Tim McKeil heading to get Algorail

[ashland69]

From the info being given by MarineTraffic, I think the McKeil is getting ready to leave Goderich with the Algorail. Any confirmation?

[Toronto Guest]

2018 will go down in Boatnerd history as the year that Algoma Central gutted its fleet and left us boat watchers with some pretty boring new tonnage.

[St Crapo]

This is alittle off topic in a way but sadly there is likely more scrap tows yet to come this season besides the Algorail being next. Stephen B. Roman has been retired in Toronto. We also have Manitoba which is retired in I believe Montreal. English River is supposed to be finished once her replacement arrives in the next week or so. Rumor floating around Facebook in the last few months is Manistee is being stripped in Toledo so her time is numbered and the verdict is still out as to what Algoma has planned for the American Valor in Toledo yet. In my opinion with those vessels i just mentioned there could be 4 or 5 more scrap tows yet to come this season yet. Tug Jean Ann IV and self unloading barge Sarah Spencer could also go to scrap this season as well. Get you're photos while you can of Captain Henry Jackman as she's supposed to be retired at the end of this season as well. This has been a very tough season for Boatnerds with so maney boats that have already left us and likely atleast a handful yet to go.
Dan McNeil

[Guest]

Let's just say that Algoma Central got their money's worth out of the Algorail. Just as they did with most of the vessel's they've recently sold for dismantling.

[Denny]

To answer your questions, as far as I know anyway I think it may be both as far as her being in rough shape and not being in their future plans. Algoma has built the Algoma Innovator a 650-foot long forward mounted self-unloader to replace either the Algoway or Rail while over in Croatia, a second 650 foot forward self-unloader is also being built to replace either the Algoway or Rail. The Rail was built in 1968 if I am correct while the Way was in 1972. The point is both vessels are aging hulls and have carried lots of salt in their careers and salt is hard on the hulls. Thus, Algoma invested in a new shipbuilding program both in China and Croatia to replace older hulls and worn out ones with newer more advanced hulls. Sad to see the older ships go but it goes with the times I guess? Hope this helps answer some of you main questions.

[Guest]

Was the rail in bad shape or just not in the plans, I know the Algoway was pretty much run into the ground just wondering about the Rail.

[Denny]

Thanks all for those updates. Now, just so long as the tow is on the St. Clair River sometime on July 4th I'm good to go as far as going and seeing her. However, if the tow is downbound on Tuesday or on Thursday that's bad news for me with my appointments I can't get out of them for any way shape or form! So, I'm hoping beyond hope that the tow is on the river either on July 4 or possibly just as good for me on July 6 which is this Friday. Thanks again everyone and please keep those updates coming as I appreciate all of them!

[Guest]

With all the scrappings this year...it beginning to remind me of the mid to late 1980s!

[algowest]

Algorail has towing bracket welded to stem and diesel was being pumped off into tank trucks recently. Both signs that she's being prepped for final tow, unfortunately.....

[ZenithBoatWatcher]

It might be going for American Valor , its ready to go.
Algorail has not been prepared for a scrap tow yet.

She passed Toledo, so its pretty much confirmed she is headed for the rail.

[NiagaraMike]

It might be going for American Valor , its ready to go.
Algorail has not been prepared for a scrap tow yet.

[Mr Link]

Is this confirmed, or just speculation?

From what I understand, I would call it a very good educated guess. A tug that big rarely makes a trip into the lakes alone unless it is planning to tow something out.

[Guest]

Is this confirmed, or just speculation?

[Denny]

Thanks for the heads up and dang it that is what I was afraid of having happen! Anytone know when the tow will take place? I’m hoping it will start on maybe Friday as I can’t be at the river this Thursday as I got appointments that I can’t get out of for anything! As long as the tow is after Thursday I’m okay with that. Even if they tow her out and she’s on the St. Clair River on July 4 I might be able to make it. Any information and updates along with ETAs for Port Huron and the St. Clair River are very much and greatly appreciated. Thanks and please keep updating!

[Guest]

According to Marine Traffic AIS Tim McKeil is in Lake Erie. One can assume she's on her way to get Algorail in Goderich for it's scrap tow to IMS scrapyard.