We’ve got a bit of stormy weather coming in, and so a good time to answer a listener question about the Columbia River Bar and how sthip traffic is affected by weather.
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Today we have a Military Sealift Command cargo ship headed to Portland to the shipyard at Swan Island for repairs and maintenance. We’ll learn a little today about this interesting military vessel.
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Today we have an abundance of anchored ships on the river, so many that a couple are waiting offshore. We’ll talk about how that can happen.
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A look at today’s ship traffic on the Columbia.
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Each year the USCG heavy icebreaker Polar Star heads to Antarctica to spend the Northern Hemisphere winter opening a channel through the ice during the Antarctic summer.
The ship has just completed her mission and is heading home to Seattle. We’ll talk about why this unique ship was there, and why her mission is so important.
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The Astoria Anchorage is an interesting place, with lots going on out there on the water.
Today we’ll take a look at some of the common but interesting things you might see if you’re out on the Riverwalk or driving through town.
Whether it be vessels or aircraft, a cargo ship or the US Coast Guard, what you’re seeing are carefully planned maneuvers involving skilled professionals, and often talented young people learning the ropes of maritime work.
Photo: A fuel barge refueling a ship in the Astoria Anchorage, 3/6/25. Photo Credit: Joanne Rideout
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