The 1004'x105' Edwin H. Gott freighter arrived in Sault Ste Marie Thursday afternoon. It has been idle on the east side of the Poe Lock, waiting for the Soo Locks to officially open Saturday at 12:01 a.m.
Before the captain and crew get ready to traverse through the Poe Lock early Saturday morning, a group of dignitaries, law enforcement officials and news media visited the crew in the Gott's pilot house.
Mayor Don Gerrie read a proclamation recognizing the Gott as the official first freighter through the Soo Locks.
In closing, Gerrie read:
"Let it be further known that the City of Sault Ste. Marie extends its best wishes to the ships and crews of all commercial vessels who sail on the Great Lakes for a safe and prosperous season in 2023."
Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented Captain Tim Alfson with a First Ship of the Year 2023 plaque.
"You mean so much to us! You bring more visitors to the community than you can even imagine! People love your ships!" Hoath expressed.
Ray Bell, the owner of Das Gift Haus and board president of the Soo Locks Visitor Association, also presented Alfson with a plaque, but also hats for all crew members on board.
Roger LeLievre, author of the widely-known publication, Know Your Ships, presented the latest 2023 edition of the book to all 22 crew members.
Alfson, who has been captain of the Gott since 2012, says being greeted by everyone is a humbling experience.
"It's just a job; it's wonderful to get all the attention, of course, it is nice to be first in line, but now it is time to get to work," Alfson said.
The Gott will head to Two Harbors, Minnesota, to pick up iron ore.
