Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Yes, Denny. Roy A. Jodrey (ran aground and later sank on St. Lawrence River), Agawa Canyon, Algorail, & Algoway would all be considered "River Class". They were intentionally built for navigating rivers and smaller docks/ports, commonly seen on Lakes Michigan, Huron & Erie carrying stone or salt ...

From the Canadian-side, "River Class" ships came to be in the length range of 640-650 feet, and to accomplish that, one cargo hold was deleted from the design of a full Seaway-size laker (730 foot, at the time). For example, Tarantau (CSL) was full Seaway size, however, Roy A. Jodrey, was "River ...

Reading your description of Cape Cod Canal reminded me of JW Shelley (former Algocen).
She transited Cape Cod Canal (yes, a laker transit of CCC!) back on Aug. 31, 2008, on her way back from NY/NJ refit to Great Lakes for her new owners.


0047h EDT Sat. June 13/26
Ocean Tower is proceeding towards ...

You're correct on Mariner leaving Veracruz, Mexico for Tampa. One detail on that departure is the ship is under tow. Her rudder, and propeller are not installed. She is in ballast also, no cargo onboard. Assuming this work will be completed in Tampa drydock.

Algoma's website vessel listing now includes:
Kaministiqua, Robert Pierson & Saginaw

Not included are Michipicoten & Valo, which is not a surprise. I expect both of these vessels to be sold, most likely for recycling.

She was removed from the drydock in early March, I believe, after survey, stern repair, and repainting. Been tied up at nearby shipyard dock since then.

Summer/early Fall 2007, new Mak 8M43C was installed by Heddle.
Dool experienced engine trouble year before on Lake Huron, then laid up early, pending engine order, build & delivery.

Yes, it appears Kam may be on the same trade route, and Spruceglen may be under charter also from CSL.
Spruceglen is on her 2nd trip T.Bay to Sorel.

Jamie-
Great model of the Dool there, and so cool you were able to get the model pictured with the real ship. Well done! Inspiration for me to start building models, for sure....
Thanks for sharing,
Andy

Very well said JP. We don't need any more "stoking of the fire" in the Canada/US relationship these days. I've been a "boatnerd" since I was a teenager and seen both CCG & USCG work very well together over the years, and as USCG assets have aged and had more breakdowns, the CCG has stepped up and ...

Surprised by this also, but this may highlight how Algoma's purchase was more about buying LLT's contracts (mostly stone now, I believe) and less about needing all their ships.

Yes, she left drydock in Erie and headed to Pt. Edward for winter layup.

Regarding company logos, names and paint. I believe ships will be renamed, and new bear roundels installed on the funnel. Hulls won't be repainted until scheduled drydocking.

Regarding union representation, according to Algoma's 2024 Annual Report:
1) Canadian Merchant Service Guild represents Navigation & Engineering Officers (excluding Captains & Chief Engineers, who are non-union)
2) SIU represents 3 bargaining units - Algoma Tankers, portion of domestic dry-bulk ...

This will be interesting. With declining coal/ore cargoes, Algoma may be eyeing this opportunity to pull the trigger and remove a smaller competitor, from the Canadian side. It's all about the contracts, and with less coal/ore cargo to move, Algoma may be able to absorb Lower Lakes contracts with ...

I can't speak to shipowner maintenance, but, I will say, based on trip routing, Kam has been in more freshwater since her return to Lakes in 2006, compared to Birchglen (scrapped 2015) and Spruceglen. She's been on a steady run from Thunder Bay to Sorel, or from Thunder Bay to Windsor. Very rare to ...

This response is concerning Michipicoten, I assume. Hard to follow some responses when multiple ships are being mentioned.

Guest wrote: February 14, 2026, 9:48 pm Bet you a steak dinner she never sails again. It’s ripe rotten and no steady cargo for her. Try getting a competent crew for her😂.

Confirmed anodes use used on Algoport & Bristol Bay - photos attached.

Chief1-
Yes, appears Capt. Lillian Kluka started relief Captain work in 1986, onboard Ontadoc first, then other vessels, before permanent Captain position. This report came from Toronto Marine Historian newsletter in 1986:
"On July 11, ONTADOC arrived in port under command of Captain Lillian Kluka ...

Kaministiqua shows destination of Erie, PA (Donjon Marine), assuming this is for 5 year survey/work.