⚓️Tallest Ship on Lake Superior? Ship Taïga Desgagnés departs Duluth, MN

The 497 foot ship Taïga Desgagnés departed Duluth at night under the Aerial Lift Bridge as it headed out onto Lake Superior. Watch how close the top of the ship's superstructure gets to the fully raised Lift Bridge. Does this ship have the tallest superstructure to date that we've seen in Duluth, MN? You be the judge!
The Taïga Desgagnés is without a doubt one of the most impressive ships that I've seen go through the ship canal. The three large cranes on deck really look cool too. However, the fantastically enormous superstructure on the stern made it hard not to focus on it. Great looking ship!
More information about the ship Taïga Desgagnés: desgagnes.com/wp-content/uplo...

[@stacyreeves8939]

Thank you for all the great, informative videos. I enjoy watching them, and I am learning a lot about the Great Lakes shipping industry.

[@vibewithmike]

The Stacy, it makes me happy hearing that you’re getting into the Great Lakes shipping! That’s awesome!!!!!⛴️

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Love the close up of the lift bridge! You have got to admire the engineering that went into it! The word "taiga" means the very large area of wet land in the far northern parts of the world that is covered with conifer trees. Desgagnes is the shipping company but the word actually refers to a French surname. Its a massively impressive ship, but not as impressive as the guy who tirelessly brings us these awesome videos! Have a fantastic weekend Mike!

[@vibewithmike]

Awesome info about the name/definition, I didn’t know that! Thank you Johan! 👍👍👍👍⛴️⛴️👋👋🇿🇦

[@karengausman1459]

Totally agree with you Johan. I think Mike works very hard to get the best ships for us to view.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@vibewithmike I didnt either but I thought i would google it haha! Thank you for your awesome commitment Mike! You sir are a local legend!

[@johanvandersandt8904]

@@karengausman1459 I agree completely!👍

[@vibewithmike]

Hey, I got to meet you through these ships! That’s awesome! Glad to know you.

[@ricdale7813]

You really can appreciate the beauty of living near The Great Lakes and its Waterways. Stunning sights,sounds and nature abound. I see many of these ships in the Detroit River and their size and the landscape is a spectacular sight.

[@vibewithmike]

You’re right! The Great Lakes are amazing! What scenery and natural beauty! And don’t forget about those Ships!!!⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@bettygilmore611]

Love all the details about the lift bridge. Great shio

[@anthonygiglio9860]

Great Video Mike What A Superstructure Must Have A Elevator Looks Like A Great Night Out There Have A Great Marathon Saturday And A Great Friday Night😊

[@vibewithmike]

They might need to use a crane to pull people up to the pilot House😂😂😂

[@antwaunsmith8392]

Wow The Taiag Desgagnes looks incredible 🤯 and the tall super structure looks like a hotel building 😅😅

[@vibewithmike]

Is sure dose look like a huge hotel building on this ship. I hope all is well Antwaun!!!👍⛴️

[@larryfisher5796]

Good evening Mike thank you for the great video tonight . Love to always see the SALTEYS .Stay safe .,👍👍👍

[@vibewithmike]

Thanks Larry!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ddanelle4729]

Nothing like an early summer night on the Great Lakes. Simply gorgeous.

[@vibewithmike]

I agree with you 100%

[@user-AZ-phil]

I may be commenting about a year after you shot this, Mike, but I've got to compliment you on a gorgeous night shot of Duluth and a salty departing through the canal. The night lighting of the bridge does a better job of highlighting the physical structure of it than daylight does. Thanks for those views of it.

[@vibewithmike]

No worries friend. I’m glad that you found the channel on the video. I hope you subscribe and come back to watch worship videos. Check out this one that I released yesterday. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZDdcoKqpp5_bKMsi=0uVX5IuROr6M8taz

[@chuckg6039]

That tall superstructure was made even taller due to the ship sitting so high in the water. I'd love to explore that ship! No salute. The captain was very thoughtful to those sleeping.

[@vibewithmike]

I would like to know the total height from the water to the top of the flying bridge for this ship! It was so high up!👍⛴️

[@algojeff]

My best bud works for Desgagnés on the the Arctic annual hauling. Five years ago, he invited me and my two kids onboard. We had a blast, especially in that towering wheelhouse. My then 7 years old girl seated on the captain’s chair with pride and joy. Massive ship for the Arctic runs. Nordika Desgagnés is her sistership. Great video, Mike !

[@vibewithmike]

I would be so pumped up to be on that vessel! You had to be so excited. Your daughter will never forget that! Wow! Legit!

[@scottburk4083]

Another cool saltie! Have a good one Mike! God Bless!!!❤😊

[@timg11765]

Really enjoy seeing these awesome ships. Keep sending us these great videos, you’re very fortunate to live on these Great Lakes.

[@vibewithmike]

Tim, I’m so glad that you are enjoying the videos. I will keep them coming for you. There’s a real fun video coming tomorrow friend!👋👍⛴️

[@timg11765]

@@vibewithmike thanks brother maybe someday we will meet and view these Goliath boats. I’ve always been and studied everything I can find about these awesome bodies of water Mother Nature will never reveal the secrets of what we have. I’m glad you are doing the vids and I know you love it keep us informed

[@vibewithmike]

Tim, it would be my pleasure! I’ll be waiting for you at the pier!!!!!!!

[@SweetUniverse]

It's like a moving small city 👍👍👍

[@vibewithmike]

Perfect way to compare this ship

[@geofffikar3417]

Yay, another saltie. Beautiful ship. I hope you have a lot of fun with Grandma's run.

[@vibewithmike]

Thanks! I might to live tonight to show you what’s going on before the run.

[@peggywakeen4941]

So much fun to see. This is amazing. Thank you Mike

[@vibewithmike]

I really appreciate you watching

[@gregmctevia5087]

Loved it. Thanks for bringing us along to wait on the pier with you for the star of the video to make her appearance. Can't wait to receive my next invite.

[@vibewithmike]

Yo Greg! I have a good one coming for you tomorrow brother!

[@gregmctevia5087]

@@vibewithmike I'll clear my calendar 😉😉😉

[@vibewithmike]

⛴️👍

[@scottlewis8681]

First of all, Mike are you like me and never sleep? Second holy structure batman it looks like a Hilton hotel. Awesome as always Mike have a great day and weekend. Peace!!

[@vibewithmike]

Peace to you as well brother! I’ll get some sleep at some point!🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🛏️😂

[@marywright6759]

There was another level on the back. Thanks. That was huge.

[@vibewithmike]

The crew definitely has room to move inside that ship Mary

[@BeenThrDunThat]

Incredible ship, looks great at night! Really cool. Apparently, Mike, you do eat, drink and don't-sleep ships!

[@vibewithmike]

Ha! I should consider doing those things some day!👍⛴️😂

[@SAILNAWAY]

Mike, That was a cool opening shot of the bridge. Very impressive ship, definitely riding high. Thank You

[@vibewithmike]

I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

This is as good as watching trains!!!

[@vibewithmike]

Go to 22:18 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYTZaqWciMuejq8

[@bmgirl]

Thanks for the video an all the info. Another great job

[@vibewithmike]

It’s always great hearing from you, thanks for joining my live stream as well. I saw you on there.

[@edkiely2712]

This whole time I thought 2 guys were manually pulling the lift-bridge up by ropes!😁 Looks like there was about 10-15ft. clearance left! You had a better view!

[@vibewithmike]

Ha! Those would be some strong guy! Tell them to try out for the Minnesota Vikings! We need some help! 😂😂😂👍👋

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

Hey Mike! I have the bridges and all of the trusses in kit form---just need to be built! 150' curved top chord. They will be something to behold when they are done!!!! I'm Shane by the way.

[@vibewithmike]

What’s up Shane! You got to show me that when you’re done. Send me an email with that please. That’ll be awesome.

[@AmeriCreed]

Awesome.. and pretty clean looking.

[@vibewithmike]

Art! Hey brother. I hope you and your wife are doing well today. Happy Friday to both of you.

[@Evan-nl3wm]

Thanks for all of your great video!!!!!!!!

[@deetempleton80]

That was spectacular. The bullet nose in front on the bottom is in view as she is so high on the water... Finally had time to see her. Friday afternoon. Thanks Mike. You better not be up to late. You need to have your "Beauty Sleep. Great on the scene reporting...Thanks Again.

[@vibewithmike]

Yo Dee! How’s it going! I went right to sleep when I got home after this video! The ship looked great!

[@karengausman1459]

Hi Mike. Beautiful shot of the West Duluth hillside. Much appreciate you recording this vessel for us!! Wow, Wow. 😮😮!! 6 levels would defintely feel like an apartment building. She is massive for sure!!! Those cranes are what I noticed first but yes the super structure is massive too. Just WOW WOW. She barely made it under the lift bridge. This vessel was awesome to see. Thanks again Mike. I hope you had a good Friday. Weekend is here!! Take care my friend and maybe we can chat in the comments later. 🙋⛴

[@vibewithmike]

Karen, this ship was crazy big!

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike I think you could fit a small town into the super structure!! That was HUGE.

[@vibewithmike]

I think so too!

[@karengausman1459]

@@vibewithmike She was awesome to see. 👍⛴️

[@vibewithmike]

I can’t wait to see it again!

[@samuelcollins1331]

Thanks Mike for bringing the action from the FAR END of the Great Lakes region. We do NOT get to see the MASSIVE Lakers in the EASTERN end of the Great Lakes System at the Welland Canal! Not ALL of the “Salties” that “climb the mountain” up the 326 FEET from Sea Level to the level of the Great Lakes go as far as Duluth. So it must truly be a treat to see these Ocean going vessels when they arrive there. And your videos give us a wonderful glimpse of those thousand footers!!

[@vibewithmike]

I really appreciate you leaving such a great comment. Please come back. People that love ships like you and I, we have a place to talk here.

[@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586]

Really enjoy the night views.

[@vibewithmike]

Thank you so much my friend. I hope you have a delightful Friday night. All the best.

[@ajmuzz22]

Clearance Clarence.. 👍🏽😎

[@vibewithmike]

I hope you subscribe and come back to my channel to watch more ship videos moving forward. It’s all about having fun with the ships!👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@jjarm]

Loved the evening shot of the Duluth hillside! Looking forward to my annual visit to the harbor in July. Keep up the nice info filled videos boat friend.

[@ellenhalpern1882]

I love the night videos

[@vibewithmike]

Thank you so much Ellen! I hope your Friday is going great!👍⛴️

[@andrewmcfadzen6016]

This ship Taiga was on CBC show High Artic Haulers delivering supplies to the far north

[@vibewithmike]

I couldn’t find the show, but here’s the program. www.aptntv.ca/higharctichaulers/episode-guide/season-1/

[@davidwilson9247]

Mike, you do a great job. We don’t have that in Richmond, VA

[@vibewithmike]

David! Thank you for such a wonderful comment. Boat friends, check out all the cool stuff David has over there in Richmond. www.visitrichmondva.com/

[@elizabethw4519]

Wowza!!!!!!

[@vibewithmike]

Elizabeth! It’s a tall one! I was impressed! I hope it comes back soon! Happy Friday friend!👍⛴️👋

[@Jodi_W]

There's my 'bike chain'! 👍 And the light on top of Enger Tower. On the back side it looks like there might be a 7th level of the super structure, maybe that's access to the radar equipment on top.

[@maryanneveite5096]

Love the Duluth hillside lights. We went up there one night, I was terrified 😮

[@vibewithmike]

Mary! I hope you enjoyed the walking tour today. I got my steps in for sure. All the best my friend.

[@SweetUniverse]

Idk which I like better - day time or night ❤❤❤

[@vibewithmike]

I feel the same way

[@luvutons411]

A giganticus boaticus it is at that....Wow!! 😉👍

[@vibewithmike]

⛴️

[@harrietweber2520]

Lollolololol😅

[@luvutons411]

​@@harrietweber2520 Too much science on my mind at the time...👍🤪

[@vibewithmike]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@terricolburn2011]

The superstructure looks like an apartment building!

[@terricolburn2011]

And as it gets closer it looks like a grain elevator!!

[@vibewithmike]

You’re exactly right, it does look like a grain elevator

[@ginog5037]

Very cool Mike, from the triple cranes to the super structure 😊 Is there a whistle/noise restrictions at night?

[@vibewithmike]

No whistle restriction, it’s totally captains discretion

[@ginog5037]

@vibewithmike Well that's no fun, 100db horn at 3am...lol Have a good weekend Mike!

[@ellanwiehman1851]

Wow! Beautiful ship and awesome video, thanks Mike! Wish you a blessed weekend! 🤗

[@vibewithmike]

Ellan! Happy Friday friend. The weather is beautiful here in Duluth.

[@kennethraper6747]

i think the height of the superstructure may be so that it can carry a deck load of containers as a lot of feeder containerships have a similar profile. anyway mike great video

[@vibewithmike]

I think you’re totally right with the deck load point.

[@wasatchrangerailway6921]

I'm going to build a bridge like this on my model railroad!!!!

[@vibewithmike]

I would love to see a photo of that! That would be awesome!!!!!!

[@billychambliss-oe8fq]

Hellow mike from Ms great vidios

[@vibewithmike]

Hey Billy👋👋👋👋 Happy Friday brother!!!!!!⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@dollywalker3929]

Whew. Amazing tall,🌟

[@vibewithmike]

Dolly, such a giant ship

[@richardbause2453]

Sorry, I ment Happy River 😊...

[@vibewithmike]

All good friend! 👍⛴️

[@gregspohn1236]

New watcher. Are there container ships on the lakes?

[@vibewithmike]

Greg, it’s an absolute pleasure meeting you. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday shaping up. We don’t get container ships per se, however, we do get many ocean vessels. we also get cruise ships. Those are somewhat in frequent though. There’s a wide variety of cool ships that come through Duluth. It always makes it fun. I hope you subscribe (it’s free) and come back to my channel to watch more ship videos moving forward. It’s all about having fun with the ships!👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@geoffreywallace9432]

Hey, cool, she's registered here in Barbados.

[@vibewithmike]

Geoffrey! What a beautiful country you live in!🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧⛴️⛴️⛴️👍

[@geoffreywallace9432]

@@vibewithmike thanks muchly.

[@vibewithmike]

Boat friends, take a look at some of the awesome things to do in Barbados! www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g147262-a_contentId.110986981584+10532048383-Barbados.html

[@jackmcgill3150]

Oh wow! From ground level, it looks like another foot or two, it wouldn't fit under the lift bridge!

[@vibewithmike]

It was hard to tell as I was looking up but the ship is tall

[@jackmcgill3150]

@vibewithmike yeah! I would have liked to been in the lift bridge when it went under!

[@vibewithmike]

It was cool to see

[@CarterLovesShips]

I was on the ramp of the north side of the canal on the marine meuseum i was trying to find u

[@vibewithmike]

Sorry you missed me! I’ll be around.

[@rodneymiller4620]

Very impressive Mike! Hard to believe she's fully loaded, sits so high out of the water. I noticed she had another one of those lifeboats that points down like it gets launched by diving into the water versus lowered. Would be interesting to see one launched! On a side note; do the residents/visitors on the peninsula side of the bridge get any warning ahead of time by a whistle/horn blast that the bridge will be lifting in say 10 minutes or so? Thanks Mike, love your videos!

[@vibewithmike]

Rodney! Hey brother! There have been a few questions about the boat and bridge signal horns when the boats are entering and leaving the Port of Duluth. In most cases, once radio communication with the bridge has been established, use of the boat and bridge sound signals are not necessary and operation of the sound signals is left up to the captains. Often, boats will not use the loud horns after dark as a courtesy to city residents. So, most often when you hear the customary whistle/horn-blowing sequence of "long-short-short" it is a friendly salute to the Port of Duluth from the ship captain and is responded to by the lift bridge operator with the same sequence. The Master Salute is an upgraded more formal whistle/horn salute. That is “long-long-long-short-short.” While the famous sound may be a courtesy, it has long been part of the nautical tradition of this great inland sea port.

[@rodneymiller4620]

@@vibewithmike I understand the communication between the ships and the bridge, but I was wondering whether the land lubbers get any advance warning that the bridge will be lifting and they have a certain amount of time to cross it or they're stuck till it lowers?

[@vibewithmike]

Rodney, I got you, yes, a school bell starts to ring and an announcement goes off over a speaker system. If there’s any people that are walking slow there is a long intercom system that comes on from the bridge operator. They make sure everybody gets off.

[@rodneymiller4620]

@@vibewithmike Mike, I wasn't really asking about peeps on the bridge, but the locals or tourists on the dead end side. Say they have to be somewhere or have a Domino's pizza on the way and want to get it before it cools (not that it matters)

[@vibewithmike]

@@rodneymiller4620 nope, the only way to really know what’s going on is to watch marine traffic to see where the boats are in real time. NoNo other real heads up at all.

[@davidwilson9247]

Mike. Do you know the horsepower that raises the bridge? Thanks

[@vibewithmike]

What an awesome question, I don’t know. That gots me really thinking right now.

[@darceyheath263]

What was light flashing on the ship love very awesome

[@vibewithmike]

Can you tell me at what point you see the light? What’s the time?

[@darceyheath263]

@@vibewithmike right after went through the lift bridge it was like flash blue light

[@darceyheath263]

@@vibewithmike 11:35pm June 15th 2023

[@vibewithmike]

On my video, what minute/second?

[@darceyheath263]

@@vibewithmike 12min 53 sec

[@brianandlindafairchild1237]

Do they sell tickets to ride the bridge? I'm just kidding, but that would be fun.

[@Jodi_W]

I thought I read or heard somewhere that they did let people ride on it at one point. A local news station did some segments from inside the lift house.

[@vibewithmike]

I will be in line to get that ticket

[@berniesmith6466]

Mike…..so is ship videos your full time business now?

[@vibewithmike]

Ha! No, ships are only my hobby. My career comes first. That’s my true passion.

[@user-oe7go7iu5y]

Is the lift bridge for trains..?…..????

[@vibewithmike]

John, good question friend! It’s for vehicle and pedestrians traffic. Hands-down the best documentaries I’ve ever watched about Duluth are these two, Lost Duluth 1 & Lost Duluth 2. If you want to learn about the ship canal start at exactly 19:33 in Lost Duluth 1. I have linked these videos below for you. These documentaries tell the whole story of Duluth’s beginning and shipping industry, it’s absolutely fascinating with the photos and videos. Lost Duluth 1: www.tpt.org/lost-duluth-i/video/lost-duluth-i-38108/ (www.tpt.org/lost-duluth-i/video/lost-duluth-i-38108/) Lost Duluth 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3Xo6aPi7yYsLs (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn3Xo6aPi7yYsLs)

[@stephaniedougherty8029]

Why do the salute each other?

[@vibewithmike]

There have been a few questions about the boat and bridge signal horns when the boats are entering and leaving the Port of Duluth. In most cases, once radio communication with the bridge has been established, use of the boat and bridge sound signals are not necessary and operation of the sound signals is left up to the captains. Often, boats will not use the loud horns after dark as a courtesy to city residents. So, most often when you hear the customary whistle/horn-blowing sequence of "long-short-short" it is a friendly salute to the Port of Duluth from the ship captain and is responded to by the lift bridge operator with the same sequence. The Master Salute is an upgraded more formal whistle/horn salute. That is “long-long-long-short-short.” While the famous sound may be a courtesy, it has long been part of the nautical tradition of this great inland sea port.

[@scottwheeler2494]

Boy, that’s a bunch of antennas when you pan across the skyline. There are rules about the lighting scheme on antennas. These rules give you a clue about the height of these antennas - lots of 500 foot or above ones in the mix. One wonders why so many. Users typically share antennas. They are expensive to build and maintain - so much so that there are companies that do nothing but own and operate them. A large antenna may have multiple TV stations and multiple FM radio station. Due to the nature of AM stations they typically are not that tall but they are antenna systems with 4 or more antennas. There are other users of these tall antennas so it explains some of the towers but not so many in a larger medium size town. So I wonder why the skyline is so lit up with them.

[@vibewithmike]

Great observation. Here’s a little more information about all of those in antennas. It’s very fascinating. www.northpine.com/blog/2022/05/05/data-dump-whos-on-what-tower-in-duluth/

[@scottwheeler2494]

@@vibewithmike thanks so much for the link. It's explains why - but I guess it's an opportunity for one of the big tower companies next time the ice kills someone's tower and they don't have the capital to replace it. They specialize in things like that - and broadcasting does not make the money it used to a decade or two ago.

[@vibewithmike]

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!👍👍👍⛴️⛴️⛴️

[@scottwheeler2494]

@@vibewithmike I am subscribed. Like watching ships.

[@Buddyman1225]

Why is it so tall ? What is its main function ?

[@vibewithmike]

The superstructure on the ship or the bridge?

[@Buddyman1225]

On the ship

[@vibewithmike]

I’m not sure, I’m guessing that it just creates more room for the folks on board? Maybe they can’t build the vessel so long so they just go vertical? I’m not sure? It’s way up there though.

[@patrickkogo6581]

disrespectful not to blow the whistle

[@vibewithmike]

It would’ve been great to hear it, but it’s captains discretion, this captain didn’t want do it

[@richardbause2453]

Where is the Happy Valley now???

[@vibewithmike]

It’s just getting into the Atlantic Ocean. Look here. www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/shipid:230912/zoom:10

[@richardbause2453]

@@vibewithmike thank you. A day or two after they leave, a tracking report to your site would be a nice touch, just until they get to the end of the Saint Lawrence River 😉.

[@vibewithmike]

I would love to do it, but it’s a time thing, at some point when I retire, I definitely will do that, great idea brother

[@richardbause2453]

@@vibewithmike 👍 just saw it, making good time, now off the coast of Newfoundland. Thanks.

[@GrasticInternational]

Worth staying up late for. Now go to bed.

[@vibewithmike]

Ha! You got it!🛌🛌🛌🛏️🛏️🥱🥱🥱🥱

[@Peter-qf3be]

Waving a hand from texas how goes

[@vibewithmike]

Hey Peter!👋👋👋👋

[@Peter-qf3be]

@@vibewithmike 🥵 day to hot to do anything

[@Peter-qf3be]

@@vibewithmike did like the video big vessel

[@vibewithmike]

How hot in Texas today?

[@Peter-qf3be]

@@vibewithmike we’re I live the heat index is 114

[@larrysbk]

The most important thing about this video is learning how to pronounce "Desgagnés"!

[@vibewithmike]

Larry, I’m at a disadvantage having a Minnesota accent 😂 and I checked online in a few spot to try to pronounce it correct. Would you take a moment and give us a breakdown on the correct way to say it? I found a source that says it sounds like Day-Gahn-Yay.

[@larrysbk]

@@vibewithmike I completely agree with your pronunciation Day-Gahn-Yay. I ran it through Google Translate, listening to Googles French pronunciation and it sounds like what you spoke.