LUDINGTON, Mich. — The S.S. Badger, the former Chesapeake & Ohio car ferry that is the last coal-fired passenger ship operating on the Great Lakes and last remnant of the once sizable fleet of railroad car ferries, has been sidelined until further notice by a mechanical failure of its ramping system, the ship’s owner announced.
A notice on the ship’s website says owners Lake Michigan Carferry Inc. have “engaged a quick-response team of Great Lakes partners to repair the issue as quickly and safely as possible. They are at work now assessing the situation. We apologize to our customers for this unexpected interruption in our service and we appreciate their patience as we work to resolve the issue.”
Those holding tickets can call 1-800-841-4243 for a refund or to change their reservation.
A photo at the S.S. Badger Facebook page shows a counterweight failure at the ship’s dock in Ludington on Friday.
The ship, a designated National Historic Landmark, carries passengers and automobiles seasonally between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wis. The Badger was operated by the C&O or successor Chessie System until the railroad sold its car ferries to a private owner in 1983; the ship has changed hands several times since then.
Share this article
