Boatnerd Discussion Forum

One of the challenges though with LLT possibly purchasing or also acquiring a vessel from off lakes, is that it must be no larger than the size allowed to transit the Seaway and Welland Canal Locks. In other words, it cannot be longer than 740 feet or wider than 78 feet. I would say that this could be a challenge for LLT as far as finding an off-lakes vessel that is suitable to fit through the locks. Granted they lucked out with the Tecumseh along with the tug and barge Defiance and Ashtabula. I suppose there are many hulls out there that could be purchased for LLT so long as they meet the size requirements of the Seaway.

With the dwindling number of used vessels available for future purchase on the lakes, it seems that LLT would be considering the eventual construction of a new ship in the future as a component of a strategic business plan. While the repowering projects completed on their second-hand units have secured these ship's immediate future, there will come a day when they will have to be replaced. As Algoma and CSL continue to dispose of their older units, none of these will become available as those companies wish to prevent any of their ships to wind up in a competitor's fleet. On the other hand, LLT could rely on acquiring units off the lakes such as was the case with the Tecumseh and barge Ashtabula.

They have picked up parts from ships scrapped at IMS in recent years, presumably there will be a lot of usable parts from the Algoma Transfer that would be well suited for converting the CTC #1.

I don't see a new build in their future but if a nice ship was for sale I think they may buy it. Just can't think of anything out there on the Lakes that would qualify. Maybe a salt water ship or spend some money and rebuild the CTC #1. I think more logically that they will wait till one of the present Maritimers is ready for scrap and remove the machinery from it for the CTC and build from there.

I would think that unless that they want to expand their bulker business or start competing in the mainstream side of the business with large self-unloaders, both of which would seem to be surprising moves in a weak economy (even though one has to imagine that this growing company eventually plans to go in that direction like they already have taken small steps towards like with the Kaministiqua), that a modernization project to bring their spare Maritimer into service would be far more likely than a new build project on either side of the lakes.

middlerouge wrote:Any more details about this new ship? Where would it be built? Straight deck or self unloader? What vessel, if any, would it be replacing? Tell more please.

This looks like a new step for them, as all their vessel they have owned are second hand, some having many other owners. Will be intersecting to see where this goes

It did not say that have signed any contracts, and they have made no mention of it in recent conference calls. Right now it is nothing more than a rumor.

? What new vessel ?

Any more details about this new ship? Where would it be built? Straight deck or self unloader? What vessel, if any, would it be replacing? Tell more please.

This looks like a new step for them, as all their vessel they have owned are second hand, some having many other owners. Will be intersecting to see where this goes