The Cornelia was allowed to dock Thursday to refuel.
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The U.S. Coast Guard says an agreement has been reached that will let the Cornelia leave the Duluth Port.
The Coast Guard has said that it detained the ship over the discharge of oily water somewhere other than Duluth, but hasn’t said where the alleged violations happened.
Yorde said she was heartened by the outpouring of concern for the crew from the Duluth-Superior community, where shipping is one of the main industries.
The first visible movement after almost six weeks of stalemate came Wednesday when the Cornelia was allowed to dock. The worldwide crew had little to do but wait since taking on a load of grain destined for Tunisia in November.
Now that the agreement is in place to protect the US government’s interests the vessel will start making preparations to depart the Great Lakes before the winter lock closures. They helped the crew with Internet access and brought them candy bars and hygiene products.
Port Authority spokesperson Adele Yorde said in the last 15 years, the latest a saltie has left the Twin Ports was December 19. The Coast Guard has provided few details, saying the investigation was ongoing. The 16,800-ton ship is registered in Liberia and operated by MST, a German shipper. Company officials didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.
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Mr. Sydow had previously said that the outcome of the detention could hinge on talks between the ship’s owners and USA authorities on the dollar amount of a fine or settlement.
