Algoma Bear

[Denny]

Heads up everyone and all boatnerds! The Algoma Bear departed from Sept-Iles, Quebec early this afternoon and they are expected to arrive in Port Cartier, Quebec on May 3rd in the evening to load. I don’t know if they may have been loaded somewhat upon them arriving in Sept-Isles, Quebec earlier this week or not? From photos it appears they may have been somewhat loaded and at that time, they still had their deck stiffeners on their deck or whatever they’re called for their long journey from China to Canada. When they do load at Port Cartier, this will then be their first official Great Lakes and Seaway load and cargo for them. I would assume and guess then that from Port Cartier, they will most likely head to Hamilton, Ontario to unload iron ore pellets and from there will eventually be heading to the Upper Great Lakes ports and regions. I would look for them to be on the Seaway then either later this weekend or sometime next week from Port Cartier with their first trip and voyage Inland. So fellow boatnerds and friends, get your cameras ready as the Algoma Bear will soon arrive here in the Seaway and the Great Lakes. Can’t wait to see them live and in person sometime in 2024 on the St. Clair River. Safe sailings for them!

[Denny]

The Marine Traffic website has since been updated recently to recognize the change in the registration and call sign for the Algoma Bear. They, Marine Traffic like most other sites have them now under Canadian registration and have their call sign updated on them also. Welcome home and welcome to Canada and the Algoma Central Corp. fleet Algoma Bear! Can’t wait to see them sometime on the St. Clair River this year. Looks great from photos!

[Denny]

According to the Vessel Tracker site, their Canadian Call Sign now is VBAC however, on the Marine Traffic website for now at least they are still showing them registered from Tuvalu and with a Tuvalu call sign NOT the Canadian call sign and letters yet! I’m sure this will be updated and changed though in time. Just one simple question I have thought on the Algoma Bear. Why is Algoma using Toronto then as its Port of Registration then and not St. Catharines? I have noticed Toronto being used now on four of their vessels the Bear, the Innovator, Intrepid and the Captain Henry Jackman. I would’ve thought that Algoma would use St. Catharines since isn’t there operations and stuff located there? Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help and information anyone may have.

[Denny]

Thanks Guest. Well done and appreciate that and your information on them as well too!

[Guest]

Algoma Bear is now officially registered Canadian! Her official number is 847114 and port of registry is Toronto. Registry date is April 29, 2024.

https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/4/ ... ils/847114

[Denny]

They officially arrived at Sept-Iles, Quebec in Canada this morning on April 29 after their long trip and journey home that originated in China where she was built. Soon they will then become a Canadian registered vessel as they were registered in Tuvalu for their delivery trip and voyage from China to Canada. I would guess and assume then that they had a foreign crew and captain aboard for their delivery trip as well? The Algoma Bear will soon also have an all Canadian crew and captain once they become a Canadian registered vessel then. Algoma though is NOT done yet with the arrival of the Algoma Bear as the next one to follow them later this year will be the Algoma Endeavour a 740 foot long ship currently under construction in Croatia. The Algoma Endeavour at 740 feet in length thus becomes the longest and largest vessel to be built in Croatia at least for Lakes and Seaway service and for their owners Algoma Central Corporation. The Algoma Bear becomes the 11th Equinox-Class ship and the Algoma Endeavour the 12th since Algoma started with the Equinox-Class series in 2013, the Algoma Equinox being the first vessel of the series to join Algoma in late 2013. Since then, there have been 5 gearless bulk carriers built in China and 6 self-unloading vessels so far. Two of the self-unloaders the Innovator and Intrepid were built in Croatia in 2017 and 2020 respectively. Each are 650 feet in length and each have a forward mounted unloading boom. Algoma is also celebrating their 125th year of its founding this year during the 2024 season. Algoma is definitely making waves in 2024!

[Denny]

Well although it’s NOT Alabama I would say one song to add once they arrive home then in Canada would be “Sweet Home Alabama!” I’m not up on any other welcome home songs once they arrive in Canada but, I’m sure there is plenty to pick and choose from then.

[Guest]

For some reason I have Grand Funk Railroad's "I'm Your Captain / Closer to my Home" song from 1970 playing in my head when reading this thread!

[Denny]

They are now due at Sept-Iles, Quebec on April 28 at 2300 hours or at 11 P.M. subject to change as always with any ship or vessel due to weather or any other types of delays then or issues.

[Denny]

Latest update has them due now at Sept-Iles, Quebec on April 30 in the morning subject to change.

[Kymosobbie]

Inching closer
about to round 3rd base. Heading home

[Denny]

They arrived at the Pacific Anchorage to the Panama Canal on April 11 and transited the Canal on April 15. At last check, they were due at Sept-Iles, Quebec about April 26 at that point. I don’t know yet if they will be loading there or if that is where eventually they will be re-flagged and registered Canadian at? Right now, they are registered from Tuvalu andI think have a foreign crew aboard for the delivery trip and maiden voyage from China to Canada. I recently sent a news article to boatnerd about them for the News Page so hope in time at least anyway, they will put the article up on the News Page. Thanks for the updates on the Algoma Bear. Looking forward to seeing them sometime in 2024 up on the St. Clair River. With Calm Seas and Fair Winds to the Algoma Bear as they make their long trip and journey home to Canada. Safe Passages and may you have a safe and successful career as well.

[Kymosobbie]

the Bear is loose in the Caribbean

[Kymosobbie]

Algoma Bear is now listed on the Marine Traffic website

[Kymosobbie]

currently NW of the Galápagos Island

[Denny]

Any further updates on them? Thought they were due to arrive on or around April 6 at the Panama Canal. Any information is appreciated and thanks in advance as well.

[Kymosobbie]

could be the reason why the BEAR is so far south
check out the ocean currents

https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/o ... 1,0.69,746

[Mr Link]

Per VesselFinder, it looks like they stopped briefly in Papeete, Tahiti. Probably for bunkers and/or supplies.

[guest]

Update: Just found a site that has a position listed as four hours old. North of Bora Bora, still showing an April 6th ETA at Panama:https://directory.shipfix.com/ship/algo ... MO-9619309

[Guest]

Am I missing something here? I understand its a big ocean but I've been regularly searching for it and it has never shown up anywhere for me at least.

Yes, you need to upgrade to a satellite based AIS subscription to track vessels across the ocean. Shore based systems systems miss a lot. Although various shore based systems (other than Marine Traffic) did pick up the Algoma Bear in February as it went past the Philippines. Left the Batangas Anchorage on February 24, showing an ETA to Panama of April 6th. That ETA has likely changed in the past 27 or so days since they transmitted it.