1959 Shenango II
Steel Great Lakes bulk freighter
Built at Toledo OH by American Ship Building Co., Hull 193
Launched Nov 22, 1958
710’ LOA, 690’ LBP, 75’ beam, 37’6” depth
1 deck, arch cargo hold construction, hatches @ 24’, oil-fired boilers, steam turbine engine, 8500 SHP
Enrolled at
690.4 x 75.9 x 32.9, 13598 GT, 8405 NT US 278807 to:
Shenango Furnace Co., Pittsburgh PA (home port Pittsburgh PA)
Entered service May 14, 1959
Sold 1967 to Interlake Steamship Co., Cleveland OH, Pickands Mather & Co., Mgr. (home port to Wilmington DE) and renamed Charles M. Beeghly.
Lengthened 1972 at Superior WI by Fraser Shipyards
Remeasured to 786.4 length and 15483 GT, 10290 NT
Converted to self-unloader 1981 at Superior WI by Fraser Shipyards
Remeasured to 16284 GT, 11079 NT
Renamed Hon. James L. Oberstar Feb 2007. Oberstar was a Congressman from Minnesota who was the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The new name had been painted on the vessel when she was quickly returned to her previous name at the request of the Congressman, who felt that having a vessel named for him would be inappropriate considering his position in the House of Representatives.
Renamed Hon. James L. Oberstar 2011. (Rep. Oberstar had not run for reelection to the House of Representatives in Nov 2010.)
IMO 5322518
In service 2011 for Interlake Steamship Co.
5903
Brings back fond memories. I remember observing this beautiful ship when I was a deck hand on the James Davidson. c. 1966
I have a lenox gold teimmed ashtray with the s.s. Shenego 2 picture on the base of the ashtray. From the home of Stanley Midnight who worked for American Ship for years. Would a miseum want this ?
I have a silver soup ladle from it! My roommate’s father was on this ship.