Boatnerd Discussion Forum

Wondering why they would go to the trouble rebranding as Mainstay Maritime less than 2 months ago just to go out of business.
https://www.mainstaymaritime.com/

Interesting as both Algoma and CSL had contracts from Lower Lakes as far as unloading ore pellets at Algoma and coal or coke runs up there from down here on the Lower Lakes Ports. As far as McKeil goes, they’ve had one of their ships I think 🤔 Blair or somebody that loaded quite a few cargoes at Algoma last season for Valleyfield whatever it was they loaded and then took there then? Lastly, what 2 vessels then would LLT then give to the other firms and companies? I could see the Manitoulin easily going to one of them along with the Kaministiqua as well. The Pierson, maybe 🤔 but she’s over 50 years old and carried lots of stone in her career and I’m sure that’s taken a toll on her hull over the years. However, the Pierson is a River-Class ship that could fit into places where larger vessels cannot! Personally IMO anyway, I don’t see the Saginaw or Michipicoten going to anyone else at their ages with the Saginaw at 73 and Michipicoten at 72 I think. I just can’t see anyone wanting two lakers nearing the end of the line and their careers both of which being in their 70’s. Of course we’ll have to wait and see on that as time goes on. Just my opinions here folks and nothing more than that is all then on this,

So any guesses which two? The other 4 sold for scrap?

Are they buying two vessels each? Assuming that would be Kaministiqua and Manitoulin since they are being drydocked this winter.

I hear algoma, mckeil, and csl are buying lower lakes assets, contracts and 2 vessels.

Guest wrote: February 5, 2026, 7:58 pm Actually there is a shortage of US mariners for off shore and deep-sea. I understand companies are having a hard time finding workers.

I have heard that some of the current problems related to transportation sector employment include many applicants not being able to pass background checks. I don't know if this related to the maritime industry.

Actually there is a shortage of US mariners for off shore and deep-sea. I understand companies are having a hard time finding workers.

Guest wrote: February 3, 2026, 1:39 pm But are enough cargoes for three operators? What happens when the other Canadian blast furnaces go dark?

Same thing thats going to happen to the footer fleets with coal going out and the continued move to EAF operations. Long term layup and eventually a trip over to the razor blade maker and a lot of people seeking unemployment.

But are enough cargoes for three operators? What happens when the other Canadian blast furnaces go dark?

I cant imagine they are being divested, they are the only part of Rand that can easily get new hulls into service should they be needed. The Algoma steel contract certainly effected their operations but I doubt to the extent the company would be sold off.

Wonder how much Algoma steel in the Soo switching over to electric arc affected them
No more coal No more ore

The incident with the Michipicoten and the CCG refusal to let her sail after all that money was spent to fix it.
Surviving the Michipicoten: A Retired Engineer’s Story from Lake Superior | The Agenda:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E3NCHGZXpE

Perhaps another Canadian operator could get that changed.

Rumour is, lower lakes is being sold.Has anyone heard?