James R. Barker (ship, 1976)

The James R. Barker is an American bulk carrier that operates on the upper four North American Great Lakes. She is the third vessel of her size to be built. There are fourteen vessels that are restricted to the upper lakes because they are too large to travel through the Welland Canal that connects Lake Erie to the lowest lake, Lake Ontario.

Like her sister ship, the Mesabi Miner, she is owned and operated by the Interlake Shipping Company.

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