‘Ghost Ship’ finally set to move after ‘decades’ at Port of Chicago

A rusting hulk of a ship moored at the Port of Chicago’s Lake Calumet property for “decades” is finally about to move on.

The 620-foot-long vessel, built to haul cargo across the Great Lakes, had most recently been used for storage, but, for the last few years, has sat empty, earning the nickname the “ghost ship.” It can be seen from the Bishop Ford Expressway.

But Clayton Harris III, the port’s executive director, said the ship’s owners, Grand River Navigation, based in Traverse City, Mich., are making plans to tow the ship from the port, with the aim of dismantling the vessel and converting it into scrap metal.

“Hopefully before the end of this month,” Harris said Monday. “They are working out the logistics on their part. I expect it to happen sooner than later.”

Harris said Grand River Navigation must first file a plan for the ship’s removal with the United States Coast Guard. Representatives with the Grand River could not be reached for comment Monday.

But why is the ship being moved now?

Harris said the rising price of scrap metal might be one factor. Another likely is Harris’ ongoing conversations with the ship’s owners, he said.

“We made it clear that the port is moving in a different direction, and having the ship sit there not doing anything really doesn’t speak to the vision of the port currently,” Harris said. “I have had that conversation ever since I came in; that was three years ago.”

Harris said he’ll be delighted to see the last of the ghost ship.

“It will be a very good day,” he said.