[3] According to Mark Thompson, author of Queen of the Lakes, these plans triggered skepticism.

She was towed from the yard where she was converted, in Baltimore, Maryland to Chicago, Illinois, and special provisions had to be made so she could travel under the bridges she encountered.

[2] On April 20, 1975, Cliffs Victory collided with the SS Benson Ford while attempting to break the latter vessel free from ice.

SS Cliffs Victory went into Fraser Shipyards for port bow repairs and was returned to service on April 24.

[2] On December 9, 1976, the ship ran aground near Johnson Point in the St. Marys River while downbound in heavy ice conditions.

Assistance of three tugs and a Coast Guard icebreaker were required to free Cliffs Victory.