The G.L. Ostrander/Integrity docked at Lafarge North America terminal in Muskegon with the American Patriot cruiseship in the background docked at Heritage Landing.
This MCP Boat Blog is presented by Manistee Harbor Tours, operator of the Princess of Manistee. Book your cruise at www.manisteeharbortours.com.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
MUSKEGON — The tug G.L. Ostrander and cement barge Integrity were docked Saturday evening at the Lafarge North America terminal, 1047 Seventh St., on Muskegon Lake, continuing one of the Great Lakes’ most recognizable articulated tug-and-barge (ATB) combinations serving the region’s cement trade.
The vessels are operated by Andrie Inc. of Muskegon for Chicago-based Amrize, formerly Lafarge North America. Andrie is a subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime, headquartered in Williamsville, New York. Mainstay Maritime is the new corporate identity of Rand Logistics, which rebranded in 2025 while continuing to operate its Great Lakes shipping companies, including Andrie, American Steamship Company and Grand River Navigation.
The G.L. Ostrander is a 140-foot tug built in 1976 by Halter Marine in New Orleans. Originally launched as Andrew Martin, the vessel later sailed as Robert L. Torres and Jacklyn M. before being renamed G.L. Ostrander in 2004 in honor of Gary L. Ostrander, a longtime Lafarge Corp. executive. The tug underwent major repowerings in 1991 and 2002 and, when connected to Integrity, forms a 544-foot articulated tug-and-barge unit.
Integrity was built in 1996 by Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The self-unloading cement barge measures 460 feet long, 70 feet wide and has a cargo capacity of approximately 14,000 tons. Together, the vessels transport bulk cement throughout the Great Lakes, supplying terminals including the Muskegon Lafarge facility.
Providing a striking backdrop Saturday evening was the cruise ship American Patriot, docked at Heritage Landing. The 241-foot, U.S.-flagged vessel, which entered service in 2025 as the first ship in American Cruise Lines’ Patriot Class, is scheduled to make two visits to Ludington this August, with calls planned for Aug. 7 and Aug. 14 at the city’s west seawall. The visits will mark the newest cruise ship to visit Ludington this season.
For Great Lakes boat watchers, the G.L. Ostrander/Integrity combination remains a familiar sight on Lake Michigan, making regular voyages between cement production facilities and distribution terminals around the lakes. Its Saturday evening stop in Muskegon provided a classic Great Lakes commercial shipping scene, complemented by one of the lakes’ newest cruise ships tied up across the harbor.
This Great Lakes Boat Blog is presented by Manistee Harbor Tours, operator of the Princess of Manistee. Book your cruise at www.manisteeharbortours.com.
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