Historic Car Ferry City Of Milwaukee To Undergo $1 Million Critical Preservation Work

Plans have been announced to move the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee, a 1931 steam-powered railroad car ferry, to dry dock for critical preservation work, the Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee has said.

The project, with an estimated budget of $1 million, will cover preparation, towing, shipyard services, and contingencies for potential cost overruns.

The society is seeking support from private donors, grants, operational revenue, and public contributions, including matching donation funds to strengthen fundraising efforts.

The dry dock work will take place at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and will mark the first time the National Historic Landmark ship has been removed from the water in around 45 years.

The work is considered essential as much of the vessel’s steel hull lies below the waterline, making inspection and repair impossible while afloat.

While the ship remains in good condition compared to other Great Lakes museum vessels, some of which have experienced severe hull failures, experts say ensuring the long-term integrity of the hull is critical.

During the dry dock period, the ship’s underwater hull will be power-washed and sandblasted. Sea chests and underwater openings will be sealed, propellers removed, and stern tubes sealed.

Two coats of marine epoxy with an expected service life of 25 years or more will be applied, with additional preservation work to follow as funds permit.

The City of Milwaukee is the last unmodified traditional Great Lakes railroad car ferry in existence and one of the most complete surviving examples of the once-vital industry.

She was built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding in Wisconsin and launched in 1931, replacing the original SS Milwaukee, which sank with all hands in 1929 during a gale.

For decades, the ferry transported fully loaded freight trains, automobiles, and passengers across Lake Michigan, supporting Michigan’s manufacturing, agriculture, travel, and employment sectors.

When the Grand Trunk Western Railroad ended car ferry operations in 1978, the State of Michigan purchased the City of Milwaukee to preserve the vital transportation link, leasing her to the Ann Arbor Railroad until 1981.

The vessel retired in 1982 and has since been preserved in Manistee, where it serves as a museum ship.

Today, the ship is a significant cultural and economic asset for the city, attracting thousands of visitors each year for tours, overnight stays, and events, including the award-winning “Manistee’s Ghost Ship” haunted attraction.

The society noted that while considerable preservation work has been achieved over more than 40 years of volunteer effort, securing the ship’s hull remains the most critical step to ensure her survival.

Once the dry dock project is complete, the City of Milwaukee will return to her home in Manistee to continue welcoming visitors and celebrating her historical significance.

Reference: SS City of Milwaukee

Source: Maritime Shipping News