View source for SS Badger

{{Short description|Passenger and vehicle ferry in the United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=Ssbadger1953.png
|Ship caption=SS ''Badger'' sailing in Manitowoc harbor
}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country=[[United States]]
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|United States|civil}}
|Ship name=SS ''Badger''
|Ship namesake=University of [[Wisconsin Badgers]]
|Ship owner=[[Interlake Maritime Services]]
|Ship operator=
| Ship registry = [[File:Flag of the United States.svg|20px]] [[Ludington, Michigan]]
|Ship route={{jct|country=USA|US|10}}, [[Ludington, Michigan]]–[[Manitowoc, Wisconsin]]
|Ship ordered=
|Ship awarded=
|Ship builder=[[Christy Corporation]], [[Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin]]
|Ship original cost=
|Ship yard number=Hull No. 370
|Ship way number=
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=September 6, 1952
|Ship sponsor=Mrs. [[Walter J. Kohler Jr.|Walter J. Kohler]] (wife of Governor of Wisconsin)
|Ship christened=
|Ship completed=
|Ship acquired=
|Ship commissioned=
|Ship recommissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=
|Ship maiden voyage= 
|Ship in service=March 21, 1953
|Ship out of service=
|Ship renamed=
|Ship reclassified=
|Ship refit=
|Ship struck=
|Ship reinstated=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship identification=*Official No. 265156
*{{IMO Number|5033583}}
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname="The Big Badger" (Charles F. Conrad's favorite description)
|Ship honours=
|Ship honors=
|Ship fate=
|Ship status=Active
|Ship notes=
|Ship badge=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=
|Ship type=Passenger and automobile car ferry
|Ship tonnage=4,244 gross tons<ref name=About>{{cite web |url = https://www.ssbadger.com/about/ |title = About the Car Ferry |website = SS Badger |access-date = January 18, 2021 |archive-date = July 8, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240708181514/https://ssbadger.com/about/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
|Ship displacement=6,650 tons<ref name=About />
|Ship length={{convert|410|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=About />
|Ship beam={{convert|59|ft|6|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=About />
|Ship height={{convert|106|ft|9|in|m|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=About />
|Ship draught=
|Ship draft=
|Ship depth={{convert|24|ft|m|2|abbr=on}} molded depth
|Ship hold depth=
|Ship decks= 2 passenger, 2 vehicle
|Ship deck clearance=
|Ship ramps=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship power=Steam, coal-fired
|Ship propulsion=Two four-cylinder compound [[Uniflow steam engine|Skinner Unaflow steam engines]], totaling {{convert|7000|shp|MW|2|abbr=on}}; four Foster-Wheeler water-tube type D boilers, {{convert|470|psi|MPa|2|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |author = American Society of Mechanical Engineers |author-link = American Society of Mechanical Engineers |url = https://www.asme.org/getmedia/8999fb61-583c-453f-8ab1-7b864258a557/191-SS-Badger-Carferry-1952.aspx |format = PDF |title = SS ''Badger'' Engines and Boilers |publisher = American Society of Mechanical Engineers |date = September 7, 1996 |access-date = January 25, 2016 |archive-date = October 24, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151024184334/https://www.asme.org/getmedia/8999fb61-583c-453f-8ab1-7b864258a557/191-SS-Badger-Carferry-1952.aspx |url-status = live }}</ref>
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship speed=*{{convert|24|mph|kn km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out}} max
*{{convert|18|mph|kn km/h mph|abbr=on|order=out}} cruise
|Ship range=
|Ship endurance=
|Ship boats=
|Ship capacity= 620 passengers, 180 automobiles, also tour buses, RVs, motorcycles, and commercial trucks
|Ship complement=
|Ship crew=50–60
|Ship time to activate=
|Ship sensors=
|Ship notes=
}}
{{Infobox NRHP
  | embed = yes
  | name =SS ''Badger''
  | nrhp_type = nhl
  | caption = 
  | location= 700 S. William Street, Ludington, Michigan
  | coordinates = {{coord|43|56|57|N|86|27|04|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline}}
| architecture = 
  | added = December 11, 2009
  | area =
  | refnum = 09000679<ref name=nris>{{cite web |url = https://npgallery.nps.gov/nrhp |title = National Register Information System |date = March 13, 2009 |work = [[National Register of Historic Places]] |publisher = National Park Service |author = National Park Service |author-link = National Park Service |access-date = December 13, 2011 |archive-date = July 25, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080725123211/http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/ |url-status = live }}</ref>
  | designated_other1 = Michigan State Historic Site
  | designated_other1_date = March 6, 1997<ref name=MCGI>{{cite web |author = State Historic Preservation Office |url = http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/65004.htm |year = 2009 |title = SS ''Badger'' |access-date = June 26, 2010 |work = Historic Sites Online |publisher = [[Michigan State Housing Development Authority]] |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120601091542/http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/65004.htm |archive-date = June 1, 2012 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
  | designated_other1_number = 
  | designated_other1_num_position = bottom
  | designated_nrhp_type = January 20, 2016<ref name=nhldate>{{cite web |author = National Park Service |url = https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-2016-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf |title = Weekly List of Actions, 4/18/16 through 4/22/16 |publisher = National Park Service |access-date = April 30, 2016 }}</ref>
}}
|}

'''SS ''Badger''''' is a passenger and vehicle [[ferry]] in the United States that has been in service on [[Lake Michigan]] since 1953. Currently, the ship shuttles between [[Ludington, Michigan]], and [[Manitowoc, Wisconsin]], a distance of {{convert|62|mi|km}}, connecting [[U.S. Route 10|U.S. Highway 10]] (US&nbsp;10) between those two cities. She is the last coal-fired passenger vessel operating on the [[Great Lakes]], and was designated a [[List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan|National Historic Landmark]] on January 20, 2016.

The ship is named after the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison|University of Wisconsin's]] athletic teams, the [[Wisconsin Badgers]].<ref name=manitowocsign>{{cite sign |type = Historical marker |url = http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=11835 |title = Manitowoc and the Car Ferries / SS ''Badger'' |author = Wisconsin Historical Society |author-link = Wisconsin Historical Society |year = 1998 |location = Manitowoc |publisher = Wisconsin Historical Society |access-date = November 30, 2015 }}</ref> ''Badger'' runs on Michigan time ([[Eastern Time Zone]], whereas Wisconsin is in the [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central Time Zone]]) and riders pay Michigan taxes on their fares. She runs on a seasonal basis from May to October.<ref name="SSBadgerHistory">{{cite web |url = http://www.ssbadger.com/about/history.html |title = History |access-date = September 28, 2014 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150906034237/http://www.ssbadger.com/about/history.html |archive-date = September 6, 2015 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>

== History ==
''Badger'' was constructed as a [[rail car ferry]] in 1952 by the [[Christy Corporation]] of [[Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin]],<ref name=manitowocsign /> along with her twin {{SS|Spartan||6}}  (named after the mascot of [[Michigan State University]]) with a reinforced hull for ice-breaking. She was originally used to carry railroad cars, passengers and automobiles between the two sides of the lake all year long. Today, the ferry connects the eastern and western segments of [[U.S. Route 10|US&nbsp;10]] in the two cities from May to October.<ref name="SSBadgerHistory" />

Launched September 6, 1952, SS ''Badger'' entered service March 21, 1953, for the [[Chesapeake and Ohio Railway]] (from 1973 a subsidiary of the [[Chessie System]]). The C&O had acquired the rail car ferry operations in Ludington with its acquisition of the [[Pere Marquette Railway]] in 1947.<ref>{{cite book |first = Art |last = Chavez |title = SS ''Badger'': The Great Lakes Car Ferry |series = Images of America |location = Charleston, South Carolina |publisher = Arcadia Publishing |year = 2003 |isbn = 0-7385-2304-6 |pages = 26–51 passim }}</ref> After 1972 with the advent of [[Amtrak]], service was gradually curtailed; all but the three newest vessels were retired, and sailings to [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], and [[Manitowoc, Wisconsin]], were discontinued, leaving only the route between Ludington and [[Kewaunee, Wisconsin]]. On July 1, 1983, the Chessie System ended its car ferry service when it sold the steamers ''Badger'', ''Spartan'', and [[SS City of Midland 41|''City of Midland 41'']] to Glen F. Bowden of Ludington. He organized the Michigan–Wisconsin Transportation Company (MWT) to continue the operation.<ref>{{harvp|Chavez|2003|p=79}}.</ref>

The railroad car ferry concept on Lake Michigan was facing serious economic troubles during the 1980s and by November 1988, ''Badger'' was the only vessel running. She was the last of the 14&nbsp;ferries based in Ludington remaining in service.<ref name=manitowocsign /> On November 16, 1990, facing bankruptcy, Bowden laid up ''Badger'', ending 93&nbsp;years of railway car ferry service out of Ludington and 98&nbsp;years on Lake Michigan as a whole.<ref>{{harvp|Chavez|2003|pp=87-88}}.</ref>
[[File:SS Badger, Ludington.jpg|thumb|center|upright=1.52|SS ''Badger'' docked at Ludington, Michigan]]

== Lake Michigan Carferry Service ==
{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=left|frame-width=250|zoom=6|text=Map of ferry route|from=SS Badger.map}}
After sitting idle for a year, the three ferries were purchased by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Ludington native Charles F. Conrad of [[Holland, Michigan]], on July 9, 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPFEvHkNXfE&t=1s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/HPFEvHkNXfE |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |url-status=live|title=July 9, 1991 Newscast|date=July 9, 1991|publisher=[[WWTV]]-TV |location = Cadillac Michigan |via=[[YouTube]]|access-date= March 14, 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He undertook a major overhaul and refit of ''Badger'' exclusively for carrying passengers and automobiles. The only operating ferry of her kind in the world, the ship is an icon of car ferry heritage on the Great Lakes.<ref>{{harvp|Chavez|2003|pp=89-91}}.</ref> Conrad retired as president of Lake Michigan Carferry Service in 1993. He died on February 9, 1995. Since 1993, the company has been headed by his son-in-law, Robert Manglitz.<ref>{{harvp|Chavez|2003|p=91}}.</ref>

''Badger'' is the last large coal-burning steamship in the United States and is the last vessel in service on the Great Lakes to be powered by Skinner [[Uniflow steam engine|Unaflow engines]] (manufactured by the Skinner Company of Erie, Pennsylvania).{{#tag:ref|The 1906 lake freighter [[SS St. Marys Challenger|SS ''St. Marys Challenger'']], another steamship still in service on Lake Michigan, also had Skinner Unaflow engines, fitted during a refit in 1950, until 2014, when it was converted into a barge.<ref>{{cite web |first = George |last = Wharton |date = n.d. |title = Great Lakes Fleet Page Vessel Feature: St. Marys Challenger |url = http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/stmaryschallenger.htm |work = [[Boatnerd.com]] |access-date = July 19, 2010 |archive-date = April 2, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140402125150/http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/stmaryschallenger.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> Also, the Canadian lakes steamer, ''James Norris'', had Unaflow engines, but was retired in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |first = George |last = Wharton |date = n.d. |url = http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/norris.htm |title = James Norris |work = Boatnerd.com |access-date = February 4, 2015 |archive-date = January 25, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150125111454/http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/fleet/norris.htm |url-status = live }}</ref>|group=lower-alpha}}

Typically, ''Badger'' completes a trip across Lake Michigan in about four hours, covering {{convert|60|mi|km}}.<ref name="ssbadger">{{cite web |url = http://www.ssbadger.com/ |title = SS ''Badger'': Big Ship, More Fun! |author = Lake Michigan Carferry |publisher = Lake Michigan Carferry |access-date = July 25, 2006 |year = 2006 |archive-date = January 27, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060127014443/http://www.ssbadger.com/ |url-status = live }}</ref> SS ''Badger'' rarely misses a sailing due to weather.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=20040901&id=G74aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=X0UEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4174,700967&hl=en |title = Lake's Been Rough on Ferry |newspaper = Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date = September 1, 2004 |quote = ...SS Badger, has never cancelled a trip because of weather in 12 years ... |access-date = January 23, 2016 |archive-date = March 1, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301182751/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1683&dat=20040901&id=G74aAAAAIBAJ&sjid=X0UEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4174,700967&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref>

SS ''Badger'' is also unusual in that she is a registered historical site in two states. The Michigan Historical Commission and the Wisconsin Historical Commission each named ''Badger'' as a registered historical site in 1997.<ref name=MCGI /> In 1996, ''Badger''{{'s}} propulsion system was designated a mechanical engineering landmark by the [[American Society of Mechanical Engineers]].<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19960909&id=GA9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O1UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3544,6573088&hl=en |title = Badger Honored as Engineering Landmark |first = Steve |last = Begnoche |newspaper = [[Ludington Daily News]] |date = September 9, 1996 |access-date = January 23, 2016 |archive-date = March 1, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301202516/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=110&dat=19960909&id=GA9QAAAAIBAJ&sjid=O1UDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3544,6573088&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2002, ''Badger'' was named Ship of the Year by the Steamship Historical Society of America.<ref>{{cite web |title = Ship of the Year |url = https://www.sshsa.org/about/shipoftheyear.html |publisher = Steamship Historical Society of America |access-date = September 6, 2014 |archive-date = November 3, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141103235050/http://sshsa.org/about/shipoftheyear.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The ship was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Mason County, Michigan|National Register of Historic Places]] on December 11, 2009.<ref name=nris /> On January 20, 2016, the [[National Park Service]] designated the ship a [[List of National Historic Landmarks in Michigan|National Historic Landmark]].<ref name=nhldate/>
[[File:S.S. Badger leaving Ludington.webm|thumb|Video of SS ''Badger'' in 2015 sailing from Ludington (62 seconds)]]

On August 9, 2008, ''Badger'' suffered a stern bearing failure, causing the company to cancel the ferry's sailings for nearly a week. It was the first time the ship had ever experienced a stern bearing failure. On August 10, the ferry sailed under her own power to the Bay Shipbuilding yard in [[Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin]], for repairs. As the yard had no opening at the time for the work to be done in the dry dock, a team of divers was flown in from California to assist in the repairs. Regular sailings resumed August 15, 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.shorelinemedia.net/ludington_daily_news/archives/we-re-glad-to-see-it-come-back/article_410b1301-bd0c-550e-86db-1f62e1918d5b.html |title = We're Glad to See It Come Back |newspaper = Ludington Daily News |date = August 15, 2008 |first = Patti |last = Klevorn |access-date = January 23, 2016 |archive-date = October 5, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181005134243/http://www.shorelinemedia.net/ludington_daily_news/archives/we-re-glad-to-see-it-come-back/article_410b1301-bd0c-550e-86db-1f62e1918d5b.html |url-status = live }}</ref> It was the first time since 1993 (when it struck a rock at Ludington)<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19930629&id=c1AiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H60FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4235,5505147&hl=en |title = Badger to Return to Service |newspaper = [[The Argus-Press]] |location = Owosso, Michigan |date = June 29, 1993 |access-date = January 23, 2016 |archive-date = March 1, 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160301155123/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1988&dat=19930629&id=c1AiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=H60FAAAAIBAJ&pg=4235,5505147&hl=en |url-status = live }}</ref> that ''Badger'' was laid up for unscheduled repairs and the first time since 2005 that the company cancelled a sailing because of mechanical failure. {{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}

''Badger''{{'s}} large deck space allows her to transport [[tractor trailer]]s and larger commercial loads. In 2012, she carried more than 1,000&nbsp;commercial loads. The ship carries [[wind turbine]] components from Wisconsin, some {{convert|150|ft|m|1}} long and {{convert|150000|lb|kg}}. ''Badger''{{'s}} fall season was extended two weeks into early November to carry additional wind turbine loads.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.htrnews.com/article/20120925/MAN0101/309250338/Transporting-wind-towers-extends-Badger-sailing-season?odyssey=nav&#124;head |title = Transporting Wind Towers Extends ''Badger'' Sailing Season |work = [[The Herald Times Reporter]] |location = Manitowoc, Wisconsin |date = September 25, 2012 |author = Staff Reporter |access-date = September 26, 2012 }}</ref> In 2015, the ferry was officially designated as part of [[U.S. Route 10|US&nbsp;10]], thus linking the two disconnected segments of the highway.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1227157#.VZ01E2dKH5p |title = SS Badger Bridges the Gap Between State Highway System |date = July 7, 2015 |access-date = July 8, 2015 |last = Werly |first = Roxanne |work = Up North Live |location = Traverse City, Michigan |publisher = [[WPBN-TV]] |archive-date = August 10, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150810052238/http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1227157#.VZ01E2dKH5p |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In December 2020, ''Badger'' was sold to [[Interlake Steamship Company]].<ref name="Ferretti">{{cite news |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/12/31/iconic-ss-badger-car-ferry-sold/4104061001/ |title = Iconic Great Lakes Car Ferry SS ''Badger'' Sold |first1 = Christine |last1 = Ferretti |newspaper = [[The Detroit News]] |date = December 31, 2020 |access-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210101065133/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/12/31/iconic-ss-badger-car-ferry-sold/4104061001/ |url-status = live }}</ref> The deal also includes the barge ''Pere Marquette 41'' and SS ''Spartan''.<ref name="Ferretti"/><ref name="Prinsen">{{cite news |url = https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/2020/12/31/manitowoc-car-ferry-s-s-badger-has-new-owner/4099649001/ |title = SS ''Badger'' Car Ferry Has New Owner as Part of Lake Michigan Car Ferry Co. Sale to Interlake Holding Co. |first1 = Jake |last1 = Prinsen |newspaper = [[The Herald Times Reporter|Manitowoc Herald Times]] |date = December 31, 2020 |access-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210101082857/https://www.htrnews.com/story/news/2020/12/31/manitowoc-car-ferry-s-s-badger-has-new-owner/4099649001/ |url-status = live }}</ref> It was a part of a larger sale of assets. Interlake is based in [[Middleburg Heights, Ohio]].<ref name="MBIZ">{{cite news |url = https://mibiz.com/sections/economic-development/s-s-badger-iconic-cross-lake-car-ferry-in-ludington-sold-to-ohio-firm |title = SS ''Badger''—Iconic Cross-Lake Car Ferry in Ludington—Sold to Ohio Firm |author = MiBiz Staff |newspaper = MiBiz |date = December 30, 2020 |access-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-date = January 1, 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210101101014/https://www.mibiz.com/sections/economic-development/s-s-badger-iconic-cross-lake-car-ferry-in-ludington-sold-to-ohio-firm |url-status = live }}</ref>

On July 21, 2023, a ramp counterweight in the ferry's Ludington terminal failed. While ''Badger'' herself was unharmed, the extensive damage and lack of an alternate loading ramp forced an early end to the ferry's 2023 season.<ref>{{cite news |first = Mark |last = Hicks |work = The Detroit News |date = August 2, 2023 |title = Mechanical Failure Ends Season for Lake Michigan Ferry, the SS ''Badger'' |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/08/02/mechanical-failure-ends-season-for-lake-michigan-ferry-the-s-s-badger/70510956007/ |access-date = August 2, 2023 |archive-date = August 2, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230802041930/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/08/02/mechanical-failure-ends-season-for-lake-michigan-ferry-the-s-s-badger/70510956007/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

Service resumed on May 17, 2024, after a new counterweight system was installed at the Ludington dock.<ref>{{cite news |first1 = Scott |last1 = Hurley |first2 = Marlo |last2 = Lundak |name-list-style = amp |work = FOX 11 News |date = May 17, 2024 |title = S.S. ''Badger'' resumes Lake Michigan crossings after 10-month shutdown |url = https://fox11online.com/news/local/s-s-badger-carferry-first-lake-michigan-crossing-2024-docking-equipment-repaired-ludington-michigan-manitowoc-wisconsin |access-date = July 6, 2024 |location = Green Bay, Wisconsin |publisher = [[WLUK-TV]] |language = en |archive-date = July 6, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240706000120/https://fox11online.com/news/local/s-s-badger-carferry-first-lake-michigan-crossing-2024-docking-equipment-repaired-ludington-michigan-manitowoc-wisconsin |url-status = live }}</ref>

== Environmental impact ==
[[File:BadgerCarferryLoadingManitowocWI.jpg|thumb|right|A wind turbine being loaded onto the ferry]]
SS ''Badger'' came under fire from the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) and environmental groups in late 2008 because of her daily practice of dumping untreated [[coal ash]] from its boilers directly into the waters of Lake Michigan. Burning {{convert|55|ST|LT t}} of coal a day produces {{convert|4|ST|LT t|2}} of ash.<ref name="WSJ, Nov 2012" /> Coal ash is a byproduct of ''Badger''{{'s}} propulsion system.

''Badger'' had earlier been the subject of EPA Clean Air action, but was granted an exemption under the law due to her historical significance as a coal-fired, steam-powered vessel. Company officials compared coal ash to "harmless sand" and planned to keep ''Badger'' in her original coal-burning configuration.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/10/01/on-lake-michigan-a-coal-burning-steamship-gets-a-pass/ |title = On Lake Michigan, a Coal-Burning Steamship Gets a Pass |first = Michael |last = Hawthorne |work = [[Chicago Tribune]] |date = October 1, 2011 |access-date = November 15, 2014 |archive-date = November 29, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141129011735/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-01/news/ct-met-lake-michigan-coal-ferry-20111001_1_coal-ash-laws-that-other-ships-limestone-and-iron-waste |url-status = live }}</ref>  In an effort to continue to minimize the environmental impact to the lake, the Lake Michigan Carferry had explored a number of alternatives, including storing the ash on board and unloading upon arrival in Ludington. Another option once considered was the use of compressed natural gas, which would allow the historical boiler system to be maintained and make SS ''Badger'' the first "green" ship on the Great Lakes.<ref name="WSJ, Nov 2012">{{cite news |first = Ben |last = Kesling |date = November 6, 2012 |url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204707104578095153979437648 |title = Ship from Bygone Era Fights to Keep Sailing |work = [[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date = November 18, 2012 |archive-date = March 27, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150327064541/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204707104578095153979437648 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Lake Michigan Carferry signed a [[consent decree]] with the [[United States Department of Justice]] and the EPA in March 2013 to end ash discharge within two years, using a new ash-retention system.<ref name="ssbadgerstaffEPAagreement">{{cite press release |url = http://www.ssbadger.com/news-media/epa-doj.html |title = Lake Michigan Carferry Reaches Agreement with EPA |author = Lake Michigan Carferry |publisher = Lake Michigan Carferry |access-date = April 17, 2013 |year = 2013 |archive-date = April 24, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130424015831/http://www.ssbadger.com/news-media/epa-doj.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The revised consent decree was filed in September 2013.<ref>{{cite press release |first = Anne |last = Rowan |title = EPA Strengthens SS ''Badger'' Consent Decree in Response to Public Comments; Penalties Increased for Failing to Cease Coal Ash Discharge to Lake Michigan by the End of 2014 Sailing Season |url = http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/a5792a626c8dac098525735900400c2d/6a352f57860228dd85257be80053531e!OpenDocument |date = September 16, 2013 |publisher = [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] |access-date = September 29, 2013 |archive-date = January 2, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140102222729/http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/a5792a626c8dac098525735900400c2d/6a352f57860228dd85257be80053531e!OpenDocument |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.epa.gov/r5water/npdestek/badger/ |title = Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc., SS ''Badger'' |first = Phillippa |last = Cannon |publisher = United States Environmental Protection Agency |access-date = April 17, 2013 |year = 2013 |archive-date = April 13, 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130413180317/http://www.epa.gov/r5water/npdestek/badger/ |url-status = live }}</ref> In January 2015, work began on a conveyor system that will store ash in four containment bins on board. A new combustion-control system will allow the ship to be more efficient by burning less coal and generating less ash.<ref>{{cite news |first = Steve |last = Begnoche |url = http://www.htrnews.com/viewart/20140505/MAN0101/305060153/Badger-receives-new-combustion-control-system |title = ''Badger'' Receives New Combustion Control System |work = Ludington Daily News |date = May 5, 2014 |access-date = July 21, 2014 |url-access = registration |archive-date = January 19, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150119205208/http://www.htrnews.com/viewart/20140505/MAN0101/305060153/Badger-receives-new-combustion-control-system |url-status = live }}</ref> ''Badger'' was retrofitted so that she will no longer discharge ash into the lake, and has been certified to return to service.  The ash is now off-loaded and used to make [[cement]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ss-badger-set-to-sail-lake-michigan-20150514-story.html |title = Coal-Fired SS ''Badger'' Set to Resume Service After Retrofit |agency = [[Associated Press]] |newspaper = Chicago Tribune |date = May 15, 2015 |access-date = May 15, 2015 |archive-date = May 18, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150518001709/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-ss-badger-set-to-sail-lake-michigan-20150514-story.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/05/15/badger-ship-sails/27376385/ |newspaper = [[Detroit Free Press]] |title = SS ''Badger'' Cleared for Sailing by EPA |first1 = Todd |last1 = Spangler |date = May 15, 2015 |access-date = May 15, 2015 |archive-date = July 8, 2024 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240708181528/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/05/15/badger-ship-sails/27376385/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Michigan|Transport}}
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* U.S. Highway 10
** [[U.S. Route 10 in Michigan|In Michigan]]
** [[U.S. Route 10 in Wisconsin|In Wisconsin]]
*[[Ferries in Michigan]]
** [[HSC Lake Express|HSC ''Lake Express'']]
* [[Maritime Metro Transit]]
{{div col end}}
{{Clear}}

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite book |first = John O. |last = Greenwood |title = Namesakes of the '80's, Volume II |location = Cleveland |publisher = Freshwater Press |year = 1984 |isbn = 0-912514-28-0 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/namesakesof80svo0002gree }}
*{{cite book |first = George W. |last = Hilton |title = The Great Lakes Car Ferries |location = Berkeley, California |publisher = Howell-North Books |year = 1962 }}
*{{cite news |first=Serena |last=Stuettgen |title=SS Badger, the last operating coal-fired passenger steamship in the US, is an icon of Lake Michigan car ferries. |url=https://www.htrnews.com/story/life/2024/10/14/ss-badger-lake-michigan-car-ferry-is-last-coal-fired-passenger-steamship-in-the-united-states/75617075007/ |newspaper=Manitowoc Herald Times |date=October 14, 2024}}
*{{cite book |first = Karl |last = Zimmermann |title = Lake Michigan's Railroad Car Ferries |location = Andover, New Jersey |publisher = Andover Junction Publications |year = 1993 |isbn = 0-944119-11-5 }}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|IMO 5033583}}
* {{Official website|http://www.ssbadger.com/}}
*[http://video.wpt.org/video/2365426162/ Badger Ferry]  Video produced by [[Wisconsin Public Television]]
*[http://www.carferries.com/skinner/ Skinner Compound Unaflow Engine]
* [https://www.asme.org/wwwasmeorg/media/resourcefiles/aboutasme/who%20we%20are/engineering%20history/landmarks/191-ss-badger-carferry-1952.pdf S.S. BADGER ENGINES AND BOILERS] 12 pages

{{Christy Corporation ships}}
{{Interlake Maritime Services}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Badger}}
[[Category:1952 ships]]
[[Category:Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Car Ferries]]
[[Category:Ferries of Michigan]]
[[Category:Ferries of the United States Numbered Highway System]]
[[Category:Ferries of Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Great Lakes ships]]
[[Category:Lake Michigan Circle Tour]]
[[Category:Michigan State Historic Sites]]
[[Category:National Historic Landmarks in Michigan]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Mason County, Michigan]]
[[Category:Passenger ships of the Great Lakes]]
[[Category:Railroad-related National Historic Landmarks]]
[[Category:Ships built in Milwaukee]]
[[Category:Ships on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan]]
[[Category:Steamships of the United States]]
[[Category:Train ferries]]
[[Category:Transportation in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Transportation in Mason County, Michigan]]
[[Category:U.S. Route 10]]