When it comes to the record-high water levels on the Detroit River, everyone is doing their part to be responsible users of the major commercial waterway.
The Port of Windsor said even the shipping industry, with all of its heavy salties and lakers, is being considerate of the damage it can unleash on properties along the riverfront with a large wake by slowing down the speed of its ships.
Port CEO Steve Salmons said the record high water levels allow the cargo ships to load a little heavier, but they have also slowed down to about 10 knots instead of the usual 15.
"They reduced it back near residential areas to about 10K. That's about a 30 per cent reduction," said Salmons.
Salmons said the freighters are acting very responsibly in a time of extreme anxiety by homeowners who live on the riverfront.
"Think about Chrysler eliminating one shift for environmental benefit. It's a huge economic decision by shipping and a very responsible one," he added.
Salmons said cargo ships that don't reduce their speed usually stay out in deeper water.
The City of Windsor and the Windsor Port Authority issued a shoreline boating ban for motorized watercraft in early July because of record high water levels on the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. Boaters were urged not to use the motors on their vessels within 30 metres of the shore because of concerns the wake would damage and flood waterfront property.
The boat ban will be re-evaluated soon.
