As the Soo Locks close for the season, crews are heading to various winter ports, sharing some lighthearted moments along the way
Right now, only the Poe Lock is operational, while the smaller MacArthur Lock has been closed since late 2024. As freighters made their last trips, some crews had a bit of fun with their ship tracking systems.
For instance, the crew of the Philip R. Clarke playfully entered “Are We There Yet” as their destination. The Soo Locks Visitors Center even shared a screenshot showing another ship, the Stewart J Cort, heading to “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”
Others, like the Edgar B Speer, joked about heading to “Steamies Bar” for a cold drink. By Wednesday afternoon, only a handful of ships were still making their way to the locks, with some heading to places like Conneaut, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York.
The Soo Locks are crucial for ships navigating the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. They consist of two canals and four locks, with the Poe Lock being the most used.
While the locks are closed, the Army Corps of Engineers will be busy with maintenance and repairs, ensuring everything is ready for the next shipping season. They’ll be working on various tasks, from replacing parts to cleaning systems.
In total, over 4,500 vessels pass through the Soo Locks each year, carrying millions of tons of cargo. The largest ship, the Paul R. Tregurtha, is over 1,000 feet long! If you want to keep an eye on shipping traffic, check out marinetraffic.com for real-time updates.
