Daily Press file photo A ship similar to the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is shown at North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics Inc. A lawsuit alleges the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul caused damage at the company.

ESCANABA — North Shore Marine Terminal & Logistics Inc. is suing defense contractor Lockheed Martin for negligence and breach of contract in lawsuit.

On May 6, an attorney for North Shore, filed a complaint regarding damage to the underwater seabed and dock facilities owned by North Shore during sea trials of a littoral combat vessel. The vessel in question is the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, a combat ship that was using the North Shore facilities for docking and security.

North Shore had previously agreed to dock the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul, but with conditions attached.

One pivotal condition was Lockheed was to not use the vessel’s gas turbine engines when departing from and docking at the North Shore dock, an agreement made between the two entities prior to May 4, 2022, according to the lawsuit. The purpose was to avoid damage to the North Shore facilities, so Lockheed agreed to only use diesel engines when docking and departing.

The lawsuit also claims that prior to each sea trial, North Shore made contact with Lockheed and the master of the vessel to remind them to only use the diesel engines.

Between May 4 and 6 of 2022, the vessel employed the gas turbine engines when departing and docking at the North Shore dock. The lawsuit also claims on May 6, 2022, while attempting to berth at North Shore, the vessel backed into the seawall three times, damaging the dock, seawall and the vessel.

The lawsuit argues that Lockheed was negligent as they did not ensure that the master of the vessel did use gas turbine engines, resulting in $2.55 million worth of damage to the North Shore facility. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that North Shore sustained damages related to required dredging and underwater repairs, repairs that will cost an estimated $600,000.

In a letter sent by North Shore, they say the dock is usable, but they want it to be completely fixed.

“We still need to bring the dock back to original condition; however, the dock can currently be used. The only limitation would be that we should not use the jets during docking operations and should run under diesel (prop) only with tug support as necessary,” North Shore stated.

When asked for a statement, a spokesperson for Lockheed Martin said, “In general, it is our practice not to comment on pending litigation.”

North Shore did not respond to requests for comment.