Lake Superior Boating Guide:
Commercial Shipping

One of the many fascinating aspects of Lake Superior is the large vessels that ply the lake with cargoes heading to foreign ports around the world. These 20-60,000 ton ships are difficult to maneuver, require a long distance to stop and produce a wake large enough to capsize smaller craft that venture too close. Keep your distance from large commercial vessels. Remember, you can maneuver more easily and quickly than they can.

 

Photo of a large commercial vessel traveling under a bridge in Duluth, Minnesota.

Large commercial vessels travel the great lakes, including to ports like Duluth, Minnesota.

See also:

Rough waves

Aids to navigation

 

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