A 425 foot long cargo ship from Panama arrived in Muskegon with 45 wind turbine towers, made in Korea.
MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - One of the largest ships ever to enter Muskegon Lake arrived Tuesday morning.
A 425 foot long cargo ship from Panama delivered 45 wind turbine towers, made in Korea. 26 blades from Germany were delivered by a similar ship a few weeks earlier. And additional deliveries will happen in October, November, and December. With all the parts needed to build the Beebe community wind farm north of Lansing.
"The logistics made sense to bring the product it to this port over other ports," says Scott Musselman, C.F.O. Sand Products Company.
The dock work was landed by the recently formed West Michigan Port Operators. The group wants more commercial business on Muskegon Lake.
"I think people like to see this. They like to see it come to town, and like what it does for the economy," sats Musselman.
Cindy Larsen, president of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce says commercial work on the lake has the potential to support many area businesses. She believes the lake can support more commercial activity without damaging the lake's reputation for recreation.
"We want to be great for having a jet skis and kayaks, as well as be able to be a commercial port were large vessels can move product. The lake is so large we can have it all here," says Larsen.
Next week, components of the wind turbines will begin leaving the dock by truck for the construction site near Ithaca. The trucks are expected to use Apple Avenue to leave Muskegon.