Grand River Navigation Company, Inc.
Maritime TransportationMichigan, United States51-200 Employees
Grand River Navigation Company, Inc. serves as the U.S. operating subsidiary of Mainstay Maritime, Inc. The business started in 2000, initially leasing a barge and purchasing a tug, and has since developed into the largest marine transportation fleet on the Great Lakes. It is based in Traverse City, Michigan. The company operates ten self-unloading bulk carriers in the United States, including three articulated tug and barge units, transporting dry bulk commodities such as limestone, coal, iron ore, salt, and grain for more than 50 long-standing customers across the construction, electric utility, integrated steel, and food sectors. Most of its vessels run in the River Class market segment, defined as under 650 feet in length, enabling service to ports that cannot accommodate larger ships. In February 2026, Mainstay Maritime announced an agreement to sell its Canadian operating companies and fleet to Algoma Central Corporation.