In response to the continued introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AISs), port directors from around the Great Lakes established the Great Ships Initiative. Formally launched in 2005, the Great Ships Initiative is a cooperative effort between the Great Lake maritime industry, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and academia to accelerate the development & installation of shipboard technology to prevent the introduction and spread of AISs into the Great Lakes.
The Great Ships Initiative supports technology incubation and provides testing services to the developers of these new mechanical and chemical technologies. More than $4.2 million has been invested in this effort. Financial assistance has come from many sources, including U.S. and Canadian Great Lake ports, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Maritime Administration, St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
As part of the Initiative, a lab and testing center has been established in the Deluth-Superior harbor, which is being jointly managed by the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The most valuable aspect of this effort is the $1.5 million shoreside testing facility. Open in 2006, this facility allows for the testing of potential ballast water treatment technologies under controlled conditions that simulate ship operations. This facility is one of only two facilities in the U.S. and the only fresh water testing facility in the world.
More information on the facility and the Great Ships Initiative can be found at www.greatshipsinitiative.org.
