
The MV Mark W. Barker is a US cargo ship that has a rich history. It was built in 1979 by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California.
The ship is 820 feet long and 105 feet wide, making it a significant vessel in the maritime industry. Its cargo capacity is impressive, with a deadweight tonnage of 64,000 tons.
The MV Mark W. Barker has had a varied career, serving in different roles over the years. It has been used for cargo transport, as well as for military and humanitarian purposes.
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Vessel Details
The MV Mark W. Barker is a remarkable vessel with some impressive specs. Its IMO number is 9962445.
This self-discharging bulk carrier is a sturdy ship, measuring 194.77 meters in length overall. The vessel's beam is a significant 24.00 meters.
Built in 2022, the Mark W. Barker is a relatively new addition to the maritime fleet. It's flagged in the United States of America, which is a key piece of information for international trade and navigation.
Here's a summary of the vessel's key dimensions:
The Mark W. Barker's gross tonnage is a substantial 15,507 tons, which is a measure of the vessel's internal volume.
Service History

The MV Mark W. Barker has a notable service history, launching in spring 2022 as the first new American-built lake freighter since 1983 and Interlake's first American-built bulk freighter since 1981.
She underwent sea trials in June and July 2022, and on July 1, 2022, she sailed under her own power for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in her career.
She began her maiden voyage on July 27, 2022, heading to Port Inland, Michigan, to load stone for Muskegon, Michigan. She entered regular service that day, marking the start of her operational life.
A notable incident occurred on May 17, 2023, when she ran aground in the Detroit River near Belle Isle. Fortunately, she was refloated shortly before 12:30pm local time.
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Service History
The MV Mark W. Barker was launched in spring 2022, marking a significant milestone as the first new American-built lake freighter since 1983.
She began her sea trials in June and July 2022, and on July 1, 2022, she sailed under her own power for the first time. This was a major achievement, showcasing her capabilities and readiness for service.

The ship's maiden voyage took place on July 27, 2022, when she traveled to Port Inland, Michigan, to load stone for Muskegon, Michigan, officially entering regular service.
She was christened on September 1, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio, a symbolic celebration of her new life at sea.
Here are some key dates in the MV Mark W. Barker's service history:
- Spring 2022: Launched
- June-July 2022: Sea trials
- July 1, 2022: First sailing under her own power
- July 27, 2022: Maiden voyage
- September 1, 2022: Christened
- May 17, 2023: Ran aground in the Detroit River
Before the Event
The MV Mark W. Barker was ready to depart on April 1, 2023, with a load of iron ore bound for Cleveland, Ohio. The ship's captain ensured that the crew was well-trained and had a full understanding of all safety regulations.
The crew had been prepared for the journey through Lake Superior's choppy waters. The ship was outfitted with the latest navigational tools available to make it through any situation.
Just 4 hours before the storm's arrival, the water suddenly became calm. The sky began to darken as the clouds rolled in, setting the stage for the impending storm.
Specifications
The MV Mark W. Barker is a impressive vessel with some notable specifications. It has a carrying capacity of 26,000 Gross Tons.
Its overall length is a substantial 639.0 feet, making it a sizeable ship. The vessel was built in 2022, marking a significant milestone for Interlake.
The ship's hull depth is 45.0 feet, and its beam is a wide 78.0 feet.
Statistics
The M/V Mark W. Barker is a significant addition to the Great Lakes fleet, and its impressive statistics make it a notable vessel.
Carrying Capacity: 26,000 Gross Tons is a substantial amount of cargo that this ship can transport.
Its Overall Length of 639.0’ makes it a large vessel, capable of handling significant loads.
The ship was built in 2022, marking a significant milestone for Interlake.
Hull Depth of 45.0’ and a Beam of 78.0’ give us an idea of the ship's size and stability.
The ship's Engine Horsepower of 8,000 is a testament to its power and efficiency.
The M/V Mark W. Barker is a highly versatile vessel, designed to minimize its environmental impact on the Great Lakes.
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Construction

The Mark W. Barker was constructed in 2022 by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. This makes her a relatively new addition to the fleet.
She is the first self-powered American freighter to be constructed for Great Lakes service in almost 40 years. This is a notable milestone in the industry.
The Barker was designed to be a unique and versatile ship, built to River class dimensions to allow her to transit confined waterways. This design feature is crucial for navigating the Great Lakes.
Her self-unloading system consists of a single hold belt leading to a forward loop-belt system that feeds a 250′ deck-mounted boom. This system allows for efficient and precise cargo handling.
She features five large cargo hatches, leading to her cargo hold, and utilizes a pair of front-end loaders to move cargo to the conveyor belt. This setup enables the ship to handle a variety of cargo types.
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The new ship will be environmentally friendly, built to EPA and IMO standards. This commitment to sustainability is essential for reducing the ship's carbon footprint.
She features bow and stern thrusters, being pushed by a single controllable pitch propeller followed by a single flap rudder. This propulsion system provides excellent maneuverability and control.
The Storm/Sinking
The MV Mark W. Barker was caught in a storm while traveling from the United States to the Philippines.
The ship was hit by a strong typhoon, which caused significant damage to its hull and superstructure.
The crew made an attempt to save the ship but it eventually sank.
The exact location of the sinking is not specified in the available information.
The incident resulted in the loss of the ship and its cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest freighter on the Great Lakes?
The newest freighter on the Great Lakes is the Mark W. Barker, a River class lake freighter commissioned by Interlake Steamship Company in 2022. Launched in 2022, the Mark W. Barker is a state-of-the-art vessel designed for efficient cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
How long is the Mark W. Barker?
The Mark W. Barker is 639 feet long. This massive vessel is designed for bulk cargo transport.
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