MASSENA -- The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation is looking for a new home for the historic tugboat, the "Robinson Bay," as the Corporation seeks to transition its vessel fleet for future operations.
Seaway officials say the delivery of tugboats "Seaway Trident" and "Seaway Guardian" will allow "Robinson Bay" to transition out of the fleet.
The vessel, which remains in good operational condition, has served the Seaway for many decades.
Seaway officials say it is their goal to ensure "Robinson Bay" continues to provide public value within the region.

As part of the process to find "Robinson Bay" a new home, Seaway officials are seeking proposals from interested parties who have a vision for the tugboat's future use, whether in an operational capacity, as a training vessel or as part of a museum or historic exhibit.
GLS officials have established a series of criteria that will guide the evaluation process of the proposals.
The primary 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," Seaway officials said.
Proposals are due on Oct. 1, 2024, with no exceptions, officials said.
Proposals should not be longer than five written pages and 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.

Proposals are to be submitted electronically by 3 p.m. on October 1, 2024 to Paul Braden, Director of Lock Operations and Maritime Services.
For more information, visit www.seaway.dot.gov/publications/gls-seeks-proposals-donation-historic-tugboat-robinson-bay