Soo Linehandling Services, Inc., another Great Lakes Group
affiliate, offers linehandling assistance to vessels transiting the Soo Locks on the St. Mary's
River, the only water connection between Lake
Superior and the other Great Lakes.
Vessels equipped with bow thrusters and friction winches require
two linehandlers on the piers under normal weather conditions and three under
severe weather conditions. If a vessel is experiencing mechanical problems or
in extreme severe weather situations, the Lockmaster may require four
linehandlers on the pier for a vessel's transit. Rates
for linehandling services are based on a fixed rate per upbound and
downbound transit.
The Company employs, trains and equips linehandlers and
supervisory personnel to meet vessel and Lockmaster requirements for a vessel's
safe transit though the Locks. Oftentimes linehandling services are ordered and
coordinated with requirements for tugboat assistance provided Group affiliate, The Great Lakes Towing
Company. The Army Corps of Engineers' regulations also require tugboat
assistance for transiting vessels under certain conditions due to close
quarters, slow speed maneuvering, and for vessels not equipped with bow and
stern thrusters.