Look, Ma, no hands!

The Seaway is still in the process of installing a hands-free mooring system in all its locks in the Welland Canal. Our ship has normally been tying up beyond these structures in the lock as they are a pain in the ass for a ship our size if they are not in operation.

Yesterday, we transited up the ditch and actually got to use the system in Lock 3. The system uses a series of 3 double-barreled suction devices although only one set is required to secure our vessel.

When it works, it's pretty amazing that a vacuum can hold a ship in position with all the forces of the water filling the lock.