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Photo by Rob Alway, MCP
LUDINGTON — Lake Michigan Carferry Service announced today that it has again moved the SS Badger’s first sailing of the 2024 forward to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 17. In April, LMC had announced the first sailing was to be June 1. The Badger’s coal-powered boilers will be lit this weekend.
The Badger’s 2023 sailing season was cut short in July due to the collapse of a counterweight at its Ludington dock. The official dates fluctuated due to the construction schedule.
“We are thrilled to welcome our passengers back more than a month earlier than originally anticipated,” said Sara Spore, LMC general manager. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff here and the hard work of local vendors to make sure we are ready to go. We know the important role our Badger plays in tourism, travel and adventure for our port communities of Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. We can’t wait to get back to doing what we do best on the shores of our ‘Great Lake.’
“With the successful construction of two new counterweight structures for the carferry’s ramp system, the Badger is back, better and stronger ready to carry passengers and transport freight across our marine highway on Lake Michigan.”
There will be 100 employees working that day, including 40 between the deck and engine crews, to ensure safe and enjoyable passage on the 410-foot vessel, which in a season ferries passengers the 60 miles between Ludington and Manitowoc.
Spore said evening crossings are planned beginning sometime in June.
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