One of several high-definition cameras monitors the Straits 24/7, 365 days a year. (Photo courtesy of Enbridge)

ST. IGNACE — The Enbridge Straits Maritime Operations Center on March 6 recorded its 10,000th vessel observation since April 2022, when it assumed responsibility for such observations.

Staffed around the clock, the ESMOC serves as the nerve center for a suite of waterway safety systems Enbridge put in place to help prevent an anchor strike to the Line 5 dual pipelines in the straits.

“Vessel observations confirm there are no unsafe conditions before a vessel navigates the Straits at the Line 5 crossing,” said Mike Davanzo, the Enbridge Maritime Operations specialist for the Great Lakes region. “These observations are a vital part of Enbridge’s commitment to protecting the Straits while continuing to transport safely through Line 5 the propane and other energy on which Michiganders rely.”

Davanzo, who retired as a U.S. Coast Guard captain, says each observation includes sending an electronic message to let the vessel staff know the vessel is entering a no-anchor zone, contacting the vessel’s captain by radio to confirm its anchors are secured, informing the vessel captain of Line 5’s location in relation to the Mackinac Bridge and visual verification that the anchors are secured.

“Hats off to the watch standards who are here every single minute of every single day doing incredible work,” said Erica Fink, the Enbridge regional operations manager for northern Michigan.

“We stand up an incredible state-of-the art facility, we staff it 24/7, we don’t miss one vessel and here we are, celebrating 10,000. That’s a testament to safety unlike any other.”

With Captain Arnesh Misra at the helm and 17 other crew members on board, the Algoma Niagara became the 10,000th vessel with which the ESMOC crew made contact. The vessel was carrying road salt between Ontario and Wisconsin.

“We congratulate Enbridge and the dedicated team at ESMOC on this safety milestone,” said Capt. Jason Davenport, director, Vessel Traffic and Customer Service for global marine transportation company Algoma Central Corporation.