Spliethoff vessel becomes one of the first ‘salties’ of Great Lakes 2015 Season

Spliethoff’s 12,500 dwt Floragracht is dubbed one of the first ‘salties’ to enter the Great Lakes St Lawrence Seaway after the tough winter months. This means that she is the first foreign ship to come from salt water into the Great Lakes.

Even though it was challenging, as the ice had barely melted and broken into pieces, Floragracht managed to make all her port calls and discharge the cargo in accordance with clients’ wishes.

The Dutch vessel called into Cleveland, Toledo, Windsor and Milwaukee. In keeping with tradition, the Canadian ports always welcome the first ‘salty’ of the season with souvenirs and gifts for the crew, much to their delight.

Joel s. Vistro, Master of Floragracht, commented that Spliethoff will endeavour to serve the ports and keep the line open by sourcing more cargo. He stresses that given Spliethoff’s 50-strong fleet, the company has the flexibility to add more vessels in line with demand.

Spliethoff has been serving the Great Lakes since 2014 with a bimonthly service connecting it to Europe and the rest of the world.