Enbridge Straits Maritimes Operations Center (ESMOC) records 10,000th vessel observation
Amidst the excitement of college basketball’s March Madness or the anticipation of spring’s arrival, Michiganders have a milestone to celebrate.
Advancing safety in the Straits of Mackinac, the Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center (ESMOC) on March 6 recorded its 10,000th vessel observation since April 2022, when it assumed responsibility for such observations.
Staffed around the clock, the ESMOC serves as the nerve center for a suite of waterway safety systems Enbridge put in place to help prevent an anchor strike to the Line 5 dual pipelines in the Straits.
At left, the ESMOC’s radar system monitors the movement of the Algoma Niagara. At right, one of several high-definition cameras monitors the Straits 24/7, 365 days a year.
“Vessel observations confirm there are no unsafe conditions before a vessel navigates the Straits at the Line 5 crossing,” said Mike Davanzo, the Enbridge Maritime Operations Specialist for the Great Lakes region.
“These observations are a vital part of Enbridge’s commitment to protecting the Straits while continuing to transport safely through Line 5 the propane and other energy on which Michiganders rely.”
Davanzo, who retired as a U.S. Coast Guard Captain, says each observation includes:
- Sending an electronic message to let the vessel staff know the vessel is entering a no-anchor zone;
- Contacting the vessel’s captain by radio to confirm its anchors are secured;
- Informing the vessel captain of Line 5’s location in relation to the Mackinac Bridge; and
- Visual verification that the anchors are secured.
“Hats off to the watch standards who are here every single minute of every single day doing incredible work,” said Erica Fink, the Enbridge regional operations manager for northern Michigan.
“We stand up an incredible state-of-the art facility, we staff it 24/7, we don’t miss one vessel, and here we are, celebrating 10,000. That’s a testament to safety unlike any other.”
“Thanks to our dedicated team at the Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center and vessel partners for their work and commitment to keeping the Straits safe.”
—Mike Davanzo, Enbridge Maritimes Operations Specialist
With Captain Arnesh Misra at the helm and 17 other crew members on board, the Algoma Niagara became the 10,000th vessel with which the ESMOC crew made contact. The vessel was carrying road salt between Ontario and Wisconsin.
“We congratulate Enbridge and the dedicated team at ESMOC on this safety milestone,” said Captain Jason Davenport, Director, Vessel Traffic and Customer Service for global marine transportation company Algoma Central Corporation.
“Algoma is honored that the Algoma Niagara was a part of this significant achievement in keeping the Great Lakes safe for all that share this vital waterway.”
To convey appreciation for their shared commitment to protecting Michigan’s waterways, Enbridge provided the Algoma Niagara crew and the ESMOC team with a special coin to commemorate the milestone.
Lewis Stempki monitors shipping traffic at the ESMOC.
“On behalf of Enbridge and our entire ESMOC team, I extend our sincere thanks to Algoma Central Corporation and all of its captains for their continued support in helping us keep Line 5 safe,” said Davanzo.
“We also appreciate the professionalism shown by all captains transiting the Straits of Mackinac. Their cooperation with our radio hails is essential to maintaining safe navigation, and we value the strong working relationships we share across the maritime community.”
