MV James R. Barker is an American bulk carrier that operates on the upper four North American Great Lakes.

[1] Built in 1976 by the American Ship Building Company at Lorain, Ohio, the ship is 1,004 feet (306 m) long, 50 feet (15 m) high and 105 feet (32 m) wide.

Like the MV Mesabi Miner, a ship of the same design, it is owned and operated by the Interlake Steamship Company[2] and was named for Interlake’s Chairman of the Board, James R.

[3] The MV James R. Barker is the third vessel of that size to be built.

In spite of their size, these two vessels are able to maneuver in harbor without requiring assistance from tugboats.