The M/V American Spirit (formerly named the George A. Stinson) was originally christened in honor of National Steel Company Chairman, George A. Stinson. The vessel came under the ownership of American Steamship Company in 2003 and was renamed the M/V American Spirit.
Built by the American Shipbuilding Company at Lorain, OH, the M/V American Spirit entered service in 1978.
The M/V American Spirit is powered by two Pielstick 16-cylinder, four cycle, heavy fuel-burning diesel engines. The vessel uses a conveyor system below its cargo holds to transport cargo to a "loop conveyor" system that elevates the cargo to the massive deck-mounted boom conveyor. For maneuvering in port, the vessel is equipped with a 1,000 HP bow thruster.
The M/V American Spirit is primarily used for long-haul transport of iron ore pellets on the Great Lakes.
| Length, Overall | 1004'-0" |
| Beam | 105'-0" |
| Depth | 50'-0" |
| Midsummer Draft (MS) | 28'-10 3/4" |
| Deadweight Capacity at MS Draft | 62,400 Gross Tons |
| Deadweight Capacity at 27'-6" | 58,400 Gross Tons |
| Unloading Boom Conveyor Length | 260' |
| Maximum Unloading Rate | 10,000 Tons/Hour |
| Number of Cargo Holds | 7 |
| Number of Hatches | 36 |
| Shaft Horsepower | 16,000 |
| Year Built | 1978 |
| Number of Propellers | 2 |
