
The MV Kaye E. Barker has a rich maritime history, and understanding its specifications is key to appreciating its significance.
The ship was built in 1951 by the American Ship Building Company in Superior, Wisconsin.
It initially operated as a Great Lakes freighter, carrying cargo such as grain and coal.
The Kaye E. Barker is 639 feet long and has a gross tonnage of 14,000 tons.
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Vessel Particulars
The MV Kaye E. Barker is a Self Discharging Bulk Carrier. It was built in 1952.
Its length overall is 233.78 meters, making it a significant vessel on the water. The ship's beam is 21.34 meters, which is the width of the vessel.
The Kaye E. Barker has a gross tonnage of 11,948 tons, which is a measure of its size and capacity. Its flag is the United States of America.
Here's a summary of the vessel's particulars:
Operational History
The MV Kaye E. Barker has had a long and varied operational history. It was originally contracted by Cleveland Cliffs to haul hematite pellets from ore docks in Marquette, Michigan, to steel refineries in Detroit.

The ship underwent significant changes in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1975-1976, it was lengthened by 120 feet, increasing its capacity to almost 27,000 tons. This was a major upgrade, allowing the ship to carry more cargo.
The ship's route and ownership changed several times. In 1985, it was purchased by Rouge Steel Company and renamed Benson Ford III. Later, it was purchased by Interlake Shipping Company and renamed Kaye E. Barker.
Here are some key facts about the MV Kaye E. Barker's operational history:
- Originally hauled hematite pellets from Marquette to Detroit
- Lengthened by 120 feet in 1975-1976
- Routinely carried cargo between Marquette and Detroit
Self Discharging Bulk Carrier
Self Discharging Bulk Carriers are a type of cargo ship that can unload their own cargo.
These vessels are built with a self-unloading system that allows them to discharge their cargo quickly and efficiently.
The KAYE E BARKER, for example, is a Self Discharging Bulk Carrier that was built in 1952.
It's impressive that some of these ships have been in operation for over 70 years.
The KAYE E BARKER is currently sailing under the flag of the United States (USA).
Self Discharging Bulk Carriers are often used to transport bulk cargo such as grains, coal, and other dry goods.
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Service History

The Edward B. Greene, later renamed Benson Ford III and Kaye E. Barker, has had a long and varied service history. It was originally used to haul hematite pellets from ore docks in Marquette, Michigan, to steel refineries in Detroit.
The ship underwent a significant transformation in 1975-1976 when it was lengthened by 120 feet to increase its capacity to almost 27,000 tons. This was part of a larger project that saw six other AAA-class freighters receive similar upgrades.
In 1981, the ship was converted to a self-unloading vessel with the addition of a 250-foot aft-mounted boom. This upgrade allowed for more efficient and streamlined operations.
Here are some key details about the ship's service history:
- Original route: Marquette to Detroit
- Original capacity: around 27,000 tons
- Conversion to self-unloading vessel: 1981
- Ship name changes: Edward B. Greene to Benson Ford III to Kaye E. Barker
In 2012, the ship underwent significant repowering at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, replacing its steam turbine with two 6-cylinder Rolls-Royce Bergen diesel engines. This upgrade improved the ship's efficiency and performance.
Last Port Calls
The ship's last port calls were a busy affair, with multiple stops in a short span of time. We can see this in the records, where the ship visited 6 different ports in just 10 days.

The first stop was in Detroit, where the ship arrived on April 23rd and spent 10 hours in port. This was followed by a 19-hour stop in Sandusky on April 22nd.
The ship then made its way to Detroit again, this time for a 2-hour visit. From there, it traveled to Sault Ste Marie, where it spent just 1 hour in port on April 26th. The ship made another brief stop in Sault Ste Marie earlier that day, arriving at 1:07 PM and departing at 9:12 PM.
The ship also stopped in Marquette, where it spent 7 hours in port on April 26th. This was not its only visit to Marquette, as it had stopped there for 18 hours on April 18th.
Here are the ship's last port calls in a concise list:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Kaye-E-Barker carry?
The Kaye-E-Barker primarily carries hematite pellets, stone, and coal. It transports these cargo across the North American Great Lakes.
Sources
- https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/5097450
- https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels/kaye-e-barker-mmsi-366904910-imo-5097450
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Kaye_E._Barker
- https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/04/24/kaye-e-barker-runs-aground-lake-michigan/
- http://industrialscenery.blogspot.com/2022/12/1952-mv-kaye-e-barker.html
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