Sunday, February 6, 2022

Superior, WI: Viterra/Gavilon/Peavey-ConAgra/Continental(C&NW) Grain Elevator

(3D Satellite)


Mick Sertich commented on a post: "One year in the late 80’s ConAgra , Connors Point did 68,000,000 bushels in one year."

David Schauer posted
An aerial view of Superior in 1973 showing the Peavey elevator (Gavilon today). Note that there is an ocean vessel at the elevator plus one at Harvest States 1 and 2 house plus another at Globe. Basgen Photography

Dennis DeBruler shared
David A. Smith: Our river lock and damns are still the same size. so outdated,,maybe theres money in the infrastructure bill.
Dennis DeBruler: David A. Smith Salties are limited by the St. Lawrence Seaway to 740' x 78' x 26.5'. The Soo Locks have a 1200' x 110' x 32' lock, and they are now working on a second lock of that size.

David Schauer posted
Volgaborg finishing up its wheat cargo at Viterra this evening. Superior, WI - October 9, 2023
 
Dennis DeBruler commented on David's post
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gXofaQrnRx84SSep8

Dennis DeBruler commented on David's post
https://www.ship-technology.com/.../newsferus-smit.../

Dennis DeBruler commented on David's post
https://www.google.com/.../@46.7367814,-92.../data=!3m1!1e3

David Schauer posted
An image made in 1969 at the C&NW (Peavey) grain elevator in Superior, now owned by Viterra. Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association archives. 
Andy Caldwell: mv Pacific Skou built in 1968.
David Schauer: Andy Caldwell Both her and the elevator were new in this view.

David Schauer posted
Our daily Basgen fix has us looking at the new Continental Grain (C&NW) elevator in Superior on May 28, 1966. A nice looking salty is loading and there is an Interlake boat at Fraser (along with the Fraser yacht). Basgen Photography
Zaky Joseph: Remember seeing "center cab" salties when I was much younger....great ariel photo!
David Szymanski: Is that the old Arrowhead Hwy 2 bridge in the upper left background?
Dan Ross: Yes, The Bong bridge wasn't built yet.

David Schauer posted two photos with the comment: "Another then and now type post showing the new Continental Elevator in Superior during 1966 (Basgen Photography) plus a view of the same structure yesterday (2/8/22). Note the laker Frontenac loading wheat out of the large bulk cargo storage building (Meehan) that at one time was used for inbound loads of eastern anthracite coal. In 1966 there was no conveyor between the new elevator and the storage building but in our current image you can see the connection (I'm guessing wheat was originally trucked into the Meehan building). It also looks like different grain loading spouts were added after 1966. Anyone know the last time grain was shipped at Meehan - is has to be decades?"
Jody Aho: I'm thinking 1980s for the last time Meehan handled cargo....I remember a couple of salties calling there then. It also served as the lay-up berth for the John Sherwin and the J. L. Mauthe at various times over the years.
Dave Mikelson: Jody Aho I recall the CNW bringing in bags(?) of beans in boxcars in the early-to-mid 90s. I think that was the last general cargo to use it.
Mick Sertich: Last shipment out of Meehans was sunflower seeds, late 70’s or early 80’s. Since then it has had wheat in it. Holds about 3,800,000 bushels. After PV/ConAgra bought it and put a conveyor system in to connect to Connor’s point terminal , it used more frequently for storage and overflow when the main terminal is close to full. Conveyor is continuous . Top goes into Meehan, bottom goes out of Meehan into main terminal .
[Obviously, grain was still being shipped in box cars instead of covered hoppers.]
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David Schauer posted
Some Duluth-Superior port news:
Glencore Plc’s agriculture arm Viterra (with elevator operations in Thunder Bay and other locations) has agreed to acquire the US-based grains and ingredients business of Gavilon Group LLC from Marubeni Group at a purchase price of 1.125 billion, plus working capital, the company announced on Wednesday.
The acquisition is expected to give Glencore - the world’s top commodity trader - a chance for significant expansion in its US agricultural business after multiple attempts spanning several years.
Gavilon is based in the US city of Omaha, Nebraska, and owns large grain facilities throughout the Plains and Midwest including an elevator in Superior (originally built by the C&NW and operated/leased by Continental Grain and later bought by Peavey/ConAgra).
Viterra is based in the Netherlands and parent Glencore in Switzerland.
Mick Sertich: Peavey/ConAgra bought it from C&NW
Dennis DeBruler shared

David Schauer posted
A view of the Peavey (Continental) elevator in Superior as an ocean vessel loads. I also like the sharp looking Columbia laker at Fraser (can't read the name clearly). August 23, 1976 - Basgen Photography.
Rod Burdick: Ashland
Ian Huckin
The saltie was either the Reynolds or the Rossetti...operated by FB Bulk Carriers and owned by Frederick Bolton Steam Ship Company of London. They were six hatch, geared bulk carrier with six 25 ton Velly derricks. Main engine was a MAN 8KZ70/120E developing 11,200 bhp at 136 rpm. She had three Anglo Belqique Company alternators developing 750kw each.
Their usual trading pattern for the lake season was load 19500 tons of steel coils and general cargo around Europe for discharge Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit and Toledo. Then up to lakehead, Duluth, Superior and Thunder Bay with top off outside of the lakes down to full 30,000 ton capacity at Bay Commeau or Port Cartier loading Canadian winter wheat, Sunnie's or rape seed for Leningrad. Then repeat that cycle until lakes close.
If she is the Reynolds I was most likely aboard when the photo was taken as I was on her as a second engineer for 8 years up the Lakes...best ship I ever sailed in 26 years.
I was part of the building team for Rossetti, Reynolds and Rubens (she had 5 B&L 25 ton cranes instead of derricks) in the Boelwert Yard in Temse, Belgium 1972 through 1974. All three are now scrapped.
Unbelievable start to my day seeing pictures of this fantastic ship...thank you sincerely...

Dennis DeBruler posted two images with the comment:
The first photo is a screenshot from a video showing the Arneborg leaving the Twin Ports after spending 67.9 hours at Gavilon loading sugar beet pellets. The ship is a saltie that is headed to Greenore Ireland.
The second photo is a Basgen photo of Gavilon posted by David Schauer.
The elevator in the background of the screenshot was built by Cargill and it is now operated by Riverland Ag.
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David Schauer posted
A rare visit to the Gavilon elevator in Superior today by the American Mariner. This laker typically loads grain at General Mills (Superior) for Buffalo. This time she is loading grain for Toledo. 4/18/2022

Steve Palm commented on David's post
 
David commented on his post

David Schauer posted
A crew finishes loading the American Mariner at the Gavilon elevator in Superior this afternoon. The laker departed shortly after for Toledo.
4/21/2022



David Schauer posted four photos with the comment: "A very special treat visiting the Polsteam vessel Resko this morning for the first ocean vessel of the season ceremony. The Resko is loading durum and spring wheat at the Gavilon elevator in Superior. 4/15/2022"
Dwane Henricksen: Do you know it takes 15,000 acres of farmland to fill one of those ships plus or minus a few SHOCKING
Myra Elliott: What is the destination of the salty?
David Schauer: Myra Elliott Italy, port TBD.
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[A comment indicated this hold is getting Northern Spring Wheat.]
David Schauer posted
Prairie Gold...
Loading spring wheat into the hold of the Resko at the Gavilon (aka Peavey) elevator in Superior. Our first ocean vessel of the 2022 shipping season with two more (Finnborg and Ocean Castle) on their way. 4/15/2022
Brad Wetzell: Do you know, Dave if Resko brought in a load of something, or came empty !?!
David Schauer: Brad Wetzell Steel into Cleveland, Burns Harbor and Milwaukee before coming here for a grain back-haul.
Gary Bain: I'm a newbie. Do they clean the holds before adding Grain?
David Schaur: Gary Bain Yes, then inspected.
Fredric Orr: Where is that wheat from ?
Steve Oberlander: Fredric Orr could be a variety of places from eastern MT, ND, SD, MN if it’s spring what. Durum typically ND/MT.
Unless they wanted some Canadian variety that was brought in by rail…not overly common.

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David Schauer posted
A rare visit to the Gavilon elevator in Superior today by the American Mariner. This laker typically loads grain at General Mills (Superior) for Buffalo. This time she is loading grain for Toledo. 4/18/2022
Chris Mazzella: Wonder what the last American vessel to load there was..... Kinsman Independent?

Steve Palm commented on David's post

David Schauer posted
A sunny image of the American Mariner preparing to finish its load of grain for Toledo at Gavilon in Superior. Chris brought up a good question regarding when the last time an American flagged vessel loaded at this elevator. I don't recall any in the past few years. 4/19/2022

Comments on David's post

Al Miller posted
Kinsman Independent (ex. Ernest R. Breech) loading at Peavey Connors Point elevator in Superior, Wis., in summer 1988.
David Schauer: Nice Al. I'm still curious what the last American flagged boat to load here was in recent years before the American Mariner.

Chris Mazzella posted
Iryda waiting to load at the Gavilon Elevator in Superior, WI. Note the Edward L Ryerson to the left and Presque Isle to the right in the background.


David Schauer posted
After waiting at anchor in the lake for over a week, the ocean vessel Maxima finally entered port early this morning to load at the Gavilon elevator in Superior. 8/8/2022
John West: Beautiful photo and you captured the Ryerson in the background.
Craig Stevens: What are they loading, wheat?
David Schauer: Craig Stevens Sugar beet pulp (animal feed).

David Schauer posted
Volgaborg finishing up its wheat cargo at Viterra this evening. Superior, WI - October 9, 2023
Dennis DeBruler shared
It is good to learn that the Twin Ports are exporting grain as well as beet pulp.
Byron Kuehl: Story is the barge traffic is hurting again for water levels on the Mississippi...we've been curious about increased traffic to the west coast...

David Schauer posted
Ocean vessel Bogdan at the Viterra grain elevator while Michipicoten bides its time at Fraser Shipyards, its fate still in limbo. Superior, WI - September 5, 2024

safe_image for Explosion damages Superior grain elevator
"In a press release, Superior Fire says the explosion happened in the basement of the plant and traveled up and through the loading tower. There is damage to the structure along with the bells and hatches over the belt. The grain elevator was said to be in normal operation during the time of the explosion."


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