We Energies' Port Washington Power Plant took its final coal delivery from Marine Vessel John J. Boland on Saturday, June 19, 2004 about 6 p.m.

The John J. Boland, built in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, entered into service in 1973. The ship is 680 feet long, 78 feet wide and 45 feet deep. Using its self-unloading conveyor boom, the vessel can discharge up to 6,000 tons per hour. 19,000 tons of coal will be unloaded for the last time in Port Washington as the ship makes its journey with eastern coal through the Great Lakes.

The community has watched coal boats unload at the power plant since August 1, 1932. Approximately 18,000 tons of eastern coal, transported through the Great Lakes from Lake Erie, was delivered monthly during the shipping season for 70 years. The average ship was 700-800 feet in length with the exception of those delivering two loads in the mid-1990's, which were 1000 feet long.

Photos by Juls Klumb (Click image to enlarge 1000x666)
Photos by Ron Voigt
More information can be found about the John J. Boland by visiting:

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