About
The U.S. Coast Guard's new heavy icebreaker Mackinaw ensures cargo can move during periods of ice cover on the
Lakes.
Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) was founded in 1992 in Toledo, Ohio, to promote waterborne commerce and related industries on the Great Lakes. From the very beginning, its greatest strength has been that it represents a broad spectrum of Great Lakes interests. Vessel owners, cargo shippers, shipboard and shoreside labor, port authorities, shipyards, marine construction companies, and a host of other interests have united under the GLMTF banner to ensure that
Great Lakes shipping remains one of the foundations of our nation's transportation system.
GLMTF has played a pivotal role in many issues that threatened the continued viability of Great Lakes shipping. The Task Force worked hard to stop the planned decommissioning of the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw, at least until its replacement was built. The new Mackinaw entered service in 2006.
The Task Force has been a tireless advocate for the second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and has opposed reinstitution of tolls on the U.S. portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
The Poe Lock (second from left) is the single point of failure that would cripple Great Lakes shipping.
Yet no issue has invigorated the Task Force as has the dredging crisis. Every member understands that this is a defining moment for the Great Lakes maritime community. If vessels can't carry enough cargo, there is less need for a heavy icebreaker or a replacement lock. If customers can't receive enough cargo to keep their operations going, a new toll on the Seaway is of less consequence. While these issues are important, they pale in comparison to the dredging crisis. GLMTF is focusing the bulk of its efforts to restore adequate funding for dredging Great Lakes ports and waterways.
