Grand River Navigation

Grand River Navigation Grand River Navigation Company, Inc. is the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime, Inc. Grand River Navigation Company is the U.S.

operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime, Inc and began operating in 2000, leasing a barge and purchasing a tug. Since that time, the Company has grown to become the marine transportation provider with the largest fleet operating on the Great Lakes today. Grand River Navigation operates a fleet of ten self-unloading bulk carriers in the U.S., which includes three articulated tug and barge units.

These vessels transport a diverse array of dry bulk commodities including limestone, coal, iron ore, salt, grain and other commodities for more than 50 long-standing customers in the construction, electric utility, integrated steel and food industries. The bulk of Grand River’s vessels operate in the River Class market segment, where we are the undisputed market leader. River Class vessels, which we define as being less than 650 feet in overall length, can operate in ports that are restricted from receiving larger vessels.

From cargo operations to co****le championships — the American Mariner crew made the most of Memorial Day onboard with s...
05/29/2026

From cargo operations to co****le championships — the American Mariner crew made the most of Memorial Day onboard with ship Olympics, great weather, and even better company.

****letournament

05/27/2026

Come see Grand River Navigation at the Maritime Institute - West Career Fair, in Norfolk, VA, this Friday! Open to everyone from 10–2. Hope to see you there!

A quiet sunrise on the lakes this Memorial Day. Today we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of those ...
05/25/2026

A quiet sunrise on the lakes this Memorial Day. Today we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who gave their lives for our freedom. From everyone at Grand River Navigation, thank you.

More shots of some excellent work aboard the Manitowoc — this time from a part of the vessel you don’t often get to see....
05/23/2026

More shots of some excellent work aboard the Manitowoc — this time from a part of the vessel you don’t often get to see. Engineer Hunter and Conveyorman Andy changing engine heads and keeping things running behind the scenes.

On the bridge of the ATB Menominee, Nick is putting in the work—building experience and sharpening his ship handling ski...
05/22/2026

On the bridge of the ATB Menominee, Nick is putting in the work—building experience and sharpening his ship handling skills as he prepares for the next step in his career.

In these moments, he passes the M/V Burns Harbor, operated by our sister company, American Steamship Company —highlighting the coordination and professionalism across our Great Lakes fleet.

Investing in our people and their development is a priority we share at Grand River Navigation. Proud to see the dedication and growth happening on the water every day.

Captain Anthony threading the Manitowoc through the Jefferson Street Bridge with inches to spare. Some Great Lakes shiph...
05/20/2026

Captain Anthony threading the Manitowoc through the Jefferson Street Bridge with inches to spare. Some Great Lakes shiphandling never stops being impressive! 🤯⚓

National Safe Boating Week starts with one simple reminder: wear your life jacket!From drills to daily operations, safet...
05/18/2026

National Safe Boating Week starts with one simple reminder: wear your life jacket!
From drills to daily operations, safety is always part of the job out here. Proud to see the crew participating in Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day.

Safe Boating Campaign American Waterways Operators

Seeing a tug out of the water during dry dock is something most people never get to experience. The scale of the Defianc...
05/13/2026

Seeing a tug out of the water during dry dock is something most people never get to experience. The scale of the Defiance from this angle really shows the engineering behind the vessels that keep the Great Lakes moving season after season.

Some docks leave absolutely no room for error. Watching a captain back a boat in with this kind of precision is a remind...
05/10/2026

Some docks leave absolutely no room for error. Watching a captain back a boat in with this kind of precision is a reminder that Great Lakes pilotage is an art form all its own.

Makes parallel parking look pretty easy. 😅 Thanks Captain Dan for the photos and ship handling! Calumet backing into Waukegan to unload its Gypsum cargo.

05/08/2026

One of the many things that makes Great Lakes shipping unique. While rarely seen elsewhere today, Bosun swings are still a common part of shipboard operations on the lakes. Here is an OS making the trip down to the dock aboard the American Mariner. ⚓

Address

Traverse City, MI
49686

Website

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/co/Grand-River-Navigation/Jobs?id=84PV4Y0rJwLXJ38Mdkrihs0

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Grand River Navigation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Grand River Navigation:

Share