Dirk S. VanEnkevort

Photo by Isaac Pennock

This large articulated tug was built in 1990 by the Upper Lakes Towing Company as their own Joseph H. Thompson Jr. The tug was built from the steel removed from the stern of the steamer Joseph H. Thompson, which was fitted with a notch to become a self-unloading barge for the tug to push. In 2015, the tug and her barge were sold to VanEnkevort Tug & Barge of Escanaba, MI.

In 2020, the Joseph H. Thompson Jr. was heavily rebuilt by DonJon Shipbuilding & Repair in Erie, Pennsylvania and renamed Dirk S. VanEnkevort. She is now paired with the barge Michigan Trader in the dry bulk trades on the Great Lakes.