MV John G. Munson - Great Lakes Freighter at Duluth on 04-23-23) with Seagulls)

MV John G. Munson entering Duluth Harbor on Sunday 04-23-2023.
The self-unloading bulk freighter John G. Munson was built in 1952 as hull # 415 by Manitowoc Shipbuilding, Inc., Manitowoc, WI. The construction was a result of a contract awarded to Manitowoc Shipbuilding by Irvin L. Clymer, president of Bradley Transportation Line in 1950. The new vessel was to be used in the stone trade, limestone in particular. The new self-unloader was launched November 28, 1951 for the Bradley Transportation Line, Rogers City, MI which was part of the Michigan Lime and Chemical Co. division of U.S. Steel Corp. The John G. Munson completed her sea trials on August 12, 1952 and departed on her maiden voyage August 21, 1952 bound for Calcite, MI and her first of many loads of limestone. Of note, the president of Bradley's sister fleet Pittsburgh Steamship Co. also owned by U.S. Steel Corp. announced in 1950 the awarding of contracts to build 3 bulk carriers coincidentally of similar size and power to the Munson but not self-unloaders. Unknown at the time would be the classification confusion later as the 2 fleets amalgamated.