The first shipment of cargo for the 2022 shipping season made it’s way into the Port of Green Bay on Friday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. The Michigan – Great Lakes (tug and barge) kicked off the shipping season with a delivery of petroleum products to US Venture. The arrival of the Michigan – Great Lakes marks the end to the annual First Ship Contest put on by the Port of Green Bay and hosted by Discover Green Bay.
“Certainly the weather has cooperated and we are off to a relatively early return to shipping for the Port and the Great Lakes,” said Dean Haen, Port Director. “After reaching close to 2 million tons of cargo last shipping season, we are cautiously optimistic about strong cargo movement this year.”
The Port of Green Bay and Discover Green Bay began accepting guesses for the first ship’s arrival through its annual First Ship Contest a month ago. This year’s winner is Ellen Buhrmann of Merrill, Wisconsin whose guess was right on target at 1:00 p.m. on March 18. The prize package includes a $100 Green Bay Sail & Paddle gift certificate, a one-night stay at the Hampton Inn Green Bay Downtown, a $50 gift card from The Depot Green Bay, a 2022 Snapshots of Light Calendar by Chuck Zentmeyer, a 200th Anniversary Brown County Monopoly game and a Port of Green Bay swag bag.
“It was great to again see a lot of interest in the First Ship Contest with more than 210 entries,” Haen added. “That really shows that there is interest and understanding of the important role that shipping plays for our regional economy.”
Anyone interested in shipping is encouraged to view the ships from the Fox River Trail, the Green Bay Metro Boat Launch or other areas along the Lower Fox River. Port security requirements do not allow public access on any port property.
You can also find more information about the Port of Green Bay and expected ship arrivals at www.portofgreenbay.com and on the Port of Green Bay Facebook page.
