LUDINGTON, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The historic S.S. Badger, which ferries traffic across Lake Michigan from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is out of service for the season.
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Vessel operators said the move was inevitable after a ramp system became damaged on July 21 and engineers said the ramp’s counterweight system would require months of repairs.
“We have made the difficult, and unfortunately unavoidable, decision to suspend our daily crossings for the remainder of the season,” says Mark W. Barker, President of Interlake Maritime Services, parent company of the Lake Michigan Carferry (LMC). “This is not how we hoped our 70th season would end but we are fully committed to making the extensive repairs – and doing it the right way – so that we will be back better and stronger in 2024 to serve our loyal passengers and port communities.”
The S.S. Badger began its season on May 18. The ferry can accommodate 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches and commercial trucks. ZoomInfo reports employs nearly 300 people.
“While an amazing amount of work has been done in last 11 days and an incredible effort has been made by all of our employees and key partners on the Lakes, this is a very complicated process and one that will not be complete in time to resume service this season,” says Sara Spore, General Manager of Lake Michigan Carferry. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disruption in plans.
The S.S. Badger is a designated National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1953 by Christy Corp. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for C&O Railway Co.
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