Name
The M/V American Republic was named to honor the long-standing relationship between American Steamship Company and Republic Steel (now ArcelorMittal).
Construction
The M/V American Republic was built by Bay Shipbuilding Company at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and entered service in April, 1981.
Equipment
The M/V American Republic is powered by two 3500 HP General Motors Electro Motive Division (EMD) diesel engines. The vessel uses a conveyor system below its cargo holds to transport cargo to a "loop" conveyor system that elevates the cargo to the deck-mounted boom conveyor. For maneuvering in restricted waterways and in port, the vessel is equipped with twin propellers, each surrounded by Kort nozzles. The vessel has flanking as well as steering rudders. The M/V American Republic is also equipped with 1,000 HP bow and stern thrusters making this vessel unique and arguably the most maneuverable vessel of its type on the Great Lakes.
Service
The M/V American Republic is used in general trades, but primarily serves ArcelorMittal's iron ore pellet shuttle trade between Lorain, Ohio and its steel mill in Cleveland, Ohio.
| Length, Overall | 634'-10" |
| Beam | 68'-0" |
| Depth | 40'-0" |
| Midsummer Draft (MS) | 28'-4 1/4" |
| Deadweight Capacity at MS Draft | 25,600 Gross Tons |
| Deadweight Capacity at 27'-6" | 24,600 Gross Tons |
| Unloading Boom Conveyor Length | 250' |
| Maximum Unloading Rate | 6,000 Tons/Hour |
| Number of Cargo Holds | 6 |
| Number of Hatches | 21 |
| Shaft Horsepower | 7,000 |
| Year Built | 1981 |
| Number of Propellers | 2 |