The U.S. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) is pleased to announce its intention to donate the historic tugboat, the Robinson Bay, as the Corporation transitions its vessel fleet for future operations, including use of the recently delivered tugboats Seaway Trident and Seaway Guardian.  The Robinson Bay, which remains in good operational condition, has served the Seaway, the North Country, and the Great Lakes/Seaway community with distinction for decades. It is the goal of the GLS to ensure that its next chapter continues to provide public value within the region. 

The GLS is seeking proposals from interested parties who have a vision for the tugboat's future use, whether that be in an operational capacity, as a training vessel, or as part of a museum or historic exhibit.  To ensure a fair and objective selection process, the GLS has established a series of criteria that will guide its evaluation of proposals.  The main considerations will be the alignment of received proposals with the public interest, the intended use of the vessel, the capacity of recipient organization to maintain it, and the vessel’s potential community and historical impact going forward.

The Robinson Bay has been an integral part of Great Lakes Seaway maritime history, and the GLS looks forward to seeing how this vessel will continue to serve the region in new and meaningful ways.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your proposal.

Submission Guidelines:

Proposals, which should be no longer than five (5) written pages, should include the following information:

• Overview of Proposed Use – A detailed description of how your organization intends to use the Robinson Bay, including any operational, educational, or preservation plans.
   
• Public and Community Value – Explain how your proposal aligns with the public interest and enhances the Great Lakes/Seaway community.
   
• Organizational Capacity – Information about your organization's experience, resources, and long-term sustainability plan for maintaining the vessel.
   
• Historical and Educational Impact – Describe how your organization will preserve the historical significance of the vessel and how it will be used for educational purposes.
   
• Feasibility and Timeline – Provide a clear plan for how your organization will acquire, transport, and put the tugboat to use, including a proposed timeline.

Proposal Submission Deadline and GLS Envisioned Timeline:

Below is the GLS ideal timeline for delivery, though the GLS is willing to consider alternative scheduling concepts as part of the proposal process.

• September 17, 2024: Release of detailed package to interested parties.
• October 1, 2024: Due date for proposals. No exceptions.
• October 2-14, 2024: Robinson Bay available for in-person condition review in Massena, N.Y. by interested parties.
• October 30, 2024: GLS completes internal review and announces selectee.
• November 1-14, 2024: Finalization of transfer documentation between GLS and selectee.
• November 15, 2024: Arrival of selectee in Massena for final familiarization with Robinson Bay.
• November 20, 2024: Departure of Robinson Bay from GLS Maintenance Base, including vessel farewell ceremony featuring the GLS, its employees, and the selectee.

Instructions

Please submit your proposal electronically by 3:00 p.m. Eastern on October 1, 2024, to:

• Mr. Paul Braden
  Director of Lock Operations and Marine Services
  Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS)
  180 Andrews Street
  Massena, N.Y. 13662
  Email: paul.braden@dot.gov; Phone: 315-764-3215

Reminders

All proposals will be carefully reviewed, and final decisions will be made based on a balanced evaluation of how well each submission meets the established criteria.

The GLS reserves the ultimate right to choose the recipient of the Robinson Bay for any or no reason.

We encourage interested parties to reach out with any questions or requests for additional information.

Update on September 26, 2024

The GLS is sharing the following updates about the Robinson Bay following inquiries received from interested parties.

Question: What is the speed of the Robinson Bay?

Answer: The speed of the vessel (light boat without a barge) is from 8-11 knots.

Question: Can the GLS provide additional photographs of the Robinson Bay?

Answer: Yes; please see below.
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