Excellent visuals & background music. I can only think the surrounding ice would minimize sideways drift. That's still a lot of ship navigating a narrow opening. My compliments to the entire crew.

[@alexandersinclair9006]

​@@RangieNZthey already know about the ships genius. But I am sure they need some low watt kiwi telling them how to do their job.

[@RangieNZ]

@@alexandersinclair9006 Wow. Someone needs a coffee. Unless the roading people KNOW there has been a bridge-strike, they don't know there's something to do...

[@byronharano2391]

Love the classical music 🎶 and video. Canada 🇨🇦 🍁 flagged.

[@rcdoodles6214]

Superb footage! Thank you for sharing.

[@cottonflash]

Thank for watching.

[@lousmith1189]

Fantastic footage and I loved the music

[@cottonflash]

Thanks Honey

[@davidpierceful]

What a SUPERB video! Thanks

[@cottonflash]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheMadmatt7]

They loooooove those tight clearances on the great lakes.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing👍

[@cottonflash]

No problem 👍

[@12345fowler]

The classical music was a very nice surprise. Good choice for a beautiful subject

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching.

[@geraldarcuri9307]

LOVE THE BACKGROUND MUSIC! Absolutely fitting. Perfect. That whole antenna assembly atop the ship's bridge should be retractable or foldable!

[@rossmack5644]

Good choice of music for this.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

The work of a skilled captain. More then one bridge has been collapsed buy unfortunate captains/crew. Nice music You used! Could also have been Bolero....

[@cousinfun1]

Great work Calm Cool and Collected thats the way to do it!

[@cottonflash]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@dianebeier8379]

With your awesome videos and this music, I believe this channel is going places, this is outstanding! An old lady from the western U.P.OF MICHIGAN, NEW HAPPY SUBSCRIBER!!😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@cottonflash]

Wow, thank you!

[@cherylkth]

Wonderful video and music. Almost suspenseful ! Thx

[@cottonflash]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheUnflushedToilet]

6:50 the antenna just barely hit the top of the bridge, talk about a tight squeeze!

[@cottonflash]

It was definetly a tight fit all the way around! Thanks for watching.

[@jimerb1261]

Wow. That's some piloting. Music fits perfectly.

[@cottonflash]

Thank you very much for watching

[@UnintendedConsequences]

Excellent synchronization between the music and the smokestack.

[@cottonflash]

Thank you for watching

[@CockpitScenes]

You can see the mast hitting the bridge. You can see it bending back. Man, that is nasty black water. I have never seen black ice.

[@cottonflash]

The ice is very thin likely less than a couple inches (unusual) and looks very dark😊

[@waytogo2791]

Very nicely shot video👍 As the superstructure passes under the Bridge, you can see at least one Antenna snagging....which induced probably some mild canadian cussing in the wheelhouse😂

[@cottonflash]

Very likely, Ayyy? Thanks for watching

[@jimwinsor8938]

Awesome video!!!

[@cottonflash]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnkingery403]

Would have been cool to have a shot of the bow crunching through the ice.

[@cottonflash]

I have a short bit of ice moving in my Edgar B Speer video as you discribed from that day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3rNaXRvZpanZ9U Thanks for watching

[@jackosullivan3913]

😊

[@MrJoshlanier]

Incredible job men! Outstanding!

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching

[@dianebeier8379]

ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW! WHERE DID THIS FOOTAGE COME FROM, AND THE MUSIC SUITS IT, GREAT VIDEO!!!😊😊😊😊

[@cottonflash]

My hobby is aerial photography/videography. I made it with my drone.

[@matsewunderlich]

Beautiful Video and Perfect music for this scene 👍

[@cottonflash]

I'm glad you like it

[@khrn1301]

Love watching the Mantoulin to Mozart! Mozart would have loved the Mantoulin, too!

[@Rod3E900]

DARN, BUT THAT'S A TIGHT FIT !!!

[@cottonflash]

It was definetly a tight fit all the way around! I believe the antenta does hit ther underside of the bridge. Thanks for watching

[@SunnnyDay]

Nicely filmed, well done !!

[@jerrycomo2736]

The captain must be an old salt. Ship handling in restricted waters with the radars turned off takes guts.

[@alexandersinclair9006]

Radar is worthless in that situation.

[@sandywilson867]

Great drone shots of the ship pushing slowly and exactly thru the gap , ' steady as she goes ' . I loved the classical music too , Mozart ?

[@cottonflash]

Yes, Number 38 in D major

[@sandywilson867]

The Mozart adds a sense of drama , a very nice touch . Film and music combine to make your video a piece of art .@@cottonflash

[@cottonflash]

Thank you for watching.@@sandywilson867

[@garylawrence7547]

All ahead slow! Captain go for the opening on your left.

[@stephensmith799]

Beautiful

[@cottonflash]

Thank you

[@bigmonmagoomba9634]

Radar didn’t clear bridge by much, did it? Great video.

[@cottonflash]

Yes, and thanks for watching

[@oldfarmer9004]

Piece of cake!

[@littleshopofsongs3481]

Wonderful Video, everything is said .... but I try to imgagine the Landscape before industrialisatation. Best regards from Germany

[@cottonflash]

I don't have to imagine it. I can walk 200 yd to the South and be in the forest

[@littleshopofsongs3481]

@@cottonflash good for you. I live also live on the countryside.

[@MH-fb5kr]

These sailors are goooood!

[@bluehouse2112]

Class!!

[@regenesisart1373]

Is it my imagination or does the very top of her antennae look to get caught just before exiting the underside of the bridge? It looks like there is the slightest movement there.

[@jpgcne]

Optical illusion, I presume

[@cottonflash]

It was definetly a tight fit all the way around! I believe the antenta does hit ther underside of the bridge. Thanks for watching

[@chrischapel9165]

the opening still photo of the ship going under a bridge had me swearing that was the zilwaukee bridge over the Saginaw river but, after looking closely its not...

[@cottonflash]

John A. Blatnik Bridge: This is the specific name of the bridge that carries U.S. Highway 53 and Interstate 535 over the St. Louis River. It's a 7,975-foot bridge that's a prominent landmark in the area. Thanks for watching.

[@Jonjonbighettty-ub3rc]

awesome bro

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching

[@lockehaney3013]

That is some dark dirty water she is moving though

[@northernbettygirl]

can't believe there was as nothing but the bow of the ship to break up the ice. Saw tug boats do it on another WI shipyard video. I'm sure this put quite a strain on the engines

[@cottonflash]

We have had a very unusual warm winter and the ice is quite thin.

[@guyfuller1369]

Earnest musing from a landlocked prairie dog: does the presence of ice make that passage easier or more difficult? Great video, btw.

[@cottonflash]

A commenter said it makes it easier however this ice is very thin and I can't see it making much difference. Thanks for watching.

[@guyfuller1369]

@@cottonflash I appreciate your response. Thanks.

[@tested123]

with a ship that size....i would think they would close the bridge as it passed under. nothing would stop this beast from taking out the bridge.

[@cottonflash]

This opening is designed for large vessels with Fraser shipyard in Superior just beyond the end of the video.

[@robertaolson6847]

Is that the duluth symphony orchestra playing the music ?

[@cottonflash]

Music is from KZbin so I doubt it is Duluth Superior Orchestra. Thanks for watching

[@andremetayer1467]

Excellent work from the captain, and from... The drone operator ! Some of the most good points of view I've seen on KZbin for this kind of subject. You've made also a real original post production work. A great suspens in many ways... Will the boat miss the way between the bridge piles ? Will the antenna forest collapse or not ? And over that, the music choice, a bit inexpected, but so harmonious. Cheers from France, with maybe some words not very good choisen... But a to try to say all the pleasure I've taken during 7'23''...

[@cottonflash]

You are very kind and thanks for watching.

[@evangelicalcatholics]

That beautiful ship on the right that's been docked there for a few years, I hope they decide to fire her up next year and use her. I know there's been...rumors.

[@cottonflash]

Edward Ryerson kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXzcm3-OZ7d3esU IMO she is still a steam-powered vessel and would likely need conversion and it's not a self-unloader. I think it will be salvaged at some point.

[@evangelicalcatholics]

@@cottonflashShe's a beauty, but I've heard they keep the engines in working order and I also read somewhere that the company that owns her is considering installing the self-unloader. I suppose it all depends on supply and demand and profit. If nothing else, they could sell her and convert her into a tour ship like the W.H. Irvine.

[@richardeggleston8087]

Great Drone work

[@cottonflash]

Thanks 👍

[@emoney7472]

That is some serious dirty water right there.

[@cottonflash]

St Louis river estuary is the Duluth Port :-)

[@georgesam7805]

Guessing he's done this once or twice before.

[@CJK57]

Why isn’t the helm at the front of a ship of this size? Wouldn’t it be easier to steer?

[@cottonflash]

Google Bard says... You're right, it's unusual to see the helm at the very front of a lake boat/ship. There are several practical reasons for this: Visibility: While looking ahead from the front might seem ideal, it actually hinders maneuverability in many situations. Boats need good visibility not just straight ahead, but also to the sides and back. Placing the helm in the middle or towards the rear allows the captain to see obstacles, docks, and other boats better, especially during docking or navigating tight spaces. Control and Leverage: Steering from the front can be less effective, particularly on larger boats. Applying force to the rudder from the front offers less leverage, making it harder to control the vessel precisely. Placing the helm further back provides better leverage and more responsive control over the steering system. Safety and Balance: Having the helm towards the center or rear helps maintain better weight distribution on the boat. Placing it too far forward can unbalance the vessel, especially during rough waters or sharp turns. Additionally, being closer to the center offers increased safety for the captain in case of collisions or sudden waves. Practical Considerations: Many lake boats, especially smaller ones, lack dedicated helms and use the steering wheel directly from the cockpit or cabin. These areas are typically located more towards the center or rear, providing comfort and protection for the operator, as well as easier access to other controls and instruments. Exceptions: While rare, some specialized lake boats, like tugs or research vessels, might have the helm positioned closer to the front for specific operational needs. These are usually designed with additional factors in mind, such as improved visibility with specialized equipment or enhanced control over towing operations. So, while looking ahead from the front might seem intuitive, placing the helm in the middle or rear of a lake boat offers practical advantages for visibility, control, balance, safety, and overall operational efficiency.

[@donaldlyons537]

Very cool... Tight fit is right! Amd Mozart is beautiful. I'll subscribe 😊

[@cottonflash]

👍 thanks for watching

[@KeithSage]

Wave the no wake zone.

[@MSYAGMONTREAL]

It scraped the bridge!

[@wientz]

Everybody wants to be the captain until you have to dothe captin stuff!

[@sartorst3376]

7:08 appears she just touches the bridge

[@cottonflash]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5m0iqqNfKqbp9E

[@wientz]

7:00 he tickled the belly of that bridge!

[@cottonflash]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5m0iqqNfKqbp9E

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

So when are they closing down the soo locks for the winter?

[@cottonflash]

Schedule is 1/15 closing

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

​@cottonflash mid-January is puryty late. I just got to say, I think the sailors that sail the great lakes in January, Are the same kind of brave souls that leave us to live comfortably in this day and age.. Much respect.

[@user-ll9zd2dh6h]

was the camera speeded up?

[@cottonflash]

yes 2x speed

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

Wow. Literally zero cm to spare! That passage reminds me a lot of the shipping lane on the south shore of Montreal, under the Mercier bridge. Cool video! 👍

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching

[@schnooka0078]

Reminds me of my friends skiing!!! Hah!!!!

[@mrmysterious]

Nice video but can the music..I'd prefer to hear that ship breaking through the ice.

[@cottonflash]

Next time. Thanks for watching

[@scout005]

Great Vid. Music not needed.

[@cottonflash]

It didn't quite make it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5m0iqqNfKqbp9E

[@ericvonp]

Old Sunshine Skyway soon to be

[@stevengiles346]

I didn’t think the antenna was going to clear.

[@oscarwindham6016]

Shucks..., that Captain had several inches to spare going under that bridge clearing that antenna array. I mean..., at least two or three inches?

[@cottonflash]

At least🙂 thanks for watching

[@oscarwindham6016]

My comment was a satirical compliment.@@cottonflash

[@cottonflash]

I got it and thanks again​@@oscarwindham6016

[@brettfavreify]

"Threading the needle." More like "stepping on the gas" through that ice.

[@cottonflash]

The video is at 2x speed so it wasn't 14 minutes long 😅 Thanks for watching

[@belindalubben303]

😮❤wow

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

👏

[@what1864]

thats one big azz needle ...

[@cottonflash]

It's moving through a small space (relatively)😂

[@what1864]

man you have to have you boots tied tight and your hat on straight to do something like that @@cottonflash

[@cottonflash]

And change your underwear after😊

[@what1864]

maybe twice ..@@cottonflash

[@davidheil7645]

I don't understand why they didn't break up the ice considering how tight it is in there

[@cottonflash]

The ice is super thin for this time of year in the harbor.

[@ronkirk5099]

No tugs in attendance?

[@cottonflash]

No tugs, just vast amounts of courage :-)

[@Budni_Rechnika]

Похоже у коптера батарейка села,и мы не увидели как корабль долго и мучительно пытается подойти к причалу)

[@cottonflash]

Мой дрон был на пределе своей дальности, и в конце видео корабль добрался до верфи прямо впереди. Судя по всему, мачта корабля ударилась о конструкцию моста. Ледокол не понадобился, поскольку лед был очень тонким. My drone was at the limit of its range and the ship made it to the shipyard immediately ahead at the end of the video. The ship mast does appear to hit the bridge structure. No icebreaker was needed as ice was very thin.

[@tewfikmahmoudbennassi5500]

L'as des as great captain and pilot

[@cottonflash]

Thank you for watching

[@michaelchamberlain4618]

Why doesn't she go to a Canadian dry dock.

[@cottonflash]

Google Bard says.... "While Canadian ports are certainly viable options for winter layup for Canadian ships, there are several reasons why a ship owner might choose a foreign port instead: Cost: Lower fees: Foreign ports, especially in developing countries, may offer significantly lower fees for layup compared to Canadian ports. This can be a major factor for ship owners looking to save money during the off-season. Tax advantages: Some foreign ports offer tax breaks or other incentives for ships to lay up there. This can further reduce the overall cost of layup. Climate: (probably NOT in this case) Milder weather: Some foreign ports, particularly in warmer climates, offer milder winter weather than Canadian ports. This can be beneficial for the ship's hull and equipment, as well as for the crew's well-being. Reduced ice risk: In ports with little to no ice buildup, there's less risk of damage to the ship's hull or propulsion system compared to Canadian ports that experience freezing temperatures and ice cover. Accessibility: Strategic location: Depending on the ship's planned activities after layup, a foreign port might be more strategically located for its next voyage. This could save time and fuel compared to sailing all the way back to a Canadian port. Repair facilities: Some foreign ports offer specialized repair facilities or expertise that might not be available in Canada. This can be advantageous if the ship needs repairs or maintenance during layup. Other factors: Availability: Canadian ports with suitable facilities for large ships can get booked up for layup, especially during peak season. A foreign port might offer more readily available space. Crew considerations: Some foreign ports may offer amenities or attractions that are more appealing to the crew during layup, such as lower living expenses or cultural experiences. Ultimately, the decision of where to lay up a Canadian ship is a complex one that takes into account a variety of factors. While there are certainly advantages to using Canadian ports, the potential cost savings, milder weather, and other benefits of foreign ports can sometimes outweigh them. Here are some additional details and images to consider: Cost comparison: The cost of layup can vary significantly depending on the size and type of ship, the port's fees, and the length of layup. However, as a general rule, foreign ports are often cheaper than Canadian ports. Climate comparison: The climate in Canadian ports can be harsh during the winter, with freezing temperatures and ice cover. In contrast, many foreign ports offer milder weather, which can be beneficial for the ship and the crew. Accessibility comparison: The location of the next planned voyage can be a factor in the decision of where to lay up. A foreign port that is closer to the ship's next destination may be more convenient and time-saving. It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of why a Canadian ship might choose a foreign port for winter layup. The decision ultimately depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the ship and its owner. I hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions."

[@2snowgirl520]

😮

[@comradeyuri8492]

Is the corny music necessary ? I'd luv to hear the ice crunching and engine noises.

[@cottonflash]

I looked for some ice breaking sounds but they are not nearly as classical as Mozart. Thanks for watching.

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

Is the rude obnoxious comment needed? Where is the link to your perfectly made video of this ship???

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

the plow didnt come yet i guess

[@cottonflash]

No need for a plow in harbor this year (thin ice) Thanks for watching

[@MikeHunt-fo3ow]

ty i was making a bad joke cause it looks like a snowy street and not water@@cottonflash

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

​@@MikeHunt-fo3owYes very bad.

[@UQRXD]

Water looks dirty.

[@cottonflash]

The Duluth Harbor is made up of the St. Louis River estuary and it's loaded with tannins and plant matter.

[@UQRXD]

I see.@@cottonflash

[@daleolson3506]

The music junked another video 👎👎👎👎👎💩💩💩😬

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

Where is the link to YOUR perfect video of the ship? Oh don't have one do you? Your entitlement is showing.

[@michaelchamberlain4618]

Or shipyard

[@robertkreiling1746]

Well you just had to ruin this a musical soundtrack did ya ?

[@orgcoast5990]

That is ugly water!

[@cottonflash]

Duluth Harbor is part of St Louis river watershed with a lot of tannins from plant matter washing into Lake Superior and the ice is very, very thin this year making it look even darker and ugly. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@Jleed989]

The need to put obnoxious music behind it

[@cottonflash]

Sorry you didn't like music I try to mix it up. Thanks for watching

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

The need to make a rude obnoxious comment. Where is the link to YOUR video of the ship passing through the same bridge??

[@roberthayes6329]

Craptastic music where there should be boat and ice sounds.

[@cottonflash]

Frankly, I tried to find some ice sounds but they're just like boring big time. Thought the classical was a little better touch 😉

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

Craptastic comment. Where is the link to your perfect video of the ship??

[@Look_What_You_Did]

Love the water pollution. Murica.. fck dert Epa.

[@LokiOdinson-fz8ps]

Before you make yourself look uneducated and stupid try doing some research on the harbor.

[@alexandersinclair9006]

Might want to educate yourself before making stupid comments. That's plant material from a river that runs into the harbor. Oh and only racist rednecks and gun bunnies say merica. Which one are you?

[@bucurilie-lo4jf]

And what's the moral of this, the skipper wasn't drunk this time and the bridge is still stending?

[@cottonflash]

We can't change the past, but we can shape the future.

[@declanmurphy6427]

Lose the music !

[@cottonflash]

Thanks for watching.

[@donaldcook]

Could they have had a tug break the ice in front of them .

[@cottonflash]

The ice is super thin for this time of year in the harbor. Thanks for watching.