The Alpena: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The 'Alpena,' a historic vessel dating back to 1942, has successfully completed its engine repairs in Cleveland after being docked since May 1, 2025, due to mechanical troubles. As of August 24, the ship is back in action, making its way towards the port of Alpena to pick up a crucial cement shipment. The extensive repair process notably featured the rebuilding of the vessel’s low-pressure turbine, ensuring that this maritime staple will continue to serve its vital role on the Great Lakes.

A comprehensive investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified faulty wiring as the probable cause of a significant fire that severely damaged the Great Lakes bulker Alpena in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, last year. The incident occurred on December 11, 2015, at approximately 5:40 PM local time, in the electrical control room for the vessel's aft winches while the freighter was undergoing maintenance at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Upon detecting the fire, personnel swiftly evacuated the ship and contacted fire services. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the blaze resulted in an estimated $4 million worth of damage to the vessel. The NTSB's report highlighted that a fault in the electrical wiring supplying power to the aft anchor winch was the most likely source of ignition, noting that the wiring lacked the advanced circuit protection typically seen in modern maritime electrical systems. The findings were bolstered by investigations undertaken by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Sturgeon Bay fire department. In response to the incident, repairs and modifications to the Alpena have included the installation of enhanced circuit protection to prevent future occurrences. The Alpena, owned and operated by Inland Lakes Management Inc., has since resumed operations, traversing all five Great Lakes and primarily transporting cement. The vessel's experience serves as an important reminder of the critical need for rigorous safety standards in maritime operations.

In the aftermath of a fire outbreak on the 'Alpena,' four individuals, including two firefighters and two Bay Shipbuilding workers, have successfully been discharged from the hospital. They received treatment for smoke inhalation and dehydration after the incident, which transpired late on December 11 into the early hours of December 12. The two firefighters hailed from Sturgeon Bay and the Southern Door Fire Department. Additionally, a total of 85 firefighters from various departments—including Southern Door, Jacksonport, Baileys Harbor, Ephraim, Sister Bay/Liberty Grove, Egg Harbor, and Brussels-Union-Gardner—responded to the fire outbreak. Fire departments worked diligently at the scene to manage dehydration among many of the responders. On December 12, Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief Tim Herlache and Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dietman conducted a walkthrough of the severely damaged sections of the 'Alpena' with representatives from Bay Ship and Andrie Inc., the current owners of the vessel. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire likely was not caused intentionally. Significant damage was noted in the electrical control area, the steering gear room, and a storeroom/paint locker towards the stern of the ship. The dining hall and galley suffered extensive damage, while the ship's stateroom was rendered nearly uninhabitable. Furthermore, the area surrounding the gray water tank, where hot work was being performed by Bay Ship, did not appear to have a direct connection to the cause of the fire. The responsibility of determining whether repairs are feasible for the 'Alpena' now rests with Andrie Inc. and their insurance provider. For a detailed report, including photographic evidence, visit the Green Bay Press Gazette.

On the evening of December 11, 2015, a significant fire erupted in the superstructure of the bulk carrier 'Alpena' while it was docked at Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The vessel had been undergoing its routine five-year inspection since December 5. Firefighters were alerted around 6 p.m., and initial responders reported substantial smoke emanating from the ship's stern. The blaze was located three decks down, just above the engine room, but fortunately did not spread into the cargo holds. Over 100 firefighters from nine local departments rallied to combat the fire, deploying water from ground-based sources and an aerial truck to reach higher levels of the ship. Damage was primarily confined to the ship’s cafeteria and several staterooms. An investigation into the fire's origin is set to commence once the area has been fully secured and ventilated. Fire crews remained vigilant on-site through the night and began to clear the scene in the early hours of the following morning. For further details, including photos and videos, visit the following links: [Green Bay Press Gazette](http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/local/door-co/news/2015/12/11/fire-bay-shipbuilding-co-sturgeon-bay/77181290/), [We Are Green Bay](http://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/fire-at-bay-shipbuilding-in-sturgeon-bay), [Fox 11 News](http://fox11online.com/news/local/crews-battling-fire-at-bay-shipbuilding-in-sturgeon-bay), [Door County Daily News](http://www.doorcountydailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=28&id=199738#.VmwRUDZIjIU), [WBAY](http://wbay.com/2015/12/11/fire-breaks-out-at-bay-shipbuilding/).