Great Lakes East
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towing services

harbor assist, cargo transportation, emergency response, and icebreaking.

Harbor Assist

Safe, efficient vessel movements backed by experience.

Our harbor assist services are designed to ensure precise, controlled vessel movements in even the most demanding port environments. With a highly skilled crew and one of the most capable tug fleets on the Great Lakes, we provide dependable support for docking, undocking, and ship maneuvering.

We work closely with pilots, port authorities, and vessel crews to execute every job safely and efficiently, minimizing delays and keeping operations on schedule.

Services Include:

• Docking and undocking
• Ship assist and escort
• Standby support
• Tight-quarters maneuvering

Emergency Assistance

Rapid response when safety and time are critical.

Our emergency response teams are ready 24/7 to assist vessels in urgent situations. Whether it’s a grounding, mechanical failure, or unexpected incident, we deploy quickly with the equipment and expertise needed to stabilize the situation and support recovery efforts.

With experienced crews and a powerful fleet, we provide dependable assistance when it matters most, helping protect your vessel, crew, and cargo.

Services Include:

• Vessel assist and recovery
• Emergency towing
• Grounding response
• Standby safety support

Cargo Transportation

Reliable movement of cargo across the Great Lakes and beyond.

Our cargo transportation services are built to deliver efficiency, flexibility, and dependability for a wide range of cargo types. From bulk materials to specialized freight, we provide tailored solutions that keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

With a modern fleet and experienced crews, we ensure safe handling, timely delivery, and seamless coordination from origin to destination.

Services Include:

• Bulk cargo transportation
• Breakbulk and project cargo
• Barge services and logistics
• Route planning and coordination

Icebreaking

Keeping waterways open and operations moving through winter

Our icebreaking services ensure safe, reliable navigation during the harshest winter conditions on the Great Lakes. With powerful, purpose-built tugs and experienced crews, we break and manage ice to maintain critical shipping routes and port access.

We work in coordination with industry partners and government agencies to support uninterrupted commerce, no matter the conditions.

Services Include:

• Commercial icebreaking
• Harbor and channel clearing
• Vessel escort through ice
• Winter navigation support

Explore Our Towing Expertise

Dive deeper into our towing services, fleet, and expertise

Looking for more details? Explore our full towing services brochure for 
an in-depth look at our fleet, capabilities, and the solutions we deliver across the Great Lakes. Click below to view and download.

Great Lakes East

About

  • History
  • Companies
  • Standards
  • Partnerships
  • News

Shipyard

  • Construction
  • Custom Fabrication
  • Facilities
  • Sales & Charter
  • Rates & Conditions

Towing

  • Services
  • Towing Menu Items

Contact

Careers

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