Watch for these new faces

Canada Steamship Lines' new Baie St. Paul made its debut late in 2012. Expected for the same company this year are Thunder Bay, Whitefish Bay and Baie Comeau. Algoma Central Marine expects the new Algoma Equinox and Algoma Harverster to enter service this year as well.

J.W. Shelley (ex Algocen) and VSL Centurion were sold last year and renamed Phoenix Star and Phoenix Sun to subsidiaries of  the T.F. Warren Group, of Brantford, Ont. However those subsidiaries abruptly closed in early 2013, with the Phoenix Star abandoned in a Toledo drydock and the Phoenix Sun laid up and for sale at Sorel, Que.

Algoma Central Marine's Algobay was renamed Radcliffe R. Laitimer in 2012.

Tecumseh, a former saltie, entered service in 2012 for Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. A new tug/barge duo, Ken Boothe Sr./Lakes Contender, are now operating for American Steamship Co. Another tug/barge combo from saltwater is now in service, sailing as Ashtabula/Defiance for the Grand River Navigation Co.

Ships still on the sidelines

Here are the vessels not expected to sail in 2013, along with their layup ports: American Valor and American Fortitude (both at Toledo), American Victory and John J. Boland (at Superior), and Edward L. Ryerson (Superior). John Sherwin, its rebuild canceled in 2008 by the economy, is still laid up at DeTour, Michigan. Adam E. Cornelius spent 2012 laid up at Toledo and will remain there for 2013.Yankcanuck has been idle at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., for several years and is for sale.

Fleets scrap more familiar ships

Several vessels that have been familiar sights on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway have been towed to overseas scrappers, including Algoisle, Agawa Canyon, Canadian Prospector, Halifax, Canadian Ranger and Algontario. Algoma Central Marine's Algoma Provider has been sold overseas for scrap. Canadian Miner was also under tow overseas when she broke free from a tug and grounded on Canada's East Coast in 2011. Three other vessels - Canadian Leader, James Norris and Maumee - have been sent to the shipbreakers at Port Colborne, Ont. Algonorth is being broken up at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.