Beukema mining collection

Christian F. Beukema, 81, former president of U.S. Steel's Great Lakes Fleet and an instrumental figure in the push for extended season navigation on the Great Lakes, died May 14, 1999 at his home in Fort Myers, Florida.

Mr. Beukema was employed for more than 30 years with U.S. Steel Corp. He was president of Oliver Iron Mining Division from 1960 through 1964. During this time he was the industry's leader in the successful effort to obtain voter approval of the "taconite amendment" to the Minnesota Constitution which limited for 25 years the rate of increase on certain mining taxes. This amendment cleared the way for extensive development of the state's taconite industry as a replacement to the depleted natural ore mines.

After transferring to U.S. Steel headquarters in Pittsburgh, Mr. Beukema continued to manage the company's Minnesota mining operations as vice president of raw materials and lake shipping. In this role, he was the shipping industry's leading proponent of extending the navigation season beyond its traditional April-to-December limits. Under his guidance, Great Lakes Fleet always put the most vessels into winter operations during numerous experimental extended seasons in the late 60s and 70s. During two seasons, several Great Lakes Fleet vessels operated year-round. With the cooperation of the Lake Carriers' Association, U.S. government and other fleets, these efforts lead to the Great Lakes shipping season we see today, with vessels routinely running in January and, in some cases, February. In 1974, these efforts prompted the Council on Lake Erie Ports to name Mr. Beukema its Marine Man of the Year.

Mr. Beukema also lead Great Lakes Fleet during the years it built its 1,000-footers and lengthened the AAA boats -- two moves that proved to be crucial to its successful operations today. Mr. Beukema retired in 1979.